The Oakglen

I think one of my favorite things about living in Michigan is the ability to see the Lake Ships. Many of them have a configuration that is fairly unique to the Lakes. On occasion, you will see ocean going vessels but mostly you see ships that ply the Great Lakes.

The unfortunate part is that I don't get to see them year around, so I have to wait for the Lakes to thaw (although some ships are capable of travelling through ice but not many). Today was my first day of boatwatching and I was happy that it was a fairly nice day. Detroit provides a good opportunity for boatwatching as most ships will pass it at one point or another.

First up is the Oakglen which is owned by the Canadian Steamship Lines. It was constructed in the early 80's and served as the Lake Ontario at one point. This is a shot as she is heading around Belle Isle.

Getting a little closer.

She has a cargo capacity of 33,000 tons.

And is 729' long. This is about mid-ranged for the Great Lakes ships.

I moved a little bit so I could get a shot with the lighthouse in the foreground.



The ship as she is leaving.