Starting today, with the help of Coast Guard Cutters such as this crew, we'll be seeing more traffic on Lake Superior. This is the scheduled date for the Soo Locks reopening and shipping to resume on the Great Lakes. Once again making it possible for ships to pass through the St. Mary's River, which is the gateway between Lake Superior and the rest of the Great Lakes. The large freighters are made for bumping into the icy chunks that remain, but I think it would make a tough course for the smaller craft to navigate!

Neat Photo. Remindes me of the cutter Mesquite. Must be a sister ship. I always liked the ships of the geat lakes

Good Morning! We've seen ore boats (ships?) in Marquette already. Almost as good a sign of Spring as robins!

It's the Sundew! WLB404. A 180 foot seagoing buoy tender. Beam 37 feet. Displacement 1,025 tons. The vessels in this CG classification are over 50 years old. Each has been "modernized" at least once.

IT'S 9 MONTHS 'TILL CHRISTMAS.

Great photo. Sure looks cold!

Is that the Sundew or the Mobile Bay?

Icy Calm ~ Stunning. Absolutely stunning.

404 is the USCGC Sundew, as John mentioned. Pretty good shape for her age, nice pic.

While at the Maritime Museum in Manitowoc, WI, our guide said the difference between ships and boats: ships are ocean going vessels and boats are on in-land lakes. Has anyone else heard this description?

Hey! Catch a look at the lift bridge cam. Looks like spring to me.

What lift bridge?

Looks like California Tule fog to me.

You can't even see the lift bridge like it disappeared....everyone, check it out.

This is the last season for the Sundew. It will be retired and replaced by one of the ships built at the Marinette Marine Co.

A friend of mine, in the Navy, told me that submarines are the exception to the "boat" vs. "ship" rule. Submarines are always called boats. I don't know why, but I am sure that someone here will.

For a cool website with more info on Great Lakes Shipping (and transition from the "Sundew" to the "Alder") check out:

http://www.duluthshippingnews.com/

I grew up spending summers on Isle Royale in the 60's (ran the tour boats at Rock Harbor Lodge) and we were taught vessels that remain wholly on the Great Lakes are "boats", no matter what their size (hence, Ore Boats) while the "salty's" that came in from the ocean were "ships". I'm not sure of the derivation of that tradition, but it was also part of the program presented by the purser on the Ranger III.

Have a grrrreeeat day in Pasty-land!

Coast Guard hard at work!! Or maybe the ship? Get shot!!! You all always have great shots!!! Its nice to see them :) Keep up the good work!!!

There ain't nothin like an awesome picture to make me lonesome...

This is a great thing to see live pictures daily. I love to see what the weather is like and different points of interest that you have.
Its great to read the comments from all around the world. Keep up the good work.

I missed the "conversation" yesterday but just wanted to comment on the ice floe. Nan Kuivanen was a wonderful friend of ours and it was so interesting to hear her tell the story firsthand. She was such a special lady.

Kathie, SD
The Lanse Sentinal listed a Mr. and Mrs. Ed Kuivinen from Baraga. The next day they listed a Mr. and Mrs Ed Koivinen from Pelkie. Which one is correct? Was there any frostbite problems?

Up_gal

Probably more than you wanted to know...but re/ how subs come to still be called boats...

from an article in the Royal Autstralian Navy News, July 24, 2000:

"The submarine service of WWI was a new branch of navies and it sought to develop its own traditions much as the air forces of WWI did. One of these may have been the term "boat", a difference to be jealously guarded, along with submariners' slang, jokes and customs - such as flying the Jolly Roger, the skull and crossbones, when returning from a patrol that had seen a "kill".

"It has been argued that the term "ship" has replaced "boat", especially given the size and destructive power of many modern submarines, especially the "boomers" - the Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile submarine. However, it seems that in the world of submariners the old term is still the preferred one."

from the decommissioning of The Crevalle, a Balao Class Submarine of the United States Navy:

“CREVALLE'S initial training and shakedown was accomplished in the Portsmouth, NH and New London, CT areas. The boat (submarines are called boats because of the respect for the earlier submarines and the fact that officially the Navy at that time called anything smaller than a destroyer a boat)...."

A rich tradition to be sure.....

