Waverley and Balmoral

Here is a shot of Waverley I took from the IOW car ferry, she was returning from a trip around Portsmouth harbour yesterday 11/9.

 

Hopefully I will be on her next Friday

 

Yesterday we had a very good trip from Southampton to Swanage for the railway gala. I haven't changed my mind in general about the beer or catering but the bacon and mozzarella panini I had in the lower bar was OK and led me to discover a good range of malt whiskies. Next time I will forget the beer and sample more of the whisky. I am still trying to work out the controls of a triple expansion engine but thanks to the 2nd Engineer I am getting there. What a great crew this ship has.

Attached is a shot from Southampton last night. If it's not too good, blame the whisky.

Cheers
Alan

 

I must say the latest paddle wheels has some very nice pictures in it! ;-)

 

Pleased to say that Waverley was well loaded for todays trip.

The old girl also looked remarkable smart.

Jim S

 

Frank I cannot answer your question as I love steam in any form. I have previously enjoyed a trip on the Waverly from Bournemouth to Weymouth and return, on a day were the weather deteriorated so munch that she did not go to the Isle of White. I am also sad enough that I can recognise her when out walking on the Purbecks.

It is as if the only steam that people are interested in is either locomotives or traction engines. A single cylinder pump engine is pure magic to watch! The only magazine that would appear to have some interest in steam propelled ships/boats would appear to Old Glory. I know they did a long article on the Clyde Puffer many years ago.

I do wonder if it has something to do with what people have a vague memory of or what seems accessible. I am old enough to still remember when railways were the only means of distance travel in this country for most people. Also there are no popular children's story books about paddle steamers.

 

Like TBFrank said, please don't take the following the wrong way. It is intended to help find the answer to what I agree is a puzzling question.

I love steam boats too, as much as steam locos in fact! Never been on one though. I suppose the reason may be that there aren't any within easy reach of the Cambridgeshire fens that offer a public service. Or are there?

Perhaps steam boatists need to publicise their pastime a bit more. If I want to see or ride behind a steam loco, I can easily find any number of railways where they operate, and the times they are running. Where do I go for similar information about steam boats?

I sometimes visit the Steam Boat Association website (http://www.steamboat.org.uk/index.htm), which I assume represents the movement. It's a nice looking site but I do think a degree in something must be a requirement to negotiate it. (I go there mainly to look at the descriptions and photos of steam boats but these are not easy to find and, when I do find them, I can't find my way back to the home page again!)

There is a list of events on the SBA website, but these appear to be members-only events. Perhaps there are other steam boat websites that I've missed, ones aimed more at the general public?

Publicity, publicity, publicity! That's the key.

 

Waverley sails from Southwold tomorrow and from other East Anglia ports through early October.

See http://www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk/thames.htm

Cheers
Alan

 

Thanks, Alan.

I knew of steam boats offering trips in the Lake District and on Loch Katrine but wasn't aware there were some much nearer my locality.

In fact it was only through this thread that I became aware of the existence of Waverley and Balmoral, so the publicity is working!

 

Anyone know what time she will enter sight at Southwold (leaves at 10am) where is she staying over night etc.
Looking forward 2 it but have no camera :-(

 

The SBA is basically an association for those who own and operate small(ish) privately owned steamboats. Nothing to do with operating or promoting the bigger boys, that's their own job!

 

Wow what a fantastic ship, the weather was perfect at Southwold

left about 20 mins late with great loadings (must of been full)

Photos Monday

 

A pleasant surprise this morning to see the distinctive shape of Waverley moored up at Tower of London pier as I walked across Tower Bridge to work.

Regards,

Dan

 

Well last trip tomorrow from Great Yarmouth, I'll miss it but hope to go to the open day at Forncett steam museum to get my fix!

 

Enjoy ! I have had my last paddle this year . . . roll on 2010.

Chris

 

Booked into the Tower Bridge hotel Friday night - then its Arrochar, and the QM2 sailings on the Clyde the following weekend.

 

Enjoy the QM2 . . . I was hoping to go but duty at work.

 

Waverley tied up at Greenock at 11.30 this morning

 

Sorry about the delay, here are some southwold pictures.

http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1521001
http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1521007

 

Does anyone have any pictures or the know how off what goes on below decks of this fine Paddle Steamer??