On board the Paul R. Tregurtha, June 11, 2016

After several delays, Mackinac Island friends, Diane Weidner, Don Goeckle, Bob and Sam Kovalak and Jane and Jeff Winston are aboard the 1,013.5 foot long freighter....longest in the fleet and dubbed Queen of the Lakes...whose mission is picking up coal in Duluth, Minnesota and delivering it to St. Clair Shores and Monroe, MI.  We are on the delivering end of the trip as I write, but eventually, we will be in Duluth for the pickup.  We will ply the waters of Lake Erie, Huron, and Superior.  A Very warm sunny day after an exciting late afternoon of embarking. (that is marine-speak for "getting on the boat."  A few photos to share of the first few hours.....

The first sighting of  the Paul R. Tregurtha, our home for the next six nights and seven days.

20 years ago,John Winston...husband and father....made this trip.  We found this in the guest book. 

Dianne supervising the loading of our luggage; we ladies placed the luggage while the men parked cars and took photos.... :)

A rather archaic method of loading the luggage, but it worked!!

A rather archaic method of loading the passengers, but it too worked.  Nothing fancy about this adventure at all!

Our green "guest" hard hats greeted us with the instructions to always wear the hat when at the docks and locks.

A partial view of our lounge area.  There is an 18" tv at the other end with couches, videos, games, books and lots of snacks.

Cabin number three; Jeff was to take the smaller bed; however, mom decided she would be a much better fit.

They even provide us with an outside table and lounging area.  Great spot for drinks and cigars.

Flag whipping on the after-deck of the Tregurtha.  An awesome start to an awesome trip.