tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1577173061680112602024-02-07T01:30:36.970-08:00FERRY CABIN NEWSNews and Opinion - From Washington Island, Wisconsin - The Surrounding Islands and the Island Community -
From a Ferry Operator's Point of ViewRichard Purintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360432438615492240noreply@blogger.comBlogger385125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-157717306168011260.post-79005276318744412162020-09-22T08:36:00.002-07:002020-09-22T08:43:26.279-07:00ISLAND STAVKIRKE - 25 YEARSDetroit Harbor, Washington Island -Due to changes made by Google to the blogger.com site, I've not been able to publish the blog Ferry Cabin News as had been the case since April of 2008. Over that approximately 12-year period I managed to publish 384 blog posts, almost all of them with accompanying photos or illustrations of some sort. A typical posting took a good two hours ofRichard Purintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360432438615492240noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-157717306168011260.post-3368762102980709582020-07-19T12:22:00.000-07:002020-07-19T12:35:19.852-07:00MADONNA - FIRST TRIPS - 39.0
Completion of first round trip, 10:45 am Sunday.Load consisted of 10 Segways and 27autos. (Purinton photo)
Detroit Harbor, Washington Island -
Saturday's thunderstorms moved on, the last occurring during the early morning hours around 4 pm, and a warm westerly breeze settled in. It seemed to Hoyt, Rich and Erik Foss like a perfect opportunity to run the Madonna on her Richard Purintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360432438615492240noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-157717306168011260.post-37534972956227139082020-07-18T11:40:00.002-07:002020-07-18T12:03:06.998-07:00MADONNA IS HOME! - 38.0
Madonna shortly after departing Bay Shipbuilding Friday
afternoon, enroute to Detroit Harbor on delivery run.(Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding photo)
Detroit Harbor, Washington Island -
When a vessel is designed, constructed, launched, sea trialed, and then sailed home, the hope is always that it will be right: feel right, look right, handle right. Each step along the way, Richard Purintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360432438615492240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-157717306168011260.post-71647173140851758142020-07-15T10:06:00.002-07:002020-07-15T13:41:38.444-07:00MADONNA CONSTRUCTI0N - 37.0
Capt. Joel Gunnlaugsson with FincantieriSenior Project Supervisor Steve Propsom, uponreturn to port after sea trials. Broom signifiesa "clean sweep", the satisfaction of requirements for U. S. Coast Guard Certificateof Inspection. (Purinton photos in all cases)
Detroit Harbor, Washington Island -
Having been absent here for a few weeks in reporting on construction, during Richard Purintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360432438615492240noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-157717306168011260.post-42858141851732294292020-06-30T08:57:00.002-07:002020-06-30T08:57:40.426-07:00MADONNA CHRISTENED!
Karen Jess smiles upon successfully breaking champagne bottle on the Madonna's second deck She was coached by Project Supervisor StevePropsom (alongside) and Foreman Dan Petersilka. In keeping with safety protocol, Karen wore protective glasses and gloves. Allevent participants and workers wore masks, a Fincantieri companyrequirement since early May. (Richard Purintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360432438615492240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-157717306168011260.post-46330882274622535262020-06-26T14:05:00.000-07:002020-06-26T14:25:09.915-07:00WIFL CHRISTENINGS - PART II
Fortunately many good photographers were on hand
when the Arni J. Richter was christened at the Island
dock May23, 2003. This one was taken by Bruce McKay
and captured the Island Festival Chorus, led by Dan Hansen,
and the Festival Orchestra, led by Stephen Colburn.
Detroit Harbor, Washington Island -
We've covered considerable ground reminiscing about Richard Purintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360432438615492240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-157717306168011260.post-13786826451490251862020-06-23T15:26:00.001-07:002020-06-24T15:12:08.384-07:00NOTES ON FERRY CHRISTENINGS - PART #1
Madonna name boards ready to go,in basement workshop.
Detroit Harbor, Washington Island -
The act of christening a vessel is an ancient tradition, intended to bring good luck, safe voyages, and blessings to those who sail on board.
Not necessary? Maybe...but who would like to take the chance?
Then, too, there is the awkward choice to go against tradition by denying Richard Purintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360432438615492240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-157717306168011260.post-63387982391918577552020-06-20T13:20:00.001-07:002020-06-20T13:20:18.249-07:00MADONNA - UNDERWAY - 36.0
Madonna underway off the stone quarry, outer bay, during builder's trial, Friday afternoon, June 19.(Photo by Erich Pfeifer)
Detroit Harbor, Washington Island -
After long days of chasing down and correcting details, some small, some large, Rich Ellefson reported that Madonna would sail from the dock for the first time. This would be the "builder's trial" in which various componentsRichard Purintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360432438615492240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-157717306168011260.post-66118310802765779832020-06-11T12:20:00.004-07:002020-06-11T16:21:46.909-07:00MADONNA PROJECT WINDS DOWN - 35.0
Detroit Harbor, Washington Island -
This year has so far been one that requires patience and waiting: waiting for the pandemic to cool down, for the economy to open up, and for a return to broadened horizons. And for a moderation in water levels.
