Point of Interest - Interstate Bridge

Interstate Bridge next to Blatnik Bridge

Today, while I watched the Alter break harbor ice, I strolled out to the end of the old Interstate Bridge scouting for a photographic vantage point.
While the Alder didn't make it this far, I though you might like to visit one of Duluth's hidden secrets.
Built in 1897 the Interstate Bridge once spanned the St. Louis Bay. Open to pedestrians, horse-drawn vehicles and had access for two trains and a streetcar. The toll was set at five cents for pedestrians and bicycles, fifteen for wagons, and a dime for each head of cattle.
Over time the bridge was refitted for automobiles, the streetcar line would be removed and there would only be one railway in use. In 1961 the Duluth-Superior High Bridge was built to replace the Interstate Bridge so longer ore carriers could move through the harbor easier. The Interstate Bridge was dismantled in 1971. In 1981 the Burlington Northern sold the bridge to the Port Authority of Duluth for $1. In 1983, bridge remains were converted into a fishing pier that stand today.
This 360 degree view might give you a good perspective of what you can see. The Alder is out there in the middle.
Alternate Link

Tough going for the Alder

I walked out to the end of the Interstate Fishing Bridge this afternoon to watch the Alder backing and ramming into the thick harbor ice.  Winter does not want to give up the harbor easily. The Alder will earn its keep this year.

Harbor ice breaking operations to begin this week.

While the ice cover and temperatures don't really indicate the arrival of Springtime yet, the calendar still shows Spring less then three weeks away.  

In a news release Saturday, the Coast Guard reported that the cutter Alder will start icebreaking operations on Tuesday in the harbor and out to Lake Superior. Officials warned anglers and others who may be out on the ice to remove ice shacks and other equipment, and to use caution if out in the ice.

Areas where the Alder will be working include - but are not limited to - the Superior Front Channel, the Superior and Duluth harbor basins, the East Gate Basin, the Duluth and Superior entry channels and the Lake Superior ice adjacent to Minnesota Point.

Icebreaking operations later may extend to other areas of the harbor, as well as to Two Harbors, Silver Bay and Taconite Harbor.

2013 Tall Ships - Denis Sullivan

Glensheen Tour

If you are like me, staring at the ice, waiting for the melt to start, you might want the visit a virtual tour that I made of the Glensheen Mansion during warmer weather. 

Click on image to visit Glensheen Mansion

Uncle Harvey's Mausoleum

Uncle Harvey's Mausoleum - This structure located along the Duluth Lakewalk is a peculiar “Point of Interest” indeed. As one walks the boardwalk looking for photographic vantage points along the Lake Superior Shoreline, this landmark sticks out of the water, and is more of curiosity than anything. The concrete structure is the foundation of a sand and gravel unloading dock built in the winter of 1919 by Whitney Brothers of Superior Wisconsin. Sand from the Apostle Islands area and gravel from the north shore was loaded onto barges that were then towed to Duluth by the tug William A Whitney. A conveyor belt built on a trestle carried the materials to shore that was then dumped into a tunnel where another conveyor was used to load trucks that carried the material to its destination. Legend has it that the unloading tunnel became a hangout for gamblers and bootleggers as they attempted to avoid local law enforcement in the out of the way subterranean hideout.

While the substantial concrete structure has withstood more than 100 years of Lake Superior weather, the ability of the barges to tie up to the piers and remain stationary during unloading proved to be a very daunting task were waves often pushed the craft into the nearby rock causing damage and finally proved too hazardous for reliable and safe operation. In 1922 after only three years of operation the facility was abandoned. Obviously, it crushed to dreams and finances of Harvey Whitney, the entrepreneur and designer of the structure. Over the years, the nick name that originated from the Whitney family, "Uncle Harvey's Mausoleum”, stuck with the locals and has become a perfect place for nesting birds and flock of more daring folks who find the building a perfect launch platform for a cool summer dip into the big lake. Although most folks never venture into the cold water to swim out and see what the inside of the facility actually looks like, during the cold winter months it is an easy walk across the frozen water to satisfy the curiosity seekers.

note: this information is posted on a plaque along the Duluth Lakewalk which was placed by Visit Duluth.

Why the open water in the Canal

The water current in the the canal is fairly strong, much like a small river, thus keeping the water open. It will freeze up, or get plugged up with ice, but usually doesn't last long.
In the Springtime, you will be able to see chunks of ice drifting back and forth through the canal as the current reverses several times a day due to a phenomenon called a "seiche" (SAYSH, a French word that means "to sway back and forth"). This happens when water piles up on one side of the lake because of wind or high barometric pressure and then shifts back to the other side. Small seiches occur all the time.

Spring is here!  Almost!

