SolDuc
Voyager 
West Coast Cyclist
SolDuc and SOBC - Photo by Scott
Posts: 2,055
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Post by SolDuc on Dec 28, 2013 23:22:05 GMT -8
Annnnd, it's already the end of 2013! Well, that was fast, it's like 2013 was only a month ago, but 2014 is almost here, so here's a tread to do your ferry year-in-review of 2013. Here are some things that you might want to consider: Your favorite ferry photo of the year! Of course, if you can't choose I guess that's fine but try to narrow it down. Also include a description of why it's your favorite photo, and not just an obvious reason. Tell us about the trip you were doing, why you were there and other things you might remember.
Your favorite ferry moment of 2013, and again why?
What about any other ferry trip or forum happening that you'd like to share?
Your biggest ferry-related disappointment for this year? (aside from the CC's blowing a single tone and BCF remaining a private company  ) Anything else that you'd like to share from 2013?
And looking towards 2014, is there a specific event/ferry trip/forum happening that you look forward to? (again, aside from the CC blowing three tomes and BCF returning to being a crown corporation )
Other things: - I won't be posting here until next year, that way I have a full 2013 to review, including the last ferry trip of the year that I am planning to do in the next few days - I put this here because that's where the other thread was, but if we want to move it around (or create a separate board for it) then just do it. |
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Post by Elwha on the Rocks on Dec 29, 2013 10:42:22 GMT -8
I guess Ill go, since I doubt much will change in the next few days. Favorite Photo(s):1) The M/V Wenatchee arriving at Seattle, I'm giving this one the #1 slot because not only is it my best photo, but also it brings back memories of that day, and the fun we (Guy and I) had.  Wenatchee by Elwha On The Rocks, on Flickr 2) M/V Queen of Surrey at Horseshoe Bay, pretty much the same reasons as above, not only do I really like the photo, but it brings back happy memories of my first BC Ferry trip, and the fun I had at HSB ferry watching.  Queen of Surrey, BC Ferries by Elwha On The Rocks, on Flickr Favorite Moment: Most definitely driving the Tenaka, that was an awesome experience, though I've been in the wheelhouse of a ferry before, that was the first time I actually got to drive one! Biggest Disappointment: I don't think I have one, really. Not that I can think of at the moment. Anything Else? This year has been year of the cameras for me, I started out the year by leaving the camera in auto mode and just pressing the shutter button, didn't think much of it. Now I end the year with a DSLR, and half of the time having the mode dial turned to Manual mode, I've definitely learned A LOT on photography this year. (Thanks goes to Sol Duc for helping me when I needed it.) In 2014: I hope to work my way through a few more BC Ferries, hopefully ride some of the AMHS vessels, and I hope that next year this time the E-State will still be in service, she's absolutely my favorite ferry, and I'll be real sad to see her go. Happy 2014! |
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Post by compdude787 on Dec 31, 2013 15:33:47 GMT -8
Well, 'bout time I post my best pics from this year. This is my favorite photo, the Hyak lit up by the sunset with Mount Baker in the background. My mom saw it when she was going thru pictures on the computer and she printed it out really big and framed it because she really liked it too.  Hyak approaching Lopez Island by compdude787, on Flickr And this is my second favorite, taken maybe half an hour before the Hyak photo above.  Evergreen State by compdude787, on Flickr So, what's so great about these photos, you ask? Well, they were made possible because of a special event on Orcas Island (the Doe Bay Festival) that changed up the ferry schedule. Anyway, I was with a friend at his cabin on Lopez and we were on our way home and were planning on catching the 7:35pm ferry off the island. When it came (it was the Hyak), they announced that the ferry was going to make an extra trip to Orcas, then come back and get all the cars here at Lopez that were going to Anacortes. So, thanks to this change in the schedule, we decided to go up to the Upright Head Preserve and kill some time checking out the views. Just as we got to a spot with a view, we saw the Evergreen State making its way around the head (after it had stopped at Lopez). So, I was able to get several pics