Musings
Re: Musings
Two weeks ago today, I came back to St. Clair county hoping to find an apartment but no luck. Then a friend recommended a retirement park in the area. As I drove through I saw one home with a FOR SALE sign in the window. I did a walk through on Tuesday morning... made an offer almost immediately...and had the sellers acceptance by suppertime. Put a deposit down the next day, and the inspection was that Friday... and I just closed within the hour. Should be moved in the middle of September. And the first ship I saw, in the early morning darkness was Lee A!
Re: Musings
Algoma Central needs to know this:
Was in Alpena with some time to kill this afternoon, so explored the Besser Museum. Picked up a brochure titled, "What you can do about Aquatic Invasive Species." Perusing the contents, one suggestion was to make boaters aware that, "Invasive species can hitch rides on boats making for easy transport from one waterbody to another." In addition to a pleasure craft, I was astounded to see a thumbnail photo of what appears to be one of the Equinox ships with a tag, "barge" posted beneath it!
Was in Alpena with some time to kill this afternoon, so explored the Besser Museum. Picked up a brochure titled, "What you can do about Aquatic Invasive Species." Perusing the contents, one suggestion was to make boaters aware that, "Invasive species can hitch rides on boats making for easy transport from one waterbody to another." In addition to a pleasure craft, I was astounded to see a thumbnail photo of what appears to be one of the Equinox ships with a tag, "barge" posted beneath it!
Re: Musings
Going through my digital photos recently, I rediscovered this Detroit River Cruise photo from 2002.
Re: Musings
Nice jog of my memory of a very nice lady. I met "Lady pirate" on a Detroit River Boatnerd cruise in 07.
Re: Musings
Remember "Webster," the resident Soo camera arachnid? As I recall, our late Boatnerd friend, Violet Bostwick named him. Well, with that camera no longer in service, this morning, as I followed Lee A. Tregurtha into Poe Lock (9 & 10 Sault Ste. Marie Skycam for the Soo) one of Webster's kinfolk was pulling in the night's silky threads. Fun to watch and to remember Violet, as well.
Re: Musings
"Webster" (who, as I recall, was named by our late Boatnerd friend, Violet Bostwick), or one of his/her 8-legged relatives, was busy reeling in the night's silk lines from the web cam lens as Lee A Tregurtha made her way into Poe Lock, down-bound to AK/Rouge this morning. It was a delight to watch the action on both fronts.
With the discontinuation of the Soo Cams we were used to, I now use this one to follow ship traffic: https://www.9and10news.com/weather/live ... marie-cam/
With the discontinuation of the Soo Cams we were used to, I now use this one to follow ship traffic: https://www.9and10news.com/weather/live ... marie-cam/
Re: Musings
In another thread, I suggested that with the increase in gas prices, this might be the year to stay close to home and explore what your state has to offer.
Living along the "Sunrise Coast" of Lake Huron, I began looking at what one traveling US #23 might find to their liking. The first two are off I-75N, before the US #23 exit.
The first item that caught my eye was the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum: https://www.ussedson.org/
And the Pinconning Cheese Co. offering not only delectable varieties of cheese but also meats and chocolates. https://prod.pinconningcheese.com/
All along the way, from Standish to AuGres (oh gray), Omer, AuSable (awe sobil), there are museums, casinos, brew pubs, etc. Alabaster is not a true town but if you follow the signs, you can stand and look at the colossal remains of the Alabaster gypsum loading dock: https://michpics.wordpress.com/2012/07/ ... alabaster/) and don't miss the Alabaster Corner Store with its walk through days gone by.
Tawas/East Tawas is the next town to the north. Occasionally one of the American Steamship triplets (Boland, Laud, & White) load gypsum at the National Gypsum dock, south of town. Along the way are scenic parks and there is a busy marina, too. The business district boasts a fascinating array of specialty shops, including one featuring chocolates. North of town, (follow the signs) is the Tawas Light House.
