ONE: The Tregurtha has a crew of 22 folks; two are women. The majority are married. Rotation off and on the ship depends on the rank and seniority of the crew member. For example, some are on for 60 days and off for 30 days, Others remain on for six months. If one is off-duty, he or she may leave the ship when docked. Wives and girlfriends are able to visit when possible and appropriate.
TWO: A few of the freighters take passengers with the Paul Tregurtha accommodating six passengers. You cannot "buy" passage; you must "win" passage via a raffle or lottery. The money paid for your passage does not in any way to go the boat line but goes totally to the charity, etc. raffling off the trip. In a year, the Interlake Steamship Company provides 72-75 trips with 20-25 of them being on the Paul Tregurtha between May one and the end of September.
THREE: The approximate 68,000 tons of coal picked up in Duluth...and may I add that the coal in Duluth has been delivered by train from Montana, North Dakota, and Colorado...will be delivered to Detroit Edison power company where it will provide power for TWO DAYS. Now we know why electric bills are so high. :)
Hitching a ride!!!
FOUR: Specs on the Paul R. Tregurtha: At 1,013.5 feet long, it is the longest by length on the Lakes. Dubbed Queen of the Fleet/Lakes. 69,000 ton capacity. $3500 to $4000 per hour operating cost. Built in Lorrain, OH in 1981. Engine horsepower is 17,120'. Hull depth is 56.0', The beam is 105.0. 160-feet self-unloading boom.
Thanks Jane for keeping us informed and the photo's are priceless. What a special trip and I was able to go along with you.
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