SAILING ON A GREAT LAKES FREIGHTER | LAKER | WORKING ON THE LAKES

[@calvinkalmon6746]

My uncle Allen Kalmon sank on the Edmunds Fitzgerald. I was about 7 years old and I remember it well. I got off the school bus with my brothers and sisters and went in the house, my mom and dad were crying so hard I thought they were laughing. And they told us the news. This video is an excellent look into life on the Great Lakes, I seriously enjoyed it. Thank you.

[@ianhamilton396]

RIP in to your Uncle and to Gordon Lightfoot.

[@nvragn]

Sorry for your loss. This comment didn't get anywhere close then the reckonition it should have. When we hear about ship wrecks we always think about the ocean. My old man was a New (and dam proud of it and me as well). He never actually worked on ships just unloading on the docks and the stories he was told from the guys who work on them were more scared of the great lakes than any other place on earth. It definitely says a lot about the topic. Again sorry for your loss and ty for putting this up for the world to see this type of thing. No one thinks about how they get things. Its the same as the "if you got it a truck brought it " type of thing. Take care 👍🇨🇦

[@user-fu7eh2mk5n]

Im sorry for your loss. The legacy of the Edmund Fitzgerald is essentially immortalized in Michigan, I remember learning about it in school and listening to the Gordon Lightfoot song in class. That song is pretty much an anthem for any bar i walk into here.

[@janetryan9779]

I just saw this channel and am looking forward to watching this video now. I am sorry for your loss of your uncle. That was such a tragic event.

[@SiobhanOdonoghue-u4b]

link to a model for ya

[@davidedwards8033]

It's a great day when Franta drops a new video

[@Nate_has_Dogs]

You can't say this if it isn't a GTA freighter

[@Art79GA]

100%!

[@Rayraywheelz]

​@@Nate_has_DogsI'm not sure about that. Watching this video brought back memories from my childhood. Just a kid out fishing the Detroit river I remember this ship being on the river everyday I've seen many come through.

[@runnikee6986]

Is it new?

[@jasonb9174]

He can be the narrator for deadliest catch

[@uTube486]

No one, absolutely no one, has a better video of a Laker. Thank You

[@crazyworldoccupant7386]

“One long two short” KZbinr. Give it a look

[@uTube486]

Nice photography, but little, or no, narration. Joe has that "New Jersey" flair.@@crazyworldoccupant7386

[@SlashvsAdamSadler]

Tim Telep made a great series on the Paul R. Tregurtha , he went quiet sadly 😞

[@mikejohnson5900]

A piece of America most people don't see. Also, most folks don't realize how huge the Great Lakes are! Thanks for a great vid!

[@greggrichards3338]

Right. Lake Superior alone holds enough water to cover ALL of North America and all of South America in water about 1 foot deep. 2900 cubic miles of water.

[@run_run_walk6021]

piece of Canada too der bud

[@br.m]

@@run_run_walk6021 Canada is America though. It's part of North America.

[@chrisk475]

​@@run_run_walk6021The other reply is, let's say, a unique understanding but bless 'im.

[@corylcreates]

@@br.m Oh then by this logic, all of Chile's lakes are a piece of America, because it's South America?

[@halfcircle63]

Living in Michigan, we get to see many of the freighters. The Sam Laud is about in the middle of the pack as far as age goes. There are still plenty of boats built in the 40's and 50's plying the Great Lakes every day! The Alpena, built in 1942, has sailed for 81 seasons this year, still boasting a steam turbine engine.

[@driverv86]

There are great lakes ships that were literally in ww2

[@markradius]

@@driverv86 , Yes, the M/V Lee A. Tregurtha has a long and distinguished history since her construction as a World War II tanker. One of the most altered vessels on the Great Lakes, she also boasts two battle stars for WWII service as the Chiwawa. Her original dimensions were 501’8” x 68’ x 30’8” and her speed was 15 knots. Chiwawa served on both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans during the war and was present in Tokyo Bay during the September 2, 1945, surrender ceremony. The vessel was decommissioned on May 6, 1946, and transferred to the Maritime Commission shortly thereafter. (from Interlake's website)

[@KirkGharda]

Obligatory Jones Act joke..

