 
Zxzm
Member
Username: Zxzm
Post Number: 14
Registered: 10-2007
| | Posted on Saturday, October 20, 2007 - 9:56 pm: |    |
Was the Algocape the same boat that was anchored in the river in front of the Ren Cen today? |
Downtownguy
Member
Username: Downtownguy
Post Number: 79
Registered: 07-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, October 21, 2007 - 8:53 am: | |
Not exactly in front of the Ren Cen. More like in front of Rivard Plaza of the River Walk. |
The_ed
Member
Username: The_ed
Post Number: 253
Registered: 10-2007
| | Posted on Monday, October 22, 2007 - 10:14 am: | |
I was fishing behind the post office saturday morning and noticed a freighter sitting just SE of Cobo Hall. It took a while to notice but this freighter wasn't moving at all. Other freighters went by but this one didn't move. I don't know if it was stuck, broke down or what. I was there for about 4 1/2 hours and when I left the freighter was still there. |
Awfavre
Member
Username: Awfavre
Post Number: 163
Registered: 08-2005
| | Posted on Monday, October 22, 2007 - 1:40 pm: | |
C_p, yep, I work Downtown, & I was in Port Huron on Saturday, which is why I didn’t see what happened with the Algocape on Saturday, Downtownguy. The water level monitoring site for the water level at Gibralter (the benchmark in the Detroit area) shows the water levels have been up & down the past couple days. I’m guessing the Algocape went to anchor because of those fluctuating levels. http://glakesonline.nos.noaa.g ov/monitor.html (Click on the link for Gibralter on the left side menu.)
As for the maneuver itself, I’m sure the Algocape pilothouse crew contacted the Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin pilothouse crew to inform them of their attentions ahead of time. I am constantly surprised how much room is out there. The folks at Sarnia Traffic (the Canadian Coast Guard folks who monitor all vessel traffic in the area) told us during a tour how it’s routine for vessels to pass three abreast in the river, with plenty of room to spare. (See the link below, about two-thirds the way down for photos of three vessels abreast in the St. Clair River.)
http://www.boatnerd.com/pictur es/special/fawnisl03/default.h tm
Lowell, the vessel you saw Friday was the thousand-footer American Century anchored in the Belle Isle Anchorage. It did look like she was blocking the channel, but she wasn’t blocking it entirely – several vessels passed her during the day. By the end of the day, the wind was so strong, it pushed her stern where she was almost perpendicular to the channel, & her stern was only 10-20 yards from shore.
Zxzm, the Algocape was not the same boat above the RenCen on Friday, but if the one on Saturday looked like the photo below, that was her. And the Belle Isle Anchorage is mostly abeam of the Tri-Centennial State Park, but I have seen where a few vessels anchored there at the same time, making it look like they were in front of the RenCen.
The Algocape:
http://www.boatnerd.com/pictur es/fleet/thumb/algocape7-07-02 -mn-pg.jpg
The American Century (when she was the Columbia Star)
http://www.boatnerd.com/pictur es/fleet/thumb/cstar5-9-02-as. jpg
The_ed, the freighter you saw was probably anchored in the Ojibway Anchorage off Canadian/Ojibway Salt in Windsor. Most vessels seem to prefer anchoring there (rather than the Belle Isle Anchorage) due to the way the river current runs. |
Perfectgentleman
Member
Username: Perfectgentleman
Post Number: 4160
Registered: 03-2006
| | Posted on Monday, October 22, 2007 - 1:43 pm: | |
Here is a boat going up Fort Street, do any of you have a clue what the hell was going on here?
|
Awfavre
Member
Username: Awfavre
Post Number: 164
Registered: 08-2005
| | Posted on Monday, October 22, 2007 - 1:47 pm: | |
Clearly, they were "going up the street." ;-) |
Zxzm
Member
Username: Zxzm
Post Number: 33
Registered: 10-2007
| | Posted on Monday, October 22, 2007 - 3:37 pm: | |
Awfarve,
That was her. Have any clue as to why she was laid up? |
Mikem
Member
Username: Mikem
Post Number: 3501
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Monday, October 22, 2007 - 10:13 pm: | |
quote:This same wind is causing a seiche effect on Lake Erie, basically pushing all the water East. the water levels in Maumee Bay down by Toledo are dropping so quickly & so much, the freighter H. Lee White had to anchor in the Ojibway Anchorage off Windsor -- she can't get into port because the water levels are too low.
|
Awfavre
Member
Username: Awfavre
Post Number: 165
Registered: 08-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 23, 2007 - 5:49 pm: | |
Fabulous graphic, Mikem. Thanks!
