Ships Seen on November 11, 2008

I observed the following ships yesterday at our cabin. It was a busy day for shipping.
Upbound: Algolake, Burns Harbor, J W Shelley
Downbound: Stewart J. Cort, Walter J. McCarty and an unidentified 1,000 footer that slipped by before I could check it out.

The Shelley was not on my ship log from the summer which means I hadn't seen it before. Research showed it is newly named. You can read about it at J W Shelley.
J W Shelley entering the Locks. I know it isn't a very good picture but it was so cold and I didn't want to walk through the snow. Sorry!

Later in the day we crossed the Mackinac Bridge and observed 4 freighters in the distance. Busy day on the Lakes.

November 10-11 on the St. Marys River

Remember the pictures I posted last week. The warm weather didn't last much longer and this are what the river looked like yesterday and today. I have lots to post about the boats and also the Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Service but that will all have to wait until another day. Can't wait to tell you all about it.

November on the St. Marys River

John J. Boland upbound in the river on November 5.

Monday, November 10 is the 33rd anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald off Whitefish Point in Lake Superior.

There is a memorial service at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point at 7 PM that is open to the public and free.

You can see more information at Annual Fitzgerald Memorial Service.

I'm reading a great book on the Great Lakes right now. The Living Great Lakes by Jerry Dennis is the story of a sailing trip through the Great Lakes but it is more than that. I will discuss it more in a future blog. What good books have you read about the Great Lakes and/or the Edmund Fitzgerald? Let me know by commenting here or emailing me at saultboatwatcher@gmail.com.

Thanks

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