We got up around 1130 (11:30AM) as we were both hungry and didn't want to miss lunch. ( So thats 6 1/2 hours sleep so far in 30 hours) Anders did some work he needed to do on the computer, lots of forms to fill out to enter different ports, ballast reports , customs and of course immagration for me. :o) For some reason the crew is cleared all year after they've been cleared once. The Captains wife...nope she has to see immigration everytime she goes into the USA.
Photos above: Anders checking one of the computer screens to set our course for Sandusky, Ohio. - The coal coming off the ship, its watered down to keep the dust down and to prevent it from getting too hot. - A Big pile of Iron Ore - One of the many vehicles driving around the plant all day , hosing the coal and also spreading it around.
We were heading out of the harbor by 1417 ( my time 2:17PM) there was a tug and barge heading out of the harbor so Anders called him up to tell him we'ld follow him out. Then once we were about 1/2 way out Anders called him again to see where he was going and found he was heading in the opposite direction. It was funny because the guy said he was pleased to hear we were going opposite ways as "thats an awfully big bow behind me!" We laughed thinking about how he must feel with us right behind him, like a HUGE semi truck behind you on the interstate I guess...:o)
Photos above: There are always people at the piers there to enjoy the day and watch the boats go in and out. - And there is always a line up of cars waiting while the bridges are up too! - These kids were there jumping off the pier having a fun day, I was glad to see they didn't jump in when the ship went by. - There goes the tug off to deliver his cargo.
1431 ( 2:31pm) we were out on Lake Ontario and headed to the Welland Canal again. I had to take one more shot of the tugboat. ( I love tugboats! Still think a tugboat Tim Hortons is a GREAT idea..:o)
Here is Sam the 12-4 AB taking us across the Lake. - A discussion with the Captain , AB and 2nd Mate Audrey. - The discussion goes on!
1640 ( 4:40PM) Anders makes the alteration to start entering the canal through Port Weller Piers. 1705 (5:05PM) we are approaching lock one. I went down the 5 flights of stars again to get Anders and I some dinner, then ALLLL the way back up the 5 flights to bring it up to the wheelhouse. Who said I don't get exercise here on the ship? :o)
1717 ( 5:17) In the lock and the gates are behind us. I was standing out on the bridge deck and watched the gates close behind us.
1726 (5:26) All tied up at the lock so we had some guys come aboard and some other guys leave! Lots of times when in the canal any crew members who live around there get off to go spend time with their families. Or sometimes just to get off to go shopping ! 1807 ( 6:07PM) we are almost in Lock two.
1841 (6:41PM) On our way to Lock three. Under the QEW skyway , and through the raised bridge and Anders says "Oh, my lock at all the people in the fancy new viewing stand! "
1903 ( 7:03PM) We are sliding the wall into the lock. Now there is something fun, Anders brings the ship to the lock wall, then angles the ship so its the same angle as the wall , the bow then slides along the wall which is lined with big wooden timbers until the ship enters the lock. Sometimes its bouncy when the timbers are broken or have been replaced and different sizes. During this time the mates are calling out spots to Anders so he knows how far until he gets to the entrance of the lock. Once in he gives her full steam ahead to force her into the lock until the spot is called center of the lock. Then the spots are called at 25 meters, 10 meters, 5 meters, 3 meters, 1 meter and hang on! Sometime during that he starts backing on her to slow her down! :o) Wires are placed and the gates are shut. Its actually pretty interesting.
Here is the new fence at the viewing platform. From our side we felt they all looked like they were in a zoo:o) Not really sure why the railing was changed I guess its all in the name of security but not sure for who. I thought it was interesting to see where we were when we first entered the lock and then when we were done being raised how much higher we were! There were lots of people waving and taking pictures and asking questions too. That was fun too. :o)
Some of the activites that are going on next to the park at lock 3, looks like alot of people having alot of fun!
1943 ( 7:43PM) we are on our way to the flight locks. We meet a tug and barge along the way in a "modified" approach. :o)
Photos above: Guy on the bow of the barge giving spots to the tugs Pilot and there she goes! We then make our way under the bridge.
1959 ( 7:59PM) We are almost to lock 4, the Canadian Leader was coming down.
2007 ( 8:07PM) Almost in the lock , Anders never has in binoculars futher away then he can reach.
2047 ( 8:47PM ) we are now in lock 5 , I take a walk back to the stern to see the view behind us.
This was a new one for us. Never seen anyone stand ON their car to watch the ship before! He was up there for along time too! While we were here the crew who had gone ashore all came back on board. The gates shut behind us and soon we'ld be on our way up. There was a small pleasure boat in the lock beside us going down. There was a family aboard and the crew at the locks was giving them a good tour while we were waiting for the Canadian Leader to lock down.
2105 (9:05PM) The Canadian Leader was out of the lock and now we were being raised up and the little power boat was going down. It was getting dark so now I'm not sure how many of these pictures will be that interesting.
2229 ( 10:29PM) We are in Lock 7 and the long level is ahead of us. Anders makes a mistake and tells me it will be 2 1/2 hours before we are clear of Lock eight and out on Lake Erie as long as we don't have to meet any ships or tie up at the lock because of another ship there. The level isn't so bad in the day time but at night its a long stretch of "highway" in the dark with nothing to look at, there are alot of twists and turns though so Anders stays alert with no problem as hes looking after "the other woman" Miss MV Algolake "coolbeans" :o) And he sure does a great job of it too. It was really interseting as hes got a new AB who had never steered in the canal before only having worked deepsea I guess. So it was really interesting as he gave him courses etc.
On to Lock eight and Lake Erie
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