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Post by Dane on Apr 30, 2019 13:38:29 GMT -8
I have nothing of value to add, but, WOW that's a nice looking ferry!!
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Post by WettCoast on Apr 30, 2019 15:42:07 GMT -8
If the draft of the Island Class is too deep to be used on Kootenay Lake during low water level periods, then there won't be much to gain from any potential savings if the ferry isn't usable year-round, like the Osprey 2000. If it is to be a replacement for the Balfour, then it needs to have a similarly shallow draft. Yes, but a part of this project is dredging in the west arm of Kootenay Lake, so as to allow the Osprey 2000 to operate regardless of water level. |
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Post by Blue Bus Fan on Aug 29, 2019 17:13:04 GMT -8
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Koastal Karl
Voyager 
Been on every BC Ferry now!!!!!
Posts: 7,719
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Post by Koastal Karl on Sept 21, 2019 10:55:42 GMT -8
I am back from a two week road trip which included two round trips on the Osprey 2000. I must say the Osprey is such a neat ship. It's so nice to be able to take your car over and not have to pay both ways. First trip I did I drove over and went and explored Pilot Bay Lighthouse which is a neat spot you can see the ferries on the lake from there too. The sailings I took were the 9:50am from Balfour and then I headed back on the 2pm from Kootenay Bay. 35 min free ferry and I had a awesome Burger from the Coffee Shop. It's amazing yet on our 35 min trip to Fulford Harbor on a boring Skeena Queen you get nothing but paying like $50+ just to get over there. Osprey much nicer boat too except their lounge windows need to be cleaned. They are so dirty and even cobwebs and spiders hanging around outside on the windows. The next trip after that was the 6:10pm round trip as I wanted to do a sunset trip. I walked on now this is what is interesting when you walk on you walk down and wait right by the dock. As soon they dock you can walk on even before the cars on that sailing have disembarked which I thought was pretty cool. They usually do not have a lot of foot passengers but there are few on each sailing especially if you live in Kootenay Bay and work in Balfour. There is a really nice lady that runs the Coffee Shop as I have chatted with her on the Facebook Page for the Coffee Shop. The return trip at 7pm from Kootenay Bay they shut down the upper lounge above the coffee shop for cleaning and the coffee shop closes at 7:15pm but the lower lounge on the other side of the ship is usually open. Just thought I would share that. It's a beautiful ride if anyone is in the area and his extra time should go just for the ride it's a run trip. I have done two round trips back to back before and the crew don't even care you could ride the boat all day. Maybe I'll have to do that next time!
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Post by Blue Bus Fan on Jun 11, 2020 21:38:55 GMT -8
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Post by Blue Bus Fan on Jul 3, 2020 11:21:23 GMT -8
Summer schedule begins July 17:
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Post by Starsteward on Jul 6, 2020 15:19:09 GMT -8
Now, I have a money saving idea for the BC Government. Get the ship yard that is currently building the new 'Island class' vessels for the BC coast to prefab an additional one, but not to assemble it beyond 'chunks' that can be shipped by container via sea & rail/road for assembly on the shore of Kootenay Lake. The Island class vessels and this Kootenay Lake vessel seem to be fairly similar in form, function & capacity. If the draft of the Island Class is too deep to be used on Kootenay Lake during low water level periods, then there won't be much to gain from any potential savings if the ferry isn't usable year-round, like the Osprey 2000. If it is to be a replacement for the Balfour, then it needs to have a similarly shallow draft. Who gets the 'better-looks' award here, the 'Island-class vessels or the ' Osprey'? |
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Post by Blue Bus Fan on Sept 3, 2020 13:35:08 GMT -8
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Post by WettCoast on Sept 21, 2020 11:42:11 GMT -8
Currently aboard Osprey 2000 crossing Kootenay Lake. You have to remain in your vehicle. Not able to go take in the view with the wind in your face. It’s not the right way to travel on a ferry, but under the current circumstances its understandable.
This is the first time I have been on any ferry since last December, with the exception of the Usk reaction ferry.
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Post by Blue Bus Fan on Sept 21, 2020 13:44:40 GMT -8
Currently aboard Osprey 2000 crossing Kootenay Lake. You have to remain in your vehicle. Not able to go take in the view with the wind in your face. It’s not the right way to travel on a ferry, but under the current circumstances its understandable. This is the first time I have been on any ferry since last December, with the exception of the Usk reaction ferry. The minor routes in BC Ferries system have the same route except to go washroom. |
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Post by WettCoast on Sept 21, 2020 16:37:21 GMT -8
At least on the Columbia (upper Arrow Lakes) you can actually see where you are going while shut in your car.
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Post by WettCoast on Sept 22, 2020 21:32:18 GMT -8
Kootenay Lake ferry Osprey 2000 en route across the lake to the east side at Kootenay Bay - 21 September 2020 High Res here |
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Post by WettCoast on Oct 5, 2020 21:54:57 GMT -8
Osprey 2000 unloading at Kootenay Bay Terminal on the east side of Kootenay Lake in BC's West Kootenay - 21 September 2020
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