Growing up in Michigan, and my mom being a learn by experience kind of teacher. I had the pleasure of going through the locks several times. A unique and beautiful place.
I actually got stuck in the Canadian lock on a tour boat. They got us lowered to the Huron side... and couldn't get the gates to open all the way. So we couldn't go up or down, and we were all US citizens so we couldn't go ashore without customs being there... took about 90 minutes and they got the gates to open.
I went to the soo in the summer of 2019, it had always been my dream, and it was everything I had hoped for and more. About a month after that, I was in an antique store and found a beautiful framed painting of the Valley Camp in her original republic steel coulours for something like 10 bucks. Needless to say I bought that faster than you can imagine.
Hopefully I can get to the Soo again soon, I haven't been there since 1991! Since I'm taking early retirement on Tuesday, I should have plenty of time for more travel.
Sitting at mission point as I am writing this comment. Seen 5 ships so far today and hoping to see 2 more before the night ends. Hands down a fantastic place to come. 500 mile drive for me. But worth it!
@@authorwes for Great Lakes ship spotters it’s about as good as it gets. I live about 2.5 hours from superior WI so that’s my normal spot. However it’s no where near as consistent as the Soo!
You definitely need an app like Marine Traffic for your phone if visiting the Soo or Duluth or anywhere where boats visit. Scanners are fun for hearing the ships, but Marine Traffic shows the exact position and speed of each boat, removing any guesswork. And it only requires something that most people already own… their smartphone. 🙂
@@authorwes Sorry, I thought you were referring to apps that carry scanner feeds. Marine Traffic can lag, but the app tells you how old the last reading is… so one can often predict the present position based on the last reading. Regardless I think we can both agree that multiple tools offer the best chance to get the most accurate predictions for boat positions. Happy watching!
Very informative and funny. Like another commenter, who are you for in the finals? Gotta be the Habs! I also knew where you would stay the the Soo. As close to the water as possible. The aircraft Museum that Clare mentions would interest me also.
It's bad to pick sides for an author... both hab and bolt fans can read and buy my books... of course that is just a rumor. FYI, habs out-played the bolts last night, but the breaks were on the bolt's side... that's hockey, eh.
Growing up in Michigan, and my mom being a learn by experience kind of teacher. I had the pleasure of going through the locks several times. A unique and beautiful place.
I actually got stuck in the Canadian lock on a tour boat. They got us lowered to the Huron side... and couldn't get the gates to open all the way. So we couldn't go up or down, and we were all US citizens so we couldn't go ashore without customs being there... took about 90 minutes and they got the gates to open.
I went to the soo in the summer of 2019, it had always been my dream, and it was everything I had hoped for and more. About a month after that, I was in an antique store and found a beautiful framed painting of the Valley Camp in her original republic steel coulours for something like 10 bucks. Needless to say I bought that faster than you can imagine.
I believe my dad was the wheelman on the boat that took the lock out back in 62-64.
Wow!
Once again, I learned a few things. Great video. Keep 'em coming!
Thanks, will do!
Great timing for me, I’m visiting the Soo on July 8 on my way to the Keweenaw! Thanks for the info.
Have fun! Look for my new book, "The Witch of November"
Thanks Wes for valuable time!
My pleasure!
One of your best!
Thank you! I keep trying.
Eat at Frank’s across from the locks. Memorable.
Hope to spend a weekend there sometime
Do it!!
Hopefully I can get to the Soo again soon, I haven't been there since 1991! Since I'm taking early retirement on Tuesday, I should have plenty of time for more travel.
That's the best first step in retirement! Do it!
I do very much appreciate this video of tips and clues because I would like to visit the Soo one day.
You should! It's a neat place especially if you're a boatnerd.
Never been that far up I-75 yet!
Head up there... you won't regret it... unless you try it in January.
Sitting at mission point as I am writing this comment. Seen 5 ships so far today and hoping to see 2 more before the night ends. Hands down a fantastic place to come. 500 mile drive for me. But worth it!
One of my two favorite spots on the lakes.
@@authorwes for Great Lakes ship spotters it’s about as good as it gets. I live about 2.5 hours from superior WI so that’s my normal spot. However it’s no where near as consistent as the Soo!
06:40 Hey Wes do you know what ship lies just off the campground? It is slightly to the north and east on Google Maps.
No... let me look into it.
Just finished school at Lake State- I miss the Soo already!
It's a great place
You definitely need an app like Marine Traffic for your phone if visiting the Soo or Duluth or anywhere where boats visit. Scanners are fun for hearing the ships, but Marine Traffic shows the exact position and speed of each boat, removing any guesswork. And it only requires something that most people already own… their smartphone. 🙂
As I said in the video- the AIS and others can be up to 20 minutes slow. I missed a great photo op. by depending on those.
@@authorwes Sorry, I thought you were referring to apps that carry scanner feeds. Marine Traffic can lag, but the app tells you how old the last reading is… so one can often predict the present position based on the last reading. Regardless I think we can both agree that multiple tools offer the best chance to get the most accurate predictions for boat positions. Happy watching!
I see the John Sherwin in the thumbnail. Do you have hopes that Interlake will bring it back?
None
I highly recommend donuts from Superior Home Bakery on Great Northern (Canadian side).
If the COVID lockdown ever lifts- I'll go there!
Portage avenue is known as fudgie Lane due to all of the tourist shops.
It's also where they sell a ton of my books... my favorite place!
Very informative and funny. Like another commenter, who are you for in the finals? Gotta be the Habs! I also knew where you would stay the the Soo. As close to the water as possible. The aircraft Museum that Clare mentions would interest me also.
Never good for the author to pick teams... after all, so Habs fans can read too.
@@authorwes I get your point Wes. And I think now I know. Arrrgghhh. Well, let's see. Some great hockey ahead anyways.
I went to the Soo locks for the first time,(in 2021) it was engineers day, now watching this video… “DARN COVID-19!”
Yep
Is this info current. Love the the video. Thanks.
Mostly... the I-75 video is from 1992, but I thought it was fun.
Stanley Cup final I assume? Who you cheering for?
It's bad to pick sides for an author... both hab and bolt fans can read and buy my books... of course that is just a rumor. FYI, habs out-played the bolts last night, but the breaks were on the bolt's side... that's hockey, eh.
I want whitefish sandwich 😢
Me too.