garbear wrote:Love those photos from Calcite. Last time I was there was 1979 when we loaded there on the Ralph H. Watson.
Bet you can see a lot of changes from the photos, too!
Before I began my treks up there this year, my last visit had been in 2008. Since then, there have been innumerable changes to both the facility and public access area -- apparently for the better -- and I overheard talk of more in the planning stage.
Last month, I met a woman from Rogers City. We exchanged contact information and, on this trip, I dropped in for a brief visit. It was interesting to learn that one of her neighbors is captain of the Munson.
Have you ever had a car that started making decisions about where to go -- regardless of your intentions -- and just took over? Well today Garnet (OK, so not everyone names their car, but I do!) started from home, over an alternate, more rural route, to Presque Isle. When we got to US #23, she turned left and shortly a sign reading, "Rogers City, 8 miles" appeared. I had no intention of going to Rogers City but, being that close, it seemed the reasonable thing to do. We got to the Calcite public viewing area and two vessels I've not seen there before were loading. Garnet must have had inside information.
From there, we wound our way back down to Presque Isle and the Stoneport facility. I found the ship I was looking for and was smiling all the way home!
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Kaministiqua (north dock) and tug/barge Defiance/Ashtabula, loading at the Calcite south dock. Look at all those lines and angles!
Checking AIS, Kaministiqua has a destination of Erie
Today, July 15, Marine Traffic shows Clyde S. Vanenkevort (former Ken Boothe, Sr.) up-bound on Lake Huron to Calcite with an ETA of 14:00. If you can, get your cameras and get going in this perfect weather!
Also, keep an eye on John J. Boland, up-bound with no current destination.
Thanks for posting all of the shots from Calcite I didn't realize you could see the ships that well at the port. I went through there about 25 years ago and only managed a long range shot of the Richard Reiss loading. If I recall correctly there was a turnout there by the loading facility but the road was in a condition of disrepair at the time and I didn't want to blow a tire as it was just around dusk.
Strange weather along upper Lake Huron today. Periods of sun & clouds alternated with stretches of dense fog!
But Lee A. Tregurtha made it to Calcite late this afternoon to take on a load destined for Graymont Superior.
Looking at Marine Traffic, it appears three boats are enroute to load at Calcite tomorrow.
First is Philip R. Clarke with an ETA of 10:30. Next is Sam Laud with an ETA of 17:00. Cason J. Callaway is currently moving slowly in upper Lake Michigan. Destination shows as Calcite, but no ETA.
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Sunny and clear at Rogers City. I even spotted American Spirit on the horizon, down-bound to Conneaut.
Four ships on the 4th. Actually five as Buffalo showed up and went to anchor after I started for home.
Through the day, quite a few people came to the viewing area. Rogers City residents couldn't believe there were ships loading at both docks and two at anchor. Said this season they've seen more boats than usual -- and aren't complaining!
I visited with people from Michigan and several other states, doing my best (using the copy I carry) to promote KYS as essential to their boat watching experience!
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Great Republic had been waiting since the early morning hours and John J. Boland arrived as I drove into the viewing area.
Sam Laud was loading at the north dock and John G. Munson at the south.
Another hurry up and wait day for Boland and her crew, but the weather was fantastic.
Sitting on the hook for hours, but never really sitting still.
They make it look so easy, but don't think I'd want that job!
This gull sat watching the action for quite a while!
After a lengthy stay at the south dock, she's finally on her way!
Munson rounding the point and heading south on Lake Huron, but with no up-date on destination.
Great Republic quickly began backing her way into the south dock.
Not sure if this was a first time event for her (or any of the Lower Lakes fleet), but when I saw Mississagi was at Calcite last night, I took my chances and drove up this morning.
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Interesting information.
No information to tell where this anchor came from. (Taken through a chain-link fence.)
View from the public access drive.
If you look closely, you can see the stone product flowing into her cargo hold.
Pulling away from the dock, with flags flying!
They don't make 'em like this any more!
Mississagi picking up speed as she enters Lake Huron.
Out on the horizon, the tanker barge Michigan on her way to Cheboygan.
Philip R. Clarke arriving at Calcite's North dock. Clyde S. VanEnkevort (formerly Ken Boothe, Sr.) and Great Lakes Contender were already at the South Dock loading.
Philip R. Clarke inching into position at the North Dock as Clyde S. VanEnkevort/Great Lakes Contender continued to load at the South dock.
I did a copy/paste of the address you posted and got this reply from Gmail: Your message wasn't delivered to [email protected] because the address couldn't be found.