Michigan Trip Day 2

Monday morning we headed out at 7:30 for Sault Ste. Marie on the north eastern end of Michigan in the upper peninsula. First we crossed the 5 mile Mackinac Bridge.

After arriving in Sault Ste. Marie we boarded the Hiawatha

for a trip through the Soo Locks. The Soo Locks allow ships to travel between Lake Superior and the lower great lakes on the St. Mary's River.

Here we are entering the MacArthur Lock where we will be raised 21 feet.

In the lock being raised. Water is fed into the lock by gravity, no pumps are used. Filling valves in the bottom of the lock are opened to fill the lock while emptying valves are opened when a vessel is being lowered.

At the top waiting for the gates to open.

On our way up the St. Mary's River. Ready to pass under the International Bridge and the International Train Bridge right behind it.

The International Bridge to Canada.

A look back at the bridges.

The Algoma Steel Mill on the Canadian side.



Tug John Spence



This train bridge swings across the canal twice a day to let trains across.

Now we are in the Canadian Lock ready to be lowered. Once the valves are opened it only takes about 6 minutes to be lowered.

I took a picture of this building just as we started to be lowered. Isn't that red sandstone beautiful?

About halfway down. In the background you can see the swinging train bridge we just passed.

Almost at the bottom. I'm standing in the same spot. All I can see of the above building is the roof.

The Edison Sault Power Plant. This building is over 1/4 mile long.

The middle section

I didn't notice the lighthouse motif until I saw the photo.

We had a very full schedule on this day so I will divide it into 2 posts. Up next Tahquamenon Falls!