Astoria, Oregon ~ November 26, 2012
Taken from upstairs, Doc's on 12th Street
The older pilot boat, Arrow 2 (left) doesn't get out as much as it used to. Although still plenty spry, its place has largely been taken over by the more modern and huskier Connor Foss on the right. When pulled up to a big ship, Connor looks capable enough, but she (she? Connor?) just does not have the romantic lines of the little Arrow. I suppose Arrow's era is passing. I don't know technically what Arrow lacks that Connor has, aside from youth, so if anyone can tell me, I'll be interested in finding out.
I love the look of the water. You can see how the rains have brought the mud down, and you can get a hint of some of the currents and turmoil beneath the Columbia's surface.
7 comments:
I love the old tug boats and when I hear the name Foss I picture the older style. But I do see the newer ones and they just don't look the same. Nice shot. MB
I love this photo and the way you've captured the movement of the water. This is one of my favorite spots on the waterfront in Astoria, mostly because of the pilot boats. :-)
Congratulations on a terrific post. Love the water, too. Powerful stuff! I know next to nothing about tugs (among other things) but I can't see why little Arrow is more romantic than husky Connor Foss. BTW, as I recall, all boats are "she's"...I think.
Lot of good energy in this shot!
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I like both boats, their lines are quite different from ours, but not so much. It is strange, but we use 'she' also for large aircraft carriers named after U.S. presidents...
I also sort of like the brownish color of the water. Reminds of cruising on the Amazon. These boats look well-maintained.
The Arrow is in the style of the traditional Columbia River gillnet boats and is also painted in the usual green. The other thing looks a little like an officious police boat. ugh thanks for the terrific photo and post.
Hi. Here is an excerpt from noted Astoria watercolor artist Noel Thomas: "The star attraction has always been the fluid dance of the Arrow II, out in every weather," Thomas said. "I've marveled at the elegance of her movements, her swoops from dock to shipside, hovering there at just the right speed for the safe exchange of the river and bar pilots. The sight and sounds of the Arrow II heading out, plus my admiration for her skippers, always gave my day a turn for the better." And finally, he noted, "With the retirement of the Arrow II, we have lost some of the romance, the mystique of the river. Farewell, Arrow II. I hope these paintings help keep some of that allure alive" He was featured recently at RiverSea Gallery with his "Ode to the Arrow II". Link: http://www.coastweekend.com/arts/noel-thomas-brings-back-iconic-pilot-boat/article_a8da9900-0eff-11e2-8981-0019bb2963f4.html
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