Saginaw River Images: March 2013

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Huron & Eastern Rail

Still waiting for the boats to return to the Saginaw River after their winter rest, but the trains are busy around here, and I have been trying to take advantage of that.

At the Euclid Ave Yard, HESR 2668, 2661 and a smaller Rail America Engine prepare to depart.

At the Huron & Eastern Yard, an old Wiregrass Central RR unit sits waiting for action.

Another view

Saturday, March 16, 2013

While BNSF has been the usual power for the coal coming into Bay City/Essexville, I have now seen two different inbound CSX lead coal trains coming through. I haven't seen CSX here in more than a year it seems.

Outbound CSX power after delivering coal to Consumers Energy in Essexville - March 14th, 2013

Another outbound on March 16th, 2013

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

BNSF Train Action in Bay City

I was able to catch BNSF Units 9275 & 9069 arriving in Bay City, Michigan with coal. They are seen here along Water Street after positioning the cars to go into the Consumers Energy plant in Essexville.

Pulling the coal into Bay City. I love trains, but I would rather see the coal arrive by American Steamship 'footers

Uncoupled and headed out after positioning the cars to go into Consumers Energy

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Saginaw River Winter Views

With the recent warm temperatures, most of the Saginaw River is now free of ice and all open water, ready for the boats to start their travels up and down between her banks. Until then, here are some photos I took the last week of February 2013:

Tug Jill Marie on the blocks at Pier 7 Marina on Bay City's West side, near Veteran's Memorial Park

Stern view of the Jill Marie

Tug Kurt Luedtke along with a plethora of other Luedtke equipment in the old Defoe Shipbuilding Slip
just below the Liberty Bridge in Bay City

Tug Edwin Busch along barge STC 2004 at the Dow Chemical dock in Bay City

Tug Gregory J. Busch at the Dow Chemical Dock in Bay City

USS Edson - DD946 at her temporary moorings in Essexville at the Wirt Sand and Stone Dock

Following the boats of the Saginaw River and Great Lakes

Here is a little background on my history with the boats: I have been an avid photographer and follower of the big lake freighters that carry their cargoes between the ports of the Great Lakes. During that time, a number of my photos have been used by various shipping companies and in publications from the U.S. Coast Guard, Lake Carriers Association, the Marine Legal Review, and in the annual boatwatchers bible, "Know Your Ships". I also report news and vessel passage information from the Saginaw River to both Boatnerd.com and to the local newspaper, The Bay City Times, and have been fortunate enough to have had the honor of being aboard and taking a trip on a Great Lakes Freighter. I am also a licensed U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner, Captain and deckhand for the Bay City Boat Lines, and a Deckhand for Malcom Marine, Inc.

In this blog, you will see information on the vessels that ply the waters of the Saginaw River, photos, and vessel passage information. I hope that you will enjoy what is posted here.

Saginaw River Images