0304, 2012

Alpena on St. Marys River

Shipwatching
442

The Great Lakes freighter Alpena was launched as the Leon Fraser in 1942, carrying iron ore across the Great Lakes. In 1989, the ship was converted to a self-unloading cement carrier and shortly afterward was renamed the Alpena, after the hometown of its fleet, Inland Lakes Transportation. In this eScapes video, the 519-foot Alpena moves downbound the St. Marys River near Sault Ste. Marie. The waterfront buildings and distant wind turbines of Ontario can be seen in the background. Peter White is an English smooth jazz guitarist who played with several artists, including a 20-year span as accompanist and writer for Al Stewart, before launching a solo career in 1990. With several Top 10 jazz albums

3101, 2012

Niagara Falls (American Falls)

Scenic Earth
476

The United States-Canada border is the longest national border in the world, but the most dramatic spot on it must be the famous Niagara Falls. A set of three waterfalls– the Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil Falls– the Niagara Falls may be the most well-known waterfall in the world, although it’s not special for its size as much as its accessibility. Plenty of taller and more voluminous waterfalls exist in the world, but none allow visitors to get as close to them so easily. Niagara Falls is extremely tourist-friendly. Opportunities on both sides of the border allow visitors to experience the falls from every angle, whether from their base on the famous Maid of the Mist

<i>CSL Niagara</i> (Upbound at Port Colborne)

1601, 2012

CSL Niagara (Upbound at Port Colborne)

Shipwatching
460

Port Colborne, on the southern coast of Ontario, has been greatly effected by the Welland Canal, which runs through downtown on its way to joining Lakes Ontario and Erie. Since 1833, the passage of vessels here has created a community centered on marine trades– both industrial and recreational. This eScapes video presents the Canadian Steamship Lines’ CSL Niagara, a Great Lakes freighter that has spent much of its forty-year career on or around this Welland Canal. As the freighter clears one of Port Colborne’s drawbridges, the narrow channel offers shipwatchers on shore a close-up look at the vessel, only matched by the onboard crew. Chris Botti is a contemporary jazz trumpeter who has become one of

0810, 2011

Michipicoten at Soo Locks

Shipwatching
489

The Great Lakes freighter Michipicoten, formerly known as the Elton Hoyt 2nd, was built in 1952 and renamed once it joined the Lower Lakes Towing Company, which names its vessels after local rivers. In November 2010, it was converted to diesel power, increasing its capacity and lifespan while reducing its environmental footprint. The Michipicoten primarily runs between Marquette, Michigan and Algoma Steel, but also carries other material and has also been certified to carry grain. In this eScapes video, the freighter slowly moves through the Soo Locks, as it does on its usual route. Chuck Loeb is a guitarist, composer, and producer. Known for his smooth jazz recordings, he is a versatile artist who has explored

0907, 2011

Quebecois on St. Marys River

Shipwatching
443

The Quebecois is one of the great steamship freighters of the Great Lakes. Built in 1963, this ship has carried countless loads to and from the United States and Canada. Shown in this video under the Upper Lakes Shipping fleet, the ship is now owned by the Algoma Central Corporation and was renamed Algoma Quebecois in early 2012. The St. Marys River channel connects Lake Superior with Lake Huron and is the site of the Soo Locks in the twin cities of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and Ontario. The locks carry ships past the natural rapids of the St. Marys and were constructed in 1837. Ando Kal is an instrumental musician. “Ambrosia” is the first commercially