C_p, I have my scanner on all day here at work. Like you, I think it’s extremely interesting . . . although my coworkers may not always agree.
To those who do not know, my smart-aleck comment about Perfectgentleman’s photo about “going up the street” was a reference to the phrase sailors use when they leave the ship to go ashore for a miscellany of reasons (deodorant, haircuts, booze, women, etc. – the important things in life  ). Although, in these days of short loading & unloading times, the boats generally are not in port long enough to spend much time up the street.
Finally, Zxzm, a post on Boatnerd indicated the Algocape dropped the hook in the Belle Isle Anchorage because of the dropping water levels. FYI: the term “laid-up” generally refers to boats that are no longer sailing for the season. |
The_rock
Member
Username: The_rock
Post Number: 1999
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 24, 2007 - 7:16 am: | |
Perfectgentleman--I, too, enjoyed your pix of the freighter coming up Fort Street. Being a boat buff going back to the 50's, your bow shot of that vessel reminds me of the old ( not the current ) DAVID Z. NORTON which I last saw tied up near Vermillion, Ohio in the mid-60's. She was an old Columbia vessel and has long since been scrapped.
The NORTON, and so many others of her class, had that narrow, raked stack, and smaller, cramped pilot house which set these lakers apart from the ugly, boring floating barges which have dominated the lakes' traffic for the last 20 years! All those classic lakeboats ( with exceptions you can count on one hand) are now long gone.
Do you or your scanner know the name of that steamer? |
Billk
Member
Username: Billk
Post Number: 167
Registered: 09-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 - 4:05 pm: | |
In light of the San Francisco oil spill, do any of the ships passing Detroit carry oil? |
Ray1936
Member
Username: Ray1936
Post Number: 2255
Registered: 01-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 - 4:13 pm: | |
"1 long & 2 short is the informal salute – sort of a quick “Hello.” By contrast, 3 long & 2 short is a formal salute, commonly called a master’s salute."
Why don't they just get on the radio and say "How ya doin'?" and not wake anyone up? |
Jimaz
Member
Username: Jimaz
Post Number: 3807
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 - 5:31 pm: | |
quote:do any of the ships passing Detroit carry oil? Good question. I don't know but surprisingly I can only find 5 refineries near the Great Lakes. I would guess they'd ship oil by pipeline to those. |
Awfavre
Member
Username: Awfavre
Post Number: 169
Registered: 08-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 - 6:07 pm: | |
Ray1936, it's because of horn whores like me who crave those whistles.
In all seriousness, in some cases, it harkens back to the days of yore, when the boats used their whistles to do all communication -- kind of a throwback. And, in cases like the S/S Edward L. Ryerson, which went by today, some boats have beautiful, two-chime steam whistles just begging to be blown. Finally, there are US Coast Guard regulations regarding when whistles should/shouldn't be blown, like in fog or heavy snow, when visibility is nil. Come this winter, folks in the Downtown area will likely hear whistles every so often when there's a good snow storm outside.
Biilk & Jimaz, lots of vessels carry various petroleum products when passing by the area. Look for vessels (tankers & tugs with tank barges) flying a red flag, signaling "dangerous cargo on board." Most petroleum cargos passing by this area originate in Sarnia, from Shell or Imperial. Also, lots of tugs with tank barges take asphalt, carbon black, & other petroleum products out of Michigan Marine Terminal, Trumbull Asphalt, & Marathon Oil in the Rouge, as well as to/from Sterling Fuels in Windsor. |
Ray1936
Member
Username: Ray1936
Post Number: 2257
Registered: 01-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 - 6:30 pm: | |
"Ray1936, it's because of horn whores like me who crave those whistles."
