A view from Above! The James R Barker Duluth arrival from the viewpoint of the Aerial Bridge 061421

The Barker from the top of the Aerial Lift Bridge! A Ride up and a ride down to boot! Hear the salute from the perspective of the bridge operator...Actually I was down on the walkway for the video, I wanted to be closer to the ship for pix and video.
This is the fourth arrival this season for the Barker, how suiting it be posted on the 4th of July....Every once in a while things work out.
They arrived 6/14/2021 2:22:00 PM, stopped off at the Husky fuel dock to get some fuel and snacks. Actually no snacks at the fuel depot....After fueling they sailed up river to the CN dock to load iron ore, they did that task for 24.4 hours. The Barker departed 6/15/2021 7:36:00 PM after spending a total of 30.2 hours in Port. So far this season they have spent a total of 65.2 hours in port. Their Twin Ports cargo score: Coal 3 , Iron Ore 1
Info from Boatnerd.com:
The third thousand footer in the lakes fleet was built in 1976 by American Ship Building Co., Lorain, Ohio as Hull #905. She was the first 1000 footer built for the Interlake Steamship Co. and the first 1000 footer to be built entirely on the Lakes. Other firsts include a thousand footer having all accommodations located in a five story superstructure located at the stern, the model for the ten 1000 footers built after her. It is interesting to note that the original design called for her to be built with the traditional pilot house forward, and engine room at the stern.
Her keel was laid on October 14, 1974, float launched May 29, 1976, her sea trials took place on July 31st and Christened August 7, 1976 . She was built at a cost of more than $43 million under Title XI of the Merchant Marine Act of 1970.
Power for the vessel is provided by two 8,000 bhp V-16 cylinder, four stroke cycle, single acting, turbocharged Colt-Pielstick PC2V diesel engines, built by Fairbanks Morse Engine Division of Colt Industries, Beloit, WI driving through a Falk reversing gear box to two Bird-Johnson controllable pitch, stainless steel, four bladed propellers seventeen feet, six inches in diameter.
Her rated service speed is 15.75 knots (18 mph). Other equipment includes a 1500 hp Bird-Johnson bow thruster. Rated load capacity is 59,000 gross tons of iron ore pellets and 52,000 net tons of coal at a draft of 28 feet. Her self-unloading rig has a 250 foot boom fed by a three row hopper/belt system discharging at a rate of 10,000 long tons of taconite pellets per hour and 6,000 net tons of coal per hour.
As a comparison of unloading rates, Interlake’s first bulk carrier, the 242’loa wooden steamer the V.H. Ketchum, built in 1874 at Marine City, Mich. and brought into the fleet in 1883, had a load capacity of 1700 tons of ore which took nearly twelve days to unload by wheel barrow.
The Barker’s deckhouse was built at AmShip’s Chicago yard and was transported in sections to Lorain on the deck of the steamer George D. Goble. The James R. Barker departed Cleveland August 8, 1976 on her maiden voyage.
While up bound October 27, 1986 on Lake Huron above Buoys 11 & 12, a high pressure fuel line on the starboard engine failed causing an engine room fire, which was extinguished by on-board fire fighting equipment. Fortunately no one was injured. On October 29 the Barker was lashed side-by-side to the thousand-foot William J. De Lancey and taken to Sturgeon Bay, Wis. arriving there November 2 for repairs.
Overall dimensions
Length 1,004’00”
Beam 105’00”
Depth 50’00”
Capacity (tons) 63,300 tons
Diesel engines horsepower 16,000
Self-unloading boom 250′

[@niranthbanks3595]

YES! A Master’s Salute from the best horn on all the Great Lakes.

[@PaulScinocca]

indeed!

[@user-j4200]

That's the Barker bark everyone loves to hear. 3 2.

[@carynturrel8208]

James Barker is my favorite for that massive baritone horn chord.

[@PaulScinocca]

So true!

[@dennismanley9891]

That might be your best video yet. Thanks Paul

[@PaulScinocca]

Wow, thanks

[@gregmctevia5087]

I agree. Certainly his best video of the season.

[@davewichman5258]

Never gets old seeing and hearing the Barker! Thanks Paul for the great view!

