Gentleman...we salute you!

 End of a era, but still looking good nevertheless.....

When Transport Canada decided that Cyquabus I, had docked at GI for very the last time, it truly was the end of a era in Aquabus history. Since her launch by heavy crane from the Spyglass dock in 1995, the hardy original 12 passenger pontoon bike carrier has plowed the waves on the Hornby run for 15 straight years. No doubt she paid for herself countless times ever since. It seemed a sad ending to know that she has been destined for the scrap yard for a few hundred dollars after her loyal service.

Yet, with the addition of the latest Cyquabus duo on steroids: IV and V during the recent Olympics, these direct descendants has drastically changed the dynamics of ferrying passengers across the creek. This summer has demonstrated that with the addition of these two vessels, with their combined capacity to take 60 people, has changed the experience of those using our service before they even come aboard. The Olympic experience aside, up until last summer at peak events such as Canada Day, it was common to witness line ups stretching as far back as Johnston Street. With people waiting in the hundreds running along the Arts Club Theater, I often had to police the line until they could get onto the dock. This no longer happens, as lines are now reduced to the 50-70 range before these two mammoths arrive to load and go in rapid succession. Shorter waiting times for fare paying punters, means reduced opportunity for personal scream therapy at the expense of tourists on auto pilot......

Yet, that decision two years ago, to built not one but two new bigger Cyquabuses at the same time for Olympics, must have raised the pulse of both banker and owners alike. For who really knew what was going to happen during those 2 weeks in February? But based on a very savvy sense that the games wouldn't be a bust, it seems inconceivable today the mere idea of not having these two vessels in the fleet considering the bumper numbers this summer.

It sure looks good on a very canny and wise ownership who decided to really let it roll and came up trumps! And it couldn't be a more fitting tribute to Geoff Pratt on his recent 50th birthday. Heres to you sir and many more happy adventures together on the creek!

Uncle Ray has a fit......

'Haven't you given that up by now?' complains Uncle Ray.

Calming his nerves by bolting back yam fries into his leathery red cheeks by the dozen, every ones favourite Uncle is holding court at the 'backstage. He is re-telling the terror he faced as his steering went on his boat. In between discussing the finer points of navigational rights of disabled boats, I thrust that infamous promo card into his face.....No, Uncle Ray I won't give up riding the wave after bumping into me old mate: Micky Bubbles! Yes, he came across the creek again, and while he was keeping low-key under a baseball cap, he seemed genuinely happy when I gave him a copy as well. Wherever it constitutes celebrity stalking as I asked him to sign another card when he came back to the dock is debatable. But he did so with grace, and then proceeded to give away a strip of Aquabus tickets to a group on the dock. A classy gent for sure....like many along this fair creek.

Happy belated 50th Birthday Geoff!

For now.....

peeeaaaacccceeeee out sisters.......