In Navy bootcamp many years ago, we learned, "you can put a boat on a ship, but you can't put a ship on a boat" I guess it's all about size:)

Our Dad, Capt. Russell H. Bergh, was the first skipper on the U.S.C.G. Sundew WLB 404 which, I believe, is going to be decommissioned soon. My youngest son plans on joining the CG when he graduates from HS. Hi to Nanc in Pt.Huron, the Sandstone Princess (ya, right!!)in Iowa, and Gin out in SF, CA!

This is just the best site around. The topics vary from day
to day, and the comments are so informative. While
undergoing chemotherapy treatments last year, I would
check in on this site daily. I love visiting other parts of the
US via webcams. Every day I try to go to the Grand Canyon,
Sitka Alaska, Granite Island Lighthouse, Whidbey Island, to
name a few. Does anyone else out there go to some
interesting webcams?

Sundew Decommissioning will take place on May 27th at 11 am in Duluth's Bayfront Park

DULUTH, Minn., January 8, 2004-- The Coast Guard is announcing plans to decommission the Coast Guard Cutter SUNDEW (WLB 404) in late May 2004. The SUNDEW Decommissioning Ceremony will be conducted in Duluth, Minnesota; an exact date has not yet been scheduled.
All present and former crew, family and friends of the SUNDEW are encouraged to attend the ceremony.

SUNDEW is also seeking contact information for former SUNDEW Commanding Officers and it is respectfully requested that you contact us with your name, date of service on SUNDEW, phone number, email address and mailing address.

The SUNDEW is one of two 180-foot IRIS Class sea-going buoy tenders built in 1944 that are still in service. The Marine Iron & Shipbuilding Company in Duluth built SUNDEW and, along with another Duluth-based shipyard, Zenith Dredge Company, constructed 37 other 180-foot seagoing buoy tenders between 1942-1944. She was launched on February 8th 1944 and commissioned on August 24th 1944. The original cost for the hull and machinery was $861,586.

For any questions regarding SUNDEW’s decommissioning, please contact Lieutenant (junior grade) Michael Wolfe at 218-720-5461. You may also email him at mwolfe@cgcsundew.uscg.mil

Thanks, Mark from Coulee Dam and WiskeyCreek, I checked out the website and contacted Michael Wolfe. I plan to attend the ceremony, as may one or more of my sistahs. Duluth is a great city.

CCCR: I guess someone always has to add something negative. The Coast Guard sure is nice to have around when you are in trouble and need help. They save a lot of lives risking their own in the process. I have sailed the great lakes for years and have seen the Coast Guard in action many times.

PK - West Bend, WI

My co-workers and I go to this site and Sharon Smith's site everyday at lunch. We're trolls but love the UP and take in as much as we can get. We'd love to know the address for the Grand Canyon webcam.

Great PIC today!!

Re Webcams...
for a great webcam resource, go to www.earthcam.com
It's broken down into different categories, and I've found all sorts of great sites there. Have fun and happy "traveling"!!

To Joe Finn:
Ed and Nan Kuivanen were from Pelkie.
Did you know them?

Great picture !

The Sundew spent ½ day last week in Bete Grise bay. We thought she might be checking out that the buoy's hadn't shifted over the season.

No way was it as clear and pristine as this view.

A more reliable sign of spring anyday, verses a groundhog.

Geeorge in Milw. The pic reminds me of your dad and my uncle. such memories. I am doing great and keep up the good work this is for you Mary

I crewed the last voyage of the QSMV* Abbey from Pictou, Nova Scotia to Chicago in 1982. She too was an aging icebreaker, commissioned in '48, as best I remember. (* Quadra Shafted Motor Vessel)

Four shafts - two 18 foot propellers fore, and two 18 foot propellers aft. One of two prototype double ended icebreakers every built - Sister ship said to have gone to Russia. The original Captain, Captain Pike, returned for this one last voyage.Idling at the dock she used two tons of bunker per hour, that's why she was retired. In the Atlantic, we saw baby seals being birthed on icebergs; so recently newborn as to be still bloody. Actually opened the St. Lawrence seaway that year - time of my life!

PK - West Bend WI.,

I too "Travel" around daily. Try Sierra Nevada Webcams.