[@PaulScinocca]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@gregmiller9557]

You have done it again Paul!! Great video, excellent editing, and fantastic experience for all of us. Always impressive how long the 1,000 footer are! Cool watching the stern kick over when the Barker starts her turn. THANK! Greg 🤠

[@PaulScinocca]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@daviddunn5264]

Wow that's some great work ... my new favorite ... the perspective of just how early that the "footers" initiate their turn is super impressive 👏👌

[@PaulScinocca]

Awesome, thank you!

[@alm5693]

Great video Paul. I was there! I made a day-trip from St. Paul just to hear the Barker. her salute was epic!

[@PaulScinocca]

Time well spent 😁

[@yourroyalhighness7662]

Magnificent! The Barker and its fabulous 70 second “Barker Bark” and the legendary Arthur M. Anderson are my two favorite Great Lakes giants.

[@JohnChvatalGSTV]

I love this perspective!

[@carynturrel8208]

Agreed this was awesome.

[@PaulScinocca]

Thanks!

[@shspu]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHmcZH6Ef7qfpac

[@bigbird7927]

Love the Barker's bark , thank you for another great video !!

[@PaulScinocca]

Thanks for watching!

[@am2schmarvelous]

She sang a pretty song. That horn was amazing.

[@PaulScinocca]

They always do a great job!

[@nightengale7163]

What a great perspective! Amazing! 🤗 Enjoyed seeing the Big Girl Barker from above ....listening to her deep tone, pipe organ toned salute 🎵🎵 .... and the lovely reflection of the clouds on the water in the time lapse as she approached. ⛅🌤️ You out did yourself on this one! Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸🗽🎇

[@PaulScinocca]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks nightengale716

[@SteveMikre44]

The James R Barker looks even more majestic from above...

[@PaulScinocca]

agree'd !

[@daveseddon5227]

Gradually working my way randomly through your many videos. This one is particularly striking both for its perspective and subject matter! You capture these mighty vessels extremely well so thank you once again for sharing. 🙂

[@PaulScinocca]

Great to hear! Very much appreciated Dave!

[@patkirchner1443]

Another fabulous video experience and a Barker treat for the ears. Bravo!!!

[@PaulScinocca]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Unclesmokey314]

greatest horns on the water!!

[@PaulScinocca]

indeed!

[@Pigs3differentones]

This has been one of your best videos ever, Paul! I love the perspective from the lift bridge operator! Such a great way to see the JRB from above and watch her maneuver from that angle.

[@Ordnyguywebster]

Awesome, awesome video. Great perspective and the horn of the Barker…it doesn’t get much better than that! Thanks Paul!

[@PaulScinocca]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@wdhewson]

Wonderful video. I wish I could announce my arrive with such authority !!

[@PaulScinocca]

Thanks, even non boat lovers in Duluth recognize the Barker!

[@Galaxy2517]

I know how loud my AirChimes are on my truck.Can't imagine being anywhere near the Barker when he says good morning...Some people that know I have them absolutely love them and request a blast now and then.. Some hate them and complain about them.... Lol

[@leekroeger9587]

Great video!!!

[@PaulScinocca]

Thank you!!

[@majobis]

Great sounding horn from that ship. I was there later that afternoon to catch the Fireworks at night.

[@PaulScinocca]

I did the same, unfortunately I was a little behind, they started them 10 minutes early to beat the storm that never came.....

[@suziesteube1332]

Just catching up on a few videos I’ve missed! Love this view and thank you Paul!

[@Thorton5044]

Wow! The people look like little ants scurrying to the wall. Super great video. I saw the Barker June 17 2017 on Lake Superior flying from Thunder Bay, Ontario to Toronto. What a site. I knew it was the Barker as she has a clear deck.

[@PaulScinocca]

So cool!

[@christianbastian1667]

Ah yes I remember this day! I got my best audio recording of the Barkers infamous bark. Plus I was jealous that you got the best view because you were working on the bridge.

[@johnsanjeev2376]

I asked for this kind of view few days ago... Love the video Mr. Paul... Awesome effort.... 🎉

[@PaulScinocca]

Glad you liked it!

[@waltermattson1730]

That is a great video. Thank you!

