Using Technology to Follow Great Lakes Shipping

I have been writing this blog for many years although I have fallen off in the number of posts in the past several years because we no longer own our cabin on the St. Marys River.  It has been painful to post about shipping because I miss the cabin so much.

However, I still follow shipping closely.  The use of technology allows me to see what boats are in 'the system'.

I use an app called MarineTraffic.  They call themselves the "World's #1 ship tracking app!"

I have found it to be accurate and time sensitive.  It's capabilities are much greater than I need.  It covers world-wide shipping.  But that came in handy recently when I was visiting Tampa, Florida and saw a ship in the harbor.  I was able to identify it using the app.

What apps do you use to help inn enjoying Great Lakes Shipping?  I'd love to hear from you.

Email me at Saultboatwatcher@gmail.com

Regards and happy viewing,
Brenda

Using Technology to Track Great Lakes Boats

Are you a real boat enthusiast?  Is it important to you to know what boats are arriving at your favorite viewing spot?

If you answered yes to either of those questions, then you may want to use your cell phone or tablet to enable you to get up-to-date reports on where the Great Lakes freighters are located. 


Marine Traffic Ships and Wind -My favorite app for boat watching.  The app is available through the App Store for iPhones and iPads.  Although it is $3.99 which is a high price for an app, the price is worth it if you want the latest information that is easy to access on boat position and information.

App Store spot for Marine Traffic Ships and Wind.  $3.99

Marine Traffic Ships and Wind has world-wide coverage but allows you to zero in on your area of interest.  You can also set alerts by ship name and then you will be notified of the movements of your favorite boats.

 

St. Marys River is the area I want to watch. 

Marine Traffic Ships and Wind has a bonus-beside position information-there is additional information available for each boat.  The following two examples are from the Algoma Olympic. 

Clicking on a specific boat gives you a photo, opportunity to follow boat and basic particulars

Information on boat specifics, latest ports and destinations, draft and speed

 Information junkies will thrive on this app.  Everything you wanted to know as well as a photo.

I'd love to hear how you follow the boats.  Share with me in comments below or email to saultboatwatcher@gmail.com

Roger Blough Arrives in Sault 4-7-2014

The Roger Blough arrived in Sault Ste. Marie on Monday, April 7, 2014, just as I arrived there with my family including my grandchildren.  Two of them are interested in watching the boats and were excited to be part of this day.  The Blough was the first upbound commercial boat of the season.

The Blough was accompanied by the USCG Mackinaw and the Canadian Coast Guard Pierre Radisson.

The Roger Blough continued her trip through the Soo Locks and waited for a convoy to proceed up to Lake Superior.  The convoy consisted of the Edwin H. Gott,  Edgar B. Speer, Steward J. Cort and Sam Laud left the Sault midweek.  But the sailing was tough going.  On Thursday the Blough sustained damage of a 3' crack in her quarter. She is currently on her way back to the Sault following the Mackinaw.  The Blough will stop at the Carbide dock for assessment of the damage.

An enthusiastic group of boatwatchers was on hand to greet the Blough.  The ice in the St. Marys River had to be pushed out of the way so the Blough could move up to the dock.

Coal Pile

Last month I wrote about the controversy surrounding a mysterious black substance

that was piled on the Carbide Dock in Sault Dte. Marie, Michigan. The pile turned out to be coal which is needed for the production of steel at the plant across the St Marys River. The seasonal closing of the Soo Licks made it impossible for the lake freighters to reach the steel plant which sits about a mile away but on the other side of the Soo Locks. 

I checked out the coal today. Although the pile is larger than when I last saw it, local residents tell me it is steadily becoming smaller. Trucks are transporting the coal across the International Bridge. 

I was out taking photos for a story about architecture in the Soo when a string of trucks took my attention. 

These trucks are lining up to be filled with coal. It takes 7 scoops from a front-end loader to fill both trailers and the process takes 10 minutes. This goes on 24/7 all week. 

