|
|
Post by Canucks on May 17, 2009 21:34:18 GMT -8
Awesome pictures! She could do without the blue mats though. I am looking forward to everyone else's in the next few days too.
|
|
Mirrlees
Voyager 
Bathtub!
Deck Engineer- Queen of Richmond
Posts: 1,013
|
Post by Mirrlees on May 17, 2009 22:04:25 GMT -8
Awesome photos, so far. She looks so huge in Bear Cove as compared to the QPR..!  |
|
|
|
Post by herrbrinkmann on May 18, 2009 4:00:17 GMT -8
Just got a message from our CEO Peter Sierk, that some of you had met him and he should sent me your wishes. He did!
Thanks to all of you and I hope you had/have a great time on board.
A safe voyage to the Northern Expedition on her first day of service and througout her long life!
|
|
|
|
Post by Low Light Mike on May 18, 2009 7:12:52 GMT -8
Just got a message from our CEO Peter Sierk, that some of you had met him and he should sent me your wishes. He did! Thanks to all of you and I hope you had/have a great time on board. A safe voyage to the Northern Expedition on her first day of service and througout her long life! We met Herr Sierk, and the other FSG finance-guy a few times yesterday. Very nice fellows. When we said "Markus Brinkmann", we got an immediate response from Herr Sierk. We saw Herr Sierk jogging last evening. Good German health efficiency. ;D |
|
|
|
Post by Low Light Mike on May 18, 2009 15:26:56 GMT -8
Cruise Log is now being updated periodically. Press Refresh (F5) on your browser to see latest positioning). Wett Coast Kidd has authorized me as his agent to secure a fee from you, for the unauthorized use of his fresh-pictures onto your cruiselog (they were only 1 hour old when they were abducted, so tragic ;D). We'll settle for the Truckasaurus, the FSG flag and a video of Falcon saying he had the Cadillac / Volkswagon comparison backwards. ;D ;D |
|
|
|
Post by Low Light Mike on May 18, 2009 16:38:19 GMT -8
Here are some video clips of the Nor Ex departing from Bear Cove, on her innaugural in-service voyage. You'll notice she was berthed stern-in at Bear Cove. Could it be a problem with the bow-door (the complex retractible ramp structure / door) already? ==================== The video clips aren't perfect, but they're all we've got of this sail-away event. Taken from the waterfront park in Port Hardy, a fence post was my tripod. Jerky shaking is all me, same with the sounds of heavy breathing (insert joke here). Out of focus is my problem, please do not adjust your set..... ;D ====================== Waiting for her to depart: tinypic.com/r/ogbf44/5Horn sounding her departure: tinypic.com/r/105znsk/5Finally starting to move, slowly leaving the berth: tinypic.com/r/wv7re0/5Possible Scott/Dane sighting: tinypic.com/r/27yb9ew/5More possible member sightings, and a bow wave: tinypic.com/r/2ev9e04/5-------------- Leaving Hardy Bay: tinypic.com/r/2v1kls2/5tinypic.com/r/15wfkae/5tinypic.com/r/25qahrs/5tinypic.com/r/2hi5cb6/5And the final departing video, with a joke at the end ;D tinypic.com/r/2igydtw/5(I got so excited, I said "boit" instead of "boat", as a verbal typo) =========== And here's the engine-room fire-supression system demonstration, at the open-ship: tinyurl.com/rbdjq8(sorry, above URL is mis-behaving. you need to cut/paste it into your browser) =============== |
|
|
|
Post by Low Light Mike on May 18, 2009 17:27:31 GMT -8