Just kidding, Awfavre...know the emotion. I get that way with the horn on a diesel locomotive off in the distance (grade crossing, 2 long, 1 short, 1 long), or -- God forbid! -- the wonderful whistle of a steam locomotive, so very rare.............
Far away places, with strange sounding names....... |
Ragtoplover59
Member
Username: Ragtoplover59
Post Number: 160
Registered: 09-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 - 7:04 pm: | |
Awfavre,
Thanks for mentioning "Eight Steamboats" back in Sept.
I bought it and enjoyed it very much. |
Novine
Member
Username: Novine
Post Number: 251
Registered: 07-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 - 7:06 pm: | |
Also, you can spill a lot of fuel just from the supply to power the engines.
As for steam locomotives, we're blessed to have the 1225 so close:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P ere_Marquette_1225
and be glad that a bunch of MSU railfans had the crazy idea to restore it. Now if this doesn't do it for you, I don't know what will:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v =p03M6NrYtM4
Too bad that old Allegheny at the Henry Ford couldn't steam up again. Now that would be some serious horsepower in action. |
Lilpup
Member
Username: Lilpup
Post Number: 3109
Registered: 06-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 - 9:21 pm: | |
I was under the impression everything at the Henry Ford was still functionable(?) |
Zxzm
Member
Username: Zxzm
Post Number: 85
Registered: 10-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 - 9:51 pm: | |
Lilpup,
I'm sure the Allegheny has a plethora of broken stay bolts and flues that need to be replaced. Rod and wheel bearings would probably have to be replaced as well as the cylinder seals and cylinder values. The piping and boiler would need good inspections and the air compressors would probably need rebuilt. 300 psi worth of steam pressure is a lot and that locomotive hasn't been fired up in ages.
I hear the lakers blowing their horn/whistle every once and awhile late at night when I'll be up struggling w/ my school reading... |
Zxzm
Member
Username: Zxzm
Post Number: 89
Registered: 10-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 - 10:28 pm: | |
Footage of another Lima Berkshire, NKP 765:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v =THSavjdd_XY&feature=related
The most beautiful and best sounding locomotive ever:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v =QUzew_YiQ0A&feature=related |
Novine
Member
Username: Novine
Post Number: 252
Registered: 07-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 - 11:04 pm: | |
Nothing like the wide open west to be able to see steam engines running at speed:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v =lOOSHrr7q8c
and the UP always does it right:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v =0sUCUa_gzmU
and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v =dK2QyHOpycI |
Lilpup
Member
Username: Lilpup
Post Number: 3112
Registered: 06-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, November 15, 2007 - 12:20 am: | |
If either of you two know how to wrench & run 'em Greenfield Village is looking for a Railroad Specialist |
Zxzm
Member
Username: Zxzm
Post Number: 90
Registered: 10-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, November 15, 2007 - 12:36 am: | |
I could only wish. |
Raptor56
Member
Username: Raptor56
Post Number: 186
Registered: 05-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, November 15, 2007 - 11:34 am: | |
slightly off current topic, however I made it over to the Detroit Historical Society's web site today for the first time in forever. They have a live Detroit River webcam for boat watching, and a list of expected upbound and downbound traffic. The camera is on the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. You can even control the camera yourself from the website
http://www.detroithistorical.o rg/webcam/default.htm |
Ahartz
Member
Username: Ahartz
Post Number: 12
Registered: 04-2007
| | Posted on Friday, November 16, 2007 - 11:23 pm: | |
