Bob LaFave, Village Manager in L’Anse, recently captured a “bird’s eye view” of the Great Republic as she took safe harbor in Keweenaw Bay on New Year’s day. The Great Republic was on her way to Two Harbors, Minnesota, so she waited in the Bay for dock space to open up, as there was a backload of boats waiting to get into Duluth and Superior. What a beautiful place to wait it out and a treat for the folks around Keweenaw Bay to get a good look at this Great Lakes boat. Bob’s shots here are some of the last freighter photos we’ll see for a few months, as the Soo Locks close down on January 15th for necessary winter maintenance and repairs and will reopen again on March 25th. As far as I’m aware, this will still take place, despite the unusual weather around Lake Superior with little to no ice, as the Soo Locks operating season is fixed by federal regulation.

We have another “2023 Year in Review” today, this one from Copper Shores Community Health Foundation. The lead-in for today’s video tells us a little more about this foundation: Copper Shores Community Health Foundation underwent a radical transformation in 2023, joining three historic local nonprofits together and rebranding into one. The main goal of the merger is to fill service gaps in the community by strengthening and expanding the programs Copper Shores offers.

Very nice set! There is a majestic calmness
watching that freighter resting there. It almost
looks like summertime.
And the video is great. It’s nice to see that
there is still some love and compassion left in this
violent, mixed up, out of control world.
May the Lord bless them all. Amen

It's awesome that our area has
such great places for these ships
to hang out, whether it be
inclement weather or waiting for a
place to park. We yoopers love
watching the ships. Thanks, Bob.

Good stuff...all the way around~~

Great opportunity to see Great Republic up close! Thanks for the pictures, Bob!

The video highlighted so many good groups and their projects. But when i saw them digging up the tulips while still in gorgeous bloom it made me wish the growing season was longer so they could leave the tulips in place a couple more weeks!

Beautiful skies for a day of "hunkering down" for the Great Republic.

Looks like there is going to be a lot of short term real hibernation this weekend throughout the Midwest from the UP all the way down here in Northern IL. Not just a big blizzard here too, but negative double digit temperatures here starting Sunday. Stay safe and warm everyone.

I hope my copy of "Michigan Rocks" shows up on schedule tomorrow so I've got it for the weekend.