Total km = 52 + ? nautical miles from N. Sydney, NS
Our day started very early as we finally departed N. Sydney ferry terminal at 3:15 am (1 ¾ hrs late). The check in and loading procedure was very disorganized in comparison to what we have experienced on BC and Alaska Ferries. Luckily the traffic load was very light (less than 1/2 capacity) or we would still be there. We were talking with a NFLD biker and apparently Marine Atlantic (the ferry corporation) is a standing joke.
The only ferry workers that seemed to have it on the ball were the 3 “Hi-Up” operators. These rigs are the little tractor units that run around loading and unloading trailer units that have been left for transport to/from NFLD (makes sense not to have to transport the whole rig across, just have the trailer picked up on the other side). Anyway these 3 Hi-Ups were buzzing around like bees hooking up and unhooking.
Once we were on the ferry it was pretty comical watching four bikers from NB who had never ridden on a ferry before trying to tie down their bikes for the voyage. They each had four to six tiedowns and were still worried, instead of using a bit of basic physics and counter pulling against the side stand with a single tiedown. We had had previous experience so were pretty quick once we had Raindancer in position (NOT where we were told to stop by the ferry worker!). (written by Norma!!!)
We had been led to believe we needed to book and pay a fee for a reclining chair in the quiet area for the voyage so had done that with the hopes of catching a bit of sleep. The chairs did recline with a foot rest thing to pull out (too short for Doug but OK for Norma) but the nicely darkened area was freezing. Norma had on two fleeces, ski neck and motorcycle jacket as well as using some hot paws and was still shivering so we moved to another area where it was a bit warmer. At least in the new area there were tables to use as well. We will know for future if we ever do this trip again. We did manage to sleep for a little while and woke to blue skies with some fluffy clouds and a gentle roll to the sea.
We were surprised to discover we had internet access on the ferry and had a Skype call from Bruce, Holly and Ciaran. What a surprise! We are looking forward to hooking up with them in Maine on our return trip.
The ferry arrived 4 hours late (an additional 2.25 hrs lost in travel). We have heard that there was something wrong with an engine. This, of course, put us way behind schedule to the point where we were forced to ride the last 30K on an unfamiliar, pothole filled road in the dark. But we are safely here in St. Bride’s at the Capeway Inn, a converted convent, and very comfortable.
Our day started very early as we finally departed N. Sydney ferry terminal at 3:15 am (1 ¾ hrs late). The check in and loading procedure was very disorganized in comparison to what we have experienced on BC and Alaska Ferries. Luckily the traffic load was very light (less than 1/2 capacity) or we would still be there. We were talking with a NFLD biker and apparently Marine Atlantic (the ferry corporation) is a standing joke.
The only ferry workers that seemed to have it on the ball were the 3 “Hi-Up” operators. These rigs are the little tractor units that run around loading and unloading trailer units that have been left for transport to/from NFLD (makes sense not to have to transport the whole rig across, just have the trailer picked up on the other side). Anyway these 3 Hi-Ups were buzzing around like bees hooking up and unhooking.Once we were on the ferry it was pretty comical watching four bikers from NB who had never ridden on a ferry before trying to tie down their bikes for the voyage. They each had four to six tiedowns and were still worried, instead of using a bit of basic physics and counter pulling against the side stand with a single tiedown. We had had previous experience so were pretty quick once we had Raindancer in position (NOT where we were told to stop by the ferry worker!). (written by Norma!!!)
We had been led to believe we needed to book and pay a fee for a reclining chair in the quiet area for the voyage so had done that with the hopes of catching a bit of sleep. The chairs did recline with a foot rest thing to pull out (too short for Doug but OK for Norma) but the nicely darkened area was freezing. Norma had on two fleeces, ski neck and motorcycle jacket as well as using some hot paws and was still shivering so we moved to another area where it was a bit warmer. At least in the new area there were tables to use as well. We will know for future if we ever do this trip again. We did manage to sleep for a little while and woke to blue skies with some fluffy clouds and a gentle roll to the sea.
We were surprised to discover we had internet access on the ferry and had a Skype call from Bruce, Holly and Ciaran. What a surprise! We are looking forward to hooking up with them in Maine on our return trip.
The ferry arrived 4 hours late (an additional 2.25 hrs lost in travel). We have heard that there was something wrong with an engine. This, of course, put us way behind schedule to the point where we were forced to ride the last 30K on an unfamiliar, pothole filled road in the dark. But we are safely here in St. Bride’s at the Capeway Inn, a converted convent, and very comfortable.
No comments:
Post a Comment