Fifteen to twenty minutes up the road you'll come to Oscoda. The visitor's center and marina w/pier are to your right, at the flashing yellow light. Turn right at the traffic signal in town and enjoy a beach-front park with a pier walk, playground, picnic tables, and skateboard area. But the biggest attraction is the Wurtsmith Air Force Base Museum. https://www.facebook.com/WurtsmithAirMuseum/
All along the way from Oscoda to Greenbush, and Harrisville (State Park just south of town) are splendid views of Lake Huron, and the Sturgeon Point Lighthouse is 3-4 miles north of town (veer right and follow the signs).
At Alpena you can enjoy several parks -- especially the marina and break wall area. Check tourist sites for more ideas on what you can see/do there.
Picturesque Presque Isle County boasts 3 light houses -- from the first to the newest), and a a couple of excellent places serving big-dips of scrumptious ice cream.
Rogers City (follow the business route signs) is where you can see the largest limestone quarry in the world and the Calcite public overlook where you can watch ships loading limestone. There is also a maritime museum, where the bell of the Carl Bradley is on display. Forty mile point light house is also in the area: http://www.40milepointlighthouse.org/
I've not gone any further north, but one of the websites offering travel information can fill in those gaps.
Enjoy your vacation, whenever and wherever you take it!
Living along the "Sunrise Coast" of Lake Huron, I began looking at what one traveling US #23 might find to their liking. The first two are off I-75N, before the US #23 exit.
The first item that caught my eye was the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum: https://www.ussedson.org/
And the Pinconning Cheese Co. offering not only delectable varieties of cheese but also meats and chocolates. https://prod.pinconningcheese.com/
All along the way, from Standish to AuGres (oh gray), Omer, AuSable (awe sobil), there are museums, casinos, brew pubs, etc. Alabaster is not a true town but if you follow the signs, you can stand and look at the colossal remains of the Alabaster gypsum loading dock: https://michpics.wordpress.com/2012/07/ ... alabaster/) and don't miss the Alabaster Corner Store with its walk through days gone by.
Tawas/East Tawas is the next town to the north. Occasionally one of the American Steamship triplets (Boland, Laud, & White) load gypsum at the National Gypsum dock, south of town. Along the way are scenic parks and there is a busy marina, too. The business district boasts a fascinating array of specialty shops, including one featuring chocolates. North of town, (follow the signs) is the Tawas Light House.
Fifteen to twenty minutes up the road you'll come to Oscoda. The visitor's center and marina w/pier are to your right, at the flashing yellow light. Turn right at the traffic signal in town and enjoy a beach-front park with a pier walk, playground, picnic tables, and skateboard area. But the biggest attraction is the Wurtsmith Air Force Base Museum. https://www.facebook.com/WurtsmithAirMuseum/
All along the way from Oscoda to Greenbush, and Harrisville (State Park just south of town) are splendid views of Lake Huron, and the Sturgeon Point Lighthouse is 3-4 miles north of town (veer right and follow the signs).
At Alpena you can enjoy several parks -- especially the marina and break wall area. Check tourist sites for more ideas on what you can see/do there.
Picturesque Presque Isle County boasts 3 light houses -- from the first to the newest), and a a couple of excellent places serving big-dips of scrumptious ice cream.
Rogers City (follow the business route signs) is where you can see the largest limestone quarry in the world and the Calcite public overlook where you can watch ships loading limestone. There is also a maritime museum, where the bell of the Carl Bradley is on display. Forty mile point light house is also in the area: http://www.40milepointlighthouse.org/
I've not gone any further north, but one of the websites offering travel information can fill in those gaps.
Enjoy your vacation, whenever and wherever you take it!
Re: Musings
Good news! The Port of Gypsum will continue shipping the product by boat, as it has in the past. The report cited in my previous posting was erroneous!
Re: Musings
According to this week's Oscoda Press, U.S. Gypsum (Alabaster/Tawas, MI) is hoping to increase mineral holdings in the county.
That item and my professed interest in "chasing a specific ship" evolved into a fascinating conversation with my editor, the son of a former ship loader at Port Gypsum. His memories include ship's crews feeling slighted if his dad didn't eat lunch with them, and those same crews bantering with the family (in days of up-close-and-personal encounters) as they waited to lock through at the Soo. American Steamship's Buffalo (sold to Algoma this winter) is his favorite ship.