Here are my photos from my trip to attend the open-ship: You know you're on the north-end of the Island when....  ----------------- No one else has a picture like this. The world's most unique picture ;D If you want one too, it's from the boat-ramp next to Bear Cove. Who knows, maybe the berthing stern-to will become more commonplace, depending on how the bow ramp works out.....(insert "new ship growing pains" comments here)  ----------------- Here's the kayak-rack on the port-side of the aft end of the car deck. I have no idea why there's a wrapped kayak already there; maybe for show?  ------------------- I don't remember where this plaque is located, but it's nice to know that they used "comic" font. I await correction from the font police. ;D  ------------------ Deck 4, starboard side seating, just forward of the purser's office, and adjacent to the gift shop.  And a closer look at the folks in the background: (left to right: Mr. Hahn, a few unknowns, Capt Taylor (with water bottle), unknown officer (perhaps Fourth Officer Boxhall?), CFO of FSG (under the Purser's office sign) (Wolfgang or Uwe ??), and on the far-right is an open-ship attendee and flight-simulator mission specialist.)  ------------ This is from a table on the port-side (get it, left-side ;D ;D) of the Vista Restaurant. I was hoping to meet Coastal Coons again, but did not see him at the open-ship.  --------------------------- I see that they didn't use the comic-font on the ship's bell.  ------------------------ The engine-room technology was way over my head, so I looked for signs & labels that were unique or that seemed funny to me.   -------------- Here are some Port Hardy residents who weren't too interested in the NorEx:   ------------------------ ....and if you ever wondered what Port Alice is like (just 30km away from Port Hardy):  ========== |
|
|
|
Post by Low Light Mike on May 18, 2009 18:48:23 GMT -8
NorEx leaving Hardy Bay. - in this angle, look at the bow, un-focus your eyes a bit, enlighten your imagination, and tell me if you think it looks like the bow is turned towards you? ie a ship with her "face" looking back at us? - In this illusion, pretend that the deck-5 Aurora port-side windows are really the bow windows. The FSG hull-crease contributes to this illusion.  ====================== Here's a nice action shot:  |
|
|
|
Post by herrbrinkmann on May 18, 2009 21:42:22 GMT -8
Here are my photos from my trip to attend the open-ship: Here's the kayak-rack on the port-side of the aft end of the car deck. I have no idea why there's a wrapped kayak already there; maybe for show? ------------------- In fact, these are two kayaks. They belong to Jörg Knorr, mechanical engineer in our pipe department (e.g. responsible for bilge wells and so on). He brought this kayak with 748 to BC, as he wants to do a big tour around all (?) islands with his son this year. He did a tour in BC 3 years ago all alone in his kayak. I don't remember where this plaque is located, but it's nice to know that they used "comic" font. I await correction from the font police. ;D ------------------ This plaque is attached to the steel model of 748 you saw when entering the vessel. The steel model cutting data was done in the steel dept., the steel was cut at FSG and painted. It is made out of the same steel as 748. D And a closer look at the folks in the background: (left to right: Mr. Hahn, a few unknowns, Capt Taylor (with water bottle), unknown officer (perhaps Fourth Officer Boxhall?), CFO of FSG (under the Purser's office sign) (Wolfgang or Uwe ??), and on the far-right is an open-ship attendee and flight-simulator mission specialist.) ------------ Under the purser´s office is CFO Michael Helbing (and not Uwe Otto or Wolfgang Bühr) ========== |
|
D'Elete BC in NJ
Voyager
Dispensing gallons of useless information daily...