Ice cover - Western Lake Superior

This satellite photo taken yesterday shows near 100% coverage, but, I wouldn't want to try and walk from the North Shore to the South Shore just yet.

Lake Superior Ice Cover

The Lake Superior Ice Cover is nearing 100% - perhaps by the end of the week we will see it completely covered. Very "Cool" to say the least.

Sailboats on Ice

Soon there will be signs of Springtime in the Northland, but for now, the snow covered boats at Barkers Island Marina seem OK with the winters rest. I'm not quit sure about the boaters!

If you have a mobile device, you can view these links and get a real immersive experience by turning with the device and looking around.
http://northernimages360.com/panos/barkers1/Barkers1.html
http://northernimages360.com/panos/barkers2/Barkers2.html

Lake Superior Ice Cover

Lake Superior entirely freezes over about every 20 years.  It looks like this will be one of those years. Just when everyone was getting used to Global Warming!

-22F and -50 Wind Chill --- Is it Cold Enough for Ya!

Clear blue skies, -22F and -50F Wind Chill is a great time to visit Canal Park to get a "Real Feel" for the Northland. Since it probably won't be quit this cold again for awhile, at least until tomorrow,  I though I would stop down and see what I could see.
Although there weren't many people around, Lake Superior is still here with all it's pristine beauty and dressed up in winter white.
Although I can't blow some cold air your way, I thought a few 360 panoramas might give you a look at Canal Park when it is this cold.

Ice Caves

A visit to the frozen wonderland of the Apostle Island Sea Caves is always a great walk, especially since it has been 5 years since the ice has been good enough to venture across the frozen waters of the big lake.

Duluth Virtual Tour

For those folks who cannot get enough of Duluth, I have been working on a new site that you may enjoy. It is called Duluth Virtual Tour and you can visit it at http://duluthvirtualtour.com

Year in Review

End of Season!

With the arrival of the Mesabi Miner this morning at 4:20, the shipping season has ended and the next boats we see moving  will be the tugs and ice breakers out in about eight weeks.

Although, I will also be going into winter layup, I will keep the cameras operating so that we can watch the weather and Lake Superior sunrises.  I am also planning on adding a new streaming camera at an undisclosed location once the weather warms up.

I would like to thank the owners of Pier B, the Great Lakes Aquarium, and the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center, including the LSMMA for allowing me to have the cameras where I do.

Also, many thanks to all of you boat watchers who have enjoyed watching the harbor along with me, I truly enjoy knowing that what I do is enjoyed and appreciated.

I am looking forward to the 2014 shipping season and the Good Lord willing, I'll be back at it in the Spring.

Enjoy the rest of winter, Spring is knocking at the door. (well almost)

Warm Regards,
Dennis

Duluth Harbor Boat Traffic for Thursday 1/16/2014

Cason J. Callaway arrived at 09:55 1/15

Kaye Barker arrived at 03:40 1/16
Mesabi Miner arrived at 04:20 1/16

Cason J Callaway

Kaye Barker

Mesabi Miner

Cason Callaway arrival 1/15/2014

The 767 ft Cason J. Callaway arrived for winter layup this morning. (Video by Debby O'Hara)

Presque Isle arrival Duluth - 1/14/2014

1000 ft Presque Isle arrival Duluth - 1/14/2014

Duluth Harbor Boat Traffic for Monday 1/13/2014

Arthur M Anderson and Mesabi Miner departed

Ice cover on the Great Lakes is growing fast!

The gray areas on the map show ice coverage on Lake Superior. The boats still out there are having a bit of a challenge including the CSL Laurentien.  This will be the last week of the shipping season for sure.

Baie Comeau departure 1/9/2014

Duluth Harbor Boat Traffic for Wednesday 1/8/2014

Frontenac departure

Whitefish Bay Departure 1/07/201414

740ft Whitefish Bay departed Duluth on a cool sunny afternoon.

Defiance Departure and Frontenac Arrival 1/7/2014

Defiance Departure and Frontenac Arrival 1/7/2014

Flashback!

While the winter chill has set in for a few days, don't forget what it is like on warm summer days. Here is a flashback to the Tall Ships Festival last summer.

Baie Comeau arrival Duluth (-20F) 1/5/2014

The new 730 ft Baie Comeau arrived this morning in -20F temperatures - one of the most beautiful arrivals I have scene in a long time.  My wife Debby was able to operate the webcam recording for this arrival while I was taking "real" pictures.  As a photographer, these are the days you wait for.
Wish you were here!
Den

Duluth Harbor Boat Traffic for Thursday 1/2/2014

CSL Assiniboine arrived at 04:26
American Mariner departed at 06:46
St. Clair arrived at 17:15
Great Lakes Trader departed at 22:14