Here's a sight you don't often see at Bete Grise, here in the Keweenaw. Did you find the "what else" I'm referring to? Bill and Eloise Haller defied Murphy's Law and not only were in the right place, at the right time, but also had a camera handy. They captured FIVE freighters at once, taking refuge from the storm. By the looks of those clouds, it's a good thing they did. Perhaps the Captain's of those ships saw a sunrise like we featured last week and followed the saying... "red sky in morning, sailor's take warning". For a closer view of the ships, be sure you check out Bill's gallery.

Good Morning from the Central valley of California.
It's a frosty 34 degs. here right now.

Ships at Anchor.

It is forecasted to be in the 70's here in west TExas but very windy....what else is new? My kids are dying for a little dusting of the white stuff and that has happened here but this year proves to be a bit elusive. Good day to all.

Storms can be so frightening, yet beautiful. Thanks.

I remember watching the storms come across
the lake when we lived in Eagle River.
What ever it was, storm clouds, lighting,
or snow squall, it was a spectacular sight
seeing the storm move toward the U.P.

Someone needs to reboot the lift bridge cam - it's frozen!!

Greetings from New Hampshire - hip deep snow drifts.

What has happened to John Dee? There is a post from Nora on his website the says how he is doing but I can't find a single word about what happened in the first place! Anyone have any info?

Indeed I have navigated said waters with me sturdy craft many a time albeit while Lady Superior was in a somewhat more friendly mood.

Thanks Frank!

Wow...thanks Bill and Eloise! Lucky us that you were at the right place at the right time with a camera! Thanks for sharing . It's sunny and warm down here but my heart is still up there by you.

I remember years ago seeing freighters like these in Lac La Belle. This was during deer season.

Great picture Bill and Eloise! In my 19 years of living in the Keweenaw, I never realized ships took refuge in Bete Grise.

Does anyone know where you can get good winter air for tires in Wisconsin.

Update date on John Dee. He was taken to Marquette this morning for further test. (read Noras Dec. 15th journal).

Glad to see the ships take refuge from the storm. I would hope the sinking of the Fitzgerald will drive the lesson home that 30 foot waves sink ships and the best way to reduce the odds of sinking is to stay off the lake when there are 15 footers or more forecast. As good as the Great Lakes Shipwreck museum is, I highly recommend taking a tour of the museum freighter "Valley Camp" at the Soo. They have several Edmund Fitzgerald lifeboats there, which were torn by the waves as if they were made out of thin aluminum foil. The Valley Camp is a must visit for freighter geeks because you can actually tour a lake freighter similar to the ones you see on the big lake. You can even go into the pilot house.

Hey "living in the tropics." We sell that winter air for tires here in Mid-Michigan. If you send me $20.00 per tire I will send you the canned winter air (snicker, snicker)

Must of been the day a week or two ago when a 500 or 750 footer came through The Canal. A vision I shall never forget: a number of years ago on a very foggy day I and a friend drove to The Bay on the Gay road. To our wonder, barely visible through the thick fog, was a freighter, well within the bay. A ghostly sight for us, but, I'm sure, a comforting place for them. Wonder if the depth is enough to handle something like that now.

I want to second what Tim said about touring the VALLEY CAMP museum ship at the Soo. The complete ship is open to the public with access to all areas of the ship including the cargo hold which holds many displays. My wife was stunned with the view from the pilot house over the 525' deck and across the St. Marys River and on to the hills of Soo Ontario.
She now has an idea of the size of the feighters as we talk of my days aboard the FITZGERALD for its maiden season.
http://www.boatnerd.com/fitz/firstseason.htm

get well soon John Dee

It doesnt look like much but theirs a slight chance of thunder.over here its regular.

What a photo! I thought the Lakers would all be up in port for the winter! I was amazed to see these photos. Great timing, great shots!