I heard the sweet sounds of a Master Salute tonight. I was at the Grosse Pointe City park and watched as a freighter came right up out onto the lake from the river. This was approx. 830 pm, 11/16. Three LLOONNGGG horns and then two short....but the shorts were longer than most longs I hear. The longs were 10 sec's each. Anyone know who this was intended for??..It would be so cool to know the story. Calm night, no wind, these could be heard for many miles no doubt...Due to this thread I was able to amaze my mates with my freighter communication knowledge...andy |
Ahartz
Member
Username: Ahartz
Post Number: 13
Registered: 04-2007
| | Posted on Friday, November 16, 2007 - 11:27 pm: | |
Ok now that I went and looked at that YouTube video I am betting that I heard the Ryerson herself tonite. I recognize the lines of the rear structure on the boat...andy
(Message edited by ahartz on November 16, 2007) |
Billybbrew
Member
Username: Billybbrew
Post Number: 298
Registered: 07-2005
| | Posted on Friday, November 16, 2007 - 11:48 pm: | |
Kind of a cloudy day, but here's a video MackinacMac made from my boat out in the lower Detroit River. There is a nice formal salute there.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v =6JSfPBJdB3k
(Message edited by BillyBBrew on November 16, 2007) |
Lilpup
Member
Username: Lilpup
Post Number: 3128
Registered: 06-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, November 17, 2007 - 12:45 am: | |
Are you supposed to answer the salute? |
Billybbrew
Member
Username: Billybbrew
Post Number: 299
Registered: 07-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, November 17, 2007 - 2:40 pm: | |
If I was on the tug I would have. They were past me anyhow by then. They blew the salute specifically for the video camera. Had a conversation and wave earlier. |
Novine
Member
Username: Novine
Post Number: 260
Registered: 07-2007
| | Posted on Sunday, November 18, 2007 - 5:32 pm: | |
From your proximity to the Ryerson, you normally would have gotten 5 short blasts! |
Billybbrew
Member
Username: Billybbrew
Post Number: 300
Registered: 07-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, November 18, 2007 - 5:39 pm: | |
In 22 years on the water I've only had the danger signal blown at me once and that was at the Soo where I'm not normally at. I have a golden rule as a professional mariner and it follows me into my "tin can" and that is to "Always make your intentions apparent". It has worked well and I've never had a problem. To be honest, I'm more worried about being harassed by "Homeland Security" for taking ship photos. |
Zxzm
Member
Username: Zxzm
Post Number: 98
Registered: 10-2007
| | Posted on Sunday, November 18, 2007 - 7:17 pm: | |
What comprises a "danger signal"? |
Novine
Member
Username: Novine
Post Number: 264
Registered: 07-2007
| | Posted on Sunday, November 18, 2007 - 10:02 pm: | |
5 short blasts. It's a warning to the other vessel that their actions are putting it into a dangerous situation. It's usually reserved for small boats crossing the path of the freighter or people fishing who are idling in the river and not paying attention to the freighter traffic. It's similar to the warning signals trains do for rail crossing runners and pedestrians on the tracks. |
Chad
Member
Username: Chad
Post Number: 8
Registered: 07-2007
| | Posted on Friday, November 23, 2007 - 4:11 pm: | |
Coast Guard uses the wording "prolonged blast"
answer any question on their exams with long blasts instead of prolonged you missed the question. And you have to score 90% or better on the rules of the road section of the exam!
just a bit of trivia. |
Billybbrew
Member
Username: Billybbrew
Post Number: 302
Registered: 07-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, November 25, 2007 - 4:44 pm: | |
Chad is correct, that's one of the Coast Guard's ways of tripping you up. In legal talk there is no such thing as a "Long" blast on the whistle. Luckily I scored 100% on Rules of the Road when I wrote for my license...As usual, reality and the Coast Guard tests are 2 very different things. You can learn how to be a competent boat operator or you can learn how to pass a Coast Guard test. If you're lucky you learn how to do both. |
Sailor_rick
Member
Username: Sailor_rick
Post Number: 198
Registered: 02-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 27, 2007 - 5:25 pm: | |
Billybbrew,
'Scuse me for "threadjacking", but I meant to ask you a while back if Dave from Alpena is still the Chief Engineer on the Challenger?
