I saw an old friend today. Really classy looking,
all painted up and ready to step out. Looking fit and trim. About as fit
as an old lady oughta look, and certainly setting a good example for all
to follow.
The old friend was the Courtney Burton, an ore boat of prestige
and history, flagship of the Olgebay Norton fleet that works hard during
the shipping season and always delivers on time and according to specifications.
The Burton was into the port of Duluth-Superior for a brief time,
a rare occurrence for this noble vessel that normally operates between
Silver Bay, Minnesota, and the lower Great Lakes. I saw it enter the port
early in the morning, then leave in mid-afternoon, another fast turnaround
for this working ore carrier.
A few years ago, some of you may remember that we had the privilege of
taking a voyage on the Burton to document the workings of a boat
and crew on the Great Lakes. That story appeared in our June/July 1997
issue (“Working By the Bells”) and was
well written by one of our editorial advisors, Donn Larson. There’s a good
demand for back issue copies of that magazine, because we’re all interested
in the silent trade that occurs on the Great Lakes on a daily basis. The
ships come and go, quietly slipping into their berths, discharging then
loading their cargos, and once again taking to the waters of the Great
Lakes.
This year it is especially difficult for the ships to do what they do best.
Water levels in the lakes are down below average (see “Around the Circle”).
In fact, some are nearing records lows. This means the boats must load
less cargo to guarantee that they don’t hit bottom when fully loaded. It
means that shipping trades will recognize tighter times in the next few
years, even if our precipitation levels return to normal and our winters
get colder to forestall further evaporation. Efficiency is the name of
the game, these days, in order to produce a few more trips to make up for
the short loads that are forecast.
The ramifications of reduced water are apparent everywhere, from fire danger
(see “Fire” on page 18) to shipping, poor crops to decreased fish populations.
Visitors may find restrictions on outdoor campfires. Resorts may not be
as “plush” looking as in other years. Inland lakes may look a bit smaller
than they have in the past.
But cycles are cycles and before long the “weather gods,” as they are called
by lake sailors, will shine upon us again. The year promises to be wonderful
around Lake Superior. And the presence of old friends like the Courtney
Burton is reassuring. Thanks for continuing to support our efforts
to keep you acquainted with Lake Superior and your old friends.
Paul L. Hayden
Editor
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