Posts: 1,671
|
Post by D'Elete BC in NJ on May 19, 2009 3:21:06 GMT -8
I don't remember where this plaque is located, but it's nice to know that they used "comic" font. I await correction from the font police. ;D I chuckled at this one. I was listening to a pair of typesetters being interviewed on NPR the other day; one has written a book about the usage of fonts by today's amateur publishers, the other created the Comic Sans typeset shown above. Anyways, both complained about how people are using fonts incorrectly, mostly though choosing the wrong font, and are thus incorrectly conveying the mood of their "masterpieces"...yes, they both would have screamed (or maybe just pulled at their hair and whimpered a little) at the use of Comic in the plaque above...you see, Comic Sans is a "comic" script, meant to convey humour...yeah, I know.... I guess it just goes to show how correct you are about everyone having an inner geek...for us it's ferries...for them...well...yeah, to each their own... |
|
|
|
Post by Northern Exploration on May 19, 2009 9:51:17 GMT -8
I don't remember where this plaque is located, but it's nice to know that they used "comic" font. I await correction from the font police. ;D I chuckled at this one. I was listening to a pair of typesetters being interviewed on NPR the other day; one has written a book about the usage of fonts by today's amateur publishers, the other created the Comic Sans typeset shown above. Anyways, both complained about how people are using fonts incorrectly, mostly though choosing the wrong font, and are thus incorrectly conveying the mood of their "masterpieces"...yes, they both would have screamed (or maybe just pulled at their hair and whimpered a little) at the use of Comic in the plaque above...you see, Comic Sans is a "comic" script, meant to convey humour...yeah, I know.... I guess it just goes to show how correct you are about everyone having an inner geek...for us it's ferries...for them...well...yeah, to each their own... I would chuckle at this but it is too real. Last fall a graphic artist and an art director debated for far too long which fonts to use on an annual report. They disagreed on everything and clearly did not like each other. My client had requested hiring the graphic artist and the art director resented it. After a week long delay when they went back and forth, it was brought to a head with a 45 discussion in a meeting. When I was past being fed up, I calmly and quietly said "if I hear one more minute of font discussion I will insist on Times Roman. Neither font is appropriate in my mind for this type of document and the recipients of the document don't give a rats patootie as long as it is clear, attractive and easy to read. The final font choice will be in the clients and my email in the morning or I will be looking for other graphics suppliers." That was very satisfying. Self publishing has blurred the lines of appropriateness. Readability and getting the message across has suffered. In particular people forget about an aging population and effect on readability. The more is better approach to fonts has become a detractor to the message. I value people who have a passion for their area of expertise, but when that surpasses the practical and they lose sight of the real purpose of the exercise, I feel a bit of the passion is wasted. Back to the real topic at hand. Thanks everyone for the great pics of the NorEx openhouse. I really look forward to the rest of them. I also can't wait to hear what the boys on the inaugural run say. |
|
Kam
Voyager
Posts: 926
|
Post by Kam on May 19, 2009 12:59:29 GMT -8
|
|
|
|
Post by WettCoast on May 19, 2009 19:22:59 GMT -8
Warning - photo heavyThese are in chronological order. Scott will add more later this week.  Ceremony to mark the NorEx's beginning of regular service. Dignitaries in attendance from BCFS & FSG...  First vehicle to board - note Yukon plates  Foot passengers boarding the NorEx for the first time, and being greeted by BCFS' Mark Stefanson.  Tour Bus being backed aboard  Up comes the big back door - about to depart Pt Hardy  'Ferrynutsseattle' taking pictures of the NorEx departing  First 'in-service' departure from Bear Cove  NorEx Wheelhouse - Inaugural Sailing  Dryad Pt Light - just north of Bella Bella - as viewed from the wheelhouse  View from wheelhouse along port side with Bella Bella in background All photos by JST©More to come...
