Mesabi Miner

[Denny]

The Mesabi Miner as I type this at 8:55 A.M. on March 24 is now heading up Lake Superior to Taconite Harbor to deliver their first load a cargo of coal for the 2015 shipping season at the power plant.

[Timerover51]

Here north of Chicago, we had 3 inches of snow this morning in a fairly short period, with more in the forecast for the weekend. Spring might be here, but Winter is giving up very grudgingly.

[Denny]

Thanks Guest as although I did not make that clear and 100% in my post, that is exactly what I was referring to as far as the entire country not under any weather issues, watches or warnings so far. Let's just hope that this pattern stays that way and everyone can enjoy a nice gradual changeover from Winter to Spring! We don't need any huge major warm-ups just yet! Just a nice slow gradual change from Winter to Spring would be nice I am sure for many.

[Guest]

It has been the usual up and down weather patterns here as well in Michigan garbear. We have seen some 40s and 50s as well and as I type this now, it is dark and gray along with overcast with a few sprinkles or raindrops. Next week we will be in the mid-50s with some rain as well. Believe it or not, yesterday the weather people here in Michigan said "During the month of March, there was no weather issues or warnings posted for severe weather which was a first for March in a long time!" Hopefully that pattern will continue and everyone will have a nice gradual transition to Spring with no quick warm-ups or severe weather outbreaks. That always starts in the South and moves Northward every Spring. I am ready for the ships to begin and the season to start and can't wait to get things going. Four days and counting until the Soo Opens up. Can't wait!

actually they said in the whole U S A, there has been no severe warnings, for the whole month so far.

[Denny]

It has been the usual up and down weather patterns here as well in Michigan garbear. We have seen some 40s and 50s as well and as I type this now, it is dark and gray along with overcast with a few sprinkles or raindrops. Next week we will be in the mid-50s with some rain as well. Believe it or not, yesterday the weather people here in Michigan said "During the month of March, there was no weather issues or warnings posted for severe weather which was a first for March in a long time!" Hopefully that pattern will continue and everyone will have a nice gradual transition to Spring with no quick warm-ups or severe weather outbreaks. That always starts in the South and moves Northward every Spring. I am ready for the ships to begin and the season to start and can't wait to get things going. Four days and counting until the Soo Opens up. Can't wait!

[garbear]

Article here in our Duluth News Tribune this a.m.
http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/3 ... twin-ports

Weather has been in the 40s and 50s here everyday. Cooler today with a low in the low teens, but still sunny and 30s today. Possibly a snow event by the middle of the week. Basically no snow left on the ground, except in parking lots, etc.

[Denny]

Duluth Shipping News has also updated yet again and now also has and shows the John G. Munson loading also on March 23. One of these two vessels should be the first downbound at the Soo about March 25 and Opening Day. The Miner though, it is yet unknown where she will be taking the coal load to? Several destinations are either Tac Harbor, Marquette or even to St. Clair/Monroe.

[garbear]

Mesabi Miner shows up on Duluth Shipping News as departing Monday, March 23rd. So shipping on the Lake Superior is ready to get going.