We spent the day in Sault Ste. Marie. Weather was absolutely gorgeous! Low/mid 70's and a brisk breeze. We just came back to the camper and there are a lot of sailboats out on the river. Sun has just set so I'm sure they are heading back to their docks.
This morning we walked around downtown some and while Kathy waited on me I spent at least an hour watching activities at the Soo Locks. These boats are going through the small lock.
The boat on the other side of the grassy area is going through the big lock.
The photo below is the front of the boat in the photo above. She is the American Spirit, and is just over 1,000 feet long.
Then we lunch at Zorba's. We had a greek pizza there when we were here 7 years ago. It was just as good this time. It isn't snowing 😊Kathy took the photo through the dirty side window of my truck.
We went back to the camper, sat outside and watched the boats go by for awhile and then went on our own boat ride. We are approaching the small lock.
Almost in the lock.You can see the downstream gates tucked into the walls.
We are in the lock, looking backward at the lock entrance.
Watching the lock doors shut.
The "circles" you see in the water are where water is being forced up through the floor of the lock. No pumping is required. On the upstream side of the lock Lake Superior is 21' higher than on the downstream side. When the downstream lock doors are closed they open up valves on the upstream side and let the lock flood. It takes about a million gallons to raise the water level the 21'.
Still looking backward. The lock is now at the upper elevation.
Heading out of the lock.
An old railroad swing bridge. It pivoted about a center point to allow boats to pass.
A steel mill on the Canadian side of the river. Brought back fond memories of working at US Steel's Gary Steel Works in the 70's.
A pile of iron ore (Taconite pellets) along the waterfront and a blast furnace in the back.
An "ore bridge". It is used to move the iron around. It is on tracks and can travel up and down the waterfront.
A vertical lift rail bridge, in the up position to allow boat traffic.
A boat repair facility across a channel from the campground. A boat near center has been lifted out of the water by a drydock.
Below is the campground where we are staying. Our camper is down near the left end.
Looking back at the campground.
An OLD hydroelectric plant. It is "fueled" by the 21' difference in the water level.
After the boat trip we checked out the farmers market
Note the Amish buggy on the right. There were two of them at the Market. A guy I talked to told me that five Amish families moved to the area several years ago. I didn't ask what they did to make a living.
I thought this bike repair rack was a good idea if you want to push bike riding. There was a tire pump as well as a bunch of tools that were attached to the post with lengths of cable.
Another great day. God is good, may He bless you and yours.
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