Ice breaking on the Saint Clair River

With the shipping season winding down, boats were hard pressed to finish up.  The end of the season has been hampered by heavy ice on connecting rivers such as the Saint Mary's River in the Upper Peninsula and the Saint Clair River between Lake Huron and Lake Saint Clair.  Ice flowing from the north has met with ice blown north on Lake Saint Clair causing thick ice at the mouth of the river.

The Canadian Coast Guard Ship Griffin was one of many ships tasked with breaking ice to allow the bigger freighters to finish out their season. It was a really interesting experience to watch her cruise through the ice making a path for the Arthur M. Anderson who was behind her.

Weathering the Tempest

One of the great things about visiting Lake Michigan was the waves.  Although the sky was overcast, the winds were blowing which made for some great pictures.  I've wanted to get pictures like this for some time and this was the first time I was able to do so.

A lighthouse has stood watch over the entrance to the Grand River since 1839. Currently, there are three lights here. They are located in Grand Haven State Park and recently the city of Grand Haven obtained ownership of the structures. Some restoration work was done in 2013 and will continue in 2014.

The North Pier Light is striped green and white and located at the end of the north pier. It is visible to the right of the Inner Light on the south pier between the legs of the catwalk.

The South Pierhead Inner Light was constructed in 1905 and continues to be used as a navigational aid. It has a height of 36 feet.

The South Pierhead Entrance Light is located at the end of the 1,100 foot long south pier. It contains a light at a height of 36 feet, but also housed the foghorn. The catwalk that runs along the pier was used to reach the lights during heavy weather.

I believe the catwalk extended further back at one time. I am not sure when or why it was shortened.
 

Here, a wave breaks against the pier at the Grand Haven lighthouse. 

A trip to the west side.

I recently went to Grand Haven to do some photography.  The winds were high and the waves were large.  I've wanted to get over to that side of the state when a storm was brewing for some time and I was finally able to do so.  It was a good experience.  I'd like to go back and do it again sometime when it isn't overcast.

There is a reason that there is water on the pier.  At the first light, not pictured here, a wave broke a foot above the place where I was standing.  Up to that point my waterproof boots had kept my feet dry.  After that, my feet were wet as water poured in the tops.  It was worth it though since I got some good pictures.

Welcome

Welcome to Gales of November.  This blog highlights the men, women and ships that call the Great Lakes their work environment.  While there may be images that don't pertain to Great Lakes shipping, that will be the primary focus of this blog.  Over the coming weeks I hope to fill out some of the rough edges.