Troutbirder II

Troutbirder II
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Saturday, October 6, 2012

The Sault Locks

We had traveled to Sault St. Marie Michigan/Ontario a few days in early Sept. There were had a great train ride into the Canadian wilderness. We also took a cruise up the St. Mary's River and then through the famous Soo Locks. Various incarnations of these locks which connect Lakes Huron and Michigan to Lake Superior have existed since the early 1800's.  By the 1950's, with the completion of the St. Lawrence Seaway, it was possible for ocean going ships to traverse all the way to Minnesota's inland sea port at Duluth.  Hop aboard and take a look......
As we head upriver toward the locks a boat passes us heading east down the St. Mary's river.
As we approach the locks we can see the international bridge in the distance.
 


Entering the locks
 
Now we will be lifted up to the level of Lake Superior.
We made it! Should we cruise all the way home back to Minnesota? I'll talk to the captain.
On the other side of the locks we see a large Canadian steel mill in the distance.
For the return trip downriver and lunch on board we use the smaller Canadian lock which is for smaller "pleasure" boats only. Mrs T looks quite relaxed now that she's a "locks veteran." All in all it was a fun day. And by the way the buffet luncheon was great!
 
 

18 comments:

  1. such interesting structures. man can do so many things, can't he?

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  2. I've never been through any, but I find locks amazing. I have a friend who went through a river lock in a canoe! I think I'd prefer a larger craft.

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  3. TB, I would so like to take that train trip into the Canadian wilderness and the cruise through the locks. Can you tell us the name of the company or companies we could contact to make arrangements? This sounds so interesting and enjoyable.

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  4. i need to visit this area, I would love taking a ride through the locks. I have done a few on the Mississippi.

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  5. That looks very interesting and I have to admit, might make me a little bit nervous, until it was over.

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  6. What a fun trip. It looks nice to let someone else do all the work for you-as in driving and moving you along the beautiful blue water.

    P.S. I forgot to put it in my post on the trout ponds but our wildlife agencies only stock in the winter so the water is cold enough. They encourage everyone to catch the trout before spring so that they don't die. Thought you'd find it neat as I do but I know nothing about trout fishing really.

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  7. Looks like an interesting trip Ray. Thanks so much for visiting -- always appreciate seeing you. xo

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  8. Sounds like a terrific trip. My husband has been trying to talk me into a train vacation. I've been bulking a bit because I'm afraid of motion sickness.

    Since he's a fisherman he'd think he died and went to heaven on this adventure!

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  9. It's really fun to visit the locks - SO impressive - love your photos! Tell us more about the train ride - we Chicagoans have no other way to get to Sault Ste Marie except to drive, albeit a pretty one, it's at least 8-9 hours. Would be nice to let someone else - like the train engineer - do the driving :-)

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  10. I've always wanted to see the Sault Locks, but haven't made it yet. Perhaps some day, but in the meantime thanks for taking us along on your journey through them.

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  11. Those locks are impressive! What a fun thing to do.

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  12. A day spent by the water is always a good day!
    Happy October!
    xo Catherine

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  13. Looks like a nice tour.I like riding by train.It must be nice to ride out into the wilderness.Nice photos of the lock tour!

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  14. I have heard about this area, but never been fortunate enough to visit. Great pictures!

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  15. What a great trip for you! Glad you enjoyed it!
    BTW, I LOVE that little guy with the frog!

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  16. I love sitting in Duluth harbor and watching these big guys coming in. It is a whole different world for us landlocked Iowans.

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  17. This is fantastic. I haven't been to any part of Lake Superior! I love boats, locks and trains. Thanks for the little journey. I have a next year trip in mind now.

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  18. I have heard about the Soo Locks but have never gone on them..sounds like an interesting thing to do:)

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