Musings

[garbear]

Yesterday morning, I went to the Duluth Canal Cam just in time to watch a glorious sunrise -- fog and clouds obscured the event along the St. Clair River. Through the day, I watched USCG Alder clearing ice (Wisconsin Point Cam); accessed the Harbor Cam to watch Kay E. Barker and tug North Carolina make their way to the fuel dock; saw USCG Mackinaw working to clear ice at Two Harbors (Two Harbors Cam); and then enjoyed a spectacular full moon rising over Lake Superior, as seen on the GLA Cam. If you don't already know about the series of Duluth/Superior/Two Harbors (and, hopefully this spring Silver Bay) webcams installed and maintained by Dennis O'Hara, you're missing out on great "almost like you're there" experiences 24/7 year 'round. Blessings to you, Dennis, and your many supporters -- from far and near -- who make it possible! http://www.duluthharborcam.com/

Watching the Mackinaw break ice in Two Harbors was spectacular. The way she handled the ice was great. Starting to get back into my Port Reports.

[Bookworm]

Yesterday morning, I went to the Duluth Canal Cam just in time to watch a glorious sunrise -- fog and clouds obscured the event along the St. Clair River. Through the day, I watched USCG Alder clearing ice (Wisconsin Point Cam); accessed the Harbor Cam to watch Kay E. Barker and tug North Carolina make their way to the fuel dock; saw USCG Mackinaw working to clear ice at Two Harbors (Two Harbors Cam); and then enjoyed a spectacular full moon rising over Lake Superior, as seen on the GLA Cam. If you don't already know about the series of Duluth/Superior/Two Harbors (and, hopefully this spring Silver Bay) webcams installed and maintained by Dennis O'Hara, you're missing out on great "almost like you're there" experiences 24/7 year 'round. Blessings to you, Dennis, and your many supporters -- from far and near -- who make it possible! http://www.duluthharborcam.com/

[Bookworm]

Today would have been my son, Michael's, 47th. birthday. I wanted to do something special to celebrate -- the idea of "Drink a beer in his memory" doesn't fly with me! But, I recalled our first trip to the St. Clair River, and sorted through old memory cards to find the (remaining) photos.
It had started out as a lighthouse tour and we were making good time until we crossed the Michigan state line. There, a road construction detour took us far off our intended route and it was getting dark before we found I-69. Hadley State Park provided a night of tent camping.
The next morning we continued east. When we got to Port Huron, Michael spotted a Lower Lakes vessel in lay-up at Point Edward (couldn't find the photo) and that ended lighthouse visits.
We crossed the Bluewater Bridges (before you needed tons of documentation), found our way to a good vantage point, got the shots we wanted, and drove south along the Canadian side of the St. Clair River.
Along the way we played "pass and catch up" with Algorail (nowhere to pull off and photograph her); came upon Algoeast at a Sarnia petroleum dock; watched Canadian (now Algoma) Transport at the Lambton facility; caught St. Clair up-bound; and returned to the US on the Walpole Ferry.
Here are the few photos I have from that trip, and the scene from across the river this morning.
I'll make the St. Clair River trip in warmer weather -- when ships are moving again.

[Bookworm]

For some absolutely awesome, amazing, and incredible videos of the beauty of winter, Dennis O'Hara has posted several breath-taking compositions from the Lake Superior Region on the Duluth Harbor Cam home page.

[Guest]

Earlier this week, as the USCG & CCG worked feverishly to clear the ice jam in the lower St. Clair River, someone shared a post, from another forum, which continues to gnaw on me. The commenter expressed obvious anger that the freighters were being allowed to move at all, as the results would surely be major damage to or destruction of private boat docks. Ok, if the ice jam was not broken up, surely it, too, would impact the private boat docks. And as for allowing the freighters to move, are those private docks more essential to the economy and public needs than the petroleum or other products they were carrying? Were the ships to anchor in place, with crew aboard, until the spring thaw? And finally, the St. Clair River has been a major shipping route for centuries. Should that be stopped because private citizens chose to buy land and build along its banks?

If I'm not mistaken, docks built into a navigable waterway by private individuals are not insurable. I would tend to believe that state and.or federal regulations give priority of marine traffic over private ownership of dock stretching into the river. Doesn't the landowners rights stop at the shoreline or public easement? If that is so, then the construction of docks into the river is done at the owner's risk.

[Bookworm]

Earlier this week, as the USCG & CCG worked feverishly to clear the ice jam in the lower St. Clair River, someone shared a post, from another forum, which continues to gnaw on me. The commenter expressed obvious anger that the freighters were being allowed to move at all, as the results would surely be major damage to or destruction of private boat docks. Ok, if the ice jam was not broken up, surely it, too, would impact the private boat docks. And as for allowing the freighters to move, are those private docks more essential to the economy and public needs than the petroleum or other products they were carrying? Were the ships to anchor in place, with crew aboard, until the spring thaw? And finally, the St. Clair River has been a major shipping route for centuries. Should that be stopped because private citizens chose to buy land and build along its banks?

