Freighter traffic in Marquette's Upper Harbor is starting to pick up now that the Soo Locks are open for the shipping season. Two of our regular photographers were on hand when the Kaye E. Barker was finishing up loading at the ore dock and the Hon. James L. Oberstar was just arriving earlier this week.

The first three photos and the video here above were taken by Bob Gilreath. He was on hand in the Harbor, along with his wife Liz, whose brother works on board the Oberstar this year. Bob said the air was cold, they were facing a north wind and it was just about dusk there on the lakeshore, but they hung around to capture the video here today, with the Barker backing out and away from the Upper Harbor Dock and the Oberstar approaching the dock. He figured the lighting wasn't the best for making a video, but it sure is neat to see them passing by each other like that!

The remaining four photos of the freighter event, were snapped by Danielle Adams, who is a regular boat watcher and picture snapper there in the Harbor. She said there were quite a few folks there taking pictures along with Bob and her. So I guess having two freighters coming and going at the same time like this is an exciting event for many boat nerds! Danielle snapped her shots from a slightly different angle than Bob's and she was able to capture the Oberstar up close and personal as it was pulling in to the dock.
Sure is nice to see the boats in action here on Lake Superior again

It doesn't get much better than that! Can't wait to see some of that
action.

Great pix and very cool video...thanks for taking the time.

Very cool pix and video, thanks Bob and Danielle. I was back in Marquette for two minutes there!! Nice to hear the lake as well.

Thank you Bob and Danielle! Wonderful photos and video.
I love the classic lake boats!

Marquette has such a beautiful harbor. Great pics
all!

Wow. Two freighters with the pilothouse at the bow. Love it!

Too Funny that we were both there shooting form
opposite sides of the ore dock and didn't even
get to meet ;-)
We'll make sure that doesn't happen next time
lol

FYI Bill is on the Oberstar this summer as the
Jackson is still in Dry dock in Superior
Wisconsin getting converted to all new Diesel
engines.
She was the last steam powered freighter on the
lakes, and we enjoyed our trip on board a quieter
vessel a few summers ago.

Oh my gosh! What awesome pictures! How I wish I
could have been there to witness that. Thanks for
sharing them!

Forgot to say how much I enjoyed the video also.
Can't wait until August when I get to spend some
time there.