Edwin H Gott departed Duluth 03/24/2018

Edwin H Gott departed Duluth this afternoon.

James R Barker departed Duluth 03/24/2018

James R Barker departed Duluth early this morning after some quick maint.

James R Barker - by Paul Scinocca

 Paul Scinocca took this nice image of the James R Barker on it's way out today.  See more of Paul's images at: https://www.facebook.com/paul.scinocca

James R Barker arrived Duluth 03/23/2018

James R Barker arrived Duluth this afternoon shortly after departing.  Unknown reason.

Good to hear the Barker horn again though.

Kaye E Barker departed Duluth 03/23/2018

Kaye E Barker departed Duluth this afternoon with a fresh coat of paint.

James R Barker departed Duluth 03/23/2018

James R Barker departed Duluth this afternoon loaded with pellets.

Erie Trader/ Clyde S. VanEnkevort departed Two Harbors 03/21/2018

 Erie Trader/ Clyde S. VanEnkevort  departed Two Harbors late morning

Erie Trader/ Clyde S. VanEnkevort arrived Two Harbors 03/20/18

After battling ice for the afternoon, the Erie Trader/ Clyde S. VanEnkevort finally arrived in Two Harbors at 22:30

Almost there!

The Erie Trader/ Clyde S. VanEnkevort is finally moving after an afternoon in the ice. The Tug backed away from the barge and cut a path to open water then came back and reconnected and is now on its way to Two Harbors.
This picture is from the WDIO Tower cam at 18:45 this evening.

Erie Trader/ Clyde S. VanEnkevort departed Duluth 03/20/18

Erie Trader/ Clyde S. VanEnkevort at noon today bound for Two Harbors. First boat out of Duluth for the 2018 shipping season.

The Trader got stuck in the ice shortly after departure.

Harbor will wake up this week!

Update: 3/19/2018 - New Schedules

Tuesday 3/20/2018 17:00 - Erie Trader/ Clyde S. VanEnkevort hopes to get underway before noon Tuesday, heading to the CN dock in Two Harbors to load iron ore.

Thursday 3/22/2018 The Edwin H. Gott and Kaye E Barker 
-------------------------------------------------------------
Ice breaking operations will increase this week with the anticipated start of the shipping season this Thursday when the Edwin H Gott and Burns Harbor pull out of their winter layup slips.

New GLA Cam installed

The new GLA cam is now installed.  I still have some tweaking to do on it, but, it's good to see the view.
Thanks to everyone who donated to the replacement after it failed last week. 

Two Harbors Fishermen 031018 - The rest of the story

The previous video showed the last half of a long challenge for two fishermen determined to get their boat into Lake Superior.  This video is a 5 minute timelapse of the entire two-hour endeavor.

-Early Spring fishing, certainly has its challenges.

Two Harbors Ice Fishing/Breaking

These two fishermen (perhaps Sven and Ole) are the most determines guys that I have seen on the cams.  Saturday morning, after chopping a place for their boat, the two were finally able to launch and break their way free onto Lake Superior.

They returned six hours later.

A good example of ice fishing and breaking when needed.



Music by: Eric Matyas http://soundimage.org/

Harborcam Update

Superior Entry Cam

• I will be testing the new antenna system when it arrives later this week.
• Wiring upgrades on the Superior Piers should be done in the next few weeks.
• The new camera is ready for installations once the other system wiring and antennas are in place and tested.
• Still hoping for around May 1st.

GLA Cam

• The New camera has been ordered and I should be able to get it in place by later this week.

General 

•  Boat crews are returning to the big boats that have been layed up here for the winter.
• The Alder, along with the larger tugs will begin icebreaking operations this week.
• The Alder will be going out on a press tour Thursday at 9AM.
• Other Great Lakes icebreaking operations are also starting up this week.
• Expect Large boat traffic by March 23rd.
• The Soo Locks open on March 25th.

Know Your Ships 2018 now available

The 2018 version of Know your Ships is now available over at: http://knowyourships.com/

Complete GLA Camera Failure!

Update: 17:30 - Thanks to the 25 people who donated to the GLA cam replacement. I just ordered the new cam and it will be here next week.

Amazing that we can raise nearly $1000 in 5 hours.  - Thanks so much. The new camera is the same model that was installed at the Two Harbors Boat Launch. I will hang on to the old one for parts.

12:00 - I was able to get on the roof of the Great Lakes Aquarium this morning after not being unable to access the camera remotely after multiple resets.

After testing the power supplies on the roof, I had to remove the camera for testing on the bench. It appears that after 4 years of continuous operation the camera has completely failed.
The GLA is a great location for a camera and I will start another fundraiser to replace this camera.

The good thing is that everything is in place for a new camera and it shouldn't take long to get a new one in service.