[Bookworm]

On the day after Christmas, someone (not on Boatnerd) posted a photo of a ship with a Christmas tree on deck. Incredibly, someone replied that "It's the day after Christmas, they should take it down!"
Well, to me that indicated a vast lack of both knowledge and human kindness. First, our GL mariners aren't at home to enjoy the family tree in the weeks from set-up to take down. Cold and windy weather on the lakes has not been the greatest for decorating (or undecorating) decks so kudos to those who did. And, to the one who commented, you aren't out there. It isn't your boat. So mind your own business and let our mariners tend to theirs, doing the best they can to add a bit of festivity to a challenging job!

[Bookworm]

A quick trip to the river before daybreak -- to watch my favorite headed up-bound --led to an unexpected sighting of the cruise ship Hamburg, decked out in festive lights as she headed down-bound! Only a few minutes before, clouds parted revealing the moon and then high-level fog moved in obscuring even the towers of "Chemical Valley". Every trip to the river holds the possibility of adventure for me.

[Bookworm]

Ah, I had no idea how much I missed the sound of ship salutes on the river until I began hearing them again! The sound makes me feel really good and alive again!

[Bookworm]

Tomorrow, tomorrow, can't wait for tomorrow...oh those aren't the lyrics from "Annie," but they are for my song! Tomorrow the movers come to load my things and take them from Oscoda to my new St. Clair County home!
So, garbear, Denny, and anyone else who wants to hang out at the River Crab, Junction Buoy, Freighters, the Maritime Center, or my favorites, Denny's and Big Boy, just say when!

[Bookworm]

Yesterday I came back to my new home. As I drove through Tawas, saw one of the ASC ships at the gypsum dock but a street project had it blocked, so had to turn around . This morning one of my first projects was to hang a medium sized Interlake flag over the sun porch entry. Lots to do before move-in day but I'll check Boatnerd daily, as usual.

[Guest]

I second that garbear and send my congrats as well to Dawn on her new home and place of living. Glad to hear that you will be moving down to the Bluwater Area as I think you once lived here years ago if I am correct before moving further north? I am also happy to hear that you got to see the Lee A. Tregurtha as I know she’s your all time favorite. Just to ask Dawn though, have you ever been aboard her and taken a trip on her? Just curious and don’t mind me asking. A bit off subject but I saw the PRT at the Soo and told the tourists I’ve been following her for 26 years and know just about everything on her but never been on her yet! Their response to me was “Maybe I should consider writing or contacting Interlake and explaining to them my interest in the PRT and who knows what could happen?” That would be awesome though.

Incredibly, I had the opportunity to walk her decks at the Toledo CSX dock, in 2004. Seems like a dream now, but I have the pictures to prove it. As you can imagine, a trip on her would be a dream come true, but since 911, that's all but impossible. Winning a trip is one way, and being family of a crew person is another. Hmm, maybe one of them would adopt me as their grandma!

[Paul A]

Great news and congrats Dawn! Glad to hear you're getting back to the water.

[Denny]

I second that garbear and send my congrats as well to Dawn on her new home and place of living. Glad to hear that you will be moving down to the Bluwater Area as I think you once lived here years ago if I am correct before moving further north? I am also happy to hear that you got to see the Lee A. Tregurtha as I know she’s your all time favorite. Just to ask Dawn though, have you ever been aboard her and taken a trip on her? Just curious and don’t mind me asking. A bit off subject but I saw the PRT at the Soo and told the tourists I’ve been following her for 26 years and know just about everything on her but never been on her yet! Their response to me was “Maybe I should consider writing or contacting Interlake and explaining to them my interest in the PRT and who knows what could happen?” That would be awesome though.

[garbear]

Two weeks ago today, I came back to St. Clair county hoping to find an apartment but no luck. Then a friend recommended a retirement park in the area. As I drove through I saw one home with a FOR SALE sign in the window. I did a walk through on Tuesday morning.. made an offer almost immediately...and had the sellers acceptance by suppertime. Put a deposit down the next day, and the inspection was that Friday.. and I just closed within the hour. Should be moved in the middle of September. And the first ship I saw, in the early morning darkness was Lee A!

Congrats, Dawn. Now I know where I can visit if I ever make it back to my home state again;)

[Bookworm]

Two weeks ago today, I came back to St. Clair county hoping to find an apartment but no luck. Then a friend recommended a retirement park in the area. As I drove through I saw one home with a FOR SALE sign in the window. I did a walk through on Tuesday morning... made an offer almost immediately...and had the sellers acceptance by suppertime. Put a deposit down the next day, and the inspection was that Friday... and I just closed within the hour. Should be moved in the middle of September. And the first ship I saw, in the early morning darkness was Lee A!

[MarcE]

They got that 100% correct!

[Bookworm]

Algoma Central needs to know this:
Was in Alpena with some time to kill this afternoon, so explored the Besser Museum. Picked up a brochure titled, "What you can do about Aquatic Invasive Species." Perusing the contents, one suggestion was to make boaters aware that, "Invasive species can hitch rides on boats making for easy transport from one waterbody to another." In addition to a pleasure craft, I was astounded to see a thumbnail photo of what appears to be one of the Equinox ships with a tag, "barge" posted beneath it!

[Bookworm]

Going through my digital photos recently, I rediscovered this Detroit River Cruise photo from 2002.

[Paul A]

Nice jog of my memory of a very nice lady. I met "Lady pirate" on a Detroit River Boatnerd cruise in 07.