Incidentally, recent information is that ships will no longer be visiting Port Gypsum, because the product will be carried by trucks. Stay tuned for up-dates.
That item and my professed interest in "chasing a specific ship" evolved into a fascinating conversation with my editor, the son of a former ship loader at Port Gypsum. His memories include ship's crews feeling slighted if his dad didn't eat lunch with them, and those same crews bantering with the family (in days of up-close-and-personal encounters) as they waited to lock through at the Soo. American Steamship's Buffalo (sold to Algoma this winter) is his favorite ship.
Incidentally, recent information is that ships will no longer be visiting Port Gypsum, because the product will be carried by trucks. Stay tuned for up-dates.
Re: Musings
Agreed Bookworm, and I plan on contacting my Congressman.
For anyone not sure who their Congressman is, here's a helpful tool: https://www.house.gov/representatives/f ... esentative
For anyone not sure who their Congressman is, here's a helpful tool: https://www.house.gov/representatives/f ... esentative
Re: Musings
I am very alarmed to read the story on today's news page, regarding a proposed cut on Great Lakes Funding: https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/ ... /329654002
Politics aside, a decision of that magnitude needs to be informed and the ones making it should -- in this case -- make an effort to investigate/experience it first hand.
I believe those proposing such cuts should make a trip to visit some of the major ports and the Soo Locks. Further, they need full awareness of the successful revitalization of the rivers (specifically the Rouge, St. Clair, St. Marys & Cuyahoga) from polluted "dead-zones to vibrant fish-spawning and fishing grounds. A correlation between those factors and the region's economy need to be considered before making any decision.
For our part, we need to contact our representatives in DC, and make our voices heard!
Politics aside, a decision of that magnitude needs to be informed and the ones making it should -- in this case -- make an effort to investigate/experience it first hand.
I believe those proposing such cuts should make a trip to visit some of the major ports and the Soo Locks. Further, they need full awareness of the successful revitalization of the rivers (specifically the Rouge, St. Clair, St. Marys & Cuyahoga) from polluted "dead-zones to vibrant fish-spawning and fishing grounds. A correlation between those factors and the region's economy need to be considered before making any decision.
For our part, we need to contact our representatives in DC, and make our voices heard!
Re: Musings
Christmas Dinner at Bookworm's was simple, but filling. Courses 1 & 2 are pictured, but there were side dishes and ginger ale, as well.
A young couple from Arkansas (where it was slightly warmer today) were my guests so the focus was on making them feel at home in this frigid land, far from family and friends.
After dinner, we played a game of SCRABBLE -- new to them but which they want to buy ASAP.
They've already been drawn to the lake and spend hours there (in their vehicles) mesmerized by the ever changing sky, clouds, water, and ice formations. They've spotted a few passing freighters so I gave them the imperative sites for following/tracking ships and finding related information.
A young couple from Arkansas (where it was slightly warmer today) were my guests so the focus was on making them feel at home in this frigid land, far from family and friends.
After dinner, we played a game of SCRABBLE -- new to them but which they want to buy ASAP.
They've already been drawn to the lake and spend hours there (in their vehicles) mesmerized by the ever changing sky, clouds, water, and ice formations. They've spotted a few passing freighters so I gave them the imperative sites for following/tracking ships and finding related information.
- Attachments
Re: Musings
Tomorrow, Christmas Day, marks the last time I saw my favorite, Lee A. Tregurtha on the St. Clair River. A friend and I were going out to eat and followed her from Marysville to Port Huron. As she approached, on that wide curve, I was hoping for a salute but she swept silently past. Her bow and most of the mid-section had already cleared the Bluewater Bridges so I was about to turn around and go back to the car. At that point I was startled by a deep, throaty sound and stood, suspended in the moment, as I watched her glide onto Lake Huron, leaving me with a great "memory gift" I unpack and enjoy from time to time.
Bet some of you have special memories connected with your favorite ships, too.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Bet some of you have special memories connected with your favorite ships, too.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Re: Musings
As you'll soon see, today is a "Moody Blues" day for me. (So glad those chaps will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, in April).
The waters of Lake Huron,
Grey beneath the winter sky,
Bring shards of ice with every wave that breaks against the shore.