[@PaulScinocca]

Thanks!

[@alpharomeo15]

AGAIN Paul... UR Connections @ the Port... WOW! 👏🏽👍🏼☺️ Then you get the harmonious Barker with a Master Salute @ the same time.... PRICELESS! 👏🏽👍🏼☺️ Hope the James R Barker comes through when I come up there! 👍🏼

[@PaulScinocca]

Thanks again! I hope you get to see her when you visit!

[@Galaxy2517]

Damn that was loud... Played it through my surround system and I could feel the horn too...Sounds awesome!

[@PaulScinocca]

Well done then! Its great when you can feel it!!

[@billycox2040]

Really enjoy that aerial 🚡 top view.

[@jolie2861]

Awesome view👍, the boys on the Barker sure love their salutes 😊, great video, ty for sharing

[@PaulScinocca]

Thanks

[@rhoveen]

That was FANTASTIC!!! I wondered what it would be like to see that view. Thanks for another super fantastic video! 👏👏👏 BRAVO!

[@PaulScinocca]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@joannsuggs1636]

Beautiful view, Paul! Thank you!

[@PaulScinocca]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@gregmctevia5087]

That was incredible. Certainly your best of the season. Maybe your all time best. I don't care what anybody says. The split screen is a great feature. It made this piece extra special and you used it to perfection. Absolutely magnificent.

[@PaulScinocca]

Wow, thank you!

[@wardvanderberg1403]

Master's Salute. What a voice!!

[@PaulScinocca]

indeed

[@michaeldavies9600]

Great video Paul! What i would give to be on that bridge watching that go under! God Bless America from me in dear old Blighty ;)

[@PaulScinocca]

Thanks!

[@freeamericausa1]

WELL DONE PAUL. Loved it. The 3 Long blasts and 2 short had to be a Special 4th salute IMO. Beautiful job with all of the views. CLASSIC! PEACE! Happy Independence Day!

[@PaulScinocca]

Thanks, hope your day went well!

[@EspressoDave411]

'Helluva view' (Eric Church song). Fantastic! Let's you see how straight the Captiain needs to bring her through, and, the Bridge horns sound much better from up there. Thanks Paul!!

[@PaulScinocca]

Thanks Espresso Dave!

[@misterj1968]

This is my favorite video I've had the pleasure to see you make....BRAVO Maestro

[@PaulScinocca]

Wow, thanks

[@Wilhelm-Von-Hohenzollern]

Happy 4th Paul. Very very nice thumbnail shot.

[@PaulScinocca]

thanks, happy 4th to you as well!

[@peter15871]

Fantastic, brilliant

[@PaulScinocca]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@joannhernandez9884]

Excellent camera angle!

[@Thorton5044]

PS Thank so much for this video of her. I sharec it with my family and friends

[@PaulScinocca]

You're welcome 😊

[@la_old_salt2241]

Nice Paul. Have a happy 4th. God bless, Rob

[@PaulScinocca]

Thanks, you as well!

[@jamesrogers3885]

Very cool,like from a drone!

[@jimchambers4961]

Love that horn. Happy Fourth of July.

[@PaulScinocca]

Same to you!

[@johnschulte5820]

Not sure how I missed this one, sorry. Glad there are suggestions after others. So cool in any case.

[@PaulScinocca]

As am I! Thank you John.

[@blackmoom]

FANTASTIC view!!

[@PaulScinocca]

Many thanks!

[@MidwestSteven1]

Good morning Paul! I hope you have a pleasant 4th of July!

[@PaulScinocca]

You too!

[@jspo3446]

Awesome. Absolutely awesome

[@PaulScinocca]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@oakleafwellness]

I always wondered what the loud announcement was from the bridge. I’m partially hard of hearing and can’t hear it so well watching the live stream. Thanks for sharing!!

[@PaulScinocca]

Indeed! Thanks for watching!

[@joeknoblauch9630]

Fantastic video!!

[@Kathleensailorgirl]

Great vantage point, thanks for sharing another great video.👍👍👏⛵️⛵️😘

[@PaulScinocca]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@dally8399]

Love the perspective ! That bridge must be huge too 😊. Way up there , thank you for a great video

[@PaulScinocca]

Thanks!

