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Post by Starsteward on Aug 3, 2011 14:57:44 GMT -8
In as much as schedules may change, the pilotage order would seem to indicate that "Elvis is in the building" as it were I'm hoping that our Forum member 'pgold' can give us an idea of when it might be possible to meet at Deas for a final look-see and send our well-wishes! Clear the Friday calendar!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Post by Starsteward on Aug 3, 2011 15:09:50 GMT -8
Does anyone have an idea of what marine channel the Lomaiviti Princess, (geesh that's hard to get used to after all these QPR years), might be using for general traffic communications?
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grk
Chief Steward
Posts: 227
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Post by grk on Aug 3, 2011 21:23:25 GMT -8
The ship has applied for a waiver to anchor at Constance Bank, off Victoria, once her pilot as debarked. (pilot may actually debark at anchorage depending on assignments at the time) There is no indication as to why she needs to anchor, nor for how long. Usual such anchorings are limited to 24 hours, however depending on circumstances this could be extented. She will proceed directly out to sea from that point. Radios: Channel 11 and 17 to Constance Bank, and Channel 11 and 5A for departure from Constance Bank.
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Post by Starsteward on Aug 3, 2011 22:06:34 GMT -8
That's an unusual request to anchor after dropping off the pilot. Wonder what the thinking is there? Maybe we can find out when visiting the ship before she leaves Deas Pacific.
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Post by Starsteward on Aug 4, 2011 9:23:11 GMT -8
Thanks P_Keenleyside. I've got my ICOM unit all charged up and ready to roll. The chatter should be interesting, I'd think, given the destination etc. Cheers
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Post by Nickfro on Aug 4, 2011 9:48:24 GMT -8
That's an unusual request to anchor after dropping off the pilot. Wonder what the thinking is there? Maybe we can find out when visiting the ship before she leaves Deas Pacific. I'm guessing it may have to do with the fact that the ship hasn't sailed in some time now. After the piloted excursion they may want to anchor and check off some things. Either that, or it's an opportunity to load up on some 'export goods'. ;D
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FNS
Voyager
The Empire Builder train of yesteryear in HO scale
Posts: 4,952
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Post by FNS on Aug 4, 2011 19:01:33 GMT -8
Like what a public affairs commentator would say on NASA TV, the clocks are ticking backwards to the undocking of the LOMAIVITI PRINCESS from Deas for her new Fijian home.
Less than 24 hours now.
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Post by Starsteward on Aug 4, 2011 20:20:38 GMT -8
What a way to go to 'retirement' a long sea voyage to sunny skies, sandy beaches and tropical winds, and the very very nice people of Fiji. I think the new life as the Lomaitivi Princess is a fine reward for the long years of trusty, service on the B.C. Coast. Godspeed Lomaitivi Princess!!!
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Post by nicholasgoundar on Aug 4, 2011 23:19:45 GMT -8
The new and improved Lomaiviti Princess. Attachments:
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Post by Starsteward on Aug 5, 2011 0:46:44 GMT -8
Thanks Nicholas for the great new shot of a very nice looking vessel, about to set off on another leg of her seafaring journey. I'd love to come down to Deas today, and if permitted, would greatly appreciate a 'one last tour' of my dear old QPR before she sails at 19:30 for her new home in Fiji. Nicholas, I presume you're related to Mr. George Goundar and probably have some first hand information as to whether or not a visit is possible today and what the best time to come down would be. We surely do not want to disrupt your final preparations by getting in the way but I would guess we'd even lend a hand with some tasks...without having to be asked , that's how much many of us former crew of the QPR feel about her. As it is now 01:45 I'm hitting the rack for some sleep and looking forward to hearing from you as your time and duties permit. Best of Luck and Bon Voyage to the Lomaitivi Princess, proud new ship of the Goundar Shipping Company, about to embark on the longest trip of her history....but what a beautiful destination Cheers Daryl
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Post by hullnumbers on Aug 5, 2011 14:52:18 GMT -8
Farwell, Queen of Prince Rupert, You served us well. I wish to have ridden you but our fates never crossed.
I am unable to watch you go for your voyage to the warm tropics, in which case this is my farwell. I will watch you from a far by computer until your tracker is out of range. Best wishes to your new home.
Hullnumbers
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FNS
Voyager
The Empire Builder train of yesteryear in HO scale
Posts: 4,952
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Post by FNS on Aug 5, 2011 15:12:58 GMT -8
As the LOMAIVITI PRINCESS prepares to leave our part of the world tonight, let's refresh our databases on webcams for possible sightings as she heads out. These are a few of the cams we used to view other BCF movements through Haro Strait. We don't know how much of the ship will be lit up. Here are some links (Hope they work tonight!): WEST SIDE SAN JUAN ISLAND These cameras refresh about every five or so minutes. You'll need to manually refresh these pages! First view www.islandcam.com/westside5.htmlSecond view www.islandcam.com/westside4.htmlFROM THE GREATER VICTORIA AREA: www.bigwavedave.ca/webcams.phpWe'll get to Race Rocks later.