This process is pumping extra money into the local economy including over $140,000 in Bridge tolls alone. 

Portage Avenue's west bound lane is dark black as well as evidence of coal dust in the adjoining snow banks. I hope that is the extend of the environmental impact on our area and the precious, clean condition of the St. Marys River. 

January at the Soo

I'm on my way home after a short trip to Soo to spend time with my parents. It was bitterly cold yet beautiful while we were there. I thought you would enjoy some photos. 

There was an interesting controversy happening in the Soo this week. We noticed some huge piles at the Carbide dock. They appeared to be coal. But later I read in the Evening News that perhaps it was pet coke. Pet coke is more hazardous than coal. I know both Chicago and Detroit are struggling with disposal of huge amounts of pet coke. I had real concerns about pet coke sitting next to our  precious St. Marys River. 

I contacted Jeff Stafanski , a city commissioner and received the following reply this morning. 

Dear Brenda

    It is not petcoke that is pile at the dock.  It is just normal coal going to Essar Steel across the river.  The ice got thick and the ships could not deliver past the locks.  It is safe coal from west virginia that was delivered to Sandusky Ohio then brought here.  It is being hauled across the bridge in covered trucks , there is no harm to people , pets or they would have had to close for 2 months which could have had a impact on both communities.  The City also gets paid a rate on the tonnage of material that is dropped off at the dock, which goes to a fund repairs to the old Carbide dock.  Also a Michigan based trucking company is hauling it too.  I hope this settles any concerns you may have and thank you for contacting me.

 

  Jeff Stefanski

That is good news.

The shipping season is done. I stopped by the Locks Park. The sidewalks were cleared into the park but there wasn't much to see. 

Thank You to Lake Superior

We woke during the night to find the curtains blowing almost out straight and rain coming in.  We quickly got up to close all the windows in the cabin.  A new weather system had moved in.  Thank you Lake Superior for providing the cool air after several days of heat and humidity.

 In the morning we were greeted by mayflies.  Obviously a hatch had occurred overnight and the sides of our cabin, car and any other flat surface was covered with these insects.

The seagulls had also noticed the mayflies and a large flock was congregating out front to eat the buffet.  Either that or they were making plans for the day by deciding whether to go to Clydes or West Pier for a day's feasting.

 Most of the day was damp, windy and cold.  We stopped at Karl's Cuisine and had a grilled three cheese sandwich and tomato basil soup-perfect food for a fall-feeling day.

We arrived home just as the sun was peeking out and before long the thick cloud cover had blown away and the nicest part of the day arrived.  It is now 65 degrees with an almost cloudless sky.

There was a special treat on the river this afternoon.  Paul R. Tregurtha and Hon. James L. Oberstar passed out front.  They each sounded a salute.  I never tire of witnessing this.

We also saw the Edwin H. Gott at the Locks while eating at Karl's.  I keep a log of the boats I see and I've done that for years.  Actually it is a hobby I started as a youngster.  I wish I had kept those logs books from the 50's, but I didn't.  I know it is slightly obsessive but it is something I enjoy.  If you ever have questions about what's happening in the lower St. Mary's River, be sure to ask.  I would be glad to share whatever information I have.

Happy boat watching

Sault Boat Watcher

"Every Town Erases Its History"

"Every town erases its history".  Professor James Moody of  Lake Superior State University explained why it is important to document our history before it disappears.

Moody was speaking at the Central United Methodist Church in downtown Sault Ste. Marie as part of the Celebrate with the Historic Churches program held every Monday during July and August.

I have always enjoyed these programs for the peek inside our beautiful churches as well the as the informative programs and concerts.

Professor Moody summarized the past 400 years in a program interspersed with personal accounts of citizens from the past.

The Soo has had a long history with the military starting with American troops that came here during the War of 1812 to burn the house of John Johnston for his support of the British.

