My uncle Allen Kalmon sank on the Edmunds Fitzgerald. I was about 7 years old and I remember it well. I got off the school bus with my brothers and sisters and went in the house, my mom and dad were crying so hard I thought they were laughing. And they told us the news. This video is an excellent look into life on the Great Lakes, I seriously enjoyed it. Thank you.

It's a great day when Franta drops a new video

Living in Michigan, we get to see many of the freighters. The Sam Laud is about in the middle of the pack as far as age goes. There are still plenty of boats built in the 40's and 50's plying the Great Lakes every day! The Alpena, built in 1942, has sailed for 81 seasons this year, still boasting a steam turbine engine.

A piece of America most people don't see. Also, most folks don't realize how huge the Great Lakes are! Thanks for a great vid!

No one, absolutely no one, has a better video of a Laker. Thank You

my grandfather was the captain of this boat and worked for this company for years. its great to see a video on such a great boat.

Rode the Great Lakes on 2 different USCG buoy tender/ice breakers over 4 years then spent another 27 years on the ocean. The Great Lakes are indeed unique in the marine world and though they don't have glamourous ports they are steeped in history, the people are exceptional, and the natural beauty is spectacular. Of all the waters I've sailed they were my favorite. Great video it gives the viewers a factual perspective of life as a mariner on the largest inland ocean in the world, Thanks much!

I grew up and still live in Port Huron where we see MANY of these Lakers. Seeing that opening shot of the Blue Water Bridge was awesome to see!

My grandfather was a laker after he came home from the pacific in WW2. He was Detroit born-and-raised. Thank you for this.

Ship watching in the 1,000 Islands is one of my favorite things in the world to do. The lines of the classic lakers are stunning.

I live near Lake Ontario and I grew up watching the lakers come and go out of Hamilton Harbour. To this day, I never tire of seeing the ships sailing past.

You got on one of those new fangled modern boats. Back in 1968, the Lackawanna was my ride. Built in 1900 and scrapped in 1969. We didn't have fancy self unloaders or ladders. We got swung over the side on a Boswains chair (2×8 with a rope through a hole). To handle cables to stop the boat.

Thank you for taking us on board. It's hard when watching this not to remember about the fate of the Edmund Fitzgerald, " the pride of the American side ... as the big freighters go, it was bigger than most".

Each dock is like it's own little world. Each body of water is full of quirks and idiosyncrasies. Such a crazy, fascinating, necessary job. Thanks Joe!

Former interlake sailor of 5 years, cool to see some representation about what we do.

A perfect companion to Joseph Conrad's "Youth," and his other sailing stories. Thank you!

I don't understand how this channel doesn't have 500k+ subs, and 1M+ views per video? Joe is an amazing narrator, the editing is perfection, and the content is mesmerizing. The YT algorithm is broken.

Man, that was really good! Very well put together. I can't remember enjoying a KZfaq video this much. I've long had a romantic fascination with the Great Lakes and the freighters that traverse their waters. This video represents so much more than just your time on a Great Lakes freighter, it represents history and a lifestyle most people know so little about. Thank you for posting this. Ted Marshall Sanford. Florida

When I heard your comment about this ship being the oldest you've been on it actually made me chuckle a bit because I know there's leg boats from the 1940s still sailing out there, with at least a few still running with steam plants in operation now that would be something to see

Your narration, subject matter, editing, composition, music selection, are stellar, as always! Love everything you do.

I could seriously watch a 2 hour long video of yours! Your editing, music, narration, landscapes, shipscapes, seascapes are always fantastic!! (I've already watched all of your channel)

Honestly Joe , you're a master at this ; you have a tender eye for detail and your soothing narration is spot on . Captivating off beat Americana , love it , thanks .

The old bluesey music was kind of cool. You make unique videos Joe. Makes me feel old,I went through Marine boot camp when that old ship was being built..

I live and work right next to lake st clair and see freighters constantly. Mad respect for what you and those other guys do. You keep this country running.