[@The_DuMont_Network]

@@markradius Great info! The TV show about the Paul Tregurtha is one of my favorites. Was not aware there was another Tregurtha. Thanks!

[@HrLBolle]

nothing beats a true steam whistle

[@HenryGengler]

Crazy to think that most of the ships are 50+ years old and some of them are pushing 90!

[@tonyhartford8442]

I’m so glad to see the old Sam Laud is still out there on the lake doing her thing. My dad worked as a shipkeeper for ASC for like 25-30 years. I spent many winters running around this and the many other freighters that ASC owned. Even during the rest of the year a few times he’d be on them. I’d live up there and hold down the fort for him many times. Our port was Toledo where I’m from. I can remember taking a mattress up to the pilot house, turning on the air conditioning and just chilling out up there during thunderstorms was an amazing feeling. Loved this boat and the American Mariner, American Republic but I never got to be on the 1000 foot Indiana Harbor. I’ve always wanted to go out on them boats but never knew how to get into it. I’m glad you got to experience the Sam Laud!? Happy sailing buddy!!

[@paulseoighemcgee5772]

Honestly Joe , you're a master at this ; you have a tender eye for detail and your soothing narration is spot on . Captivating off beat Americana , love it , thanks .

[@killzballxd6477]

my grandfather was the captain of this boat and worked for this company for years. its great to see a video on such a great boat.

[@SANDYFRECKLE]

No he wasn’t

[@kylek6104]

@@SPIKESPIEGEL1969grand River or ASC

[@sdgallaugher]

Rode the Great Lakes on 2 different USCG buoy tender/ice breakers over 4 years then spent another 27 years on the ocean. The Great Lakes are indeed unique in the marine world and though they don't have glamourous ports they are steeped in history, the people are exceptional, and the natural beauty is spectacular. Of all the waters I've sailed they were my favorite. Great video it gives the viewers a factual perspective of life as a mariner on the largest inland ocean in the world, Thanks much!

[@worldcrap12]

I grew up and still live in Port Huron where we see MANY of these Lakers. Seeing that opening shot of the Blue Water Bridge was awesome to see!

[@johncronin5311]

God bless Port Huron always, one of His greatest works~Glory to God

[@gordonroylambert]

I grew up in Sarnia….Pt Huron was like our second home…great bars there when I was a kid mid 70’s rock era.!!

[@contrajedi8]

My grandfather was a laker after he came home from the pacific in WW2. He was Detroit born-and-raised. Thank you for this.

[@Captain-Max]

You got on one of those new fangled modern boats. Back in 1968, the Lackawanna was my ride. Built in 1900 and scrapped in 1969. We didn't have fancy self unloaders or ladders. We got swung over the side on a Boswains chair (2×8 with a rope through a hole). To handle cables to stop the boat.

[@MikeMouradian]

I work on the boats 74-76 and your right. This was a fancy new boat!

[@johnstudd4245]

They still use the swing out bosun chair at places like the locks.

[@luketdrifter2100]

The bosun chair is still used. Those ladders only go down once the deck gang has swung out and tied her up.

[@pm565b2]

Yeah the self unloaders are really nice. In and out in hours with no rest or time to go up the street.

[@lukedubois7679]

@@pm565b2yeah, but nothing good happens up the street

[@bovellois]

Thank you for taking us on board. It's hard when watching this not to remember about the fate of the Edmund Fitzgerald, " the pride of the American side ... as the big freighters go, it was bigger than most".

[@deanrotering879]

Agreed. I was thinking that too.

[@georgekn3mp]

The Fitz was "Queen of the Lakes" (longest freighter) from the time it launched in 1958 until the next year when it was surpassed in length by 1 foot! It's still the biggest Lake freighter that sank in the Great Lakes. It set a lot of single-trip records for hauling the biggest loads at the time, and 6 times it set seasonal haul records too.

[@richardmorris7063]

"On the big lake they called Gitchegumie"

[@richardmorris7063]

Actually that happened in the summer of 75 when the Sam Laud was being built!

