Freedom visits the Sault

Thanks to Linda of Sault Ste. Marie Convention and Visitors Bureau for these pictures and story. Linda maintains a great Facebook page under Sault Michigan. She has more area photos there.

The Navy Ship "Freedom" made it first maiden voyage after leaving the shipyard in Marietta WI. Sault Ste Marie was the very first stop it made on her way up to Duluth MN. She stopped here for about 4 hours. We were able to go on board the ship and meet the crew. She can go about 55mph and has a draft of 13.5 ft.

Scott Burtt with some of the crew members. It was an amazing experience for these children.



Mayor Bosbous and children and grandchildren of the welcoming committee with Commanding Officer Gabrielson.




The Commander if Don Gabrielson, CDR USN

Summer's End

October is a beautiful time on the St. Marys River. The maple trees of Sugar Island provide a beautiful backdrop for the blue ribbon of water of the river. My hydrangea bush is in its full glory. The white blooms are now turning pink. This bush was planted by my grandmother many years ago and was her favorite. It is my favorite also along with my sweet peas which are now done blooming.
Shipping still continues at a fast pace.
Unidentified tug and barge.

Coast Guard cutter

Have you ever seen the river looking more beautiful? Each season has its highlights and I hope you enjoy these photos taken by my husband.

Things to Do

Since I'm away from the river right now, I'm using the web to follow what's new on the St. Marys River and in the shipping industry.

The problems at the Poe Lock are making big news. Having the Poe Lock shut down emphasizes how dependent the shipping industry is on the this one lock that can handle 1,000 ships.
You can read about it at Another Poe Lock Problem Could Maroon 70% of the Great Lakes Fleet.

I also found a lighthouse festival in Alpena on greatlakesshipwatchers.com. You can read about it on Great Lakes Lighthouse Festival in Alpena.

While I am gone, I would appreciate hearing from my readers about what is happening on the river. Thanks

Wind Farm on the St. Marys River?

Wind Farm on Lake Superior at Gros Cap

I am down in Grand Rapids right now and found the St. Marys River mentioned on the front page of the Grand Rapids Press on Thursday, Sept. 25. In a story titled "That's one long extension cord" the Press tells about a Holland-area business man who owns 1,500 acres of property on the banks of the St. Marys River in DeTour and Raber townships.

The property could be home to a $140 million wind farm to generate energy for the Holland Board of Public Works.

The article goes on to say that Holland Mayor Al McGeehan and other city leaders could meet with Chippewa County officials next week to discuss the project while they are up north for a Michigan Municipal League convention.

With the Gros Cap wind farm fresh in our minds, it is important for Chippewa County residents to be aware of what is being proposed. Please let me know what you think about this!

Shipping News

There was a malfunction in the Poe Lock gate yesterday that delayed shipping for a few hours. The Poe Lock is the only lock large enough to handle 1,000 foot boats. This is how it was reported in the Duluth News Tribune.

Commercial shipping between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes was on hold for a few hours today after a malfunction of the Poe Lock in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.

The 1,200-foot-long lock’s gate malfunctioned at 9 a.m., and crews were called in to investigate with an underwater camera. Three ships were delayed while the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers worked to determine the cause of the malfunction.

Repairs were made by early afternoon, allowing normal vessel traffic to resume.

I found a great site for learning about the shipping industry-that is besides www.boatnerd.com.

News of the business side of shipping and many other interesting posts can be found at www.greatlakesshipwatchers.com.

You can subscribe to sites such as that makes it possible to get updates as they are published and you don't have to check the sites. If you need information on subscribing, let me know.

3 "Footer" Day & the Ojibway

I've returned to my river home after a brief trip away. The water level is higher than it was 10 days ago and we've lost more our our beach front-which is fine with us. The higher water level has to aid the shipping industry and we love that.

We saw three 1,000 foot ships today-Indiana Harbor, Presque Isle and the American Century. I took my granddaughters to Rotary Island and had the pleasure of seeing the Ojibway going down. A fellow boatwatcher said that there aren't many of those straight deckers left. He then explained that that means no self-unloading equipment. After all the boats I've watched, I did not know that term. What else out there don't I know that I should to be a good boat watcher? Let me know what you think is important to know or what you think I'm missing. Thanks

Opportunities for Museum Ships

The Valley Camp Museum Ship is one of our favorite spots to bring visitors to our cabin in the summer. Young and old love the chance to see a Great Lakes freighter. Plus, the Valley Camp has great exhibits including the lifeboat from the Edmund Fitzgerald and an aquarium of Great Lakes fish.
My grandson had a memorable visit there this summer.
Lack of tourists could mean auction block instead of dock for Duluth's Sundew

Boatnerd.com is reporting that a museum vessel in Duluth, the Sundew, is struggling to survive because of a low number of visitors. I visited Duluth in May and took this picture of the Sundew.

I received an email from a reader about another ship that has been taken out of service.

Brenda, I wondered if you knew this, But the Cleveland Steamship Company is looking for a museum or city to take the E.M. Ford for use as an exhibit. It is currently moored in Saginaw in use as a cement storage vessel. I wondered if you can maybe rattle some chains in the Soo, It would defiantly compliment the Valley Camp. I would hate to see such a historic vessel go to the scrapper's. No, I didn't take this picture today. There is no ice in the St. Marys River right now. I found this picture of the E.M. Ford on boatnerd.com.

Interesting thoughts. If we could develop our waterfront in the Soo to include more shipping related attractions, it would complement our historical walk on Water Street. Please share what your thoughts are on these ideas.