I live up in the Keweenaw and see the big freighters quite often, always cool to see them going by out on the lake, especially at night. Fun fact, the oldest freighter on the great lakes right now is the SS Alpena. Yep, SS. As in, 'Steam Ship'. She was built in 1942. A bunch of the ships floating around on the lakes were built in the 50s and 60s. The E.M Ford had the longest career, launched in 1898 and sailed until at least 1996 before being scrapped in 2007! Heck, there are still some WWII vintage boats on the lakes. The old SS American Victory, originally the Neshanic, a WWII fleet oiler and converted to a bulk carrier on the lake which was sadly scrapped in 2018. Was really cool to see a lake freighter with battle stars on her bridge. Her sister ship, Chiwawa, is still sailing the Great Lakes as the MV Lee A Tregurtha, but has been converted to diesel power.

Hey Joe. Glad you decided to revisit the Sam Laud. You really hit the magic formula with the 16 part series. So seeing more of your earlier adventures is cool. My favorite line: "what a bleeping rust bucket." Sounds like my life growing up on a farm with all the equipment pre 1970. Wasn't pretty but got the job done.

I worked on this boat in 1982 good to see it still going

Born Raised and still live the Thumb of Michigan. We love our freighters. At the SOO locks they lower tie ups from a boatsum chair. Cool vid Joe.

When you talk about the lifespan of these ships, the other factor at play on the US side of the Great Lakes is the Jones Act. The first new US laker in 30 years was launched last year.

During the 90's and 2000's, I worked across the channel from Zug Island in Detroit. We would also get cement ships from Toronto and other ships carrying limestone. Spent many afternoons and nights having meals with the various crews on their ships. They were all great to be around.

I grew up in Michigan, right off of Lake Huron. I spent alot of time watching these ships on the st Clair river and on the lakes. It’s so impressive what these captains can do. It’s under appreciated what the lakes handle as far a freighters go. Very exciting to see you touch on this subject.

Seeing this just makes me wanna leave the Netherlands and go to America and work there in the shipping business. Right now i work in the fuel bunkering in amsterdam on a 160 ton 100ft long bunkering vessel delivering fuel to inland barges, its a fun job but after a few years you just start to miss challenges

I’m so glad to see the old Sam Laud is still out there on the lake doing her thing. My dad worked as a shipkeeper for ASC for like 25-30 years. I spent many winters running around this and the many other freighters that ASC owned. Even during the rest of the year a few times he’d be on them. I’d live up there and hold down the fort for him many times. Our port was Toledo where I’m from. I can remember taking a mattress up to the pilot house, turning on the air conditioning and just chilling out up there during thunderstorms was an amazing feeling. Loved this boat and the American Mariner, American Republic but I never got to be on the 1000 foot Indiana Harbor. I’ve always wanted to go out on them boats but never knew how to get into it. I’m glad you got to experience the Sam Laud!? Happy sailing buddy!!

It’s weird seeing the places where I have watched ships come in and out hindered of times in Cleveland from the point of view of the ship. Keep up the good work! What you said at the beginning is very true, everybody forgets about the Great Lakes!

Us landlubbers never get to see things like that absolutely amazing

I'm a michigander and think this video is incredibly cool.. my son always asks what it's like and this was awesome to share..

Awesome video. I'm a Master mariner from Europe & during maritime high school we learned about all different types of ships in the world & that included Lakers. Since then they were always capturing my imagination & I always had a desire to sail on one of them, even if just for couple of weeks. My seaman career is now over & I probably won't ever see a Laker from up close, but this is the 2nd best thing

Great video, I really enjoyed it. I dont know what it is but the lore and tradition of the Great Lakes "lakers" just draws me in. The cities may be rust belts but one has to admit that the the country between the two countries these lakes call home is spectacular. Thank you for sharing your story on your work journey out there, stay safe.

48 years old is some age. I remember working on a 30+ year old gas tanker many years ago. She was dropping to bits. Your videos are excellent.

I live in Cleveland and have a boat and have seen the Sam Laud many times! You refer to Cleveland as the rust belt, which it is, but it is still a great city and I love living here. Seeing the steel mill from the Cuyahoga is an amazing sight and one that very few get to see.