There have been three Fort Brady forts starting with a wooden palisade fort.  The third location was on the hill where Lake Superior State University is located.

During the Cold War, Kincheloe Air Force Base housed atomic bombs-possibility 20 of them.  They were loaded on the B-52's and used to maintain the  stand-off with the Russians.

During my high school years I worked as a waitress at Woolworth's in the Soo.  I have no pictures of the store or the lunch counter (although it is firmly in my mind).  Now the store is closed and there is no Woolworths in the Soo.  Professor Moody is right. 

This morning there was a beautiful sunrise here on the St. Marys River.  This sight only lasts a few minutes.  I had to get out there during those few minutes to get the picture.

It is the same with our history.  It is always changing, although slower than a sunrise, but we need to document  to help us remember.  We don't know what will be important to remember 40 years from now.  I did not know that a Woolworth's lunch counter would be important to our country's civil rights struggle.  I would love to be able to show my grandchildren pictures of where I worked and explain that another Woolworths made a difference to our country.

Enjoy your today but save it for tomorrow.

Sault Boat Watcher

Rock Cut-A Great Boatwatching Site

 We have had another week with guests from out of town.  It is always fun to see them become boat watchers.  When they first arrive, they are surprised to see such big boats right out front of our cabin.  As we begin to explain about the boats-that each one has an interesting name & that they all look different.  They are different colors, carry different cargoes, and are different lengths.  I can begin to see a new 'boatnerd' begin to sprout.  By the time they leave, the are true 'boatnerds'-watching and asking about each ship.

We always take them to other locations to get a closer look at the boats.  Usually that means Clydes Drive-in or the Locks.

 But this week, we headed south from our cabin to the Rock Cut.  The Rock Cut is just south of Barbeau, a small community located at 15 Mile Road and Scenic Drive. 

The Rock Cut is the down bound channel on the east side of Neebish Island.  It was literally cut out of rock.  My grandfather always talked about working on the cut and I believe that was around the 1920's.  I'll have to look into that!




The weather has been picture perfect this past week. The day time temperatures have been moderate and the evenings very cool-in the 50's.  That makes great sleeping weather.  We have been treated to a full moon this past week.  The moon has been rising over Sugar Island around 10 pm in its orange glory. 

These last shot was taken at Lake Superior State University.  I attended the 65th Class Reunion of the Sault High School Class of 1946.  I went with my father.  This is a beautiful spot to catch a view of the International Bridge and the east side of Sault Ste. Marie.

First Fall-Like Storm

We traveled up to the Soo on Thursday evening. Our plan was to avoid the heavy traffic of the weekend and it worked well. As we were coming close to Gaylord on Alba Road, we spotted this beautiful rainbow. I wonder if the farmer who works this big farm noticed found the pot of gold that must have been in his field. This is a u-pick strawberry farm that always looks so well-maintained to me. So I guess this field is a pot of gold for the owner.

The weather has been really interesting since we got here. We arrived in a very heavy rainstorm on Thursday night. The rain continued off and on all during the night. Our yard is too wet to mow which it really needs. There is standing water all around.

Yesterday we did get to see some boats. Thursday night and Friday morning there were 3 thousand footers. The Edgar B. Speer was out front when we arrived. The Indiana Harbor passed during the night and then the American Spirit was headed up Friday morning.

As we headed to town, we saw the Roger Blough getting supplies from the supply boat before heading down the river.

Friday morning was beautiful sunshine but later in the afternoon the rain returned and soaked everything again. Last night we were going to my brother's and saw this beautiful sunset. We were traveling west on 7 Mile Road near Nicolet Road.

