Lakeshore-Landscapes

Photography from the Erie, PA Lakeshore Region
and Beyond

© 1998-2007 Rob Bennett

The Great Lakes shipping season comes to a halt around mid-January and resumes in late March. During this time, ships enter "winter lay up" at various locations around the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. While in lay up required maintenance and other needed repairs are performed on the ships. They might not be moving, but they are not quiet and idle. On Saturday, February 5th, 2005 I made my first trip to the Welland Canal in winter, where several ships were in winter lay up. I started out in Port Colborne and worked my way up to Port Weller, then dashed back to Port Colborne for the last light of the day. I think I got images of every ship that is in lay up along the Welland Canal. The weather was perfect, and it was a very rewarding day.

These thumbnails link directly to 800x600 size images- no fancy frames on these. Most of the images here are from the Canon G3, but I took every picture on both film (with the Canon EOS 3) and with the G3. For each ship I include a link to the ship's information at Great Lakes & Seaway Shipping, for those interested in more information on the various ships mentioned here. Information on the winter lay up locations is also available at this site (here) and is invaluable in planning a trip such as this.

The Day Begins- Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada

I was out the door at 6:00am, and got into Port Colborne at 8:10am. Sun was up, and I went down West Street to see what was there. The CSL Laurentien was tied up at Wharf 16 (R&P Coal Dock), and the Canadian Olympic and Canadian Transport were at Wharf 18 (fuel dock) and the Old Furnace Dock respectively. The light wasn't right for pictures of those ships, so I headed up to Lock 8 where the Rt. Hon Paul J. Martin was tied up along the east wall above Lock 8. Also in Port Colborne was the Algosoo, which was tied up along the east wall below Lock 8. Both ships were being worked on, even on a Saturday. Below are images of the Martin and Algosoo.

Behind the Gate- Welland, Ontario, Canada

Leaving Port Colborne, I headed north to Welland. I knew the Canadian Transfer was laid up at Wharf 10 in Welland. Looking at my maps, I did see a road heading back to the wharf, but it was labeled "Seaway Service Road" and a gate was indicated. Not knowing if I could gain access, I drove into the gate off of Humberstone Road. The gate was there, and it was locked. Thinking I was out of luck, I turned around to leave. As I did, a Seaway employee drove up to the gate to investigate why some trailers were parked nearby. I asked if it was allowed to park and walk back beyond the gate, as I wanted to get some photos of the Canadian Transfer. I was told is was okay, you just had to walk back. I was in business! It was about a 15 minute walk to get back to the ship, but the weather was gorgeous so it was a very enjoyable hike. This would also be a great location to get pictures of ships passing in the canal, and of Canadian National trains heading through the Townline Tunnel. I think I will be back here come Spring! Below are images of the Canadian Transfer.

A Big Surprise-Port Weller , Ontario, Canada

After photographing the Canadian Transfer, it was off to Port Weller, where I knew several ships were located. In the dock was the rear section of the CSL Jean Parisien, (now renamed the CSL Assiniboine) which I had seen on a earlier trip in the fall. Also in the dry dock was the CSL Niagara. I knew two other ships were supposed to be there as well. I drove up along the canal, also checking out the locks along the way. As I headed towards Lock One and Port Weller, I was amazed to see a ship actually IN the middle of the canal! Whoa, what is this? I knew the canal wasn't open, plus it was empty above Lock 3. Turns out the ship was the Peter R. Cresswell, and it must have been moved into the canal so the CSL Niagara could be moved out of the dry dock. Also in the canal, tied to the west bank, was the Pineglen. This must have been an unusual site, as several people asked me why the ship was actually in the canal. I guess since I had a tripod and camera people assumed I knew more than I did! In chatting with several folks, they indicated it is very rare to see a ship actually in the canal in the winter. I have to take their word for it, as this was my first trip up in winter. Below are images from Port Weller.

Warm Evening Light, Port Colborne , Ontario, Canada

There was activity at the dry dock in Port Weller- apparently they were going to bring the CSL Niagara out. I decided not to stay, as I wanted to get back to Port Colborne to get photos of the ships I missed that morning. The winter day was wearing on, and I knew I had to pick- stay at Port Weller or head to Port Colborne. A longer day might have allowed both, but I opted for Port Colborne. Upon return to Port Colborne, the afternoon light was awesome. Under the warm late afternoon rays of the sun I got the following images of the CSL Laurentien, Canadian Olympic, and Canadian Transport. I also got a shot of the tug Petite Forte, tied up behind the CSL Laurentien.

End of Day

With the sun rapidly setting, I made an attempt to get some more photos of the Paul J. Martin and Algosoo from across the canal. I was unable to navigate to a spot where I could get good pictures of either ship, so I had to settle for one more of the Algosoo's stern in the last rays of afternoon sunlight. After this I packed everything up and settled in for the two hour ride back to Erie, PA. Overall, a great day. Weather was perfect, I was able to see every ship in lay up, and I learned some things for the next trip in the Spring.