I have a home outside Cleveland and a small place in Marblehead, Ohio. I have seen the Sam Laud numerous times over the years and marvel at the comings and goings of these Lakers.

I was on the USS Enterprise in the 80s and pulling in and out of San Francisco Bay (or any port) was always tricky. I used to sit along the Cuyahoga down in the Flats to watch those ships navigate the river and that made our maneuvers look like a cake walk.

This is what I have thought as my dream job for a while, I hope to sail on the Freshwater Seas one day.

Thank you for such a lovely wee video. Very very well presented. Growing up on the north east coast of Northern Ireland, where my late Dad was a Belfast Harbour pilot and ex master mariner. He often talked of transiting the Atlantic Ocean into the Great Lakes. I sometimes went on ships in the early 90’s and lots of pilot boat trips with him as a kid. I now live in Indiana and kind of land locked lol. Have made a couple of trips to the Great Lakes watching the freighters coming in. Funny you mentioned about the age of the vessels compared to ocean goers. I knew it was because of the salt water vs the fresh waters of the lakes. I love anything maritime and couldn’t go to sea due to defective color vision. As some mentioned, it gave reminders of the Edmund Fitzgerald and the price mariners pay to risk the world getting their cargo. Thanks for this, much appreciated 👏

Enjoyed that. We'll done. Music was terrific. Remembering the Edmund Fitzgerald. ❤

As a lifelong Michigander I've been obsessed with freighters since I was about 12 (I'm 46). I knew the JW Westcott II - the mail boat - had been around a LONG time, as long as I've been a freighter buff, but I don't know it has been around since 1949. It even sank underneath the Ambassador Bridge in Detroit in 2001 killing 2 people. It was salvaged, repaired, and put back in service. I didn't know it was still around. This was a great video. Thanks so much.

I lived down in Windsor while I went to university and I loved seeing the freighters coming through the Detroit River going up to Sarnia. They were enormous! I couldn't believe how big those boats were. Love the Great Lakes so much. They're less like lakes and more like inland freshwater seas.

Thanks Joe, I lived next to Cuyahoga river and watched the ships go up and down the river. Amazed when ships got thrusters and multiple rudders and no longer needed tugs.

Wow, again a great video. My father was a seaman on the great lakes. Had some great stories. A few years ago, had the opportunity to take my motorcycle and travel to the Great Lake ports. Kind of felt a connection. Thanks again. Keep them coming.

Great show, Joe. Truly, if one wanted to, they could start their maritime career on one great lakes ship and stay with that same ship, their entire career, that's how stable their jobs are and how long the ships last. I went on the tour of the one that was a sister ship to the Fitzgerald and I was impressed with the size, the design, the quarters, the steer house, the engine room. It was a beast and a real workhorse.

Wow!!! A rush of memories. I was born in Cleveland. One evening, on a dinner cruise, we passed a docked ship on the Cuyahoga River. The ship's crew were leaning over the rail. "That's what I want to do...go to sea" That was the beginning of my maritime career. Never worked The Lakes. 200 ton, LA/LB, Gulf of Mexico, both ends. Having to row shipmates to shore...never. I ran the contracted crew boats, taking crew to shore. You mentioned the skill of the Laker captains. I saw a video. Phenomenal!! I know some of the "old heads" would boast of a successful, tricky and intricate maneuver to dock and undock while drunk. 😮😅

I can tell you look fondly back on this time of your life. That period of time of innocence before experience that seems so difficult when your in it but at the same time is so sweet and fleeting. This video captures that. We all can relate in our own journey from innocence to experience. Just wonderfully done. I hope there is some new content in the future.

I enjoy your videos very much. I have a sailboat that I keep in Racine, WI and I spend the Summer's sailing up and down the Wisconsin shoreline and across the Lake to the various ports on the Michigan side and I am always blown away when I encounter a big Laker either out on the Lake or coming in/out of ports. The captains are so skilled at moving those ships around not only without pilots but also without tugboats.

Great video! You’ve got a knack for storytelling

Coral Gables 🌴🇺🇸 Growing up in the Cleveland area we enjoyed watching the Lakers. GREAT memories 👌 🏄

Love your videos. A great storyteller. Thanks for taking us along.

