I'm toying with this idea for a future trip and am wondering if anyone here has done one of their trips? I got a kick out of the Para Handy stories and Youtubes.
Posted by
Lake District, England /On Pilgrimage
11763 posts
I haven't done it, but would dearly love to. I've seen her in steam and close up at Ardrishaig.
As I remember it there is a stumbling block over solo bookings (which doesn't affect you)- I can't remember the details but I equally was unable to resolve whatever the exact problem was.
Posted by
OP
Mountains of S. Oregon
1160 posts
Although they aren't running 2026 trips, their website says a solo traveler can join a stranger in a twin cabin or take an entire cabin for 20% less than double occupancy rate.
Posted by
Lake District, England /On Pilgrimage
11763 posts
That was probably the issue, I suspect the single occupancy may have been a recent thing, and originally (when I last looked) there was no other choice than sharing with a stranger- a total no, no for me.
Looking at the website I see it is a scheduled 2 year restoration, so next public sailings probably in 2028, and a new owner. Shades of the V5 here, and her very prolonged restoration- probably for much the same reasons. The V5 is more important to me by far than things like the Space Needle!
I know the news this morning from Foss (in the PNW) is serious, but my mind immediately thought about Tugboat Annie, when I got the overnight news!!
Posted by
OP
Mountains of S. Oregon
1160 posts
Well Stuart, you stumped me, twice.
I can't find anything about a "V5" reference involving puffers, or any other restoration projects, for that matter.
I can't find anything maritime involving "Foss" besides tugboat business news, either. Of course the web is saturated with the incident at Foss high school, which tragic, is way off topic. I'll have to watch Tugboat Annie for a clue.
Posted by
Lake District, England /On Pilgrimage
11763 posts
The V5- the colloquial name for the Virginia V (formerly of the Mosquito Fleet) at Seattle. An essential visit for me if over there, hopefully a sailing.
A few years ago she had a pretty prolonged restoration- much longer than initially planned. When I saw the VIC32 was being restored, and how long a job it was my mind sprang straight across the Atlantic.
I know I'm off topic but I wasn't even awake this morning when I was e-mailed about the school incident. While I'm wondering why, I got a follow up e-mail reminding me of Foss Towing, and of course I've known for a long time about Tugboat Annie.
But also on my list of visits (thanks to the Head Docent of the V5) is the Foss Waterway Museum, and the Coastguard Museum North West.