Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Why the open water in the Canal

The water current in the the canal is fairly strong, much like a small river, thus keeping the water open. It will freeze up, or get plugged up with ice, but usually doesn't last long.
In the Springtime, you will be able to see chunks of ice drifting back and forth through the canal as the current reverses several times a day due to a phenomenon called a "seiche" (SAYSH, a French word that means "to sway back and forth"). This happens when water piles up on one side of the lake because of wind or high barometric pressure and then shifts back to the other side. Small seiches occur all the time.

Spring is here!  Almost!

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Ice cover - Western Lake Superior

This satellite photo taken yesterday shows near 100% coverage, but, I wouldn't want to try and walk from the North Shore to the South Shore just yet.


Monday, February 3, 2014

Lake Superior Ice Cover

The Lake Superior Ice Cover is nearing 100% - perhaps by the end of the week we will see it completely covered. Very "Cool" to say the least.

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Sailboats on Ice

Soon there will be signs of Springtime in the Northland, but for now, the snow covered boats at Barkers Island Marina seem OK with the winters rest. I'm not quit sure about the boaters!

If you have a mobile device, you can view these links and get a real immersive experience by turning with the device and looking around.
http://northernimages360.com/panos/barkers1/Barkers1.html
http://northernimages360.com/panos/barkers2/Barkers2.html

Lake Superior Ice Cover

Lake Superior entirely freezes over about every 20 years.  It looks like this will be one of those years. Just when everyone was getting used to Global Warming!

Monday, January 27, 2014

-22F and -50 Wind Chill --- Is it Cold Enough for Ya!

Clear blue skies, -22F and -50F Wind Chill is a great time to visit Canal Park to get a "Real Feel" for the Northland. Since it probably won't be quit this cold again for awhile, at least until tomorrow,  I though I would stop down and see what I could see.
Although there weren't many people around, Lake Superior is still here with all it's pristine beauty and dressed up in winter white.
Although I can't blow some cold air your way, I thought a few 360 panoramas might give you a look at Canal Park when it is this cold.

Monday, January 20, 2014

Ice Caves

A visit to the frozen wonderland of the Apostle Island Sea Caves is always a great walk, especially since it has been 5 years since the ice has been good enough to venture across the frozen waters of the big lake.

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Duluth Virtual Tour

For those folks who cannot get enough of Duluth, I have been working on a new site that you may enjoy. It is called Duluth Virtual Tour and you can visit it at http://duluthvirtualtour.com

Year in Review

End of Season!

With the arrival of the Mesabi Miner this morning at 4:20, the shipping season has ended and the next boats we see moving  will be the tugs and ice breakers out in about eight weeks.

Although, I will also be going into winter layup, I will keep the cameras operating so that we can watch the weather and Lake Superior sunrises.  I am also planning on adding a new streaming camera at an undisclosed location once the weather warms up.

I would like to thank the owners of Pier B, the Great Lakes Aquarium, and the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center, including the LSMMA for allowing me to have the cameras where I do.

Also, many thanks to all of you boat watchers who have enjoyed watching the harbor along with me, I truly enjoy knowing that what I do is enjoyed and appreciated.

I am looking forward to the 2014 shipping season and the Good Lord willing, I'll be back at it in the Spring.

Enjoy the rest of winter, Spring is knocking at the door. (well almost)

Warm Regards,
Dennis