And so it goes!

p.s. - Wisconsin Point is stilll moving forward.

Sunrise Glory

The sun is now inching it's way north every morning as warming weather and sunny days grow longer and more frequent.

The sunrise today from the Pier B cam was particularly beautiful.

Must be time to order some more chickens!

Wisconsin Pt Cam progress

Wiconsin Point Camera Update - The Wisconsin Point Camera needs to transmit the video signal 7 miles from the Superior Entry to the Harbor Hub (my hillside office).  I did some testing today with the first set of antenna's that I thought would work, since they have a 9 mine range.  In realilty I could only get them to reach as far as the Sky Harbor Airport which is 5 miles. So, I am going to try a pair of more powerful antenna's next and will keep you posted. I had a feeling it might turn out like this.

Below is a picture of one of the antenna's set up on a tripod for the first test.    The antenna appears larger then it really is (7in dia).  On the next pole over are the Bayfront Cam, Harbor Cam, Hillside Cam and an AIS antenna.

CGC Alder beginning Duluth operations 03/06/2018

CGC Alder began it's 2018 operation with a sail out into Lake Superior this windy morning on a short mission to test out the ice.

CGC Alder Ice Breaking Today

The CGC Alder will make its way under the Duluth Lift Bridge this morning on its first ice-breaking run of the season. Probably about 9AM -- check duluthboats.com for updates.

Congratulations -- Wisconsin Point Webcam funding complete!

In a few days we raises over $4200 for the new Wisconsin Point Webcam. 
Your generosity never ceases to amaze me.  Here is the plan for the cam!

• Next, I have to program and test the long range radio antennas.  
• The camera installation will be done in conjuction with a Corp of Engineers lighting upgrade project at the same time. Once the weather warms up, the upgrades can proceed.
• I have the camera on order and should be able to have it programmed and ready once the project begins.

My hope is that the installation will be complete sometime in April.  I will keep you posted as advances are made. I do expect some glitches with this project as it is a long distance to transmit a video signal.  However, I am confident it will work after some tweeks.

Thanks again, over 120 people contributed to the new cam---- simply amazing!

Den

Boat Schedules!

FYI,
The CGC Alder will be out this week, the tugs next week and the big boats will begin moving the following week.

Ghost Ship- JB Ford -- Taken by Jeff Doty

While the JB Ford sits in the scrap yard waiting to be turned into some other steel project, Jeff Doty used a lot of creativity to capture the ful moon over the bow.

You can view more of Jeff's exceptional photography at his Facebook Page.

Minnesota Point Lighthouse History

Located at the end of Park Point in Duluth, the Minnesota Lighthouse ruins are a rich part of the Duluth-Superior maritime history.

This 10 min video introduces you to a memorable relic from the past.

Harbor Break Wall Rebuild

For those interested in the harbor break wall construction near the William A Irvin, here is what the major project look like today.

Heritage Tug - Edward H

We often see the Heritage tugs hard at work in the harbor, but, often don't get a chance to see these magnificent boats inside.
Today I stopped by for another peek with a 360 camera.

Tug Bayfield

When viewing the canal cam, you may wonder about the tugboat that is on display in the Marine Museum grounds.

The tug BAYFIELD did much of its work here in Duluth-Superior Harbor for the US Army Corps of Engineers. Its main job was pushing crane barges with dredging equipment mounted on deck, deck barges loaded with rock or scows filled with dredged material.

The tug BAYFIELD was built in 1953 by Roamer Boat Company in Holland, Michigan. She measures 45 feet in length and 13 feet in width. The BAYFIELD is powered by a 170 horsepower diesel engine.  The BAYFIELD was retired from active service in 1995 and placed on permanent display here in Canal Park in 1999.

South Pier Lighthouse

My friend Christian Dalbec took this nice picture of the South Pier Lighthouse.
What a beautiful building.
See more of Christians fantastic photography at:   http://www.christiandalbecphotography.com/

New Wisconsin Entry Cam

Good News! It is beginning to look likely that we will be able to put up a camera at the Superior Entry.

The timeline for this will be:
1. Complete project planning, get bids on electrical work and compile an equipment list by Mid-March.
2. Start a fundraiser late March.
3. Install and calibrate the camera by May 1st.  (all subject to change of course)

We have been dreaming about a camera at the Superior Entry for many years and it may now become feasible because of advances in technology. I plan on one camera looking out at the lake and the lighthouse this year and will see how reliable the signal is since it has to be wirelessly transmitted 7 miles across the harbor. It will also be a test to see if it attract vandalism. A second camera looking back at the harbor can be added later depending on how the first camera performs.

At any rate, I will keep you posted on the developments of our biggest project ever which will be the highlight of 2018 and my focus for the next few months.

