⚓️Extra Loud Steam Whistle: Ship ‘Alpena’ Wakes Duluth Early!

[@shadowbladegotenks]

Great video Mike on such a beautiful North Shore morning! I just found you after watching your segment on KSPT Channel 5, "Minnesota Live". Keep up the wonderful Vibe!

[@chuckg6039]

Hi there. Glad to have you onboard! Please stop back often.

[@vibewithmike]

We’re all so happy you were able to find this channel. Welcome to you! And for those that missed the KSTP news segment, here it is: kstp.com/special-coverage/minnesota-live/vibe-with-mike/

[@lauracarrow3691]

I will never get enough of the salutes between the ship and bridge operator. Thank you for getting up so early for us.

[@vibewithmike]

The salute is so wonderful. It was early in the morning too.

[@darthgrundle2349]

Great to see a Grand Old Lady of the Lakes still doing what she was designed for and doing it with a beautiful steam salute.!!! Thanks Mike as always..!!!

[@vibewithmike]

The Alpena is a beautiful ship, I love her sound and her lines!

[@darthgrundle2349]

Me too....!!!!

[@beckiweaver8383]

Most beautiful sound from a steam engine. Love it

[@vibewithmike]

It totally is a different sound and it’s so awesome. What a ship.

[@elizabethw.8561]

What a sweet old horn!! Thank you for that morning salute, old GIRL!!! Mike, that was a wonderful surprise after a rather busy day for me. Thanks, for some reason you always come through!! 1942...... that's crazy that she is still crushing the lakes like no time has passed at all.

[@vibewithmike]

Glad you enjoyed it friend

[@chuckg6039]

Hey there. 5 am for this video. Sure was a wonderful surprise video for me too!

[@terrsaelbon]

What a magical morning and a beautiful ship.

[@vibewithmike]

It definitely is a magical morning

[@ruthgoebel723]

What a beautiful morning scene.....reminds me of early morning along the Cape Cod Canal. That steam whistle was the bomb! You could see the steam come out the horn at each blast! Don't see that musch anymore. Thanks for getting out there early to record this amazing ship!

[@vibewithmike]

You are so right! That steam whistle was the bomb! 📣📣📣📣📣📣💥💥💥💥💥💥💥

[@capesquirt]

Hello from Brewster. I'm Patrick former commercial mariner fishing as was most my family from Wellfleet and Provincetown MA. Not sure if Mike is aware of our vertical lift bridge over the Cape Cod canal. I wish our bridge had a similar air horn. However the Cape Cod canal does not get as much commercial shipping as the past as current ship sizes exceed the limitations of the canal.

[@rogerblair7097]

Superb Mike, the older ships were built to last and look good too, she is a wonderful example of her kind 👍👍

[@vibewithmike]

Many thanks

[@marywright6759]

She is a classic. I love her whistle and stack.

[@vibewithmike]

Mary, I’m so happy I was able to record this. It really made me happy to get it.

[@aidenwhite2838]

Beautiful ship

[@vibewithmike]

That’s one of the most beautiful ships in the world

[@randythompson8256]

Thank you Mike. From Yukon Oklahoma

[@vibewithmike]

Yeah, my friend in Oklahoma! Randy, you got it, brother. Have a great Saturday night.

[@bigmonmagoomba9634]

Don’t forget me. I’m in Bartlesville OK.

[@bobpurs]

Thanks Mike for getting up early and bringing us along. Oldie but goodie. Love the Steam whistle and man she is loud, Love it. Looks like a nice calm morning. Great Video. ⚓👍

[@vibewithmike]

Alpena is a ship I will get up early for any day.

[@johnkingery403]

Beautiful old school laker. The steam whistle is exceptional. Thanks for getting up early Mike.

[@vibewithmike]

That’s what makes this ship so special, it’s a classic!

