Boatnerd Discussion Forum

There are usually a few Boatnerds around. I used to go up for the last day or so of the season, mainly to try and catch the ice breakers in action. It is less predictable than opening day, since the shipping companies don't want their ships stranded on the wrong side of the locks over the winter. So they usually build in a day or two of leeway into their schedules. Which often means the last freighter will pass through a day or so before the official closing.

And of course there has been at least one recent season where the US ACE extended the season.

Finally don't forget it can be cold. I walked out of my motel room one closing day to windy conditions and -20 degree F temps. Just another day of boat watching.

Don't know about the last ship of the season as far as any groups but, definitely there is for the first ship of the season. At the Soo, the Visitor Center is open on March 25 every year to welcome the first ship and there is always a large group in attendance there.

Are there any groups that meet to watch the last ship go through the Soo locks for the season? Would really love to do that for this season.