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Post by Ferryman on Aug 5, 2011 17:38:47 GMT -8
Less than an hour to go, and there's no tugs showing up on AIS. Hmm....
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Post by Ferryman on Aug 5, 2011 18:03:02 GMT -8
The tugs are now mustering around the Lomaiviti Princess. The "Westminster Chinook" and "Comox Crown" are the ones to do the honors
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FNS
Voyager
The Empire Builder train of yesteryear in HO scale
Posts: 4,952
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Post by FNS on Aug 5, 2011 18:03:16 GMT -8
The tugs WESTMINSTER CHINOOK and COMOX CROWN are on site now. Departure any moment now.
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FNS
Voyager
The Empire Builder train of yesteryear in HO scale
Posts: 4,952
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Post by FNS on Aug 5, 2011 18:21:03 GMT -8
Add the WESTMINSTER HUNTER.
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FNS
Voyager
The Empire Builder train of yesteryear in HO scale
Posts: 4,952
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Post by FNS on Aug 5, 2011 19:09:06 GMT -8
Undocking occurred at 2003PDT.
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FNS
Voyager
The Empire Builder train of yesteryear in HO scale
Posts: 4,952
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Post by FNS on Aug 5, 2011 19:24:33 GMT -8
At 2020PDT, the LOMAIVITI PRINCESS started down the Fraser River.
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FNS
Voyager
The Empire Builder train of yesteryear in HO scale
Posts: 4,952
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Post by FNS on Aug 5, 2011 19:52:48 GMT -8
at 2046PDT, the LP was passing Steveston. Her plot shows her moving sideways. I think her transponder needs calibrating.
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FNS
Voyager
The Empire Builder train of yesteryear in HO scale
Posts: 4,952
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Post by FNS on Aug 5, 2011 20:21:40 GMT -8
The LOMAIVITI PRINCESS is now cruising on her own, something she hasn't done for quite a long time. The tug WESTMINSTER CHINOOK is returning to base. That tug was the last remaining to escort the LP out of the Fraser (in company of vessels ahead and astern of her). One of our forum mates is aboard the QUEEN OF ALBERNI. The LOMAIVITI PRINCESS has cleared the Fraser River for the first time in her new name and operator. The final time as a ship we've known for years as the QUEEN OF PRINCE RUPERT.
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Post by Starsteward on Aug 5, 2011 21:06:11 GMT -8
The tugs actually only stood very close by until the Lomaiviti Princess cleared the entrance to Deas. Had an interesting hour-long chat with Captain Steven Poole and a couple of other chaps from BC Ferries before going aboard and having a reins-free romp through the ship..what fun. Couple of interesting notes from my chat with Capt. Poole. The L.M. is loaded with 372,000 gallons of diesel fuel, the most ever put aboard that vessel. They are going to run two engines and Go Directly to Levuka, Fiji...no stops for gas, chips, doughnuts, nada. The Fijian crew that is making this trip is only aboard for this trip as new crew will be trained in Fiji by Capt. Poole and other Officers who are going down to Fiji in late August. The Lomaiviti Princess is not expected to be operational until September 15th at the earliest. Along with that fuel load, her car deck was packed with heavy mining equipment, huge tractor tires, several personal cars and trucks including Mr. Goundar's new pick up truck, Seerunner jet ski boats, one very large motor boat, a 2011 Hummer2 which will fetch over $400,000 USD in Fiji. The port side vehicle ramp deck was filled with dozens of used plastic chairs, benches, and other wierd misc. 'stuff'. If the Lomaiviti Princess had to pass AirCare before she left Canada she would have failed miserably as the engines were blowing lots of real smelly smoke, but that's a result of 27 months of idleness. The crew has repaired (patched and repainted) large areas of the outer decks that were in very tough shape when the Rupert was laid up. Along with a fresh coat of paint and a general clean-up on the outside, the old girl looked pretty chic as she departed down the river. I'll post some other comment and trivia tomorrow along with some pictures of some of the interior parts of the ship. Loved roaming through the old Tween Deck spaces both fore and aft. Not a pretty picture of housekeeping and a far cry from the way things used to be. To the surprise of some, but apparently not many folks, the L.M. passed both the Transport Canada and Fiji Transport with amazingly high marks. "The old bones were good" after all those years, well done. So Godspeed fair QPR now Lomaiviti Princess as you embark on the longest voyage of your marine life to the beautiful South Pacific.
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FNS
Voyager
The Empire Builder train of yesteryear in HO scale
Posts: 4,952
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Post by FNS on Aug 5, 2011 21:09:56 GMT -8
As the LOMAIVITI PRINCESS continues southeast, the folks on the bridge have just entered a destination: SUVA, FIJI. She's running at speeds our new KDT ferries can run at.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Aug 5, 2011 21:27:04 GMT -8
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Post by Low Light Mike on Aug 5, 2011 21:41:24 GMT -8
I thought I'd share. Check out my flicker photo stream. Welcome, and thanks very much for those photos.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Aug 5, 2011 21:42:53 GMT -8
Glad to share.
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