Thanks for all the support in the past years and I look forward to another great season of watching boats, people, wildlife and the weather with you.

Den

Apostle Island Ice Caves

The Apostle Island Ice Caves may soon be open to visitors.  This image is from the last time the caves were accessable and shows the unusual beauty of the caves and why so many are anticipating being able to visit the in a week or two.

Two Harbors Breakwater Light. - Christian Dalbec

Nice shot by Christian Dalbec today of Two Harbors. You can see more of Christian's work at: http://www.christiandalbecphotography.com/

Two Harbors Ice Fishing

If you have noticed lately on the Two Harbors cams, at the break of dawn each morning the Two Harbors bay becomes populated with a small city if ice fishing shacks set up by local fishermen to take advantage of good fishing.

One fisherman, I talked to today had caught 25 fish, some coho, and the rest cisco.

The word has apparently got out about the good fishing.

Norshor Theater Tour

Many older Duluthians have fond memories of the Norshor Theater. The newly renovated theater in the heart of downtown Duluth is both a step back in time and a look to the future.

I took some time this week to look around the beautifully restored facility and thought you might like to take a peek inside also.

You can visit the tour at:
http://northernimages360.com/panotours/norshor/

CGC Alder on engine test 02/02/2018

Very unusual to see a boat out in the Duluth Harbor in early February, however, the CGC Alder needed to test out it's rebuilt engines and today was a good day to do it.

Duluth-Superior Aerial Harbor Tour (summer)

While an icy harbor is fine to look at this time of year, I took some time today to put together a harbor tour from a flight I did last summer.  Enjoy summer for 4 minutes.

Music by: Eric Matyas
http://soundimage.org/

Edna G - Two Harbors -- by: Christian Dalbec

The mighty Edna G is docked in Two Harbors as I tourist attraction these days, but, it has a lifetime of maritime service. You can view more of Christians wonderful photography http://www.christiandalbecphotography.com/

Snowflake Photography

Here is a news story that a local TV station (WDIO) did on my snowflake photography.  Amazing little crystals!

CGC Alder out Friday to test engine work.

The CGC Alder will be moving across the harbor and out into Lake Superior Friday to do some sea trials of it's rebuilt engine system.  While it will not come under the Lift Bridge due to ongoing bridge maintenance, it will come back through the Superior Entry and main harbor area.

It will probably do this a few more times until official ice breaking starts in mid-March.

Full Moon Tonight!

FYI,

I have positioned the Pier B Cam to directly capture the full (Blood) moon tonight at 5:40 CST.

Heritage Marine Tugs

The four large tugs at Heritage Marine (owned by Mike Ojard) are powerful harbor workhorses that operate in extreme weather and nasty ice condition.  These beautiful boats are truly a part of our Maritime Heritage.  Visit Heritage Marine on the web for more info.

Rose Garden Tour

Enger Park Virtual Tour

For those who haven't has a chance to visit Enger Park yet, here ya go! A bit outdated, but, you well get a good look anyway.  (Make sure to go Full screen)

Tall Ships 2010 Deck Tours

When the Tall Ships were in port back in 2018, I had a chance to do a tour of the decks. Enjoy! Make sure to go "Full Screen"

Clilia II Passenger Ship Tour

A few years ago, the Clilia II stopped in Duluth for a brief break. Not sure if everyone will be able to see this tour, but, it may be interesting to you. Best viewed Full Screen.

2018 Points of Interest

Hi Friends,

I am currently making up a list of points of interest around the area to photograph this year.

If you have anything in particular that you would like to see, I will put it on my list for 2018.

I plan on doing a lot of 360 panorama's this year.

Thanks,
Den

Edward L Ryerson - A Closer Look

Built in 1960, the 730 ft Edward L. Ryerson has shared the title "Queen of the Lakes" due to its beautiful design.
Currently docked in Superior Wisconsin, it is hoped that the Ryerson will be returned to service one of these days.

Learn more about the Edward L Ryerson at: Boatnerds and Duluth Shipping News.

Edward L Ryerson --- A Hidden Gem of the Harbor

One of the most beautiful boats on the Lakes is the Edward L Ryerson which is tucked away in a slip in Superior Wisconsin.  Someday, it may see service again.

I had a chance to stop over and see it this afternoon.  I took some video also that I will be including in the Aerial Harbor Tour.

Winter Sunrise - Geg Israelson

Beautiful Lake Superior Sunrise- photogrAPHED by Gregory Israelson. View more of Greg's wonderful photography at: https://www.facebook.com/gregory.israelson

Duluth-Superior Winter Harbor Aerial Tour

A flight around the Duluth-Superior Harbor this morning to check on the ice and the boats.  It was a good day to fly and a good day to be alive.