The winds are calm and peaceful,
Cries of gulls rain from above,
I scan the vast horizon but no vessels are in sight.
(Sing with me now!): "I know you're out there somewhere, somewhere, somewhere, I know you're out there somewhere..."
Yep, with the improved weather, they'll be going up and down the lake on the "Freighter Freeway" now, hopefully making good time in the last few weeks of the shipping season.
Go safe and enjoy your day!
The waters of Lake Huron,
Grey beneath the winter sky,
Bring shards of ice with every wave that breaks against the shore.
The winds are calm and peaceful,
Cries of gulls rain from above,
I scan the vast horizon but no vessels are in sight.
(Sing with me now!): "I know you're out there somewhere, somewhere, somewhere, I know you're out there somewhere..."
Yep, with the improved weather, they'll be going up and down the lake on the "Freighter Freeway" now, hopefully making good time in the last few weeks of the shipping season.
Go safe and enjoy your day!
Re: Musings
As I've gotten older, it seems the younger generation (from government to commerce), makes changes – apparently without thinking any further ahead than a perceived bottom-dollar benefit or giving advanced warning of how it might/will affect our lives– and then expects us to adjust as though it was a perfectly normal change, and for the better.
Recently I discovered the policy of a chain store where I bought my last wrist watch has changed. They no longer replace the batteries (which one must purchase, naturally), for their customers. Really?? To have it done, I drove 15 miles to a competitive big box store, but added other errands to the trip so it turned out OK.
On days like that I can identify with the old Broadway show title, “Stop the World, I want to get off!”
It seems too many changes are happening way too fast, and not exactly to my liking!
None are life-altering, but they interfere with an essential calm flow of day-to-day life. I can accept a foot of snow in winter as normal; or an unexpected, but important phone call just as I'm about to walk out the door, but when it gobbles chunks of my time to look through old receipts/statements and make copies to send to whomever suddenly needs "proof" from something years ago...
Since I can't change things back, and dwelling on or fuming about the situation does absolutely no good, I turn to the antics going on outside my window to watch 8-10 squirrels racing about in circles or chasing each other up-and-down the tall pines. I delight in the relays of the jays and tufted titmouse visitors to my balcony bird feeder. For the many irritating things we must deal with in life, often a little laughter goes a long way to improve one's mood.
Recently I discovered the policy of a chain store where I bought my last wrist watch has changed. They no longer replace the batteries (which one must purchase, naturally), for their customers. Really?? To have it done, I drove 15 miles to a competitive big box store, but added other errands to the trip so it turned out OK.
On days like that I can identify with the old Broadway show title, “Stop the World, I want to get off!”
It seems too many changes are happening way too fast, and not exactly to my liking!
None are life-altering, but they interfere with an essential calm flow of day-to-day life. I can accept a foot of snow in winter as normal; or an unexpected, but important phone call just as I'm about to walk out the door, but when it gobbles chunks of my time to look through old receipts/statements and make copies to send to whomever suddenly needs "proof" from something years ago...
Since I can't change things back, and dwelling on or fuming about the situation does absolutely no good, I turn to the antics going on outside my window to watch 8-10 squirrels racing about in circles or chasing each other up-and-down the tall pines. I delight in the relays of the jays and tufted titmouse visitors to my balcony bird feeder. For the many irritating things we must deal with in life, often a little laughter goes a long way to improve one's mood.
Re: Musings
If I won the lottery I would call for a relief off my ship, drive to the company office and drop my drawers so the company president could kiss my posterior!! The only water I would go in after that day would be in my swimming pool!! This is just a job and unlike 20-25 years ago it is no longer much fun! :([/quote]
Being an ex-sailor, I can appreciate some of your sentiments. But, If I was you, I'd be thankful I had a job. Many folks don't have a steady job or a job at all. And about that lottery win..... good luck with that! Happy Holiday's everyone!!
Being an ex-sailor, I can appreciate some of your sentiments. But, If I was you, I'd be thankful I had a job. Many folks don't have a steady job or a job at all. And about that lottery win..... good luck with that! Happy Holiday's everyone!!