|
|
|
|
Post by WettCoast on May 19, 2009 20:40:16 GMT -8
More photos from the inaugural voyage...  Bridge photo with Captain Orval Bouchard & Peter Sierk (FSG)  Ivory Island Light - Millbanke Sound  NorEx & WCFF members @ Boat Bluff Light - half way point in journey  Main 'MAK' diesel engine driving the NorEx's port propeller shaft  Commemorative card from the Vista Restaurant  Twilight as we enter Rupert Harbour  View from the NorEx as she nears Fairview Container Terminal and the Rupert BCF Terminal  The NorAd having just vacated the Rupert dock and now underway for Skidegate, QCI  Down goes the big back door - Norther Expedition has arrived at Prince Rupert. All photos by JST© |
|
|
|
Post by Low Light Mike on May 19, 2009 21:21:24 GMT -8
A few more Port Hardy shore shots, from opening day: Hardy Bay banner:  Everyone loves a tug boat, but check out the clear-cut in the background:  Before the NorEx can leave Bear Cove, she has to figure out how to slip past the sentry....  Extreme zoom of the stern, as she is leaving Hardy Bay:  |
|
FNS
Voyager
The Empire Builder train of yesteryear in HO scale
Posts: 4,957
|
Post by FNS on May 19, 2009 21:26:17 GMT -8
With "Wett Coast Kidd"'s contribution being published above and me shown on the dock with my image capturing instrument in my hand, I present you my departure captures of the Inaugural Sailing of the MV NORTHERN EXPEDITION.  Here I am arriving at the dock in a taxi cab.   Traffic boarding.  Will all these machines make the sailing? YES! ;D  Scott Below are some action captures of a rescue boat drill being performed.        Drill complete.   A bus being loaded. This will be a rare occurrence when the NORTHERN EXPEDITION does stern loading here in Port Hardy. She'll be using her bow at Port Hardy and her stern in Prince Rupert.  Busy photographers!  Bus is aboard!  Scott, Dane, and Wett Coast Kidd chatting. Ramp rises.  Quick intermission for a still capture. And, here is the serenade we've been waiting for. Nice long blast to start her first trip!  UNDERWAY!  I quickly change location. I guess that those two pair of steel work should be left unpainted (or painted white or silver).  Nice stern view.  An excellent view of her starboard side.  Wide angle.  FULL AHEAD!      She's on her way and finally in business.  Poor fish.   Nice to see an eagle, though! Very beautiful creatures.  I now board the first of three planes on my return to Seattle. This Saab plane is "TEE FORE ONE". Location: CYZT.  Runway 29 cleared for takeoff.  We are off!  GOODBYE, PORT HARDY! SEE YOU AGAIN SOON!!   Over Langdale. MV QUEEN OF COQUITLAM in the dock.  Back at CYVR. I had to add this picture in due recognition to a great ski instructor on this forum of ours. I dub this plane "PACIFIC COASTAL SKIER". This is the plane that took me to CYBL on leg two of my journey. Leg one was by train from Seattle to Vancouver. Leg two was by Pacific Coastal Airline from CYVR to CYBL. I overnighted in Campbell River. Leg three was by Greyhound to Port Hardy. Spent two nights in Port Hardy. Went to the Open Ship aboard the NORTHERN EXPEDITION on Sunday. Watched her do her first sailing on Monday. Then, it was back to Seattle. I took Pacific Coastal from CYZT to CYVR. I chose to take two flights to Seattle rather than one as I flew Horizon from CYVR to KPDX, then from KPDX to KSEA landing on the new Third Runway! This was a great trip. To venture into some new areas I haven't seen before was truly priceless. You British Columbians have a beautiful province! Thanks to all attendees for the great fellowship we had there in Port Hardy. It was fun to be with you all. Our round table discussion at the pub, after the Open Ship, was great. Lots of good ferry talk by us ferry geeks! I'm back at work to earn more money to take another trip to Port Hardy and to ride the NORTHERN EXPEDITION. Hopefully, she'll be starting her proposed Tsawwassen trips soon. Until we meet in person again...  THE END |
|
|
|
Post by Balfour on May 20, 2009 9:48:08 GMT -8
Now that she's in service, any discussion on the Northern Expedition can go here.
|
|
|
|
Post by Scott (Former Account) on May 20, 2009 16:33:19 GMT -8
 Sincere thanks to the crew aboard the Northern Expedition, especially Captain Bouchard, Lorne Campbell and Bill Connor for their wonderful hospitality. Many thanks to Steve Poole and Trafford Taylor for their kind words and for the impromptu discussions we had while on board. Last but not least, a huge thank you to Kevin Stapleton for the tour arrangements, numerous chats and the insightful discussion that was had over dinner.  It was a pleasure to meet and chat with Peter Sierk and Michael Helbing from FSG. You two are outstanding individuals and are great representatives of your company.