Thanks! |
Billybbrew
Member
Username: Billybbrew
Post Number: 303
Registered: 07-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, November 29, 2007 - 9:04 pm: | |
Dave is still relief Chief on the Challenger. His son was aboard for a trip when I was onboard as passenger this year. Mike Laituri is still permanent Chief. Are you still sailing at all? |
Eric
Member
Username: Eric
Post Number: 1016
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Friday, November 30, 2007 - 12:56 am: | |
What's up with the freighter that's been parked in the river near Rivard Plaza the last couple of days? |
Billybbrew
Member
Username: Billybbrew
Post Number: 304
Registered: 07-2005
| | Posted on Friday, November 30, 2007 - 2:53 am: | |
Julietta and Annalisa...They are saltwater ships waiting for cargo or docks most likely. Could also be a shortage of pilots. That happens usually toward the end of the year. |
The_rock
Member
Username: The_rock
Post Number: 2023
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Friday, November 30, 2007 - 5:29 am: | |
BBrew---When does the Seaway close? I remember many years back that when it was announced that the Seaway was closing by a certain date, there was a mad rush to get out of the Lakes so the salties could head for home or otherwise be "landlocked" here for a few months. I am sure that has happened to more than one ship over the years. |
Billybbrew
Member
Username: Billybbrew
Post Number: 305
Registered: 07-2005
| | Posted on Friday, November 30, 2007 - 1:58 pm: | |
Not really sure, I'm guessing somewhere around the 20th of December? The Soo Locks usually close on the 15th of January, but that has been extended in the past to Jan. 25th. (I think this info is correct, but I really don't keep track since I stick around Detroit with my boats) |
Mikem
Member
Username: Mikem
Post Number: 3522
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Friday, November 30, 2007 - 2:05 pm: | |
December 30th.
http://www.greatlakes-seaway.c om/en/navigation/notice2007111 5.pdf |
Sailor_rick
Member
Username: Sailor_rick
Post Number: 199
Registered: 02-2004
| | Posted on Monday, December 03, 2007 - 10:06 pm: | |
BB,
Glad to hear about Dave-he's "People" as we used to say back in the day.
After over 20 years sailing deep sea and the Lakes in deck (AB) and engine (QMED & 3rd Asst Engineer), I've called it quits (for the second time in my career) about five years ago.
It was initially a means to put myself through school but became a global odyssey.
This time I'm FWE (Finished With Engines)for keeps though, at a creaky 50 with my first marriage last year and a newborn child (my first that I'm aware of), I've a lot a "land-lubber living" catching up to do.
Sure, crab grass and kindergarten may not have the allure of Singapore and the South Pacific but it's an adventure if on frames it so.
Thanks for asking and Sail safe! |
Chad
Member
Username: Chad
Post Number: 9
Registered: 07-2007
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 04, 2007 - 10:26 pm: | |
SR or BB have either of you read "Steaming To Bamboola" by Christopher Buckley? It's the adventures of the author aboard a tramp steamer for a year or two. It's an absolute pisser!
All believable if you've spent some time at sea.
Chad |
Billybbrew
Member
Username: Billybbrew
Post Number: 306
Registered: 07-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 04, 2007 - 11:26 pm: | |
Chad, I've not read it or even heard of it actually. Thanks for the tip, I'll maybe check it out. Glad to hear you're enjoying your time ashore Rick! |
Sailor_rick
Member
Username: Sailor_rick
Post Number: 200
Registered: 02-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 05, 2007 - 1:20 pm: | |
Thanks, BB. I believe you told us but what do you do out there?
Yeah, it was a bittersweet read, since I was supposed to be on that voyage Buckley wrote about.
It was to be my first sailing job out of Piney Point, (The Seafarer's Union training school)but when I boarded the ship, I discovered my job was already taken by a "book man".
The mate shrugged, "Call the union hall in morning."
So there I was on the dock in a strange city, at midnight with my sea bag and 50 bucks.
Welcome to the world of shipping. I shoulda known better! Did you sail? |
Billybbrew
Member
Username: Billybbrew
Post Number: 307
Registered: 07-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 05, 2007 - 11:17 pm: | |
I work on tugs and am a partner in the company I work for. I have been doing that since I was 15. I also have a "real" job working as a bridge operator on the Rouge River. |
Flyingj
Member
Username: Flyingj
Post Number: 55
Registered: 08-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, December 06, 2007 - 2:56 am: | |
Chad, since we've talked about the play/movie "Lakeboat" by David Mamet(he spent summers as a wiper in college), but I think "Looking For Ship" by John McPhee was the gold standard on seagoing memoirs;
http://www.johnmcphee.com/look ing.htm
but I'll give yours a looksee |
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