Today Octantis is positioned in Thunder Bay, near the mouth of the Thunder Bay River that divides downtown Alpena. There are a variety of excursions available; we chose the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center and Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, operated by NOAA. Opened in 2000, this is the first national marine sanctuary in the Great Lakes. Its purpose is to protect the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes, as well as engage in research and exploration designed to protect the Great Lakes.
Our excursion wasn’t until the afternoon, so we enjoyed breakfast and lunch onboard, with a visit to the gym in between, before departing Octantis. The ship was ”virtually” anchored in Thunder Bay and we ventured ashore in orange tender vessels.
Lunch: dorado, scallops, prime rib, focaccia, avocado salad
Tender vessel for the trip ashore
There are over 200 shipwrecks in Thunder Bay; 100 of them have been identified and marked by buoys to support public viewing. Our excursion included a glass-bottomed boat tour to see shipwrecks in shallow water.
Two shipwreck buoys
Alpena cement plant, with the SS Alpena loading up its cargo
Entry to Alpena via Thunder Bay River
As we prepared for the day, I received a text from Tom and Cathy Kerr, who have a cottage south of Alpena, offering to drive to Alpena to meet us. When we arrived at the maritime center, I asked a staff member to explain our schedule so that we could slot in time to greet Tom & Cathy. Turns out he was the Superintendent and encouraged Tom and Cathy to join us for the tour, including the glass-bottomed boat ride, since there was space available and, as he explained, their mission is to introduce as many people as possible to the research, education and community involvement work of the center. So we spent the afternoon with Tom and Cathy on an enjoyable excursion.
Inside Lady Michigan, glass-bottomed boat
Here are a few photos of two shipwrecks we reviewed from the glass-bottomed boat. The first two are remains of the crane from Scanlon’s Barge, wrecked during a Thunder Bay storm in 1929 in just 13 feet of water, making it easily viewed from the surface. Like other shipwrecks in the Great Lakes, it is well preserved by the cold fresh water, unlike ocean wrecks which decay more quickly in the salt water.
The second shipwreck we viewed is the William P. Rend, built in 1888. At that time, it was among the largest wooden freighters on the Great Lakes. It worked for decades hauling bulk cargo such as coal, iron, and limestone. On September 22, 1917, William P. Rend made its last run. Loaded with crushed limestone, she sprang a leak and quickly sank in 17 feet of water. No lives were lost but attempts to refloat the barge failed and it was abandoned. The William P. Rend invites divers, snorkelers, and paddlers to explore it remains.
We said farewell to Tom & Cathy and returned Octantis.
Alpena's de-commissioned lighthouse "Little Red," as we return to Octantis
Back onboard, we had dinner reservations at the premium Italian restaurant, Manfredi’s, where we concluded the day with a wonderful dinner and a nice sunset.
Seared tuna, gnocchi, creamed spinach and Francis Ford Coppola Zinfandel
Executive Chef Sateesh Devan with his skilled Manfredi's crew
Tiramisu and vanilla ice cream
Tomorrow (Thursday): Mackinac Island.
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