So far, success on these fronts is only partial. Sidelined Great Lakes freighters Wilfred Sykes and H. Lee White, their crews Richard Purintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360432438615492240noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-157717306168011260.post-17633671895907285722020-06-06T07:25:00.001-07:002020-06-07T05:57:04.476-07:00MADONNA CONSTRUCTION - WINDING DOWN - 34.0
Pilot house console is in finishing stages but with a substantial amountof wiring for switches and controls yet to be finished. (All photos by Rich Ellefson/WIFL)
DETROIT HARBOR, WASHINGTON ISLAND -
Here we are in early June, and the ten-month-long construction project of the ferry Madonna at the Sturgeon Bay Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding facility is
nearing the final Richard Purintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360432438615492240noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-157717306168011260.post-61042544204579068672020-05-28T07:30:00.000-07:002020-05-28T09:08:10.368-07:00MADONNA CONSTRUCTION - 33.0
Madonna engine room with pump switch boxes, upper left,and wiring still to be connected. (Rich Ellefson photos)
Detroit Harbor, Washington Island -
One of the more interesting things to observe over a period of several months' construction is how the many pieces and parts, and skills and know-how of the builders, come together. What seems at times a maze of wires, piping, and materialsRichard Purintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360432438615492240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-157717306168011260.post-13248422985452221622020-05-22T04:55:00.001-07:002020-05-22T04:55:59.242-07:00GETTING READY: SUMMER AND HIGH WATER
A concrete pour--the approach to the Island readjusted north ramp was in progress early Thursday afternoon. At left, Jon Mann floats thesurface; Rich Ellefson and Brien Jordan trowel and smooth, at top. Surface will require a minimum several days to set before lighter loads can be driven across. (Purinton photos)
Detroit Harbor, Washington Island -
We're Richard Purintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360432438615492240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-157717306168011260.post-82206511914349582592020-05-19T13:01:00.000-07:002020-05-19T13:07:21.372-07:00FERRY LINE ACTIVITY UPDATE
Detroit Harbor, Washington Island -
After nearly 48 hours of rain and strong NE winds, we now have sunshine, warmer air (and still strong NE winds.) The day has shaped up, however, and as we approach the Memorial Day weekend, the first holiday weekend since this Covid-19 business began, and since people have stayed in or very close to home, and businesses have remained, for the Richard Purintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360432438615492240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-157717306168011260.post-83059936271797579342020-05-18T09:54:00.001-07:002020-05-18T09:57:19.466-07:00MADONNA CONSTRUCTION - 32.0
Windows have been installed in the wheel house, and here
a worker installs the ship's bell, not merely a shiny, brass
doo-dad, but an essential piece of equipment, to be
rung when anchored in fog to alert other
vessels, or when aground.
(all photos by Rich Ellefson)
Work continues on the Madonna in many different areas.Equipment has been mounted on the Richard Purintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360432438615492240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-157717306168011260.post-7206995408060347762020-05-08T09:55:00.003-07:002020-05-08T10:05:13.925-07:00MADONNA PROJECT: DOWN TO DETAILS - 31.0
Current Madonna appearance from bow
looking aft. Brass Kahlenberg air horns
are mounted on pilot house. (all photos
by Rich Ellefson)
Detroit Harbor, Washington Island -
We're in the closing weeks of construction, and the smaller details, every bit as important as the larger ones, take center stage. Many tradesmen work to complete their checklist of items yet to beRichard Purintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360432438615492240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-157717306168011260.post-78791014869910234342020-05-02T08:25:00.001-07:002020-05-02T08:29:16.472-07:00NEW FERRY MADONNA REACHING FINAL STAGES - 30.0
Shown here, a concrete pumper is in position to add
27,000 lbs. ballast to a void on the starboard side,
offsetting list due to greater superstructure to
port. Also shown, aluminum benches for outer,upper deck seating, and a work bench for theengine room. (Rich Ellefson photo)
Detroit Harbor, Washington Island -
Last week's accomplishments will be hard to beat in Richard Purintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360432438615492240noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-157717306168011260.post-67391678755099353272020-04-28T09:22:00.000-07:002020-04-28T09:22:20.370-07:00ICELAND STILL ON MY MIND
Detroit Harbor, Washington Island -
Although I don't believe it was officially announced to the general public, our trip to Iceland in early June was cancelled. This move was made in mid-March, at a time when the forecast for travel and group activities suddenly was limited, or shut down.
