On the blocks!

The previous post showed the barkentine Gazela in position in the graving dock. Today we take a look at her on the blocks. These photos are large on purpose. They’re excellent eye-candy for people who appreciate all things nautical. Let’s start with the long view:

Sailing vessel Gazela on the blocks at the former Philadelphia Navy Yard.

Sailing vessel Gazela on the blocks at the former Philadelphia Navy Yard.

Moving closer, here’s a dramatic view of the bow.

Bow of the Gazela in the graving dock at former Philadelphia Navy Yard.

Bow of the Gazela in the graving dock at former Philadelphia Navy Yard.

And here’s a view of the stern:

Looking up at the stern of Gazela on the blocks at former Philadelphia Navy Yard.

Looking up at the stern of Gazela on the blocks at former Philadelphia Navy Yard.

And finally here’s a view from above of both Gazela and the lightering barge.

Gazela and barge in graving dock at former Philadelphia Navy Yard.

Gazela and barge in graving dock at former Philadelphia Navy Yard.

Now the work begins, repairs and refits. Keeping any vessel afloat is lots of work. The reward is in the sail afterward. Stay posted for more updates. (For those interested, these photos were taken with a Nikon D810 and 17-35mm lens.)

Published in: on July 31, 2015 at 4:36 pm  Comments (1)  
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In position…

The previous post showed the bottom of the graving dock in the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Today we take a look at the square rigger, Gazela in position over the blocks.

GazelaDockFloat

Gazela in the graving dock at Philadelphia Navy Yard.

Notice the aircraft carrier in the background. Here’s another look at the team positioning the stern over a buoy so they know the keel will land squarely on the blocks.

Crew checks the position of Gazel's stern while as the graving dock is emptied.

Crew checks the position of Gazel’s stern while as the graving dock is emptied.

I hope to get back soon, taking photos of the ship high and dry. It will be interesting to see the hull shape as well as observe the repairs and refit that will be underway.

Published in: on July 29, 2015 at 8:07 pm  Comments (1)  
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Behind the dam…

Well, it’s not exactly a dam, but rather a coffer dam, or a door, or the thing that holds back the Delaware River at the former Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. Take a look at this photo:

The coffer dam of a graving dock at the former Philadelphia Naval Shipyard.

The coffer dam of a graving dock at the former Philadelphia Naval Shipyard.

Click on the photo for a larger version, and count the numbers on the left, indicating feet above the bottom. Then imagine all the water that thing is holding back. If it lets go, you’re going to get deluged by the full force of the river. Thanks to a friend, I was able to check out the laying of keel blocks in this graving dock. More posts to follow, hopefully, showing the vessel on the blocks, which is an amazing thing in its own right.

Published in: on July 24, 2015 at 5:04 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Cheeseburger!

Sometimes you crave those comfort foods that really hit the spot. For me, it too often is the cheeseburger, as you see in this glorious example:

Cheeseburger as enjoyed at The Classic Diner, Malvern, PA, USA.

Cheeseburger as enjoyed at The Classic Diner, Malvern, PA, USA.

And check out those onion rings, perfectly battered and fried. Wow. All this, and more, enjoyed with ice-cold Coca-Cola at The Classic Diner, Malvern, PA, USA>

Published in: on July 22, 2015 at 4:52 pm  Leave a Comment  
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