The Chi-Chemaun

It might strike you as odd since we've ridden the Chi-Cheemaun many times (in the distant past), but when you travel on the ship, you don't get to see it from the outside!  This was our chance, so I scooted back around the popular 'Little Tub' harbour, and found the path leading through to the ferry docks.  They were just about to start loading, but I rode around the back of the vehicle lines and on toward the ship.

I finally got to where I could see the ship, but I was still separated from it by a wide parking lot.  I had waited for the off-loading cars to pass, and the loading vehicles were behind me.

I crossed that wide parking lot, and looked for a way beyond.  At this point Mrs. F.G. joined me and we moved closer.  You can see the beautiful artwork on the ship from here.

You can see the full ship here, from the low stern at the left to the raised bow at the right.  This is a 'drive-on-drive-off ferry, where cars load into the bow and leave via the stern once they reach Manitoulin Island, and the reverse for the return trip.

The Chi-Cheemaun is known for its giant decal illustrations; yes these are decals, not paint.  Even the smoke stack is painted in indigenous patterns.  The name 'Chi-Cheemaun' itself means 'big canoe' in Ojibwe and was suggested by Donald Keeshig of Neyaashiinigmiing, known in the past as Cape Croker.

The artwork on the Chi-Cheemaun is in the Woodland style of indigenous art, with its bright colours and dark outlines.  This iconic style of painting was developed by Norval Morrisseau based on hearing legends told by the elders.

The explosions of colour on the bow of the ship has become the iconic image of the Chi-Cheemaun.  This is actully a picture of the ship loading; you can just see the outline of the roof of a dark car entering the hold of the ship.

I've always wondered what the view from the bridge would be like.  I presume the Captain was looking down on me here.

And I leave you with yet another selfie from this our very successful trip to Tobermory.