[@ravenbarsrepairs5594]

The Fitzgerald is simply a much better known wreck on the lakes. There were a great many wrecks on the lakes during that time. My favorite story is of a ship that broke in half, with both halves remaining afloat for a while. The only survivor was in the front end of the ship, and he recalled watching the back half of the ship sail away into the night, lights still on and under power. Can't recall what ship it was.

[@seanpetty393]

I don't understand how this channel doesn't have 500k+ subs, and 1M+ views per video? Joe is an amazing narrator, the editing is perfection, and the content is mesmerizing. The YT algorithm is broken.

[@gregorylyon1004]

We can't watch all the videos. Subs and views are all about money anyway

[@goldmund22]

Agreed. Best maritime channel I've found

[@CharleysAquaticNook]

@@gregorylyon1004That makes zero sense fyi.

[@EatsLikeADuck]

Ship watching in the 1,000 Islands is one of my favorite things in the world to do. The lines of the classic lakers are stunning.

[@matthewelliott2213]

Each dock is like it's own little world. Each body of water is full of quirks and idiosyncrasies. Such a crazy, fascinating, necessary job. Thanks Joe!

[@mikeu5380]

A perfect companion to Joseph Conrad's "Youth," and his other sailing stories. Thank you!

[@rackets001]

I could seriously watch a 2 hour long video of yours! Your editing, music, narration, landscapes, shipscapes, seascapes are always fantastic!! (I've already watched all of your channel)

[@debcheffer6658]

Your narration, subject matter, editing, composition, music selection, are stellar, as always! Love everything you do.

[@richardmorris7063]

I've watched videos on different subject matter for 10 years. A few have shown a unique talent to set themselves apart. Joes for sure one of them.

[@whathappenedtofreethinking6902]

It never ceases to amaze me the massive size of the Great Lakes.

[@richardmorris7063]

The old bluesey music was kind of cool. You make unique videos Joe. Makes me feel old,I went through Marine boot camp when that old ship was being built..

[@hooklinetinker9680]

Man, that was really good! Very well put together. I can't remember enjoying a KZbin video this much. I've long had a romantic fascination with the Great Lakes and the freighters that traverse their waters. This video represents so much more than just your time on a Great Lakes freighter, it represents history and a lifestyle most people know so little about. Thank you for posting this. Ted Marshall Sanford. Florida

[@geraldapple4113]

I worked on this boat in 1982 good to see it still going

[@JoeFranta]

Awesome!

[@Dankreviews420]

I live and work right next to lake st clair and see freighters constantly. Mad respect for what you and those other guys do. You keep this country running.

[@mikepriestley4108]

Born Raised and still live the Thumb of Michigan. We love our freighters. At the SOO locks they lower tie ups from a boatsum chair. Cool vid Joe.

[@davidwadsworth8982]

There are beach's on the lakes that rival any beach anywhere on any sea. Real good job Joe. Going under Duluth Lift Bridge is always cool.Lot of people just come down to Canal Park to see these ships, wave to the crews, the salute to the ships and back to the bridge boss.

[@Majerly_Annoyed]

I live near Lake Ontario and I grew up watching the lakers come and go out of Hamilton Harbour. To this day, I never tire of seeing the ships sailing past.

[@Nonononono12345-o]

Those are the little Wellandmaxes

[@tannerbillings8864]

Former interlake sailor of 5 years, cool to see some representation about what we do.

[@herbertmichaels2841]

What was the pay like for entry? Just got my mmc!!!!!

[@michaelsharron8007]

Hey Joe. Glad you decided to revisit the Sam Laud. You really hit the magic formula with the 16 part series. So seeing more of your earlier adventures is cool. My favorite line: "what a bleeping rust bucket." Sounds like my life growing up on a farm with all the equipment pre 1970. Wasn't pretty but got the job done.

[@ritamorrisguynup44]

Enjoyed that. We'll done. Music was terrific. Remembering the Edmund Fitzgerald. ❤

[@michaelbragg6527]

I grew up in Michigan, right off of Lake Huron. I spent alot of time watching these ships on the st Clair river and on the lakes. It’s so impressive what these captains can do. It’s under appreciated what the lakes handle as far a freighters go. Very exciting to see you touch on this subject.