PK in West Bend: one of my daily webcam sites is www.cornwallcam.co.uk for beautiful pictures taken during daily walks by the photographer. Can learn lots of historical data as well.

im going off the beaten path here. because i want to say, REDWING fans unite!!! to-nite is a big game for our home team, i am hoping for the win but, i am worried about the goaltending. however the outcome, lets hope the wings win. GO WINGS!!!!

To PK West Bend, Wis. This is wher I go ever day along with this web sight. Ironbay.com/staticpages/idex, mackinacbridge.org,
copperharbor.org/copper_harbor_live_cam.htm, cableamerica.com/michigan/lake.shtml

Mr. Ed Chaput sent this old photo today with the following note:

"This is a picture of myself, taken onboard the EDMUND FITZGERALD in 1958..That was the maiden season of the FITZ and I was a shipmate then of a Carl Makkinen of Calumet."

Yesterday many of the posts were about "Sam Hill", amazingly I am reading a biography of Sam Hill at this time. The Book can be attained at the Library "Sam Hill, The Prince of Castle Nowhere" I am sure many of you would find it most interesting. He was involved in many events and in different Vocations. He brought about the Peace Arch at the border crossing of Blaine Wa. and Canada. He built a Castle and the Stonehenge Memorial, and a museum. He was also a big Railroad man up in Minn. and Michigan`s Mesabi range. So far in the book I have found nowhere that he was a cusser. At least no more that the average man back then. So pick up the book and Enjoy

mark in coulee dam : Thanks for the explanation on subs. Very interesting info!

Another note relating to yesterday's posts:
The book Lady Unafraid was mentioned and asked about where to obtain a copy...it stirred up the desire in me to read it now too, so I checked at my local library. They had no copy, but went online to check the other area libraries. Low and behold, there are copies in several of the surrounding towns, so they're ordering it from them as an inter-library loan to our library! So anyone having trouble finding it, make sure you check your local library and ask if they can find you a copy to read!

What do you people think of a pasty cam'rs gathering on the 4th of July in say Eagle River next to the court house for this 1st annual event? Maybe do it once a year, rotating locations. Lake Lindens park on the 4th for the next year etc? Everything pot luck till we see how it works out?

is this old bad used as a buoy tender

I'm R.H.Bergh's #1,Hi#4. I would love to go with you to Duluth but, I'm having hip surgary on April 14. The boat picture reminded me of the pictures at the house, not of us 4, but boats!! It was a great life. Nanc

Go Wings eh!!

Hey, Roudy, I certainly think it would be awesome to have a pastycam picnic on the 4th. My brother's family and I will be renting the Raisanen's house in Eagle Harbor starting July 3. What a blast it would be to meet some of the people!

To Kathie, SD
No, I did not know the Kuivanens. But, she must have been a wonderful woman. After all the people were all rescued,she was interviewed in a garage in Lanse on a nation wide radio hook up. This was unheard of at the time, but the event was nation wide news. I have to believe those people were much more tougher than now. How many people do you know that could survive soaking wet in 12 below zero weather? I know of one. He lives in Calumet. Keep the faith Bill L.

We'll be pulling for those WINGS tonight and Saturday!!! Who do you think will be goaltending?

Rather than cussing, I prefer to think of it as "talking in cursive"... and I've always had poor penmanship.

Well said, Darn Guy

Kathie in SD,
Mom remembers the ice floe incident very well since it
happened offshore near Skanee, in March 1941. You'll
have to ask her about it . I didn't know you knew one of
the survivors, Mrs Kuivanen. I found two articles in the
NYTimes archives on the near-disaster and can send
them to you.
Mom said she and Dad had a nice visit with you. Is their
freezer still well-stocked with pasties?

Ahmeek Gal, I saw your greeting to me a week or so ago, but it was several days after the fact. So here's my hello. It's hard to imagine that you have a son thinking about the C.G. already! Hi also to #1 (and 2 and 3 as well). Your Dad was a special person, I have fond memories of Capt. Bergh. Nanc, glad to hear the hip is finally going to get fixed.

P.S., always loved your Dad's story about spitting on the pie!!

"talking in cursive"-- that is EXCELLENT! The humor on this site is wonderful!

Can you helpful people read my yesterday post re: Sam Hill? It is a bit above the Keweenaw snow "crop circles" picture.

Thanks

Sorry if anyone replied today and I didn't see it--I haven't had time to read today's page and have to get on the road in 2 minutes.