[@kimberlymcconnell1629]

That is a great look at dawn coming in the canal

[@vibewithmike]

This is definitely a memorable morning for me. I’m glad I was able to capture for you and all of our friends.

[@tmo42]

mike im addicted. I click on every video. I love to check in on northern MN remotely from the twin cities. thanks for being so dedicated to your craft.

[@vibewithmike]

I’m really glad that you’re enjoying these videos. This Alpena is so awesome.

[@chuckg6039]

I am addicted too. Proud to say I've watched every one of Mike's videos. Many more than once!

[@GoDogs]

Another great video! What am awesome ship!

[@vibewithmike]

The ship is a classic

[@carllafrance5510]

Hi Mike and boat friends ! Excellent ! Amazing how calm it is from your last video ! It was sliding right along ! Have a great day !

[@vibewithmike]

It really is amazing how calm that water is, isn’t it?

[@NorthshoreLover-gk7zv]

What a treat to see the oldest steamship on the Great Lakes with my friend Mike.

[@vibewithmike]

It’s the best ship. I love seeing it. The stack is painted so great.

[@DressyBessie]

@@vibewithmike I did notice that! 😊

[@SkeeterA]

That was awesome, peaceful and enjoyed through and through 😊

[@vibewithmike]

It was so great to see this beautiful ship.

[@libby5335]

Thanks for getting up early to video this to share with all of us! She is a beauty and glides along so graceful! Have a good one!

[@vibewithmike]

I love watching her glide through the water!

[@pegsadler5391]

Love it!!! This was wonderful!!

[@vibewithmike]

I love the coloring on the ship too

[@DressyBessie]

Yay! Thanks for getting up early to show us this old, beautiful ship! The lights look so nice reflecting upon the water. 🙂👋🚢🌞💙

[@vibewithmike]

It’s my absolute pleasure, the best ship out there with a steam whistle

[@DressyBessie]

@vibewithmike It is?!

[@DressyBessie]

@vibewithmike Cool!

[@vibewithmike]

Is definitely hard for me to think of another steam whistle ship that I like more

[@rtbell2806]

Thank you Sir! My Wife and I were there in July, but your videos bring us just as close to the experience without leaving home

[@vibewithmike]

It’s great to bring that experience home for you, glad you enjoyed the video!

[@KenHartman152]

So glad you got up early for the Old School Laker the Alpena! She is right up there with the Anderson as one of my absolute favorites! What a gorgeous early morning view of the Lake & Duluth Harbor and Bridge. It will be sad when the day comes for the Alpena's retirement, but what a Great & Historical Museum ship she will make. I treasure each time you get to present this Grand Lady to us Mike. She is gorgeous. Love the paint scheme with the yellow and the colorful stack on this Steamer. Fantastic salute!!! Beautiful pivot. Perfect ending. Thank you... Thank You.... Thank You Mike!!! ⚓🚢⚓

[@vibewithmike]

I think the Alpena is one of my favorite ships as well! She’s a real beauty!

[@bonnievanprooyen3214]

I love her horn! ❤

[@vibewithmike]

It’s the most classic horn/whistle on the Great Lakes

[@weloveups831]

Beautiful colors all the way around. Great reflections of the lights of the ship on its smooth mirror like wake.

[@vibewithmike]

The smokestack on this vessel is absolutely gorgeous, super fresh paint

[@CathyLahr]

Thanks Mike-beautiful ship and great early morning backdrop for the video.❤

[@vibewithmike]

Hey, thanks for taking time on a Saturday. This is such a wonderful ship.

[@chrisdanielson3002]

She's a beauty!!

[@vibewithmike]

The most gorgeous ship out there many people believe

[@royschmidt675]

Great video thanks much ❤️

[@vibewithmike]

It’s my pleasure, have a great Saturday night. This ship is so fun.

[@jerryodell1168]

A morning and waters like when she came in is one of the reasons why I love sailing. Smooth and beautiful at times like this and wild, violent, and wet other times. Who needs trill rides????????