[@GuyIncognito575]

When you talk about the lifespan of these ships, the other factor at play on the US side of the Great Lakes is the Jones Act. The first new US laker in 30 years was launched last year.

[@JoeFranta]

Exactly, the Jones Act is what keeps my whole career in existence.

[@vernwallen4246]

Eliminate the Jones act and you destroy the American Merchant Marine.@@JoeFranta

[@michaelstamper3096]

Would that be the Mark W Barker?

[@rapid13]

@@vernwallen4246Unlikely. It’s just protectionism and it artificially inflates costs for no reason other than “Murica!”

[@corylcreates]

I lived down in Windsor while I went to university and I loved seeing the freighters coming through the Detroit River going up to Sarnia. They were enormous! I couldn't believe how big those boats were. Love the Great Lakes so much. They're less like lakes and more like inland freshwater seas.

[@k.s.7104]

Great video, I really enjoyed it. I dont know what it is but the lore and tradition of the Great Lakes "lakers" just draws me in. The cities may be rust belts but one has to admit that the the country between the two countries these lakes call home is spectacular. Thank you for sharing your story on your work journey out there, stay safe.

[@markadams4316]

During the 90's and 2000's, I worked across the channel from Zug Island in Detroit. We would also get cement ships from Toronto and other ships carrying limestone. Spent many afternoons and nights having meals with the various crews on their ships. They were all great to be around.

[@husky_studios]

It’s weird seeing the places where I have watched ships come in and out hindered of times in Cleveland from the point of view of the ship. Keep up the good work! What you said at the beginning is very true, everybody forgets about the Great Lakes!

[@ronsamborski6230]

Those of us who live in the Great Lakes region don’t forget about them. They have quite the effect on our weather system and the resulting rain, snow, humidity, etc. I’m from the downriver suburbs of Detroit and love the Great Lakes region, even with the issues that we have. ✋🏽Hello from Michigan!

[@METALITHrevetments]

I enjoy your videos very much. I have a sailboat that I keep in Racine, WI and I spend the Summer's sailing up and down the Wisconsin shoreline and across the Lake to the various ports on the Michigan side and I am always blown away when I encounter a big Laker either out on the Lake or coming in/out of ports. The captains are so skilled at moving those ships around not only without pilots but also without tugboats.

[@johnkane1898]

Thank you for such a lovely wee video. Very very well presented. Growing up on the north east coast of Northern Ireland, where my late Dad was a Belfast Harbour pilot and ex master mariner. He often talked of transiting the Atlantic Ocean into the Great Lakes. I sometimes went on ships in the early 90’s and lots of pilot boat trips with him as a kid. I now live in Indiana and kind of land locked lol. Have made a couple of trips to the Great Lakes watching the freighters coming in. Funny you mentioned about the age of the vessels compared to ocean goers. I knew it was because of the salt water vs the fresh waters of the lakes. I love anything maritime and couldn’t go to sea due to defective color vision. As some mentioned, it gave reminders of the Edmund Fitzgerald and the price mariners pay to risk the world getting their cargo. Thanks for this, much appreciated 👏

[@bobmustee1803]

I have a home outside Cleveland and a small place in Marblehead, Ohio. I have seen the Sam Laud numerous times over the years and marvel at the comings and goings of these Lakers.

[@josephschickler5192]

Wow, again a great video. My father was a seaman on the great lakes. Had some great stories. A few years ago, had the opportunity to take my motorcycle and travel to the Great Lake ports. Kind of felt a connection. Thanks again. Keep them coming.

[@markwoodward3196]

Joe, Thank You, as always First Class, appreciate being able to go along on your travels…Fair Winds

[@CodeNinja79]

I live up in the Keweenaw and see the big freighters quite often, always cool to see them going by out on the lake, especially at night. Fun fact, the oldest freighter on the great lakes right now is the SS Alpena. Yep, SS. As in, 'Steam Ship'. She was built in 1942. A bunch of the ships floating around on the lakes were built in the 50s and 60s. The E.M Ford had the longest career, launched in 1898 and sailed until at least 1996 before being scrapped in 2007! Heck, there are still some WWII vintage boats on the lakes. The old SS American Victory, originally the Neshanic, a WWII fleet oiler and converted to a bulk carrier on the lake which was sadly scrapped in 2018. Was really cool to see a lake freighter with battle stars on her bridge. Her sister ship, Chiwawa, is still sailing the Great Lakes as the MV Lee A Tregurtha, but has been converted to diesel power.