My dad's sister's husband and son were sailors on the Great Lakes. We used to go to the Aerial Bridge in Duluth to see them go out or come in to port. My Uncle make Captain on a 1000 footer just a short time before he had a heart attack and had to retire. He's buried on a hillside in Duluth overlooking Lake Superior. I wish I had been able to go on a trip with him. Thanks for this video.

What a TREMENDOUS post! Detroit native here, and love everything about the Great Lakes........the Lakers near top of any list. Thanks so much for sharing. (Safe travels)..........

I was lucky enough to come across Joe pretty much from the get go. He's pretty damn good at this stuff. Like the rest of us I can't get enough. Thanks Joe.

Joe, Thank You, as always First Class, appreciate being able to go along on your travels…Fair Winds

Living in a Cleveland suburb, I've loved the Great Lakes and these boats my entire life! Thanks for a wonderful video :)

Love my Great Lakes Freighters! I saw the SL passed the Lee A. Tregurtha. There’s a ship with some wartime history! You also have the Queen of the Lakes, the Paul R. Tregurtha, coming in at 1014’ in length. So much history on the Great Lakes shipping industry. Loved this video.

I worked on a great lakes freighter years ago. It was a great job: and yes, it was like stepping into a Rust Belt time machine. This was really well done and thanks for rekindling the memories. 😊

Your videos are so blissfully relaxing they should be available on prescription, so much better for you than anything big pharma pump into us. Cheers Joe, absolutely beautiful.

beautiful brother! Me and my autistic nephew follow these ship through the great lakes daily! I work at ArcelorMittal in hamilton ontario right at the bays edge and get to watch these alot of these beauties come thru everyday im there! Ive had my nephew from sault ste marie to windsor sarnia and our yearly trip up and down the welland canal.....hopefully soon ill get him on his dream trip....to Duluth to hear the lift bridge and the Paul R Tregurtha do a captain salute:)

Last year I got to stick my feet in Lake Huron during a down day I had during a work trip. It was interesting to see this ships and people working on different boats out and I remember seeing one of the big bulk carriers doing a run towards somewhere way out in the distance. The Great Lakes truly are a world of their own.

@Joe Franca, good to see clips back again live (i was watching in catch-up mode before). This time last year i was caring for my Mum in her final months before she passed away and things were crazy, everything was upside down. Your 15minutes clips (taken in sections when I could often in the small hours) gave me an escape to somewhere i couldn’t be, so many thanks for that as it was a comfort.

I did 10 years in the British Merchant Navy and often wondered how other nations merchant fleets operated,thanks for the insight in how things are done in America.

Huge Kudos to your Music man! He does a super job of selecting the best music for each segment of your videos!

I grew up in Ohio and remember seeing freighters on the Maumee River. It was interesting to see the life of a laker. Thanks for the video!

So happy to see a Great Lakes video. Each of them has it own character with rust belt towns and glittering metropolises dotted across their shores

A great video and the music outstanding!! Thanks. 🙂🙂

My Brother in Law & his Father were both Captains on the Great Lakes. Their sailing was from Minnesota to Cleveland for over 60 years. I see you went under the 5 mile Mackinac Bridge. Try going over the Bridge at Midnight on a Sunday, take the 1st Left for 150 miles to my USAF Base. Cool video you done did.

I grew up watching these ships pass my backyard on the saginaw river. Was really cool watching this. Thank you.

Your content narration and voice make these videos very enjoyable to watch. Thanks for the great effort Joe. From British Columbia.

Beautiful editing, footage and commentary. It's amazing to see people with such a love for their line of work. Working as a contract pilot and being on the road a lot I can identify with many aspects of your videos. Thanks for sharing the experience

Thanks for posting this, Joe. On this side of the Atlantic we know very little of the mariner's life on the Great Lakes so this was very informative and interesting. Great work on the editing, music and voice-over.

That was so amazing. the Great Lakes are so amazing.

an old friend of mine, since passed, named Vernon Jones was a retired laker. he said storms on the lakes were far scarier than on the north atlantic.

