Upcoming Tour with Spike Mike

Special Reports on USS Texas BB~35 Dreadnought. .

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Linnea
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Upcoming Tour with Spike Mike

Post by Linnea » 04-21-2006 03:34 AM

Hey, Spike Mike. If you're going to be conducting a special invitation tour - post up the notice and the pics here.

Haven't heard too much lately about the restoration project. Need an update.

The Battle of San Jacinto:
http://www.lsjunction.com/events/jacinto.htm

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Post by Cpt Spike Mike » 04-24-2006 08:59 AM

Well Linnea, we do have this going on. A dove built a nest of one of the 2Omm gun mounts, foredeck, starboard side. In each gun station there are two guns, surrounded by an enclosed oval of steel called a "splinter shield". But we still have to "caution off" the gun itself, as not-so-bright people ignore the 'DO NOT CLIMB" (painted in bright white) and try to get up close.

Ship historian Rusty Buxtom said the mother dove was trying to nest on one of the 3-inch guns, but decided this was better. I'm just wondering what it says about attendance? :)

And I've got my contacts poised to call the day they hatch. :cool:

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Post by Iris » 04-24-2006 06:38 PM

Cpt Spike Mike wrote: A dove built a nest of one of the 2Omm gun mounts...
Now there's a strong message! :D
We must, indeed, all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately. B. Franklin

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Post by HurricaneJoanie » 04-24-2006 07:42 PM

Iris wrote: Now there's a strong message! :D


:) :cool: :)
It's either real or it's a dream, There's nothing that is in between. ~ Jeff Lynne

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Post by Linnea » 04-24-2006 09:57 PM

:)

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Post by megman » 04-24-2006 10:35 PM

It should read: The upcoming tour with Spike and ZZ TOP!!!:D :cool:

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Post by Cpt Spike Mike » 04-24-2006 11:18 PM

STill waiting for an e-mail Megman, but hopeful. :cool:

And yes Iris, I've noted that in e-mails I've sent, saying I hope it was a good omen to have a dove (a symbol of peace) nesting on a former warship. :)

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Post by Iris » 04-24-2006 11:23 PM

I love how you have that area roped off to give mama and papa a chance to raise their wee ones in peace, Mike. Warms the cockles of me heart. ;) Great pic, too. I always enjoy your photos.
We must, indeed, all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately. B. Franklin

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Post by Cpt Spike Mike » 04-24-2006 11:53 PM

Iris, you should see the big, burly deckhands shooing away the curious public. Nothing like a sweaty guy, wearing a welding hood, brushing someone off like a mother hen. :eek: :D

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Post by Lockhart77 » 04-25-2006 12:54 AM

Cpt Spike Mike wrote: Iris, you should see the big, burly deckhands shooing away the curious public. Nothing like a sweaty guy, wearing a welding hood, brushing someone off like a mother hen. :eek: :D
:D :cool:
"there are moments when, even to the sober eye of reason, the world of our sad humanity may assume the semblance of a Hell"
Edgar Allen Poe

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Post by Cpt Spike Mike » 05-01-2006 03:50 PM

So far, the mother dove appears to be doing fine and might be acclimating to the public. Her she is sitting in the sun; we could easily walk up on her and take pictures with the camera resting on the oval splinter shield surrounding the gun position.

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Post by Cpt Spike Mike » 05-01-2006 03:52 PM

A wider shot: maybe she thinks the caution tape is some type of force field? :D

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Post by Cpt Spike Mike » 05-01-2006 04:08 PM

Here's an example of the splinter shield. This is from a Hard Hat Tour, October of last year: The splinter shield is the large oval encircling two 2O-mm guns (the left gun is not visible in this shot). This is the portside foredeck, and the nest is on the starboard gun in the same position as the one shown in the photo.

They are fully enclosed, with the ugly "KEEP OUT" painted in white on the side. They were not originally enclosed: the inside facing wall was added for public safety. You'd be suprised how many people walk along the main deck looking up, and bang thier head into a gun.

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Post by Shirleypal » 05-01-2006 11:17 PM

Great thread and pictures, love the ones of Mama Dove, it is my understanding that Doves (love birds) mate for life.
I am trying to picture these big burly guys shooing people away, how sweet.

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Post by Cpt Spike Mike » 05-06-2006 11:44 PM

Still no e-mail on the private tour. It's sad when Texas' most prominent citizens don't see her seriously for what she is.

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