[@vibewithmike]

There should be a big storm coming on Tuesday. I hope I get a video.

[@kenrickjones3990]

She is so beautiful. Love her

[@vibewithmike]

One of the best ships out there

[@duanerichardson1669]

What a fabulous way to start the day Mike, doesn't get any better than that 😊

[@vibewithmike]

You are right, it’s the best way to start a day, that beautiful ship, and that beautiful steam whistle

[@billford1223]

Great video Mike!!! Thanks for capturing it's early morning arrival for us!

[@vibewithmike]

Bill, you and I know that the Alpena is the real deal

[@billford1223]

@vibewithmike absolutely. The girls and I need to see it in person yet. Definitely a bucket list ship

[@vibewithmike]

@billford1223 it’s a ship that will live up to the hype

[@JeffHarmond-kz3jr]

Appreciate this Mike. I really enjoyed it. Love the old steamships.

[@vibewithmike]

Absolutely Jeff, I’m glad that you enjoyed it man

[@MaryClareVideos]

Sweet! ⚓️🚢

[@vibewithmike]

This is such a beautiful vessel. The oldest steamship on the Great Lakes.

[@maryannpost8146]

This is fantastic! I watched a video earlier today about the Edmund Fitzgerald. Brave souls. May God bless the souls of the Captain and Crew. ❤❤❤

[@vibewithmike]

Nothing will ever compare to the Fitzgerald! That is a vessel that is deep in our hearts

[@lynndemartini9379]

Can't believe it's almost 50 years...😮 God rest their souls and Gordon Lightfoot, too!!!

[@vibewithmike]

@lynndemartini9379 it really is remarkable. 50 years.

[@karengausman1459]

Hey there my friend, thank you for getting up with the birds to film this ship for us. The atmosphere looks very calm and peaceful. She is a great looking ship for being one of the oldest ships on the great lakes. I am glad that we got to hear the whistle. What a great sound! But, not so much for the people who are sleeping. She handles the pivot just lke a youngster!! Thanks again for your dedication to filming the ships for us!! I hope you are having a good Saturday. I will catch you later. 🙋⛴

[@vibewithmike]

Karen, I’m keeping an eye on the big storm system that is moving towards Minnesota and it’ll be here on Tuesday. There should be some substantial waves on lake superior and I will get them for you.

[@karengausman1459]

@@vibewithmike I am getting ready for the storm as well. I will be here if you decide to livestream. Those waves could be awesome to see!! Just be carefull.

[@vibewithmike]

@karengausman1459 I will be careful

[@PaulaH-fr8rfreak]

Beautiful ship, lovely whistle, pretty morning, priceless! Thank you, Mike!

[@vibewithmike]

She does have a beautiful whistle.

[@geedubb-q1u]

She’s a beauty. Is it diesel steam powered? Man if you weren’t awake beforehand you’d sure be after those horns😂

[@vibewithmike]

The SS Alpena, originally launched as the SS Leon Fraser in 1942, is a historic Great Lakes freighter powered by a DeLaval cross-compound steam turbine engine. This steam turbine, coupled with two Babcock & Wilcox water-tube boilers, has been the vessel’s propulsion system since its construction.  Notably, the Alpena remains the oldest active steamship on the Great Lakes, still operating with its original steam turbine engine. This enduring use of steam propulsion highlights the vessel’s historical significance and the durability of its engineering. 

[@johnandrews3568]

Best horn on the Great Lakes, IMO...

[@vibewithmike]

It was extremely high-pitched as well that powerful steam whistle

[@robertkaspert4092]

I see the Alpena on the Detroit River from time to time

[@vibewithmike]

The Alpena is such a great ship and it never gets old seeing it

[@chuckg6039]

Hi Robert. I'm planning to visit the Dossin Museum this Winter.

