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Post by WettCoast on Apr 21, 2009 19:13:32 GMT -8
I am pretty good with photoshop but don't have any photos of the QotN. If someone wants to PM me one they don't mind being used in the photo then I'd be happy to do it. I have some photos that might work. Try looking around in the QotN section on my photo site (see below my sig pic). It might be easier to splice something into Graham's water level pic rather than the aerial view from BC Ferries. |
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FNS
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The Empire Builder train of yesteryear in HO scale
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Post by FNS on Apr 21, 2009 19:15:37 GMT -8
04-21-2009 2008PDT  She's now on my side of the border. I wish she was coming to Seattle to give us a salute. Victoria as well. We had her here in 1980.
2030PDT  On final approach. |
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Mill Bay
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Long Suffering Bosun
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Post by Mill Bay on Apr 21, 2009 19:38:37 GMT -8
Tracking on Siitech... looks like she is going astern into Tsawwassen.
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Kam
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Post by Kam on Apr 21, 2009 19:52:24 GMT -8
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FNS
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The Empire Builder train of yesteryear in HO scale
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Post by FNS on Apr 21, 2009 20:04:12 GMT -8
Tracking on Siitech... looks like she is going astern into Tsawwassen. Indeed. 04-21-2009 2046PDT FINAL EDITION  After a long final voyage, the QUEEN OF PRINCE RUPERT has landed stern-first in Tsawwassen. With her departure from Prince Rupert at 1300PDT yesterday, I'll declare that her Voyage Elapsed Time will be (rounding off to the nearest quarter hour): ONE DAY SEVEN HOURS FORTY-FIVE MINUTES Before her captain writes in "SAFE ENDING" and closes her logbook for the last time, she has one more voyage to Deas. For the ship herself, thank you for serving your province faithfully and without fail. HAPPY RETIREMENT, MV QUEEN OF PRINCE RUPERT! |
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rt1commuter
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JP - Overworked grad student
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Post by rt1commuter on Apr 21, 2009 20:22:16 GMT -8
Just thinking about obvious stuff here, but if the QotN was still around, we wouldn't see that ugly greek girl up there. Instead, I'm thinking the NorEx might have had a sister  . |
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Post by WettCoast on Apr 21, 2009 20:32:50 GMT -8
More from yesterday's decommissioning ceremony... First, a scanned version of the leaflet handed out at the ceremony:   Now, I want to draw your attention to two items:Firstly the lack of mention re two 'little mishaps' that the QPR experienced in 1967 and later in 1982 (Haddington Reef & Gunboat Channel). Secondly, have a good look at the photo at the bottom of the centre column on the upper page. Then I want you to open this pic. It seems BC Ferries has joined the ranks of those who 'borrow' photos, in this case my photo. Note to BCFS, I will accept a pass to the Aurora Lounge on my first Inside Passage trip aboard the NorEx as a suitable honorarium for the use of my photo. Then again, I did get a free piece of cake...  |
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Post by Ferryman on Apr 21, 2009 20:59:01 GMT -8
Wow, she's "stern-to" in Berth 3 at Tsawwassen. Very rare sight. I managed to get some images of her passing through Seymour Narrows and gliding by Campbell River. She sailed through very quick! If I had blinked, I would have missed it. My girlfriend and I spent quite some time trying to find a better and unobstructed viewpoint at Seymour Narrows, by doing some bush wacking. This ended up being a bit of a bad idea, because I realized lated that it would have been better just to stay at the viewpoint on the road. As a final desperate attempt, I tried to climb a tree to get a better view, but I realized my time was up when the QPR's horn sounded as she was about to round the narrows. Alas, I got something at least. Here are the images from her transition from Northern waters to Southern Protected waters.      My intentions were to get over to the fishermans warf. But due to my lack of knowledge of direction in Campbell River, I came out at the wrong spot, which was right in front of the Powell River Queens dock in Campbell River. We nearly attempted to run back to my car to speed off to the fishermans warf now that we could see that it was another Kilometer away. But as soon as I turned around, there's the QPR poking her bridge over the breakwater in front of the marina we were beside. "$%^!", I said. A few moments later, the PRQ came out from Q-Cove, and did a "toot toot" with her little 3 toned train horn. The QPR followed with her horn sounding another "toot toot". Her horn sounds quite worn out, and definitely not the 3 toned chord that she used to have back in the day. She also did not sound her horn at the fishermans warf, like northernwanderer said she would, which was no big deal. I thought it was neat watching the whistle salute between her and the PRQ. This was the last time the QPR and the PRQ will probably ever meet. These two ships were built side by side at the launchways of VMD.     I took the old highway home, hoping to follow her down the Island. But she left my sight in the low visability smog/fog that was lingering on the Strait. I did however catch a small glimpse of her when I was near Miracle Beach, just as the sun came out from the clouds to shed a beam of light down on her. Cheers to the Queen of Prince Rupert. The true Queen of the North who served us well since 1966. |
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pscurr
Chief Steward
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Post by pscurr on Apr 21, 2009 21:00:26 GMT -8
thanks to all the folks that have posted photos on the Queen of Prince Rupert. It is certainly appreciated. I will try my best over the next couple of days to scan the slides from the 1966 trip to Alaska on the Rupert and Malaspina that I took with my parents. Little did I know that 40 or so years later these photos would be brought to light.
