Day 92: All done with my second semester at sea with 92 more days in the books and on solid ground in Seattle for a little time off before school starts!
In my time on the Sam Laud this summer, we transported 343,000 tons of iron ore; 220,000 tons of stone; and 45,000 tons of coal while traveling more than 25,000 miles all over 4 of the 5 Great Lakes.
Day 91: As the sun sets on this day, so it does on my second and final sea project on the Great Lakes as I'm off the boat tomorrow!
Day 90: In the last two summers, I have made the transit through the Soo Locks more than 50 times. Today, the gate opens on my final trip through the locks as a cadet!
I've been on the boat for three months today and only a couple more days to go!
Just finished loading my last load of iron ore for the summer! This photo is from the end of the unloading boom which is swung out over the ship's side during the load. It's hard to believe I only have three days left on the boat this summer.
Today's #greatlakesfact: Minnesota's "Iron Range" produces over 40 million tons of high grade iron ore annually which is shipped from ports on Lake Superior to steel mills in Ohio and Indiana.
Quick stop by the fuel station to top off the tanks this afternoon. We just 40,000 gallons to get us through the next few days.
Today's #greatlakesfact: Singapore, Michigan is a ghost town on the shores of Lake Michigan that was buried under sand in 1871. Because of severe weather conditions and a lack of resources due to the need to rebuild after the great Chicago fire, the town was lost completely.
The lunch menu for the day. And yes, you are reading that correctly: "cut hotdog w/beans, pork chop, and bacon"
Today's #greatlakesfact: In size, Lake Michigan ranks third among the Great Lakes, and sixth among all freshwater lakes in the world.
This week's sunrise Sunday actually happens to be a sunset sailing upbound on Lake Huron.
Today's #greatlakesfact: In 1804, a Canadian warship, His Majesty's Ship Speedy, sank in Lake Ontario. In 1990, wreck hunter Ed Burtt managed to find it. However, he isn't allowed to recover any artifacts until a government approved site to exhibit them is found. He is still waiting.
One of the engineers is cleaning a filter on one of two main propulsion engines. Each of the engines are 20 cylinder diesels generating about 3,500 horsepower.
One week remaining on board and then I'll be back on dry land!
Today's #greatlakesfact: Within Lake Michigan there is a "triangle" with a similar reputation to the Bermuda Triangle, where a large amount of "strange disappearances" have occurred.
Just out for a walk on the beach after loading some stone.
Today's #greatlakesfact: Jim Dryer swam across Lake Michigan in 1998 (65 miles), and then in 2003, he swam the length of Lake Michigan (422 miles).
The last time I was here, my little sister and I were making the drive as I moved from Denver to Michigan to start school almost exactly two years ago. Now I'm back here on a boat and almost done with classes!
Today's #greatlakesfact: Lake Michigan was the location of the first recorded "Big Great Lakes disaster," in which a steamer carrying 600 prop collided with a schooner delivering timber to Chicago. Four hundred and fifty people died.
You know something is wrong when these guys are at the dock upon arrival. This time they were here to repair the starboard anchor.
Only 10 days left on the boat as of today!
Today's #greatlakesfact: Because water enters and exits Lake Michigan through the same path, it takes 77 years longer for water to replace itself than in Huron, despite their similarity in size and depth. (Lake Michigan: 99 years, Lake Huron: 22 years)