[@ostbagar3]

What a wonderful night to look at this beautiful ship! Thank’s Mike 😃👍

[@vibewithmike]

The stram whistle is bone chilling, it really is that beautiful

[@francisforest9342]

Thanks, Mike. I'm so glad that I remembered to switch my video quality to 4K. The video of the ship gliding through the canal changed from beautiful to magnificent!

[@vibewithmike]

Glad you enjoyed the higher resolution!

[@DanEveretts]

Once again thanks for the ride, love the old steam vessels, I've been in the commercial plumbing trade for 50 years and still at it. Dan @ Harrisburg SD.

[@vibewithmike]

Thanks Dan, you’re the man! You’ve got years of plumbing expertise!

[@laurenolson8492]

Elias is great!!! You too!!! Thanks!!! Y'all just needed me there yelling at the crew!! LOL And mesmerizing is the perfect word to describe the pivot!!

[@vibewithmike]

Elias is the best, you guys are the best, the pivot is mesmerizing, it really is

[@maryreed5820]

Thank you Mike. A real beauty

[@vibewithmike]

It’s such a beautiful ship

[@AmyDougherty-nb2ud]

Thank you again, Mike, for another great video from beautiful Duluth. Thank you for your dedication and getting up so early so we could see this great boat. A beautiful time of day. 💙

[@vibewithmike]

I love the peacefulness of those early mornings on the lake.

[@chucke4294]

Hey Mike, and all the Global Boat Friend Nation, from a cold , snowy , windy Bismarck. Missed the live feed, watching Grand kids today as my son had traveled to Grand Forks for the Hockey game last nite. Another beautiful morning in Dtown, with the gorgeous lites and clouds. Grand old Lady of the Lake comes to call as quiet as a church mouse, and then the steam whistle announces her entrance to the harbor. The ship does the Superior slide into the inner harbor and I do not think it has bow thrusters. This is a small vessel as Lakers go, so is able to fit in places the bigger boats cannot get to. This has been the thing that keeps her busy no doubt, and she is in very nice condition. A gorgeous way to start the day Mike, and another great video for all the Boat Friends to enjoy! Later Man….

[@vibewithmike]

Thanks for sharing your perspective and observations from Bismarck!

[@gritsngranola]

Big 😃 at the horn blasting! 😊

[@vibewithmike]

Sure is!

[@byronharano2391]

Good morning Mike. Thank you 😊

[@vibewithmike]

You are most welcome, I love that ship

[@skycvg]

Agreed, the beautiful Alpena has carte blanche on anything she wants to do at any time. Definitely must-see TV/Video when Miss Alpena is involved. So distinctive with her whistle.

[@vibewithmike]

I love it when she lets loose that whistle! It's a beautiful sound.

[@IamValentina66]

Thank you so much for this video. Love the Alpena.

[@vibewithmike]

The Alpena is so awesome. I love it.⛴️⛴️⛴️⛴️⛴️

[@anthonygiglio9860]

Great Video Mike I Enjoyed it Great Steam Ship The Alpena a Classic😊 Have A Great Sunday😊

[@vibewithmike]

The Alpena is a great ship.

[@Betty-mq6mf]

Outstanding!! Thanks Mike

[@vibewithmike]

I love that you enjoyed that loud steam whistle, it’s always a thrill.

[@mikehelt5346]

Thanks for another great video Mike! Definitely a must see ship out on the Great Lakes! Definitely in my top 5. Have a good night!

[@vibewithmike]

The Alpena is a classic ship, it's definitely one of my favorites.

[@mikehelt5346]

@ it’s amazing how many old school lakers are out there! Just shows how fortunate we are for them to be on freshwater lakes so we can enjoy them longer as well as remind us how far shipping has come from many years ago!

[@leftseat30]

Oldest steamship on the Lakes!! Beastly!

[@vibewithmike]

It’s a straight up, beast

[@MiBones]

Thanks for the follow through with the pivot.

[@vibewithmike]

It was a tough maneuver but she pulled it off!