[@dennisharrington6055]

Thanks. I take it small craft freely transit the Duluth Ship Channel. Ever thin the herd, say by some lead head not comprehending that these behemoths kinda got to stick to the middle?

[@PaulScinocca]

Well said!

[@gingerbread6614]

Great shots. Do it again. Thank you

[@robertbate5790]

Playing a bit of catch up I've just found this. What an awesome view!!! That really is a different perspective. I am surprised at how clean it all looks on deck compared to the body work. The crew obviously take good care of her. A great record for anyone who models ships too. Hope you had ear defenders on up there, those salutes where rather loud that close!! Thank you for a great video.

[@PaulScinocca]

Glad you enjoyed it! I was ready for the DB increase 😁

[@janiceraaum8035]

That was AWESOME beyond words.. Great job!!

[@PaulScinocca]

Wow, thank you!

[@byamrcn]

Did NOT expect the split screen, great surprise there! Very nicely done. (And tell us you weren't as giddy as a schoolgirl.)

[@PaulScinocca]

Glad you liked it! I was extremely happy it was for the Barker, my 2nd wish would be the Blough....

[@Islander39er]

From that angle, the unloading boom looks like she's sticking out her tongue haha. Great perspective

[@PaulScinocca]

LOL, thanks zach!

[@highwayman8180]

The Barker has the best horn followed in my opinion by the Alpena's steam whistle. Love it!

[@PaulScinocca]

Agreed!

[@h.w.9390]

I was there watching the Barker in.

[@PaulScinocca]

Sweet!

[@bonnib591]

Incredible!!! GREAT video! Love that horn! Thanks

[@PaulScinocca]

Thank you very much!

[@bettygilmore611]

So cool ❤❤

[@pamanderson5841]

Love this!! 💞💞💞

[@PaulScinocca]

Thank you Pam!

[@bobbrown5529]

AWESOME. I just wonder how many of the people , that look like ants Pooped themselves when this Beast of a ship Blew it's Nose ( Horns ) . Listening through speakers , it sounds incredible , would have loved to be there , but i'm in Australia .

[@dwightarnold6980]

PAUL! WHAT AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE THAT VIDEO WAS! THAT WAS GREAT !

[@PaulScinocca]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Deb_L]

Its horn reminds me of an organ, fantastic view!

[@markthompsoncpa]

I love that horn

[@PaulScinocca]

indeed!

[@cherylo1796]

Nice view

[@PaulScinocca]

It sure is

[@guyfuller1369]

Absolutely right up the gut!! Nice piece of pinpoint piloting.

[@PaulScinocca]

Yes indeed! He did a great job, especially with the wind.

[@nickkaye176]

Wow. The people on the side look like ants. Think I'd get a nose bleed up there. Lol. Brilliant vantage point.

[@pamelatheado6484]

Thanks

[@GIGABACHI]

Nice new perspective. Not really a lot of space for maneuvering around the exit of the channel going in the bay. No wonder some have grounded themselves near that spot.

[@PaulScinocca]

Usually on the way out is when they run into troubles.

[@lowercherty]

Back in the early 70's you used to be able to buy a ticket to do this. They put you in a cage on the lake side sidewalk.

[@PaulScinocca]

Too bad they don't do it anymore.

[@crystalhall5009]

Love this view. Thank you

[@PaulScinocca]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@spacenut58]

Thanks Paul.

[@PaulScinocca]

You're welcome

[@TOTALCAMARO]

Wow is all I can say ❤️

[@brians4617]

Paul your best video ever

[@PaulScinocca]

Thanks brian!

[@josephkarl2061]

That's my new doorbell sound right there 👌🤘

[@PaulScinocca]

Nice !

[@nathanwhiting2204]

Great video, nice meeting you yesterday

[@PaulScinocca]

Thanks! Great meeting you as well! I hope your Vacation goes well!

[@kevingordon7426]

Nice loud low bellow horn.

[@PaulScinocca]

Sure is

[@netrhyda8761]

Wow!! never seen this view before! You must have connections.....;)

[@PaulScinocca]

Just fortunate, timing and all.