to enter into the banner contest for that month; previously I thought I wouldn't have anything. Anyway, so we saw the Evergreen and then kept walking up to the head of Upright Head. At that point, we saw the Hyak off to the west coming our way. So, once it got closer, I got some pictures of it illuminated by the sunset. Then--here's the fun part--I had to sprint up the hill and back to the parking lot in order to get to the car in time! And then I enjoyed a ride on the Hyak, which I hadn't ever been on before. Of course, I had to go sit in the Eames chairs (albeit briefly) to see what they were like. Not surprisingly, they made my back hurt. During that three days I spent up at Lopez, I did a ferry trip on the Evergreen State. Inspired by Low Light Mike's series of Tenaka videos, I decided I wanted to do the same for the Evergreen. (Although I didn't do as much filming as he did because I only had a 2GB memory card) I went to Friday Harbor, and found that what turned out to be the Victoria Clipper dock 50 ft. north of the ferry dock provided an awesome ferry-spotting location. I also took some video footage of the scenery on the trip back in the afternoon, by which time there wasn't any fog. I still haven't posted those videos on YouTube yet! In the first few days of this new year, I'm planning on doing a ferry trip on the Bremerton ferry run. I don't care if it's raining, I'm doing it anyway!  |
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Post by Curtis on Dec 31, 2013 20:16:17 GMT -8
2013 for me saw a real Rebirth for my Ferry Photography, having upgraded to my D5100 last Christmas and purchasing my Flickr Pro Membership this year I've had the biggest drive to upload photos since I had a Yahoo Photos Account back in the Mid-2000s. I also feel I participated in more Voyager trips this year than in previous years. Definitely a great year riding the Ferries with our forum celebrating its 10th Anniversary. Now to my favourite photos from this Year. I've narrowed it down to my top 3. This one was a case of being in the right place at the right time. Even with a fresh paint job, it's highly difficult to make the Chilliwack look good. Add in that amazing pink skyline though… and the Chilliwack is still an unattractive ferry, but a lot less then she usually is.  Queen of Chilliwack, Docked at Berth 2, Saltery Bay. by CS16 Photography, on Flickr Usually when I drive the Sechelt Peninsula, to Vancouver I don't stop at Earls Cove. Once you get off the Ferry, it's a mad dash down the Peninsula to Langdale. There have been many mornings I've wanted to stop for pictures but never was able too. This year, I finally decided to stop and take a few of the departing Island Sky and this was the result.  Island Sky Departing Earls Cove. by CS16 Photography, on Flickr This one meanwhile comes from my most recent Tenaka trip. It was a beautiful November Afternoon and the lighting was right to make the forum's favourite minor vessel look more dynamic.  Tenaka Docked at Heriot Bay. by CS16 Photography, on Flickr As for my Favourite Ferry Moment of the Year? It was probably the WCFF 10th Anniversary Trip on Mayne and Galiano Island. Probably one of the best trips I've been a part of in the last few years. If I had to pick another great Ferry Moment from this Year? The CirclePac Trip would be the obvious choice, but I think the Tenaka Trips we did this year were some of the best of the year. Looking to 2014 in the Ferry World, I'm both excited and dreading the day 2 weeks from now that Saltery Bay becomes Powell River's ferry hub. The coming inconvenience however means I can't wait to see the completed berths at Westview and Little River. Moving away from the berth project, I also look forward to taking a ride on the freshly 3/4 life upgraded MV Tachek and for news on the ICF Ferry Contract. That's about all I have to say. Enjoy the last hours of 2013, Cheers Everyone! |
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Post by Low Light Mike on Dec 31, 2013 22:45:04 GMT -8
This one was a case of being in the right place at the right time. Even with a fresh paint job, it's highly difficult to make the Chilliwack look good. Add in that amazing pink skyline though… and the Chilliwack is still an unattractive ferry, but a lot less then she usually is. Queen of Chilliwack, Docked at Berth 2, Saltery Bay. by CS16 Photography, on Flickr This is one of my favourite WCFF photos of 2013. Well done.  |
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Post by Low Light Mike on Jan 1, 2014 11:06:15 GMT -8
Here is my video year-in-review compilation.
