What to my wondering eyes...

Bookworm · Unread post by **Bookworm** » August 29, 2019, 12:15 pm

Had a pleasant surprise late yesterday afternoon and this morning started off with yet another.

Ohio Bob · Unread post by **Ohio Bob** » August 27, 2019, 8:03 am

Thanks for the reply Bookworm. It is challenging as a boater to see shore-posted signs in a wide river. I boat on the Maumee River which has two posted "river-wide" no-wake zone between two bridges in the downtown Toledo area, and upriver near Perrysburg and Maumee posted by No Wake buoys. Those zones are clearly marked but even then many boaters appear to have little idea what "no wake" means.

As you said, the high-water levels exacerbate everything. We had to install concrete Jersey barriers along the outer wall of our marina to keep the waves and wake from crashing into our docks. They do not stop the flooding but they do keep the wake from causing damage.

Bookworm · Unread post by **Bookworm** » August 26, 2019, 6:04 pm

Ohio Bob wrote:I am curious about the speed limits on the river. Are there posted "No Wake" zones for pleasure craft? Many pleasure craft will actually throw out a larger wake when "plowing" at moderate speeds than "planning" at higher speeds.

Hi Bob! Yes, although I'm not a boater, I can think of two locations in the Marysville area where NO WAKE signs are posted along the St. Clair River. I don't know about Port Huron, St. Clair, Marine City, or Algonac. Its sad -- and I realize the exceedingly heavy winter snowfall, ice melting, and a long period of rain over the entire Great Lakes region initially contributed to this -- to see so much damage to the shoreline (public and private beaches and docks) the entire length of the river. But it is the fast-moving pleasure boats which consistently send waves of water over the boardwalks. People can no longer walk or sit to enjoy the view without having to be vigilant and ready to retreat as these boats speed through.

Ohio Bob · Unread post by **Ohio Bob** » August 26, 2019, 3:07 pm

I am curious about the speed limits on the river. Are there posted "No Wake" zones for pleasure craft? Many pleasure craft will actually throw out a larger wake when "plowing" at moderate speeds than "planning" at higher speeds.

Guest · Unread post by **Guest** » August 26, 2019, 7:16 am

Those are some great shots. Thanks for sharing

Bookworm · Unread post by **Bookworm** » August 25, 2019, 5:38 pm

Two days worth of St. Clair River traffic for you to enjoy!

Bookworm · Unread post by **Bookworm** » August 21, 2019, 4:32 pm

Today is forecast to be the last of the hot & humid for awhile. YES!! I don't do well once it gets above 80° and definitely need to find shade once it does. Today's river traffic was sparse but there were plenty of vessels to photograph anyway.

Bookworm · Unread post by **Bookworm** » August 19, 2019, 11:32 am

The chaotic 2019 St. Clair River Float-down is history -- but the cities and some commercial landings along the route are left to clean up the mess left by inconsiderate participants.
Seriously, who would invest mega bucks in super-sized inflatables and leave them in parks and parking lots when they left the event? Marysville even has an unclaimed kayak on their hands!
Anyone interested can view the videos Paul Murray posted, from his drone's perspective.
Anyway commercial traffic -- which was halted for the duration of the afternoon -- is getting back to normal and these are the early morning vessels I photographed.

Bookworm · Unread post by **Bookworm** » August 17, 2019, 10:23 am

Not been to the river much lately and when I was (yesterday) after one shot, my camera insisted the battery needed to be charged and refused to work! Today begins another hot weather phase, so went early to meet these two.

Bookworm · Unread post by **Bookworm** » August 11, 2019, 2:37 pm

This morning was fantastically beautiful along the St. Clair River and I found that standing in one place -- or two -- for any length of time brought a parade of ships my way!

Guest · Unread post by **Guest** » August 11, 2019, 1:32 pm

Denny wrote:I second that and agree. As always you simply amaze us every time on here with your wonderful photos Bookworm as they always brighten up our days especially on dull days. In viewing your photos especially on these bright shiny and sunny days, I like to think that your son Michael is standing there with you and on your shoulder looking after you and knowing that you’re okay. This month I know the time is coming soon I think as far as when he departed and left this world a few short years ago. I know that time won’t be easy for you as it never is for anyone that loses someone so close and dear to us. This week will be two years already that Mom departed and there isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t think about them. When I see or hear a red cardinal around my yard now, I’m often reminded that our Heavenly Father has many ways of sending messages to us from our loved ones that they are okay and they are checking on us to see if we are okay and also they send their love to us as well. I recall from a TV episode once, pain and hurt from losing someone close and dear goes away but love is the greatest gift of all and that can never be taken along with memories. Thanks again for sharing your photos Bookworm and keep up the good job on them as well. God Bless you my dear friend and your son Michael as well.

I truly appreciate your kind and thoughtful words, Denny. My thoughts and prayers are with you as well, as you also walk the "Path of Sorrow," and remember your mother.
Yes, although planes were Michael's greatest love, it was our trip on the Badger (2003) and the maritime museums he insisted we explore, that got me interested in GL ships and photographing them.
Today brought an unexpected blessing. I'm editing the photos now and will submit them ASAP!

Denny · Unread post by **Denny** » August 11, 2019, 9:40 am

I second that and agree. As always you simply amaze us every time on here with your wonderful photos Bookworm as they always brighten up our days especially on dull days. In viewing your photos especially on these bright shiny and sunny days, I like to think that your son Michael is standing there with you and on your shoulder looking after you and knowing that you’re okay. This month I know the time is coming soon I think as far as when he departed and left this world a few short years ago. I know that time won’t be easy for you as it never is for anyone that loses someone so close and dear to us. This week will be two years already that Mom departed and there isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t think about them. When I see or hear a red cardinal around my yard now, I’m often reminded that our Heavenly Father has many ways of sending messages to us from our loved ones that they are okay and they are checking on us to see if we are okay and also they send their love to us as well. I recall from a TV episode once, pain and hurt from losing someone close and dear goes away but love is the greatest gift of all and that can never be taken along with memories. Thanks again for sharing your photos Bookworm and keep up the good job on them as well. God Bless you my dear friend and your son Michael as well.

Guest · Unread post by **Guest** » August 11, 2019, 6:41 am

Very nice photos. Enjoy looking at them, Thanks !

Bookworm · Unread post by **Bookworm** » August 10, 2019, 7:28 pm

Most of the ships on the St. Clair River today were of the lovely classic design, with their forward pilot house.

Bookworm · Unread post by **Bookworm** » August 9, 2019, 4:31 pm

Spectacular Friday along the St. Clair River, but the biggest attraction will be at Sarnia, with their Tall Ship Festival. Go if you can.

Guest · Unread post by **Guest** » August 9, 2019, 6:10 am

Great pics, thanks for sharing

Bookworm · Unread post by **Bookworm** » August 8, 2019, 3:16 pm

So glad I've been wrong about the price of gas being unaffordable this summer. Although I'm staying closer to home, I can still follow and photograph ships as they pass.

Bookworm · Unread post by **Bookworm** » August 7, 2019, 11:01 am

Despite it being another miserably muggy morning on the St. Clair River, I captured all of this activity in the space of 1/2-hour!

Bookworm · Unread post by **Bookworm** » August 6, 2019, 2:46 pm

The ships kept coming and coming and coming...

Bookworm · Unread post by **Bookworm** » August 5, 2019, 9:41 am

A really hazy morning with both humidity and dew point registering 72% and a forecast high temperature in the upper 80s. This will likely be my only trip to the river today, but it was one I -- and countless others -- anticipated.