When the USCG Mackinaw pulled into Marquette Harbor from Duluth, Danielle Adams was on hand to snap some photographs. She said they had to get their hull inspected, which was done by MSP divers.

I like that this boat is so colorful and bright with the red and white paint. It would be hard to miss this one, sailing the waters of Lake Superior. Danielle said when they left Marquette, they were headed to Cheboygan, MI. What kind of duties does the Mackinaw perform during the summer months? I know in the fall they go around pulling UP the buoys and in the Spring they're out there breaking UP the ice. But what do they do during the other seasons, other than being on hand for rescues and emergencies?

Great pictures!! Wonder if UC got to see it while he was in Marquette?

Nice looking boat. The Coast Guard is my favorite branch of the U.S. Military.

More important than ever, protecting our borders.
And, a great paint job BTW...definitely Earl Scheib.

Great pictures of the Mackinaw Danielle. I guess I never realized just how red red could get.

Mary:

The USCGC Mackinaw (WLBB-30), based in Cheboygan, is officially classified as a Heavy Icebreaker not a Buoy Tender as are the other Cutters seen in Superior such as The Alder. I think it is one of the very few ships mandated by federal law to exist for a specific purpose. Unlike the rest of the Coast Guard vessels, Congress mandates that a heavy icebreaker exist on The Great Lakes.

Since WLBB-30 replaced her predecessor Mackinaw (WAGB-83) in 2006 they saw fit to design a heavy icebreaker that is classified as multi-mission, as are the buoy tenders.

I think the middle of Summer is the only potential down-time The Mackinaw might see as the lower Great Lakes do not necessarily shut down during January and February as The Big Lake typically does. And even in the Summer they have plenty to do with training and assisting with all the other missions now assigned to the Coast Guard. But I think they might be "sitting around" just a wee bit more in the Summer than other CG units. They would probably never admit it but if pressured they might say they deserve it.

See you all in a couple of days. Here's hoping I make it to the top of Bear Bluff this trip.

D.A....enjoy the bluff! As I mentioned before, it is a medium intensity hike which requires that you be in decent physical condition.
Suggestions:
1.) Take a couple bottles of water.
2.) If possible, pick a sunny day, the view of the blue lake and green forest are
unforgetable.
3.) Most importantly, the correct name is "Bare" Bluff which means that clothing is optional. :-)

Thanks!

Actually all these pics are of them leaving. They backed out
past the breakwall and sat there for a while before leaving.

Alex:
Bare? If I thought the bugs would
cooperate I just might accept your challenge.

I'm in less than decent shape but my last EKG
was clear a year ago and I don't think I'm
having any issues. I intend to go as slow as
needed and not go if it's too hot or too muggy.
My biggest concern is falling down. I intend to
go clockwise up and counterclockwise back
down.

It looks like Verizon coverage might be a bit
iffy until the summit is reached. I brought a
new "toy" that uses the Sat Phone system that
allows 2-way Texting and friends can track my
location on the Internet at 10 minute
intervals.

What I really need is a hiking partner. Anyone
up for it week after next? My schedule is
flexible.

Bare or Bear?

Clear the modern or accepted name is Bare Bluff,
but has it always been that way? Old NGS maps from
the 50's indicate Bear and the creek that runs
just to the west of the bluff is called Bear Creek
in every map I have found where it is named. On
many maps it is not labelled.

Great Pictures Danielle!
Didn't see the ship, saw the freighter's tho. Had lunch right there (Vango's Pizza, my fav) then blasted to the Keweenaw and did a quick tour all the way around the point and made it back to Marquette at Midnight. The U.P. was jumpin with tourist which was nice to see for their economy. However, there was a music festival in Marquette and big doings in Munising as well, and there were NO Hotels available ANYWHERE! So I slept in my truck on the shore of Lake Superior, and it was actually great! Made it back to my sister's in Boyne Saturday afternoon, Vic and I came back to Commerce Twp. today. All in all, I enjoyed the road trip. Going to try to get up there in August again as well.
Have a good week All!

Should have retired the name with this ship. The new one just is not
the same not to mention it is inadequate for the thickness of ice its
been encountering. It should be the USCG
St. Ignace.