[@johnmanthey2683]

Fabulous

[@PaulScinocca]

Thanks John 😁

[@jamesburnside3023]

Fine job and pov

[@PaulScinocca]

Thanks James.

[@jeanhutchinson6198]

I have the Barker as my ringtone!

[@PaulScinocca]

As do I 😁

[@ensnipe2000]

That was AWESOME

[@PaulScinocca]

Thank you David.

[@conniedebruyn8045]

The Barker's horn is still awesome to hear. LOVE IT.😃❤😃❤. I do have a rather a maybe dumb question and I'm just wondering if Duluth has some sort of ships coming in and what ships coming in and maybe the timeframe so if you're looking for a special vessel, you have a good idea when and what time to be there. Thanks again Paul for another awesome video and sharing your phenomenal work.😀❤😀❤

[@PaulScinocca]

Most of us use: www.harborlookout.com as well as www.marinetraffic.com to assist in our "scheduling".

[@conniedebruyn8045]

@@PaulScinocca thank you Paul for the information. I have seriously thought about taking a trip to Duluth to hopefully catch my favorites and now I know where to look. Enjoy your day.😃😃😃

[@michaelborgelt1600]

Hello Paul, an unusual view. Very interesting. How high above the water is it? Many greetings to all of you and have much fun today : - )

[@PaulScinocca]

135'

[@michaelborgelt1600]

@@PaulScinocca Uuuh, that´s really high. Thank you.

[@barbarakadzielawski7132]

How is that freighter so perfectly centered in the ship canal.?

[@jstoli996c4s]

Best blast on the Great Lakes 🔊 🔊 Anyone ever use a dB meter to measure just how loud the Barkers Bark is?

[@PaulScinocca]

I my have to try that! 1st have to get my hands on a DB meter though, the phone app ones are not that accurate.

[@tabriff3832]

Nice. What are all those ants doing on the piers?

[@PaulScinocca]

LOL I have no idea 🤣

[@alm5693]

I was one of those happy ants.

[@Deb_L]

Awesome, did you attach a camera or ride?

[@whmills02]

Nice view Paul. Did you get access to stay on the bridge because of your celebrity status or did you just position your equipment and pray?

[@PaulScinocca]

Neither 😁. we were doing a project on the bridge, fortunate timing.

[@louGriggs1944]

A great view from there. Thanks. Any idea how deep the canal is through there?

[@PaulScinocca]

33' deep

[@bew92683]

This was excellent. Does this mean the Dirk video will be up soon?

[@PaulScinocca]

its coming, 😁

[@briansims4365]

Sweet, how does the crew of the barker remove the hatch covers? I hear they weigh alot. Great view of The BARKER!

[@PaulScinocca]

Good question!, that white trolley you see on the deck with the ship name on it is a crane. The crew releases the clamps and picks up, moves the cover.

[@briansims4365]

@@PaulScinocca thanks Paul

[@dakotah_anderson]

You doing a vid on the fireworks

[@PaulScinocca]

I did video them. Maybe post tomorrow on F.B

[@dakotah_anderson]

@@PaulScinocca good hard to get hotels rooms and get up here with the big Hussle but did you see a post on the consert in bayfeont yesterday and hope to get up there next year

[@JakeJarmel]

The bridge horn sounds better from this perspective. That or the microphones on the Duluth cams is lacking in quality.

[@PaulScinocca]

Maybe a little of both... 😁

[@Island_Line_Rail_Productions]

I know you are not allowed to ride the bridge up, but can you at least leave a camera on a tripod or gopro on to get these shots?

[@PaulScinocca]

They do not allow that either, tried it once....

[@rustyc521]

Does a person have to get permission to ride the bridge up? Just curious to know for when we come up for our visit the end of August. Thanks!

[@PaulScinocca]

Correct, they do not allow you to just ride it.

[@rustyc521]

@@PaulScinocca how does a person get permission to be on it when it goes up?

[@PaulScinocca]

@@rustyc521 I was actually involved with a work project, the only reason I was able. Not really sure, they are pretty tight on access.

[@rustyc521]

@@PaulScinocca oh ok. I understand. Thank You sir for your time and info! Awesome video!