The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning for today calling this the first fall-like storm of the season. That is a very accurate description of what it feels like this morning. The northwest wind is blowing at 15 mph with gusts up in the 40's. This picture below shows how the wind has pushed out the water. Yesterday that small boat was sitting in the water and today it isn't. The temperature is 47 right now.
There haven't been any boats by since last night. It seems most of them are taking shelter and staying out of Superior because of the winds. I learned on Facebook that the power was out in part of the Soo last night but so far we have been fine here. I'm loving the weather because I don't usually get to experience fall storms because after Labor Day I have to return to southern Michigan and go back to work. So this year I'm still here. But it probably won't be so nice when I go to the Chippewa County Fair in a hour to see our friends show their Belgium horses.

Spectacular Sunrise

We had a spectacular sunrise over Sugar Island this morning. The sun is coming up later now and so I get to see it more often. In June, the day was breaking between 5 and 5:30 AM and that was just a bit too early for life here at the Cabin. Back home, when I'm working, I'm up and out to run or walk by that time. I have my walking friends and my running buddy and so I get out most days of the week. But the sun is making her appearance around 6 AM now so I am getting to enjoy it.

My bedroom faces the river so the first thing I saw this morning, after my eyes focused, was the sun above the Edwin H Gott as she silently slipped up the St. Marys River which was as smooth as glass. There were a few wisps of fogs sitting on the water. This makes one of those mornings I would like to hang on to all year but with everything in nature, it is fleeting and gone in a few short minutes.

Yesterday, I observed the Burns Harbor before leaving the cabin for a day in the Soo. I saw the Canadian Olympic entering the Locks while going to Pullar Stadium for the annual Chili Cook-off for the United Way. It was a great time and so wonderful to see a community event so well-supported by many Soo citizens. You wouldn't believe the many different kinds of chili in just three categories-hot, mild and white.

I'm off on a new adventure this morning. We're heading home to Caledonia so I can get ready for this weekend. I'll be attending the NASCAR race at Michigan International Speedway as a reporter. I will be representing the website Insider Racing News.com. I've been writing a weekly column for them since February 2008 and I'm really looking forward to this time at the track. I will keep you posted how it goes. I'll also be posting on Facebook under Brenda Hoath Benedict and Twitter under twitter.com/nascarfaithful.

Bill, can you keep us posted about boat traffic for the next week. I'll also be working for three days while we're home. I'm a literacy coach for Grand Rapids Public Schools. This is a part-time job where I assist classroom teachers as they work to build the reading and writing schools of their students. My work has mainly been in three Hispanic elementary schools which I just love. This next year is still up in the air because I'm working under a grant and every year is different.

One last thought this morning. Yesterday Tom and I saw the movie Julie and Julia. I loved it, of course, because it was about blogging. Tom found it a little slow moving (meaning no car chases or killing) but thought it was ok. Have any of you seen it? I'm going out to get Julia Child's book-Mastering the Art of French Cooking as soon as a Barnes and Noble comes into sight!

Enjoying Boat Watching

I was sent a direct tweet from Michael Purvis, a reporter for the Sault Star, and someone I follow on Twitter. He alerted me to an article in a Fort Wayne newspaper/website titled "Boatnerd reveals childhood obession." You might enjoy reading the reporter, Jeff Jones, reactions to a recent visit to the Soo Locks. Jones stated, " There’s something so indescribably tranquil about sitting beside the water, listening to the waves crash against the beach, the cries of seagulls and the quacking of ducks."

It is always fun to see how people enjoy the boats and their wonder and excitement at seeing them for the first time. When we introduce visitors to our cabin to the boats, it usually takes about a day and a half and they are hooked. They are out watching for what is coming up the river and I often see them looking in Know Your Ships for more information on the sighting.

Jeff Jones says that

"Many years ago, before I was 10, my grandparents had a summer cottage at DeTour Village, next to Lake Huron, where the big freighters would pass either to or from the Soo Locks at Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.

While the boats were at a great distance from the cottage, a telescope enabled the grandchildren to zoom in and read each ship’s name. At night, reading the names was impossible, but we could still see ship lights in the darkness."

