That is Fosters Ship Chandlery dead ahead. The word chandlery originally referred to someone who made and sold candles. A ship chandlery though, provides provisions and all things required for ships.
Seeing Fosters put me in the mood for our excursion today. We toured Captain Cook Wharf, an area not normally open to the public, and admired the displays and entertainment provided there to celebrate the Ports of Auckland.
Come along and see the sights.
We're here at about 11 a.m. but there's already a good crowd.
I thought this was especially nice. They had several of these free stations around the wharf.
These are for the moving of shipping containers, of course.
How'd you like to start your work day by climbing that ladder?
Hmmm, a Yooper daydreams..."I wonder if they sell used ones?
Wha'd'ya think the Blue Book is on one of them anyway?
Wha'd'ya you suppose it gets per gallon?
I wonder how it corners?
I wonder if anybody ever really opened one of them up? Just to see what it can do?
Whoa, with four foot tires and eight-wheel drive, I could pay for it with the snow plowing jobs I could get.
I'd never have to worry about hitting a deer again, that's for sure.
Hey, I could enclose that and live it it too!
I wonder if it could be considered a deer blind? No good for bow season though, too long a shot.
....well, it be fun to have for sure, but building the garage would be a killer. Oh well.
And talk about working in high places.
The Navy had a ship on either side of the wharf.
Some entertainment
This took me back...Here, fire fighters are demonstrating a Jaws of Life.
I remember our Gourley Township Fire Department being called to a car accident late one hot summer night. A young couple was driving at high speed and didn't make a corner. The car went airborn and hit a large tree head on. The man was killed instantly. His girlfriend in the passenger seat survived, but barely. We were able to get her out of the wreckage but the jaws of life guys worked quite a while to free him from the metal crushed around him.
The Air Force was also represented.
Out in the harbour, a tug boat was having some fun.
He wasn't exactly hosing down the crowd at the end of the wharf, but his stream was close enough to them that they got some of the wind-blown spray from it's edges. It was a hot day; probably felt good.
Oh boy, another freebee They were handing out marinated and sauteed mussels.
The crowd is getting heavier. This area is lined with food stands along both sides. Jeanne bought a spicy sausage for lunch from a German couple at one of the booths. The guy identified us as Americans by our accents and proceeded to tell us how much he likes Trump. He was a bit of a character. He loudly predicted that Trump will win a second term with a landslide vote.
This Navy ship is leaving. The tugs get into position.
Meanwhile, across on Queens Wharf, a cruise ship rests.
It looks even longer from this angle.
Lifeboats have come a long ways from the old days.
Can you imagine the provisions, supplies, fuel, hardware and everything else that such a ship would require? Chandleries must be very busy places. -djf
What an impressive event! The ships, the food, the demonstrations and the people. That is so sad about your story on the jaws of life. Still, when I saw the demonstration done, I thought that it may save someone from meeting the same fate as that poor couple. That was an awful thing to see for you also. I know Fred has seen many in his towing days. You would not catch me climbing up any of your ladders or heavy equipment. It did not appear to have a porta potty so I certainly would not live in it. It looks a perfect outing. Thank you for sharing it. McKenzie
ReplyDeleteI really value the memories of my years as a fire fighter, but at times it was rather difficult. And it's nice to feel a connection to the people who are doing it today. Thanks for your comment.
DeleteSo what was the occasion to celebrate the 'Ports of Auckland' and open Captain Cook Wharf? It certainly looks to have the scale of a regional if not national holiday - and seems to highlight all the various civil servants and military branches.
ReplyDeleteAnd talking about scale - everything is so BIG - the equipment for loading and unloading the ships, the freight containers, and the vehicle things. I enjoyed your dissertation on a Yooper's daydreams - holy Wha! there's so many possibilities for that thing! but it certainly wouldn't be street legal anywhere as it wouldn't clear any overpass! (There's a very low overpass here in Lansing that trucks frequently get stuck under just like this one in New Jersey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWCQVKa_yLE )
But I digress.. Getting back to BIG - the cruise ship at Queen's wharf is a virtual 6 story hotel and resort! Do you know its point of origin like Sidney or Melbourne Australia? Nice as those lifeboats are - I can't imagine them holding all the people on a fully booked ship.
The sunscreen stations are such a thoughtful thing for mainly the tourists I think. I'm guessing they were mainly the ones without hats and not prepared for the intense sun.
Looks like you had a good time that day. Thanks for sharing it with us!
I don't really know what the occasion was. Auckland uses it's waterfront for all sorts of celebrations and such. Nor do I know anything about the cruise ship.
DeleteWe did have a great time. Thanks for the comment and the link.