Again thanks for all the images and info. It is important that we respect the historical objects that shape the culture of our province.
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pscurr
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Post by pscurr on Apr 21, 2009 21:04:45 GMT -8
do you have any idea how long she will be Tsawwassen?
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Post by Ferryman on Apr 21, 2009 21:08:34 GMT -8
The QPR's deckhand, northernwanderer mentioned she'd be there until about midnight tonight, then she's off to Deas unfortunately.
Cheers.
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FNS
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The Empire Builder train of yesteryear in HO scale
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Post by FNS on Apr 21, 2009 21:14:34 GMT -8
do you have any idea how long she will be Tsawwassen? Firstly, for Nikonian D60, excellent photography! The plant life nicely camouflages the rust on the ship. Please don't feel low on your decisions. I like your photo spots. You did just great! The tracker shows her away from Tsawwassen. 2145PDT. She's on a slow pace at this moment. Destination sign: Deas Dock. |
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Post by WettCoast on Apr 21, 2009 21:16:43 GMT -8
The flags she had flying as she left Prince Rupert were removed on route, I see. And Chris, you are right on about her whistle. It is not of the quality it once was.
All in all, a superb story, our QPR!
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Mill Bay
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Long Suffering Bosun
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Post by Mill Bay on Apr 21, 2009 21:17:00 GMT -8
WCK, that's not the first time they've 'borrowed' a photo, so you have some company in that camp, but I bet everybody got a piece of free cake, not just those who surrendered photo rights to BCFerries. Perhaps if you bluff them by giving them the phone number of a prestigious law firm specializing in intellectual property rights, you might get a free pass to the Apartheid lounge on the Norex when you travel on her.
Thanks for all the photos and video. I was surprised by the fact that the QPR's bell has a higher pitch than some of the other ones we have heard at decommissioning ceremonies. But, I hope you grabbed a few dozen of those pamphlets to pass around, hee-hee.
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Apr 21, 2009 21:18:39 GMT -8
With the retirement of the Queen of Prince Rupert, we're left with one more 'event' on the horizon: the entry into service of the Northern Expedition. After that, no more ships a-building, no retirements, no major MLUs.
Going to be kind of quiet in ferry land.
Thanks to all for the photo memories of the fair lady 'Rupert.
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Post by Kahloke on Apr 21, 2009 21:29:33 GMT -8
Well, there's one more ferry event due to hit in the next year to year & a half: the construction of the new Island Home vessel for WSF. Hopefully, we'll be able to follow its progress - maybe not as thorough of coverage as we've been blessed with from FSG and Markus - and, once she is complete, we'll have another open house to look forward to.
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Doug
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Post by Doug on Apr 21, 2009 21:32:48 GMT -8
With the retirement of the Queen of Prince Rupert, we're left with one more 'event' on the horizon: the entry into service of the Northern Expedition. After that, no more ships a-building, no retirements, no major MLUs. Going to be kind of quiet in ferry land. Thanks to all for the photo memories of the fair lady ' Rupert. Don't be sure...I have a gut feeling BC Ferries will be soon to announce more minor newbuilds as part of the "15 year revitalization plan". It was expected that 22 ships be replaced and we're only in the midst of that 15 years. Or, as an alternative, I definitely think it be of BC Ferries best interest to acquire the Albion ferries whose service is only half lived due to the operation in fresh water.... |
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FNS
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Post by FNS on Apr 21, 2009 21:33:30 GMT -8
Well, there's one more ferry event due to hit in the next year to year & a half: the construction of the new Island Home vessel for WSF. Hopefully, we'll be able to follow its construction - maybe not as thorough of coverage as we've been blessed with from FSG and Markus - and, once she is complete, we'll have another open house to look forward to. That will be an exciting day. She'll be a great ferry. Meanwhile, here's the QUEEN OF PRINCE RUPERT on her last ever trip as a property of BCF. To Deas.  |
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Post by northernwanderer on Apr 21, 2009 21:42:35 GMT -8
Well, what a highly exciting journey South that was. The good Captain changed his mind and let me get off in Tsawwassen which is a pleasant idea, since now I have more time to sleep and repack my kit before flying up North again.