[@shuttlepilot_]

I can tell you look fondly back on this time of your life. That period of time of innocence before experience that seems so difficult when your in it but at the same time is so sweet and fleeting. This video captures that. We all can relate in our own journey from innocence to experience. Just wonderfully done. I hope there is some new content in the future.

[@wwk68tig]

What a TREMENDOUS post! Detroit native here, and love everything about the Great Lakes........the Lakers near top of any list. Thanks so much for sharing. (Safe travels)..........

[@eandbnorton163]

Huge Kudos to your Music man! He does a super job of selecting the best music for each segment of your videos!

[@macmccubbin4066]

Love your videos. A great storyteller. Thanks for taking us along.

[@captainbontekoe6752]

Awesome video. I'm a Master mariner from Europe & during maritime high school we learned about all different types of ships in the world & that included Lakers. Since then they were always capturing my imagination & I always had a desire to sail on one of them, even if just for couple of weeks. My seaman career is now over & I probably won't ever see a Laker from up close, but this is the 2nd best thing

[@shirleybalinski4535]

That's too bad you never got to sail the Great Lakes. They are vast & some of these Lakers are as big as aircraft carriers. In fact during WW2 a whole lot of the US Navy fliers were trained on the Lakes before being sent to the Pacific. Lakers had the top infrastructure removed & flat tops installed for airplanes. Of course a main Navy recruitment / training center was (& still is) located just North of Chicago. Interesting history all around. Ocean pilots will attest to our storms too.

[@andrewburke6964]

I live in Cleveland and have a boat and have seen the Sam Laud many times! You refer to Cleveland as the rust belt, which it is, but it is still a great city and I love living here. Seeing the steel mill from the Cuyahoga is an amazing sight and one that very few get to see.

[@JoeFranta]

While on land recently I spent some time in Cleveland and I agree it is a great city.

[@The_bunkering_channel]

Seeing this just makes me wanna leave the Netherlands and go to America and work there in the shipping business. Right now i work in the fuel bunkering in amsterdam on a 160 ton 100ft long bunkering vessel delivering fuel to inland barges, its a fun job but after a few years you just start to miss challenges

[@shirleybalinski4535]

The Maritime Union has sailors from all over the World working on these ships. Some work the ships in Summer & do Carribean/ Southern ports in the winter. Check into it.

[@kevinw7044]

48 years old is some age. I remember working on a 30+ year old gas tanker many years ago. She was dropping to bits. Your videos are excellent.

[@petermark9660]

Thanks Joe, I lived next to Cuyahoga river and watched the ships go up and down the river. Amazed when ships got thrusters and multiple rudders and no longer needed tugs.

[@beesmagic482]

@Joe Franca, good to see clips back again live (i was watching in catch-up mode before). This time last year i was caring for my Mum in her final months before she passed away and things were crazy, everything was upside down. Your 15minutes clips (taken in sections when I could often in the small hours) gave me an escape to somewhere i couldn’t be, so many thanks for that as it was a comfort.

[@backroadrustics9921]

I'm a michigander and think this video is incredibly cool.. my son always asks what it's like and this was awesome to share..

[@maxpeck4154]

As a lifelong Michigander I've been obsessed with freighters since I was about 12 (I'm 46). I knew the JW Westcott II - the mail boat - had been around a LONG time, as long as I've been a freighter buff, but I don't know it has been around since 1949. It even sank underneath the Ambassador Bridge in Detroit in 2001 killing 2 people. It was salvaged, repaired, and put back in service. I didn't know it was still around. This was a great video. Thanks so much.

[@xpatsteve]

I was on the USS Enterprise in the 80s and pulling in and out of San Francisco Bay (or any port) was always tricky. I used to sit along the Cuyahoga down in the Flats to watch those ships navigate the river and that made our maneuvers look like a cake walk.