[@ThomasWLalor]

Thanks for the show.

[@vibewithmike]

The Alpena is always a great show

[@debbiecarol]

She may not be a beast BUT she is a Beauty! She's my favorite SS too. Only 58° here in Florida this morning @ 6am! Burrr but nice! I like the early am video! Thanks Mike

[@vibewithmike]

Very cool!

[@edkalix7619]

Good job Mike,Thank You

[@vibewithmike]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@michaeltaylor8835]

Brilliant video Mike bless you

[@vibewithmike]

It was so great to see this beautiful ship. It’s always a privilege to be able to record it for you and our friends.

[@edwardmcloughlin3797]

Good morning Mike, get to see this ld gal is sailing.

[@vibewithmike]

She sure does wake up Duluth every morning!

[@PatrickSBellSr]

Wow. Again, Mike, the quality of your videos are amazing - it is the very first thing that catches my eye well before I even see a ship. I mean, the beauty of this video...wow. Keep up this great work, pls!

[@vibewithmike]

This ship is seriously that vessel that I can just hit record and it does all the work. I know I say it, but this really is a ship that does it.

[@guyg7160]

Nice morning Mike!

[@vibewithmike]

It was a beautiful morning on the lake.

[@michaeltaylor8835]

A lovely festive feel to me videy

[@vibewithmike]

👋👋👍⛴️⛴️

[@snortfx]

Mike, she is a beauty. And the steam whistle is great to hear. Reminds me of the steam clock in Vancouver Canada. Certainly no where near as loud, but a steam whistle just the same. Every quarter hour is marked.

[@vibewithmike]

The steam whistle on the Alpena is truly a unique sound

[@chuckg6039]

The sound came in at 104.2 db. That ranks her well up in the loudness standings. Check out my chart I posted about 15 mins ago.

[@67wildwolf]

thanks mike

[@vibewithmike]

Absolutely, it’s a wonderful ship

[@Dan-dg9pi]

82 years old and still hauling cement! They don't make 'em like that anymore.

[@vibewithmike]

I don’t think anything else looks that good at 82 years old

[@briangustafson5757]

I was wondering what type of cargo is she bringing in... Ask always thank you for sharing

[@vibewithmike]

I’m going to double check, but I believe it’s powder cement

[@chuckg6039]

Yeap, powered cement. Her 5th visit to Duluth this year. Cement is the only cargo she carries now.

[@bigmonmagoomba9634]

I saw the ‘Vibe with Mike’ news story on the KSTP KZbin channel yesterday. Kudos, Mike.

[@vibewithmike]

I received many emails about it. I didn’t know they were going to do that. They did good. I appreciate them doing that.

[@chuckg6039]

It sure was a wonderful piece! I really enjoyed watching it.

[@gmcjimmy3580]

She's a sweetheart,my absolute favorite. Thank you sir.

[@vibewithmike]

I absolutely love the Alpena, what a great ship

[@audreyjohnson4599]

I agree that she looks well taken care of. She looks in better shape than lakers that are decades younger. The owners seem to take pride in her uniqueness.

[@vibewithmike]

The company that owns this vessel does a great job. Look at that paint on the stack.

[@andresdelcampo6733]

Hello from Massachusetts.

[@vibewithmike]

Happy Saturday night in Massachusetts my friend. I’m glad you were able to see this awesome steamship.

[@ericsanford5639]

cool.thanks.

[@vibewithmike]

I love the way that the sound of that whistle just makes my day!

[@steverogers6131]

Thanks Mike, as always, wonderful. From Greensboro NC

[@vibewithmike]

You got it, my friend in Greensboro. I’m glad you enjoyed the early morning show!

[@matthewmillar3804]

I don't suppose there's any commercial ships with reciprocating steam engines operating anymore, huh? I'll admit I love steam engines!