It shows what items kept my cameras busy in 2013, and includes mostly ferry items (with some non-ferry items, so be ready to look-away)
- the various items are in short segments, mostly 20-seconds or less. So it's perfect viewing for those with short attention spans, like me.
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Post by WettCoast on Jan 1, 2014 12:46:39 GMT -8
I probably won't enter this in the February 2014 flagship 'contest', so I'll put it here instead. Pardon me for my fun with names (It's the spell-checker's fault).  Happy 2014 to all members at the WCFF! |
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Post by Blue Bus Fan on Jan 1, 2014 12:58:27 GMT -8
My best photos of ferries for 2013:   My favourite moment is when TransLink announced a new SeaBus. I have only gone to Victoria this year a couple of times. My disappointment is when TransLink announce the new Seabus is not being built in BC or even Canada. I have none for the last two questions. |
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Post by compdude787 on Jan 1, 2014 13:06:23 GMT -8
I do not have any trip to share because I kinda need to all of the trips I did last year. You kinda need to what all the trips you did last year? A little proofreading would have been helpful. |
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Post by Mike on Jan 1, 2014 13:16:04 GMT -8
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Post by SS San Mateo on Jan 1, 2014 17:39:34 GMT -8
Favorite ferry photos: MV Hyak at Edmonds ferry terminal by planet_lb, on Flickr Olympic Mountain range in the background and a few birds flying around as well.  M/V Tacoma and M/V Puyallup at Colman Dock by planet_lb, on Flickr Early morning (just before sunrise) and Smith Tower in the background. Favorite ferry moment: Riding the M/V Hyak for the first time since the 1980's (by my estimation). Other ferry trips: Day trip on my 45th birthday (ferry portions of the trip in italics) . Vashon -> Fauntleroy -> Downtown Seattle -> Bainbridge -> Poulsbo - > Kingston -> Edmonds -> Shoreline (Aurora Village TC) -> Everett -> Downtown Seattle -> Fauntleroy -> Vashon. Biggest ferry-related disappointment: No M/V Klahowya on the Edmonds-Kingston route. Anything else from 2013: Got a job promotion (from Junior SAS Programmer to SAS Analyst). Also became candy czar at work. In 2014: M/V Tokitae going into service.
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Post by WettCoast on Jan 1, 2014 22:52:48 GMT -8
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Post by Mike C on Jan 2, 2014 0:44:19 GMT -8
A few of my favourites from this year: This is off the sun deck of the Spirit of BC. I had spent the day in Victoria puttering around, and was making my way home, when I couldn't help but catch a bit of warm late-summer air.  MV Spirit of British Columbia by MileagePhoto, on Flickr This, of course, is the Surrey making her way out of Horseshoe Bay. I appreciated the seemingly huge ferry (taken from the water) with the large mountains in behind. This photo was taken from a rental boat.  MV Queen of Surrey by MileagePhoto, on Flickr This was one of those right-place-at-the-right time takes. While heading north up the island to visit family on the May long weekend, the MV Mayne Queen passed by totally unexpectedly in front of our Queen of Alberni sailing. The sun setting in behind produced some incredible light, and since I was first in line (and subsequently parked at the front of the boat on the upper deck), I sat on the hood of the car and took this picture. Pretty fluky occurrence that I don't expect to be replicated anytime soon...  MV Mayne Queen by MileagePhoto, on Flickr ...and a time-lapse of Route 3 from the summer. I held the camera on a railing over the side of the Queen of Surrey for the full 40 minute crossing. Favourite moment: While I think that the Tenth Anniversary was definitely the trip of the year, it's probably a three way tie between the Queen of Alberni moment you saw above; sailing back to Comox on the Queen of Burnaby at sunset, sitting on the lifejacket lockers at the stern and enjoying the sunset; and being up before sunrise, chasing the Northern Expedition down the Fraser River - despite being a ridiculously early wake-up, it was so worth it. Coming in 2014: I am looking forward to heading up on the northern services this month. Another trip I hope to do is WSF's San Juan Island service, but that will likely wait until the summer. I look forward to more trips to Comox, more rides on our outgoing B-Class and minor vessels, and a continuation of everything we did this year! |