Re: Musings
Awoke this morning to a dusting of snow on rooftops, vehicles, and walkways. Great Lakes weather forecasts include lake effect snow watches in some areas. One of the vessels passing the Dossin cam had snow on her hatches.
Despite this being December with several early lay-ups noted on Boatnerd, it hadn't sunk in. (Without seeing those snowy hatches, I have to wonder how long it would have taken me to realize that?) Seems incredible but there are only a few weeks left until the end of the shipping season. I'm sure the mariners are more than ready for the break and a return to their families and friends. To them I say, go safe and thanks for indulging us who are drawn to boat watching in its many forms.
Despite this being December with several early lay-ups noted on Boatnerd, it hadn't sunk in. (Without seeing those snowy hatches, I have to wonder how long it would have taken me to realize that?) Seems incredible but there are only a few weeks left until the end of the shipping season. I'm sure the mariners are more than ready for the break and a return to their families and friends. To them I say, go safe and thanks for indulging us who are drawn to boat watching in its many forms.
Re: Musings
If I won the lottery I would call for a relief off my ship, drive to the company office and drop my drawers so the company president could kiss my posterior!! The only water I would go in after that day would be in my swimming pool!! This is just a job and unlike 20-25 years ago it is no longer much fun! :(Bookworm wrote:Have you ever entertained thoughts of how much better things would be if you won a million dollars? You'd likely be “over the moon” with excitement and you'd discover almost immediately you have friends, neighbors, and family you hadn't even heard of – until they heard about your incredible luck.
Now imagine you're zipping along on an Interstate Highway and, with no forewarning, find yourself in thick fog. Would you breathe sigh of relief that you have all that money, or a prayer for help to get you safely through?
Say a family member, serving abroad in the military, has not been heard from in weeks. Then comes a knock on your door and when you open it, there they stand, grinning from ear-to-ear for pulling off a surprise homecoming. Would you trade the joy you feel for any of your winnings?
Out on the Great Lakes a major storm is brewing. Weather forecasts look dire. Your captain consults his charts and makes repeated calculations to determine whether he can get the ship and crew safely to the next destination or whether he should go to anchor until the storm passes. Which would bring you inner peace, having millions in the bank or the captain's wisdom in making a good decision?
We live and learn, and it's a fact that you can't miss what you've never had. Conversely, often one of life's greatest regrets is trading peace, hope, and joy to chase after an illusion of what might be -- but what seldom becomes reality.
Treasure the gifts of hope, joy, inner peace, and love and, if you win a lottery, Congratulations!
Re: Musings
Eons ago (OK, it was only a few decades) when the little girl inside me and I were the same age, the original Highlights for Children magazine had a regular feature, “Goofus and Gallant,” about two boys, totally opposite in their outlook and character.
This morning those two came back to life when I awoke to discover we had no power, due to relentless high winds.
Goofus: “Oh, great! No computer. No TV. No stove. No microwave. No telephone (yes, I still rely on landline service). No heat. No...I wonder how long it's been off?...no refrigerator.
Gallant: But the sun is out. I can read some of the Christmas books on the shelf. There's plenty to eat. Thankfully, I never developed a taste for coffee (although the British in me does relish an occasional cup of tea). Surely ship traffic isn't moving yet, so checking AIS can wait. And, I can use my “emergency” TracFone to call out, if needed.
Suddenly, two sizable pine branches fell with a “snap, crack,” and at that moment I felt extremely grateful for the utility workers, out in the high winds, trying to restore power to our community.
This morning those two came back to life when I awoke to discover we had no power, due to relentless high winds.
Goofus: “Oh, great! No computer. No TV. No stove. No microwave. No telephone (yes, I still rely on landline service). No heat. No...I wonder how long it's been off?...no refrigerator.
Gallant: But the sun is out. I can read some of the Christmas books on the shelf. There's plenty to eat. Thankfully, I never developed a taste for coffee (although the British in me does relish an occasional cup of tea). Surely ship traffic isn't moving yet, so checking AIS can wait. And, I can use my “emergency” TracFone to call out, if needed.
Suddenly, two sizable pine branches fell with a “snap, crack,” and at that moment I felt extremely grateful for the utility workers, out in the high winds, trying to restore power to our community.