[@vibewithmike]

Great question Matt, as of November 2024, there are no commercial ships operating on the Great Lakes powered by reciprocating steam engines. The last such vessel, the SS St. Marys Challenger, was converted into a barge in 2013, ending its 107-year tenure as a self-propelled steamship. This conversion marked the conclusion of the era of reciprocating steam-powered commercial vessels on the Great Lakes. I’m glad you were were able to hear that powerful steam whistle.

[@janetryan9779]

Wow, what a beautiful video! I hope you felt fully rewarded for the early get-up you had in order to film this! This was satisfying on so many levels….the dawn of day over the lake, the calm water of the channel with the lights reflected in it, and the quiet dignity of this elegant and beautiful ship slipping through the channel at daybreak. The interesting sound of the steam whistle was an added bonus. Well done, and many thanks! P. S. If steam whistles such as this are not the norm, how are most whistles powered? I hope that’s not a dumb question, but I don’t know a lot about ships, and asking questions is the way you learn….:)

[@vibewithmike]

Thanks, I love the Alpena and I felt rewarded filming this amazing ship.

[@chuckg6039]

Hey Janet. Great question. Horns other than steam are horns utilizing small horsepower electric motors to drive a piston which oscillates air in a column.

[@janetryan9779]

@@chuckg6039 Thank you! 😊

[@Cooper-p6m]

I know someone who is the wife of the captain of this ship.

[@vibewithmike]

What an awesome connection! What an awesome ship

[@Cooper-p6m]

@ She truly is.

[@vibewithmike]

@Cooper-p6m 👍👍👍👍⛴️⛴️⛴️⛴️⛴️

[@jamesmccarthy5086]

Thanks for sharing Mike! I hope I get a chance to see her one day! Is she going to unload into the Iglehart, if so, did you film it? Do you know if the St. Mary’s Challenger ever comes out to Duluth? And the Alpena was originally named Leon Fraser, and recently, I saw a photo of her as the Fraser!

[@vibewithmike]

I don’t know if it offloaded into the Iglehart. Unfortunately, now my boat is in storage for the winter. I don’t have the ability to really get over there right now.

[@NoelTomlinson-wj2pu]

Hi Mike, do the good citizens of Duluth appreciate the salute at 5.00 am ? 42f and getting colder, 00.30 GMT Hull East Yorkshire.

[@vibewithmike]

It was an awesome salute

[@lars277]

Alpena is only 82 years old!

[@vibewithmike]

It has such a great story. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Alpena_(1942)

[@scottm.4717]

Mike, what is the oldest ship still operating on the great lakes?

[@vibewithmike]

The oldest operating ship on the Great Lakes is the SS Alpena, built in 1942. This cement carrier is well known for its long history and continuous service.

[@michaeltaylor8835]

Arnold's maid agrees

[@vibewithmike]

👋👋👋👋👋👍👍👍👍👍👍👍⛴️⛴️⛴️⛴️⛴️

[@maryannpost8146]

💔💔💔

[@vibewithmike]

👍⛴️

[@royharris7299]

There is a symbol on the starboard side, towards the bow, that resembles: "LlM" Would you explain that please?

[@vibewithmike]

The “LIM” seen on the side of a ship on the Great Lakes stands for “Limited” in reference to the company name. It typically indicates that the ship is operated by a corporation that has “Limited” in its official name, similar to “Ltd.”

[@chuckg6039]

​​​It actually stands for Inland Lakes Management. Tricky lettering for sure!! They own and operate the Alpena and also J. A. W. Iglehart. The company is located in Muskegon, Mi. Check this out. nmgl.org/wtt-inland-lakes/ ​@@vibewithmike

[@emilkarpo]

Loooks like she has a BBQ Smoker on her stern.

[@vibewithmike]

You are so right, that’s exactly what it looks like

[@matthewmcnulty698]

With the paul r tregurtha being the queen of the. Great lakes would that make. The alpena the. Grandma of the. Great lakes

[@vibewithmike]

That sounds like a good term