Many of us started our boat nerd obsession at some place along the river where we watched ships as a child. For many of us it was at our grandparent's cabin. I loved having my grandchildren here last week because I hope to pass on this 'obsession' to them.

I'd like to hear your stories about where your love of boats or the St. Marys River or just the Upper Peninsula began. Please share them with us.

The boat traffic has been light but rather steady. The Clelia II is making her trips right on schedule. Last night, a full moon rose over the river and gave us a spectacular show. I always look forward to the full moons during the summer. The show this year was perfect.

I saw the Lee A. Tregurtha in the Locks last night. Because of the technology of my new phone, I snapped a picture and sent it to Facebook. Are you on Facebook? There are lots of boat watchers and people who are on the boats. The sailors are sharing lots of great pictures from their travels that I am loving. If you need any assistance navigating Facebook, just send me an email at saultboatwatcher@gmail.com.

Thanks, Brenda

Cruise Ships & River Traffic

Clelia II, I wrote about this ship in a previous post. Sounds like a great trip.

Grand Mariner, a vessel of the American Canadian Caribbean Line cruises the Great Lakes during the summer. Their schedule shows some very interesting trips. The itinerary looks interesting but pricey.


Today's pictures were taken by Bill K., the faithful reader and commenter. Bill enjoys boat watching from the Soo and is great at keeping us updated when I'm away.

Yesterday we were home all day working in the yard. I think weeds grow faster and taller here in the north. I was working on the seawall we have that is made of rocks. It was full of weeds at least two feet tall. Luckily, the roots don't grow deep which makes them easy to pull. However, the sheer number of them is overwhelming.



Yesterday's ships that I saw were:
Upbound
Cedarglen
H. Lee White
John J. Boland
Cason J. Calloway
American Integrity
Downbound
Indiana Harbor
Gordon C. Leitch
Presque Isle
Paul R. Tregurtha

Early Morning Fog and American Integrity

I awoke yesterday morning with a headache and I didn't even have to open my eyes to know that we were fogged in. I don't know why that happens but it frequently does. (The headaches from the fog, I mean). The fog hung on all the many webs that are outside every morning. But the fog quickly lifted and we had a beautiful day with the breeze coming off the river and making it perfect.




Last night was my two oldest grandkids last night here at the cabin. Today I'm taking them back down state to their parents. There will be more trips with more kids later this summer. But as a treat for the day we went to Clyde's for dinner. Clyde's in a drive-in restaurant right at the best boat watching spot around here.

We were watching the Sugar Island ferry and marveling about what life on an island must be like. The kids were amazed that the school bus crosses every day to pick up the students.

Just then a small Border Patrol boat was speeding up the river, probably ending the day and heading back to port. They suddenly stopped and turned around. We watched as they fished a huge log out of the river-it took two men to pull it in. For a minute, we thought we might be observing some act of international intrigue but I guess it was just a log.

The American Integrity made a beautiful sight coming up the river.


Jay, my 9 year old grandson, even got the captain to wave to him. But who could resist such an enthusiastic boat watcher.





It was a great close to a fun day to watch the American Integrity sail off into the sunset.

Father's Day

Thanks to Bill K. who is commenting and filling in the ship passages when I'm busy. Bill, I'm going to be away for a few days. I really would appreciate if you could keep us up to date on what boats pass by this week.

Yesterday, the Federal Elbe passed down when my family was here for Father's Day. I love this shot. It combines lots of things I love.

Besides the boats Bill listed from yesterday, I've seen the Montrealais, the American Century going down early this morning. Actually, our house guest Bonnie, spotted the boats, used the binoculars and Know Your Ships to identify them and left notes on my computer. We're making a boatnerd out of her very quickly.

Bonnie and I are making a cross Upper Peninsula trip this week to explore bookstores. Bonnie works for a college textbook company and will be calling on clients. I'm going along to help explore the UP. I'm hoping to post during the week. If not, I hope we hear from Bill.