[@davidjennings6937]

That was a great video. I'm from Cleveland originally and it brought back many memories of seeing the ships out on Lake Erie.

[@debbiejarus1723]

Living in a Cleveland suburb, I've loved the Great Lakes and these boats my entire life! Thanks for a wonderful video :)

[@tobiasGR3Y]

Last year I got to stick my feet in Lake Huron during a down day I had during a work trip. It was interesting to see this ships and people working on different boats out and I remember seeing one of the big bulk carriers doing a run towards somewhere way out in the distance. The Great Lakes truly are a world of their own.

[@redhawk7002]

I worked on a great lakes freighter years ago. It was a great job: and yes, it was like stepping into a Rust Belt time machine. This was really well done and thanks for rekindling the memories. 😊

[@Ben-bb7mi]

Those lakers can live a long life. Arthur M Anderson is in her 70s and still going strong

[@kyleconger6544]

I grew up watching these ships pass my backyard on the saginaw river. Was really cool watching this. Thank you.

[@jaredbaratono897]

Your stuff is 100% top tier. Thank you.

[@JoeFranta]

Thanks so much Jared!

[@patrickhaller669]

Beautiful editing, footage and commentary. It's amazing to see people with such a love for their line of work. Working as a contract pilot and being on the road a lot I can identify with many aspects of your videos. Thanks for sharing the experience

[@paulreilly3904]

I was lucky enough to come across Joe pretty much from the get go. He's pretty damn good at this stuff. Like the rest of us I can't get enough. Thanks Joe.

[@crazyworldoccupant7386]

Love my Great Lakes Freighters! I saw the SL passed the Lee A. Tregurtha. There’s a ship with some wartime history! You also have the Queen of the Lakes, the Paul R. Tregurtha, coming in at 1014’ in length. So much history on the Great Lakes shipping industry. Loved this video.

[@gregorylyon1004]

The Tregurtha is the real Queen of the Lakes. Biggest freighter out there

[@sjc1169]

So happy to see a Great Lakes video. Each of them has it own character with rust belt towns and glittering metropolises dotted across their shores

[@JoeFranta]

Agreed with your description and hope this video got that across.

[@shirleybalinski4535]

As A resident of Michigan, I am never far from these Lakers & have been most of my life. They are in your blood, just part of the DNA!! PRETTY HARD FOR OTHER FOLKS TO UNDERSTAND. HISTORY, TRADITION, FOLKLORE, A NECESSITY FOR THE Nation.

[@cliffwoodbury5319]

That was so amazing. the Great Lakes are so amazing.

[@TheRedge12]

It was a pleasure to watch this video with the old and honest machinery. Thank you!

[@visionplayer10]

beautiful brother! Me and my autistic nephew follow these ship through the great lakes daily! I work at ArcelorMittal in hamilton ontario right at the bays edge and get to watch these alot of these beauties come thru everyday im there! Ive had my nephew from sault ste marie to windsor sarnia and our yearly trip up and down the welland canal.....hopefully soon ill get him on his dream trip....to Duluth to hear the lift bridge and the Paul R Tregurtha do a captain salute:)

[@Bjornontour]

My absolute favourite vloger here on KZbin,hands down!!

[@philiphurst831]

Thanks for posting this, Joe. On this side of the Atlantic we know very little of the mariner's life on the Great Lakes so this was very informative and interesting. Great work on the editing, music and voice-over.

[@alb.7389]

Great video! I used sail them lakers myself.... Brings back the memories of taking the swing chair down to those dolphins at Marblehead. The ships I was on were much older (pre-war era).... Steam powered winches and leaf style hatches..... Good stuff.

[@tomelko]

Thanks for the journey and sorry you missed Lake Superior and Duluth. It's the best.

[@datruth72]

My Brother in Law & his Father were both Captains on the Great Lakes. Their sailing was from Minnesota to Cleveland for over 60 years. I see you went under the 5 mile Mackinac Bridge. Try going over the Bridge at Midnight on a Sunday, take the 1st Left for 150 miles to my USAF Base. Cool video you done did.