Unfortunately for members of our group who had already obtained flight tickets and lodging, this Richard Purintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360432438615492240noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-157717306168011260.post-7295437240264304092020-04-27T09:54:00.003-07:002020-04-27T09:54:51.778-07:00MADONNA - A VICTORY LAP AFTER LAUNCHING - 29.0
Madonna being towed into the slip where workwill continue in readiness for sea trials in mid-May.(Jeff Cornell photo)
Detroit Harbor -
Friday, April 24, Washington Island Ferry Captain Jeff Cornell visited the Fincantieri shipyard to witness the launch - in this case a gradual dip - of the new ferry Madonna.
He was there as a guest, and as such he had the opportunity to be on board Richard Purintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360432438615492240noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-157717306168011260.post-45592271030663317002020-04-24T08:09:00.001-07:002020-04-24T08:11:51.978-07:00MADONNA "LAUNCH" - 28.0
Steve Propsom photo of dry dock submergence.
Detroit Harbor, Washington Island -
What can be termed the "launch" of the new ferry Madonna took place in the floating dry dock at the Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding facility, just before 10:00 a.m. today. Photos sent by Steve Propsom showed water beginning to flood the dock, then rising up the sides of the hull prior to floating.
First Richard Purintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360432438615492240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-157717306168011260.post-10836829965718314772020-04-24T05:30:00.001-07:002020-04-24T05:33:19.859-07:00MADONNA - FINAL PUSH - 27.0
Detroit Harbor, Washington Island -
Rich Ellefson sent me another report last evening, along with photos he'd taken late in the day.
While this posting is being put together (7:30 a.m.) it is likely the flooding, or sinking, of the floating dry dock is underway. Flooding of the dock floor will be done in measured steps to ensure no leaks are within the vessel, i.e., valves Richard Purintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360432438615492240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-157717306168011260.post-41122393044204819412020-04-23T05:17:00.003-07:002020-04-23T10:30:57.244-07:00MADONNA - FINAL PUSH BEGINS - 26.0
Around 12 noon Thursday (today) the newly paintedMadonna pilot house was lifted onto its intended
upper deck location. (all photos by Rich Ellefson)
Detroit Harbor, Washington Island -
Last evening Rich Ellefson sent a report on the day's progress, and he also outlined the many tasks to be tackled and completed today and tomorrow on the Madonna Richard Purintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360432438615492240noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-157717306168011260.post-56776671454207341822020-04-22T09:40:00.000-07:002020-04-22T09:44:29.580-07:00MADONNA CONSTRUCTION - 25.0
Ferry Line Board of Directors met Monday evening, April 20, at the Ferry Line office. "This is no wayto celebrate our company's 80th year in business,"observed President Hoyt Purinton.
Washington Island -
The opening shot I selected for this posting is of our Monday, April 20 Board of Directors meeting, held in the WIFL office. Bill Schutz, Rich Ellefson, myself, and Hoyt Richard Purintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360432438615492240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-157717306168011260.post-70082405687156802872020-04-19T05:31:00.000-07:002020-04-20T07:14:42.361-07:00MADONNA - 24.5
Detroit Harbor, Washington Island -
Todd Thayse, President, and Steve Propsom, Senior Project Manager, were on hand early Friday morning at the Bay Shipbuilding facility to observe the Madonna as it was transported from the Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding paint shop to the nearby floating dry dock.
Madonna arrives at floating dry dock. Vesselwill be turned then rolled on to the dock Richard Purintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360432438615492240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-157717306168011260.post-52529262465395167082020-04-15T15:03:00.002-07:002020-04-15T15:03:28.948-07:00MADONNA FERRY PROJECT 23.0
All hull and superstructure spray painting was finishedby Wednesday, April 14. Upper decks and main deck non-skid finish will be rolled before Friday. (all photos by Rich Ellefson)
Detroit Harbor, Washington Island -
This morning I typed up a blog, imported five photos, all of which took me about an hour. Then I thought I uploaded the completed blog to the internet. &Richard Purintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360432438615492240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-157717306168011260.post-47888477795289599292020-04-14T15:17:00.000-07:002020-04-15T07:27:15.896-07:00USING TIME WISELY
Detroit Harbor, Washington Island -
For several weeks now we've been home and indoors much of the time, for reasons having as much to do with weather as anything. There's still plenty of raking to do, and other spring yard work, should the temperatures warm up. Last night, the 20s brought skim ice in this corner of the harbor, and shaded ponds and hollows are still iced over. &Richard Purintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360432438615492240noreply@blogger.com1