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Post by Ferryman on Jan 2, 2014 13:22:08 GMT -8
Your favorite ferry photo of the year! Of course, if you can't choose I guess that's fine but try to narrow it down. Also include a description of why it's your favorite photo, and not just an obvious reason. Tell us about the trip you were doing, why you were there and other things you might remember.Well, to be honest I've taken a bit of a step down from Ferry Photography the past couple of years. However these days I tend to save it for rare occurrences, to save on ferry photo monotony. The one time I did take out the DSLR, was to see the Queen of Nanaimo sail underneath Lions Gate Bridge. It's my favourite photo because I've always loved old photos from this exact viewpoint of the V-Class sailing under the bridge. So I was pleased to be able to recreate one of these for myself, and having the Queen of Nanaimo sailing under the bridge was just a huge bonus.  Queen of Nanaimo by Deck-dog SSI, on Flickr I tried to pass this photo around a bit, and submitted it to BCF and the Gulf Islands Driftwood Newspaper shortly after uploading it. The Gulf Islands Driftwood Newspaper published it in the November 20th issue, and put it at the top of one of the pages. This actually created a huge reaction for me locally on Salt Spring Island, since most of my co-workers and friends were all excited to see it published. My phone was buzzing with texts all day of people who had seen it. One of my co-workers was nice enough to hold on to a copy of that issue while I was away, and I just received it today.  Photo in use by Deck-dog SSI, on Flickr Your favorite ferry moment of 2013, and again why? My favourite ferry moment of 2013? I'd have to say that bringing the Skeena Queen back from refit as a crew member was a huge ferry highlight for me. The weather was fantastic for sea trials, and for the sailing back to Salt Spring. Also being able to tryout the retrofitted Skeena Queen's rescue boats, that were the first in the fleet to receive brand new 60hp Evinrude 2 stroke E-tec engines. They run much nicer and go like stink compared to the 40hp Mercury 2 stroke engines that were questionable at times.  Skeena Queen on the Strait of Juan de Fuca by Deck-dog SSI, on Flickr What about any other ferry trip or forum happening that you'd like to share?Not much else comes to mind. However it was nice to be able to tag along for the Route 3 portion of the forum's tenth anniversary voyage back in September Your biggest ferry-related disappointment for this year?Seeing pictures of the Queen of Nanaimo on the rocks at Village Bay might not have been disappointing, but more so shocking instead. Having worked a lot on that vessel over the past few years, and I happened to be working aboard as crew during the hard landing event at Village Bay in 2010, I can't help but think of her as a second home, especially since all of the crew members who were onboard are like family to me. My hat's off to the crew that were involved, for their professionalism during the event to ensure the situation didn't become much worse. Anything else that you'd like to share from 2013? Nothing comes to mind, but will update if something does And looking towards 2014, is there a specific event/ferry trip/forum happening that you look forward to?I look forward to taking a ride on the Island Sky on Route 17a. I had an opportunity to tour the Island Sky from top to bottom back in September, so my opinion of the vessel has changed quite a bit since then for the better. However, I still don't quite agree with the concept of open decked vessels sailing across the strait. Regardless, this is an opportunity that likely won't come around again for at least another 50 years, and can't be missed.