Departing Bear Cove... We later found out that the long horn blast was sounded at the request of our own member, ferrynutseattle. It was great to hear that E major chord once again, and as far as I am concerned, the longer the better..! ;D  The vibrations levels on the ship are very minimal, even less than the Coastal's which already had a low level.   For the inaugural sailing we primarily spent the trip wandering the various areas of the ship and chatting with employees and executives. We spent a fair amount of time in the bridge and engine room, as well.  Dane took notes throughout the duration of our roundtrip, so I will leave a lot of the more specific points to him, but overall we were extremely impressed. He should be posting his information in the coming days...  Here are a few issues that I noticed: - Access to the ribbon cutting was only for VIP's, unlike all three that were held for the Coastal's. Paying passengers had to watch the ceremony through a chain link fence. We were quite disappointed with this decision.
- The Aurora Lounge seems to be excessively priced for what it currently is. $30.00 buys you a reserved seat and an inconsistent flow of Dasani water, Bits and Bites snack mix and roasted almonds. We noted that their does appear to be a unused water hookup in there, so it is quite likely that more may be added in the future.
- The doors to the outside decks lacked a good seal so they were constantly whistling while underway. Though a lot of them where being fixed as the trip progressed by the engineering crews.
- Some interior doors to the washrooms and the cabin hallways were quite difficult to open due to the door closer arm. I assume these just need a slight adjustment.
Sunset while en route to Prince Rupert...  Lorne and Captain Bouchard cutting the cake in the Canoe Cafe... A few random shots...   NorEx at her berth in Prince Rupert... NorEx southbound in Grenville Channel... More photos located here. |
|
|
|
Post by Kahloke on May 20, 2009 17:31:19 GMT -8
Great photos everyone. I'll eventually get around to posting mine. I'm still on Orcas Island so I haven't had much time yet to go through my pics.
|
|
|
|
Post by Low Light Mike on May 20, 2009 20:11:12 GMT -8
Scott / Dane:
Did the NorEx dock bow-in at Bear Cove on Tuesday night?
|
|
|
|
Post by WettCoast on May 20, 2009 20:45:43 GMT -8
The following is quoted from another thread. I am not sure if people saw it there. The reason for the late arrival in Rupert Monday night appears to be a scheduling 'mistake'. It appears that this mistake is going to repeat itself several times over the next few weeks. The other somewhat embarrassing item for BC Ferries is that they appear to have a screw up in the scheduling of the NorEx and the NorAd. Last night the NorAd was scheduled to depart Prince Rupert @ 11:00 pm for Skidegate. Meanwhile the NorEx was scheduled to arrive in Prince Rupert @ 10:30 pm. Keep in mind that Rupert has just one berth. Now, go and check out the schedule ( www.bcferries.com/schedules/inside/qci.html ) and if you look closely you will see that the NorEx will be having a number of late arrivals. The first one was yesterday - 11:15 pm. BTW, the QCI schedule is marked... |
|
|
|
Post by gordon on May 20, 2009 21:06:04 GMT -8
The Nor Ad is still in Prince Rupert & the Nor Ex is close to Prince Rupert.
I would assume that The Nor Ad is at Anchor and will be moved back into the terminal after the Nor Ex Departs tomorrow Morning.
|
|
|
|
Post by Scott (Former Account) on May 20, 2009 22:23:39 GMT -8
Scott / Dane: Did the NorEx dock bow-in at Bear Cove on Tuesday night? Nope, stern-in. The issue with the watertight door assembly requires a minor repair, so it remains unusable. Last I heard, they were waiting for a replacement part to arrive. |
|
Kam
Voyager
Posts: 926
|
Post by Kam on May 21, 2009 10:48:14 GMT -8
|
|
|
|
Post by gordon on May 21, 2009 13:01:26 GMT -8
What is the Nor Ex's normal average cruising speed?
|
|
