VE6AB Mobile Ops
Marine Mobile
Well technically maybe not a marine mobile, as I'm actually in the eastern Alberta badlands, crossing the Red Deer river on the Bleriot Ferry.
In this photo I am operating with the 10-80 meter gearmotor antenna seen mounted on the rear deck of my Av, one of the latest of the gearmotor antennas that I have designed and built in my home machine shop.
The Bleriot ferry that I am operating from may be the most famous ferry in Alberta if not beyond, as this ferry is steeped in history going back to the Alberta's origins when the ferry was first put into service.
At the time Andre Blériot originally from France moved to the nearby Orkney district. After living in the area for a while, and realizing that there was no where to cross the Red Deer river for many miles, he decided to build a small ferry that would later be commissioned in 1913.
Possibly he felt overshadowed by his brother Louis Bleriot, whom on the 25th of July 1909 made the first flight across the English Channel from France to England in an airplane (Blériot XI). This achievement is one of the most famous accomplishments of the pioneer era of aviation.
Originally when Andre operated the Bleriot Ferry, it actually was known then as the Munson Ferry. It was later changed to Bleriot in honour of Andre Blériot. The ferry links the two sections of the North Dinosaur Trail (Highway 838) as it crosses the Red Deer River from Kneehill County on the west, to Starland County on the east.
So if your ever in the Drumheller valley possibly visiting the Tyrell Dinosaur museum in Drumheller, you may want to take the time to drive up the valley, and cross over the Red Deer river on the Bleriot ferry.
Just so you know, this is not the original ferry (I'm sure you figured that out), but interestingly enough I first crossed the river on the predecessor to this ferry back many years ago when it held one or two cars at most, and it was mighty rickety looking!
At the time this ferry crossing was quite isolated (it still is!) with dirt roads in all directions. I'll have to dig the photo out that I shot all those years ago.
Meanwhile I'll continue working the bands as a marine mobile, well maybe not!
Click on the photo for a closer look.....
Another view from the ferry.....
http://www.jerryclement.ca/Outdoor-Pursuits/DawnThreader/i-xcp999R