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SolDuc
Voyager
West Coast Cyclist
SolDuc and SOBC - Photo by Scott
Posts: 2,055
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Post by SolDuc on Jan 6, 2014 21:53:39 GMT -8
So now that I'm done with sorting trough my photos from the last two ferry trips of 2013, I'm finally ready to add my contribution to this thread. 2013 was a good year. My favorite ferry photo of the yearWell, I have divided my photos in four categories, and came up with my favorite photo for each. Or actually, I found my four favorite photos out of the 25,000+ I've taken this year, then found categories for them. The first one, in the category 'ferries at day' features the Kitsap under Mount Rainier back in May. While I had not originally planned a trip on that day, Spencer was heading to Bremerton so I joined him on the Kitsap going there and on the Walla Walla getting back. Great timing and some of the best weather from the year let to that fantastic image.  MV Kitsap en-route to Bremerton - Washington State Ferries by SolDuc Photography, on Flickr In October I did my 8-ferries trip a second time, which started at night due to shorter days. While I was still waiting for the first sailing of the day, I had time to apply transit fanning techniques, here a zoom pan, on the Spirit of Kingston. This breathtaking shot takes its in the 'ferries at night' category.  MV Spirit of Kingston en-route to Seattle - King County Water Taxi by SolDuc Photography, on Flickr Flugel Horn often says that sunrise and sunset are great times to take picture because of the lightning. Well, I completely agree with that but would like to add twilight to these times. While light is still around then there are not any shadows at all to take care of, and you can just shoot. This shot of the Kittitas taken at tiwilight then takes the lead in the 'ferries at twilight' category.  MV Kittitas arriving at Slip 1, Clinton - Washington State Ferries by SolDuc Photography, on Flickr One thing that I love to do is to play with long exposures, but excessively long ones don't look good with ferries except if you take them from a ferry and they only feature the one you're on. One of the things that look best with long exposures is arguably the wake, and especially when you have a still part of the ferry to contrast with it. This lead to my favorite shot on the 'shot of a ferry from that same ferry' category, which was taken just a week ago on the Tacoma coming home from BI.  Wake, MV Tacoma - Washington State Ferries by SolDuc Photography, on Flickr My favorite ferry moment of 2013Definitely the 10th Anniversary trip back in July. While it didn't bring any good pictures home, (read later) it was fun to meet and chat with a ton of ferry fans. Other tripsThere was a lot of fun trips that happened this year. Here are the best ones I participated in: - Riding the Hyak and the Yakima on their original route back in January. A rare vessel placement that isn't likely to happen again sometime soon. - Spending my Spring Break riding ferries all week long, including the Walla Walla welcome back trip. When I came back to school I asked my teachers to guess how many ferries I'd ridden. The answer wasn't two or three, but fourteen! - In May it was nice to meet Spencer on a trip to Bremerton where the weather was just perfect for photos. - In June we had the "voyager triangle", which was a short Vashon trip, but nonetheless a fun one. - In July we had the 10th Anniversary trip, which is my highlight of the year. I also did a crazy 8-ferries trip which took me all around the Sound - In September some of us visited the Kenicott, one of AMHS' mainliners. - The only day I had off in October had me doing the 8-ferries trip again, this time with the camera settings right. - In November and December, I did a whole bunch of trip up and down the sound. The best ones were probably the kayaking trip as well as meeting Mr. ferrynutseattle on a totally random occasion at Jack Block Park. My biggest ferry-related disappointment for this yearI've had a few this year. My biggest was probably not being able to go up to Canada for the Rememberance Day Group Trip, but fortunately the group trip ended up being scaled down due to the Nanny running aground the weekend before. And as a replacement I went Kayaking in Lake Union next to the Kennewick and the Skansonia which was a great and fun trip. Unfortunately I also had some of my best photo opportunities wasted (10th Anniversary