[@dannycrooks8462]

Us landlubbers never get to see things like that absolutely amazing

[@jimscarlet]

Your videos are so blissfully relaxing they should be available on prescription, so much better for you than anything big pharma pump into us. Cheers Joe, absolutely beautiful.

[@mwaofvt]

Award worthy prduction....great video. Not something I'd do but I love learning about what you and admire those who do it...Be safe...Love the Vids....

[@earthdog2244]

Thanks Joe. Brings back fond memories of my days as a laker. Thanks.

[@marshallgrads]

Thank you for such an informative look at life on a laker. I learned so much from the video of how a ship operates. Stay safe and thank you.

[@douglasgatian1401]

As a Cleveland/northeast Ohio native, love the port video! Thanks Joe.

[@egomaniac247]

man your narration is excellent. Great tone, articulation, etc

[@josephjackson7269]

Hi Joe. I’m Joe from Delaware. Watch your videos all the time and they are better than the shows on cable . I can visualise being on some of the ships and very relaxing to kick back and watch.

[@Skytexture]

I grew up in Ohio and remember seeing freighters on the Maumee River. It was interesting to see the life of a laker. Thanks for the video!

[@MN-pu6qx]

A great video and the music outstanding!! Thanks. 🙂🙂

[@rafaelhubbard66]

Great video! You’ve got a knack for storytelling

[@robertg8129]

Joe, Toledo Docks coal and ore pier are manned by Longshoremen. Not sure if you loaded or offloaded there. It’s a CSX Railroad Terminal but the employees are members of a Longshoremen Union.

[@deanrotering879]

This was really cool. I live in Minnesota so I’m familiar with Lake Superior and the rich history. My two favorite parts were the row boat and the “floating dump truck” comment.😂😂😂😂

[@JoeFranta]

Thanks so much Dean! The Great Lakes are a wonderful place.

[@tylermcgraudy6639]

I’ve watched 100 times doing the plumbing in the pnc tower making the turn in the river made my morning love your content

[@The_DuMont_Network]

Great piece. The music so well fits the mood. I can see that onboard life can be exciting, boring, exhausing and at times quite exhilarating. Always a pleasure when I see a new production from you. Looking forward to the next. As we say in my trade, "Clear tracks ahead!, Highball"

[@thecivilwarguy3674]

I felt so inspired by this video, after a year of paperwork I’m now getting that job on the Great Lakes

[@georgeyaniga7848]

When you said 'coal,' I saw pellets. Coal goes into Cleveland by rail. You didn't load in 'bays,' you loaded into hatches. The use of steel wire rope 'cables' for mooring or shifting might have been worth mentioning. Mooring at Zug with your own deckhands and an end-loader dragging wires for you is about the worst thing we do. But then, a northeast blow at Marblehead is no picnic, either. All of that said, I liked the music you used.

[@alexdetrojan4534]

Fascinating. When i retired, id sit in a park on the Detroit river with a coffee and donut and watch the lakers go by...never got tired of it. And id often wonder what it would be like if i werent so old to head out on one of those ships. Great video.

[@dalefinch7824]

Great to have you back producing content Joe, I really look forward to these. Totally different world from my work.

[@VEXG32]

Man what an awesome video! Awesome glimpse into what they do day in and day out. Always have been fascinated with these ships even when I was a kid watching barges come down the Delaware River. These ships and railroads are my two things I will geek over for hours.

[@donaldmacdonald8249]

So love all your videos, food for the soul somehow. It was really good to see what this life would have been for my grandfather when he was there in the 1920's when he arrived from scotland. I loved hearing his stories as a kid and we are now lucky to read about them in his book- 'From small Lochs to Great Lakes'

[@Wilhelm-Von-Hohenzollern]

This is what I have thought as my dream job for a while, I hope to sail on the Freshwater Seas one day.

[@99malc1]

Thanks for taking me along on that ride, making your way through the lakes with the nifty self-unloader getting you in and out of port fast. I can see that your love of the subject is matched by the art that expresses it.

[@jamesparker6017]

Coral Gables 🌴🇺🇸 Growing up in the Cleveland area we enjoyed watching the Lakers. GREAT memories 👌 🏄