Nice picture of Ed and the Fitzgerald. It is still hard to believe that she and the crew are gone.

Ok, Betty, missed the pie spitting one....hmmm
I read in the latest issue of the Lake Superior mag (I get it as a present each year:)) that the Sundew is replaced by the Alder. Sounds like a huge boat and the Sundew will be in permanent home in Duluth.
#3: you are just jealous 'cause you didn't think of it first, we are ALL princess';)

Roudy, i think a gathering of all the pasty cammers is a great idea. Anybody else think so?

They have a gathering of all the yoopers from southeastern Wi. in Kenosha every year, it's great.

Cam link for sites around Michigan.
http://woodtv.com/global/Story.asp?
You can get a quick glimpse of the weather all over the state.
And if you are a snow lover you can't beat John Dee's NCN.

God Bless You, Ed, and your time on the E'mund Fitz.
Oh and to DJB-MI, you're a cruel one...only nine months until almost total DARKNESS!!!
I'm still new to the UP, but tonight I sat on my porch and watched the fog and thunderstorms roll in...can Spring be far behind?

George in Milw GO WINGS And Eddie the JET what a great pic. I woould like to go with the cam people but not being in Lake Linden on the 4th would be un acceptable

Sandstone Princess, I'm #4, not #3. Gosh, you're getting just like Mom!!! LOL!!!

Betty, I also have a son old enough to own a l*gg&%g truck. I don't want to actually use the word, lest it stir up controversy! He did some hauling for your brother-in-law at Bete Gris.

Ed Chaput has a wealth of information about Great Lakes shipping. Great photo, and what an experience to have been on the Fitz.

To: PK, Westbend, WI,
You might try this web sire they say that they have over 2500 cams. www.camscape.com I aslo play with the web cams some and have quite a few different ones that I sometimes go to.

Point of interest to those who would like a gathering of pasty cammmers.. I've recently found a web site called CChomecoming.org about a get-together somehow connected with MTU? I guess it involves families with roots in the copper country. More info should be avaiable in April. Haven't gotten into it much myself, yet. And I think it's maybe going to come down around July 3 & 4th? Would anyone else be interested. I sure hope circumstances work for me to attend. Check it out.

Catherine - Holland Mi, just checked in with my cohort at work (Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, Florida) who assures me she heard it many times from her mom, entire family born and raised in Tampa! I lived in Fenton, Mi from 48 to 76 and grew up with it as well. Guess Mr. Hill made quite a name for himself!
ATN: DJB - MI, ref 6 months to Christmas...it's only 3 months to St. Leon's Day. Back in the 60's or 70's, Jimmy Launce on WJR used to promote St Leon...June 25th, just half way, and Leon is Noel spelled backwards! My family and many friends have celebrated it lo these may years. To any and all who wish to join us, Happy St Leon's Day three months early!

SUNDEW reminds me of the MESQUITE also. Really felt bad when they lost MESQUITE. Had been on board coupla times during 'open house' days in Escanaba. Guess the MACKINAW is not long for the lakes either, 'eh? Lookin' good, Ed. I remember when they launched the FITZ. Sailed aboard the NORTH AMERICAN in '59. Was really a good summer for me.

Sandstone Princess, your Dad said one time (while on the boat) he wanted to save a piece of pie for later in the evening, so he put a note on it that said no one should eat it because he spit on it. When he came back to enjoy his piece of pie, there was a p.s. on the note - it said "I spit on it too!!" I can still hear him chuckling about it.

How about them Red Wings! Detroit 3, Colorado 1.

This is daughter #3--Hi to all my sistahs. Fun to see the Sundew and think of Dad. I will write about the info for the decomissioning in May-- would be fun to attend.
This web site is fun and entertaining. Great pics! The weather out here should be cooler tomorrow-- 62!:)

Nanc--Glad you are having that surgery to fix that hip.. M.E.--you are right--we ALL are princesses. Dad used to call us his harem!
Hi to Tot in Wa.

The Coast Guard cutter can be seen with other pics at http://www.shutterfly.com/pro/jmassie/collection

The Boat vs Ship conversatation takes a twist when the Coast Guard is concerned. Anything over 65 feet long is considered a cutter. Anything shorter is a boat. Now, is the Old Faithful Sundew a Boat, Cutter or Ship?