2 rather amusing facts: The QPR didn't quite work out in Berth 3 and so we switched to berth 4 after the SOVI left berth 5. The reason for this is the berth 3 apron is longer than berth 4's and even with the fingers lifted, was interfering with out bits. The Berth 4's apron was shorter and therefore fit quite perfectly. Its about the only useful thing with berth 4.
2nd and even more entertaining, the Deck Engineer was left behind in Tsawwassen without anyone noticing. He was told to park his car in the crew parking lot while everone else parked theirs next to the berth. Ship departed and as I walked to the passenger area I noticed his familuar mug walking towards me. So, he decided to drive to Dea's to meet them there. After all, the company decided to cancel everyones hotel rooms as they could just sleep on the ship. Only problem is, the sewage plant is shut down and no smoking is allowed on a ship in Dea's. You have to goto the designated areas on shore... why? lord knows. Anyway, more sad news, I left my hat in my cabin during my 5 minute dash to throw everything I had in my bag and dash ashore while I had my chance. Good thing its en route to the airport!
Next stop, Northern Expedition!
Yours truly,
Carl L.
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Post by WettCoast on Apr 21, 2009 21:49:28 GMT -8
There is, just maybe, the hint of a new BC Ferry coming sooner than you might think. I was told at the QPR ceremony just yesterday that the Northern Discovery may be in our waters as soon as Christmas of this year. I was in the QPR wheelhouse commenting on the fact that the Northern fleet was now reduced (enlarged) to two big & bigger boats not well suited to the traffic demands on the North Coast routes during most of the year, and suggesting that what they really need is a new QPR sized boat. Apparently they have a lead on a boat that is new, or actually still under construction, that will replace the Chilliwack, and maybe become the main boat during the slow months. This I heard from someone very senior in the BCFS organization. The best news is that this boat is available 'cheep'. BCFS is now in a buyer's market.
In related information I heard that the NorAd is a pig on fuel (surprise, surprise), requiring about twice the fuel per distance travelled when compared to the QPR. We also heard that the NorAd could be stretched while maintaining its current fuel efficiency, and that it a bow visor is a possibility too. But why on earth would you want to enlarge a boat that is already too big for the service that will now be its mainstay, route 11 to Haida Gwaii?
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FNS
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The Empire Builder train of yesteryear in HO scale
Posts: 4,956
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Post by FNS on Apr 21, 2009 23:00:33 GMT -8
04-21-2009 2353PDT  The QUEEN OF PRINCE RUPERT is now approaching Deas. The Westminster tugs are awaiting to tuck her into her berth. |
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FNS
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The Empire Builder train of yesteryear in HO scale
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Post by FNS on Apr 22, 2009 0:47:13 GMT -8
 Well, it's all over for the QUEEN OF PRINCE RUPERT. Her engines are silent now. The last of the tugs remains for a bit. Again, best wishes to the QUEEN OF PRINCE RUPERT on her retirement. By the way, when she was on the Seattle-Victoria run as VICTORIA PRINCESS in 1980, her set of three whistles were in perfect tune. Enjoy your rest QPR.  |
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rt1commuter
Chief Steward
JP - Overworked grad student
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Post by rt1commuter on Apr 22, 2009 1:27:07 GMT -8
Wow, the NorEx burns twice as much fuel than a ship she's twice as large as. Shocking  |
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Post by Retrovision on Apr 22, 2009 1:39:37 GMT -8
I noticed the spacing between the NorEx and the Ugly Greek is much larger than the corresponding spacing with the QPR. I wonder if this is symbolic of the spot the QotN would occupy were she still around? Probably just a coincidence... Thank you for this post, rt1commuter, it needed to be said. For myself atleast, it is exactly as you speculated. |
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D'Elete BC in NJ
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Post by D'Elete BC in NJ on Apr 22, 2009 2:50:14 GMT -8
Wow, the NorEx burns twice as much fuel than a ship she's twice as large as. Shocking Read it again Sam... In related information I heard that the NorAd is a pig on fuel (surprise, surprise), requiring about twice the fuel per distance travelled when compared to the QPR. We also heard that the NorAd could be stretched while maintaining its current fuel efficiency, and that it a bow visor is a possibility too. But why on earth would you want to enlarge a boat that is already too big for the service that will now be its mainstay, route 11 to Haida Gwaii? |
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