• Friday-What'sUP September 9 - 03:54 pm

Whenever you think of sailing the Great Lakes surrounding the Upper Peninsula, the imagination gives you a romantic view of what it must be like. Peter Tormala doesn't just imagine it, he lives on the freighter SS RESERVE and sails the Lakes for a living. We get to share the experience of heading into the fog, checking out the murky thickness, along with the low visibility. You just never know what might be hiding out there as you cut through the haze. Why you might even find a double bonus like these rainbows Pete spotted just reaching out of the fog!

Again, great pictures this morning. The first one makes you feel like your on the freighter. Happy Friday everyone!

Happy Friday everyone! Great foggy shots for the morning. Wwake up everyone!

Magnificent photos. What a fine way to spend
free time aboard a freighter--sharing the
experience with the rest of us.

My uncle used to sail the Great Lakes. One of
my best memories was the time he took me
on board. The cook, Cookie of course, made
special treats. My uncle brought me a tam o
shanter from Canada--little knowing then (I
must have been about 11) that I would one
day live there.

Last month when I pulled into Marquette, there
were three freighters in the harbor coming,
going and arrived. It doesn't get much better
than than for a Marquette native.

Wow....makes you feel as though you are out on Lake Superior. Wonderful pic, Peter. Thanks.

Nice picture, my bro's on that boat! Don't see him on deck though, probably on break!

Great pictures, I always look for the freighters
on the great lakes

When I was a little girl, my Dad, Mom & sister Janice kept ship on the S.S.Reserve. I remember running down those decks in the winter time with my sister.(when you're young you don't fear any danger). We were on it from November til March. Our teachers gave us our schoolwork ahead of time that we had to do. We lived in the aft part where the galley & cook's quarters are. Galley was all stainless steel. Had good food, bunkbeds, TV,lots of room to play. Great memories. I have a doily with the Reserve name on it. It is on one of my dressers in my bedroom as a rememberance of that special time in m life. It would be great to be able to go on board sometime when it comes into Marquette. My Dad's job was a watchman & part of his job was to watch through that fog for obvious reasons.

Peter Tormala--did they change the insignia on the Reserve? It used to be a Big "C" on the smokestack wasn't it? Will you be coming back to Marquette this season?

Thats an outstanding photo from the boats. My brother took them, not bad Pete. This is SGT Nate by the way, right now I am stationed at Fort Hood Texas with the 1st Cavalry Division. I wish I could jump into the Big Lake for a little bit to cool off, its hot here. But, I really enjoy looking at all of the photos here on Pasty when I am away from home, thanks everyone for posting and sharing your photos with Yoopers away form the Yoop. You all take care and Keep the Faith.

I always loved seeing the big boats! How lucky you are cherylmi to have those neat memories.

I see it has not taken Sgt. Nate long to adjust to Texas (you all)!
Good weekend (you) all!

Cheryl, what an exciting winter you must have had.

Yeah, Oglebay Norton Marine Services Co. changed there insignia to ON rather than the C for Columbia Transportation. I am not on the Reserve right now. I have no idea what boat I will be on next, I know that it will probably be with Interlake Steamship Co. I now have my engineering license so I am going to be switching gears. Diane, is your brother Keith? I think my dad knows you from Jeffers High School. Anyway, thanks for the coments.

Nothing like a rainbow. Beautiful!!! P.S. my sons 8th grade football team won. 36 to 28. Great job young men. I am know raising a future football player. Makes MOM feel proud... I would really thank Coaches Bob Frantti and Aaron Helminen for giving Jake the confidence he so needed.