I think those were the shortest 30-days of your life. GREAT video! Thanks for this! (A dream of a lifetime)

Joe, this possibly one of the best audio/visual vlogs I've ever encountered (including PBS). You need to enter it. Looks like you didn't go through the canal at Sturgeon Bay (Door County, WI). It's a favorite for many aboard the working behemoths. Bay Ship is also located in Sturgeon Bay, so as a resident there I've seen many come in for Winter and leave in Spring. You'd find friendly folks who stand along the canal sides welcoming in our friends with smiles, waves and car horns. It's a little sad to see departure in Spring but exciting to be a part of it! Your voice inflection is perfect, by the way! Make more!

Hi Joe. I’m Joe from Delaware. Watch your videos all the time and they are better than the shows on cable . I can visualise being on some of the ships and very relaxing to kick back and watch.

Joe, Toledo Docks coal and ore pier are manned by Longshoremen. Not sure if you loaded or offloaded there. It’s a CSX Railroad Terminal but the employees are members of a Longshoremen Union.

My grand dad used to captain one of these behemoths. He must have been crazy. Retired after 42 years on the Great Lakes. He had a long and happy career, spanning 42 year and was once was captain of the MS Benson Ford, the 600-foot freighter that hauled iron ore, coal and stone for the Ford Motor Co. He started out as a deckhand and worked his way up. In the early days of his Ford seafaring career, he got to know Henry Ford who use to celebrate his birthday by taking cruises on one of the freighters. He became captain of the MS Benson Ford in 1952 and retired 10 years later.

Always cute seeing these quaint bathtub hoppers in action

As a Cleveland/northeast Ohio native, love the port video! Thanks Joe.

Thank you for your vidéo! Un marin français qui a fait aussi la tournée des grands lacs en 1979 à bord du MS "François L.D", j'avais 18 ans. Nous venions charger du blé au port de Duluth dans le lac supérieur, pour l'Europe. Merci à vous pour votre vidéo. Amicalement. Daniel.

Thanks, Joe. I live on Lake Erie and have seen the Sam Laud travel past my house several times. Great video.

It's an Awesome day when a New Video is dropped!!😊

Great video! I used sail them lakers myself.... Brings back the memories of taking the swing chair down to those dolphins at Marblehead. The ships I was on were much older (pre-war era).... Steam powered winches and leaf style hatches..... Good stuff.

Awesome video Great production value, music and commentary. Thanks!

That was a great video. I'm from Cleveland originally and it brought back many memories of seeing the ships out on Lake Erie.

4:56 you guys are going past my work. I get that scenery everyday plus I was watching you guys come on through.

I was born & raised in Port Huron. I feel like lake freighters are part of my extended family.

As someone who was also “built” in 1975 I can assure you the old gals still got plenty of life in her. Even if my knees sounds like a bag of saltines when I stand up/sit down lol. Great video, love the channel!

I just spent a few days marveling at the ships passing through the soo locks. Fortunately, my kid lives on Mackinac Island so I have an excuse to go back when the weather gets warmer.

My son sailed the Great Lakes in winter while in the academy. He said it gives you an appreciation for what cold and misery is all about. 🥶

I tried to go to the Great Lakes Maritime Academy to be a deck officer in the 70’s. But my eyesight wasn’t 20/20 which was a requirement back then, and I didn’t want to be an engineering officer below deck, so I didn’t attend the school. I have always been interested in the ships and being from Michigan have always been proud of the Great Lakes heritage and history. Because of the lakes I could never live anywhere else in the world. It’s a very special place. Thanks for for the your great video!

I'm happy I live close enough to the shipping channel to see these bad boys every shipping season.

11:30pm, 17 Sept 2023 - I watched the Sam Laud, southbound passing by Algonac, Michigan ship cam. It had come down from Lake Huron, the St. Clair River & by Algonac on the South end of the river, into Lake St Clair, heading into the Detroit River & a stop in Windsor, Canada - across the river from Detroit. Ol' rust bucket still sailing along. 🎉🎉