trip and first 8 ferry trip a few days afterward) due to the settings being totally off on my camera. Anything else that you'd like to share from 2013?Not much at all. I improved my photography skills a lot, as well as my ferry trip planning skills as well . I also discovered the fun occupation of Transit Fanning and did even more Urban Planning (ie. Seattle HCT maps as well as finding how to fit 1,000 people on what is now a Park and Ride. Now that's fun stuff) Looking towards 2014In 2014, I look forward riding the Tokitae in the summer as well as seeing the Samish getting built, with possibly a trip to see her from up close. For the forum, I look forward attending more group trips in BC, including the CirclePac in September and possibly other trips. As for other personal stuff, I look forward getting my own camera sometime in the spring, as well as doing a "WSF crazyness week" in the summer during which I would ride on all but one boat in service (that one being the International boat) only using public transit. If the opportunity arises, I also hope to do a 12-ferries trip, which is just a version of my 8-ferries trip with a few rides added here and there. |
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Post by Low Light Mike on Jan 6, 2014 22:31:21 GMT -8
Flugel Horn often says that sunrise and sunset are great times to take picture because of the lightning. Well, I completely agree with that but would like to add twilight to these times. While light is still around then there are not any shadows at all to take care of, and you can just shoot. This shot of the Kittitas taken at tiwilight then takes the lead in the 'ferries at twilight' category. I've had a lot of fun recently doing dawn and dusk photography, and so I agree that the twilight is at least as good (or better) than the rising/setting sunlight. Sunrise or Sunset can give a nice effect when it's illuminating one side of a ship, but dawn/dusk are lots of fun too. Guy, you take wonderful photos, and you write interesting reports on your trips. Thanks for being here in 2013 and sharing it with us. You make this a better place. |
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Post by Scott (Former Account) on Jan 8, 2014 12:10:32 GMT -8
Here are a few of my favourites from last year...
First, chasing the Northern Expedition up the Fraser River on a cold, windy March morning. BC Ferries - Northern Expedition en route to FMU (Deas Dock). by BCFS, on Flickr
Second, a unique angle of the Coastal Renaissance on approach to Berth 1 at Horseshoe Bay.
BC Ferries - Coastal Renaissance approaching Berth 1, Horseshoe Bay. by BCFS, on Flickr
Lastly, Queen of Oak Bay nearing Departure Bay, as seen from Stephenson Point.  BC Ferries - Queen of Oak Bay en route to Departure Bay. by BCFS, on Flickr
Your favorite ferry moment of 2013?It's a tie between the early morning NorEx chase up the Fraser and our 10th Anniversary Trip that occurred in July......and looking towards 2014?2014 starts off with a bang. Not only do we have the Island Sky and NIP about to begin alternate Route 17 and 18 service, but the Tachek is due to return in the coming weeks, replacing the Tenaka, whose future is still up in the air.
We also have a few members, myself included, who will be spending four days up north sailing on Routes 10, 11 and 26 next week. This will be our last trip using our preferred off-season travel dates due to the impending cuts planned by the BC Liberals. |
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Post by Kahloke on Jan 8, 2014 13:05:39 GMT -8
My favourite 4 ferry photos from 2013:April, 2013: MV Walla Walla transiting Rich Passage  October, 2013: MV Kaleetan emerging from Rich Passage  November, 2013: MV Wenatchee and Seattle skyline  December, 2013: MV Chetzemoka en-route to Point Defiance at twilight  Favourite 2013 Ferry Moments/trips:Going to the MV Kennicott Open Ship event in Belilngham in September was a very cool event, as well as riding on WSDOT's newest little ferry, MV Sanpoil. Most of my ferry outings in 2013 revolved around going up to Orcas once a month to work on the house up there or to see my dad. I think I did one non-working trip to the island last year. What do I look forward to in 2014: Like other Washington members, my biggest anticipation for 2014 is the inauguration of MV Tokitae. Hopefully, they will do an Open-Ship event prior to it entering service, like they did with the Kwa-Di "Tub Toys".
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