USCG Cutter Mackinaw

The United States Coast Guard cutter Mackinaw just went down after spending the night in the Soo. You can see it is still a bit foggy but it was a beautiful sight.

We have a Czar!

I just read that President Obama has appointed Cameron Davis from Chicago to be the Great Lakes czar. The South Bend Tribune has a good article, "Czar a gain for the Great Lakes".

I returned to our cabin last night after being downstate to take care of some family business. Ship traffic has been slow according to the neighbors but I saw three ships last night.
CSL Niagara and Vaasarborg were headed down around 9:30 PM and the Paul R. Tregurtha was up just after dark. I heard them call in on the scanner and then enjoyed seeing the lights from the 1,000 footer passing out front in the dark.

The only traffic this morning has been the Niagara Spirit upbound around 6:30 AM. A small U.S. Coast Guard vessel was out front for a bit this morning but other than those two, it has been very quiet.

The river is calm this morning but the level is quite a bit higher than last year.

My friend, Bonnie, from Caledonia is coming up next week. She is in college textbook sales and is making a trip across the Upper Peninsula to call on clients. We have decided to make an adventure out of it. I'm going to accompany her all week. She will work in the mornings and we will explore in the afternoon and evenings.

Do you have any suggestions for sights or activities we should see? We know the big ones but we're looking for unusual or beautiful or out of they way things. Thanks for you input.

Wind, Rain & Fog

We arrived back at the Cabin around 9:30 PM yesterday after having been gone downstate for several days to take care of some business. The wind was blowing here from the east harder than I had ever seen it in the summer. The water was being pushed in and came right up to our bonfire pile of brush. It is actually good to see the water level rising.

I saw two beautiful ships passed last night-American Spirit at 10:40 PM and the Algolake at 10:55. If there were other boats after that, I was gone to the land of sleep and didn't see them or hear them.

This morning things have calmed down and it is quite foggy but not foggy enough to close the River System. The James R. Barker just passed up and I could barely see it but heard it on the scanner.

It is going to be too wet today for much yard work. I'm working for the summer at the EUP Learning Center in the Sault teaching classes on writing and tutoring students in reading comprehension. Today is my first day of work there for this summer.


This photo was taken last summer at the opening of the Sault Campus. The other campus is near Brimley. I'm on the right in the yellow shirt and those are my grandkids in the picture too.

Arrival at the Cabin

After a few day's of rescheduling we finally arrived at our cabin on the St. Marys River yesterday. We have had a tough time getting here including the hospitalization of my mother-in-law and the death of the mother-in-law of my husband's sister.

We arrived about 2 PM, quickly got the furnace lit and the water turned on and working. Then we headed to my nephew's high school graduation open house. We helped setting up and then had a great time visiting with friends and family.

The ship traffic has been slow. Our first ship of the season was the Walter J. McCarthy Jr. which was downbound yesterday afternoon. She was followed by the American Integrity downbound yesterday.

Today we have seen a saltie, Tufty, downbound. It doesn't show up in last year's Know Your Ships and I haven't purchased my new one of the season. We always pick our current copy at Lockview on our first trip for whitefish. However, this year we didn't even make it to the Soo before we had whitefish. We stopped at Darrow's in Mackinaw City and I had a broiled whitefish sandwich. Absolutely delicious.

I also saw the Ojibway upbound this morning. A 1,000 just passed downbound but it was past before I got the name and the binoculars didn't help. I don't have my telescope set up yet. I broke the tripod last fall and need a new one. Any suggestions where to get equipment such as that up here? This picture was taken last summer when my tripod hadn't been sent for a ride when I tripped over it.

They have had a very wet spring. Our back lot has many spots of standing water. Today the wind is gusting around 26 mph and the temp is 45. Not a warm spring day by any rate but very sunny now. Must be high pressure moving in after the rain this morning.