And the American Integrity

Next up is one of the thousand footers.

 The American Integrity was one of the last ships to transit the Soo Locks this year.  I believe she was heading down from Two Harbors with a load of taconite.

 Taconite is refined iron ore.  Much of the pure iron ore has been mined and what's left is about 30% pure.  There is a process where that can be purified and formed into little pellets.  This is actually better than regular iron ore.  It can be distributed more evenly and it's less susceptible to moisture.

 Despite recycling, you still need a certain amount of pure iron ore to make decent steel.

 I kind of like the ice patterns on this ship a little more.

 An attempt at a closeup of that.

 Framed by the Blue Water Bridge.

 And she continues on her merry way.

 Another shot of her bow.

 And pilothouse.

 I kind of like the blues in the ice.

 Another shot of her pilothouse.

She continues down the river.  She was heading to Zug Island with her load of iron ore.  After that, she will continue to Toledo where she will go for layup.