Minnesota Point Lighthouse History

Located at the end of Park Point in Duluth, the Minnesota Lighthouse ruins are a rich part of the Duluth-Superior maritime history.

This 10 min video introduces you to a memorable relic from the past.

Harbor Break Wall Rebuild

For those interested in the harbor break wall construction near the William A Irvin, here is what the major project look like today.

Heritage Tug - Edward H

We often see the Heritage tugs hard at work in the harbor, but, often don't get a chance to see these magnificent boats inside.
Today I stopped by for another peek with a 360 camera.

Tug Bayfield

When viewing the canal cam, you may wonder about the tugboat that is on display in the Marine Museum grounds.

The tug BAYFIELD did much of its work here in Duluth-Superior Harbor for the US Army Corps of Engineers. Its main job was pushing crane barges with dredging equipment mounted on deck, deck barges loaded with rock or scows filled with dredged material.

The tug BAYFIELD was built in 1953 by Roamer Boat Company in Holland, Michigan. She measures 45 feet in length and 13 feet in width. The BAYFIELD is powered by a 170 horsepower diesel engine.  The BAYFIELD was retired from active service in 1995 and placed on permanent display here in Canal Park in 1999.

South Pier Lighthouse

My friend Christian Dalbec took this nice picture of the South Pier Lighthouse.
What a beautiful building.
See more of Christians fantastic photography at:   http://www.christiandalbecphotography.com/

New Wisconsin Entry Cam

Good News! It is beginning to look likely that we will be able to put up a camera at the Superior Entry.

The timeline for this will be:
1. Complete project planning, get bids on electrical work and compile an equipment list by Mid-March.
2. Start a fundraiser late March.
3. Install and calibrate the camera by May 1st.  (all subject to change of course)

We have been dreaming about a camera at the Superior Entry for many years and it may now become feasible because of advances in technology. I plan on one camera looking out at the lake and the lighthouse this year and will see how reliable the signal is since it has to be wirelessly transmitted 7 miles across the harbor. It will also be a test to see if it attract vandalism. A second camera looking back at the harbor can be added later depending on how the first camera performs.

At any rate, I will keep you posted on the developments of our biggest project ever which will be the highlight of 2018 and my focus for the next few months.

Thanks for all the support in the past years and I look forward to another great season of watching boats, people, wildlife and the weather with you.

Den

Apostle Island Ice Caves

The Apostle Island Ice Caves may soon be open to visitors.  This image is from the last time the caves were accessable and shows the unusual beauty of the caves and why so many are anticipating being able to visit the in a week or two.

Two Harbors Breakwater Light. - Christian Dalbec

Nice shot by Christian Dalbec today of Two Harbors. You can see more of Christian's work at: http://www.christiandalbecphotography.com/

Two Harbors Ice Fishing

If you have noticed lately on the Two Harbors cams, at the break of dawn each morning the Two Harbors bay becomes populated with a small city if ice fishing shacks set up by local fishermen to take advantage of good fishing.

One fisherman, I talked to today had caught 25 fish, some coho, and the rest cisco.

The word has apparently got out about the good fishing.

Norshor Theater Tour

Many older Duluthians have fond memories of the Norshor Theater. The newly renovated theater in the heart of downtown Duluth is both a step back in time and a look to the future.

I took some time this week to look around the beautifully restored facility and thought you might like to take a peek inside also.

You can visit the tour at:
http://northernimages360.com/panotours/norshor/

CGC Alder on engine test 02/02/2018

Very unusual to see a boat out in the Duluth Harbor in early February, however, the CGC Alder needed to test out it's rebuilt engines and today was a good day to do it.

Duluth-Superior Aerial Harbor Tour (summer)

While an icy harbor is fine to look at this time of year, I took some time today to put together a harbor tour from a flight I did last summer.  Enjoy summer for 4 minutes.

Music by: Eric Matyas
http://soundimage.org/

Edna G - Two Harbors -- by: Christian Dalbec

The mighty Edna G is docked in Two Harbors as I tourist attraction these days, but, it has a lifetime of maritime service. You can view more of Christians wonderful photography http://www.christiandalbecphotography.com/

Snowflake Photography

Here is a news story that a local TV station (WDIO) did on my snowflake photography.  Amazing little crystals!

CGC Alder out Friday to test engine work.

The CGC Alder will be moving across the harbor and out into Lake Superior Friday to do some sea trials of it's rebuilt engine system.  While it will not come under the Lift Bridge due to ongoing bridge maintenance, it will come back through the Superior Entry and main harbor area.

It will probably do this a few more times until official ice breaking starts in mid-March.