MADONNA IS HOME! - 38.0

Madonna shortly after departing Bay Shipbuilding Friday
afternoon, enroute to Detroit Harbor on delivery run.
(Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding photo)

Detroit Harbor, Washington Island -

When a vessel is designed, constructed, launched, sea trialed, and then sailed home, the hope is always that it will be right: feel right, look right, handle right.  Each step along the way, including the components chosen, contribute to the overall product:  engines, gears, shafts, propellers, electronics, seating, flooring, deck coatings.  If one or two elements miss the mark the whole can seem off and create disappointment.  And until the whole is assembled, sea-trialed and sailed, judgement cannot be properly given.

Madonna shadowed by Washington Island Coast Guard's
SAR vessel as she entered port.  (Tyler McGrane)

That is a part of the mystery of shipbuilding: built upon science, improved from existing examples, and put together by those who know their trade well.  Still, always a bit of a gamble as the whole comes together.

A portion of the small fleet that trailed in the Madonna's
wake.  (Tyler McGrane)

In the case of Madonna, the new ferry designed by Seacraft Design and built by Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding, both Sturgeon Bay entities, the process and the product thus far speak of great success.

Added to the characteristics listed above is functionality, its acceptance and trust by those who sail her, by those who stand upon her decks as passengers and enjoy her services.

We know some unknowns await to be answered, but many major hurdles have been crossed.  Gauging by initial crowd reactions, for there were several hundred who came out last evening by boat and by car to see the new ferry, it meets the criteria of a winning vessel so far.

Madonna and Coast Guard escort.
(Kim Toro)

Last-minute items had been sorted out during this past week, a press to resolve "head scratchers" such as improvement of the steering system (check!) and the suction for pumps that energize the fire mains and sprinkler systems (check! yet again).   Yard personnel, vessel designer, and WIFL personnel put their heads together to best resolve those issues.

A Certificate of Inspection was granted by the U. S. Coast Guard, required before carrying vehicles and passengers.  A check was exchanged, a signature of ownership given to mark the transfer. and hands were shaken by Todd Thayse, Fincantieri General Manager and Vice President, and Rich Ellefson, WIFL Construction Representative and Company Vice President.  That was late on Friday morning.

A mild breeze blew from the south as Rich
Ellefson made his approach, then swung the
Madonna's stern 180 degrees to nail this first
landing at the Island dock.  (Jim Rose photo)

By 2:00 pm a number of vehicles were run aboard the car deck, mooring lines were cast off, and Madonna headed north for home port.

On board were Hoyt and Rich and their two young sons, Magnus and Brody, observer Terri Moore (who in a "normal summer" would drive the Cherry Train), and a number of key Bay Shipbuilding personnel.

Among the latter was Steve Propsom who was on a "final lap" over the waters of Green Bay aboard his last project assignment as shipbuilder and project manager.  Upon mooring at the Island, lines were made fast to the Island pier and Steve's 46-year career in local shipbuilding came to a close.  Retirement adventures would next deserve his full attention.

Along with approximately 15 other small craft, we on the Moby Dick fell in behind the Washington Island Coast Guard in helping to escort Madonna in her last mile to port.  We were thrilled by the sight, and we absorbed each authoritative air horn blast as Rich Ellefson issued the "long salute".  Such moments in one's life (and career) are rare, especially when they happen on such a beautiful Friday evening, joined by several hundred onlookers. We sensed community pride in product, and not just our own.  We are convinced this vessel will continue to meet expectations.  

Madonna, positioned for backing in to south ramp.
Rich stands at the stern controls, but there's also
great PH visibility, should the operator chooses to remain
in the wheel house throughout the landing evolution.
(Jim Rose)

No sooner had Rich swung the Madonna's stern to the pier, pressing the rub rail against the dock tires, and the ramp was lowered and vehicles on board were driven off.  Dozens of folks on the pier, most wearing face masks and mindful of the Covid-19 threat, had by that time lined up to come aboard for closer inspection.  This parade of viewing lasted for the better part of an hour, before the crowd thinned.  The crew then removed pallets of paint, lube oil and spare parts from the deck, stores intended for future maintenance and repair projects, before laying the new ferry port side to the pier for the evening.

First line over, secured by Hoyt Purinton, approximately 6:30 pm.
(Jim Rose)

This morning, as a line of thunderstorms approached, Mary Jo and I got up early, still dreaming about the evening before.  We drove out to the ferry dock to see if the Madonna, a longtime dream, was still moored securely at the Island pier.  She was.

We returned home satisfied, but excited for her future appearance on local waters.  We look forward, as do crew members of the Ferry Line and our many customers, to its first regular service.

Steve Propsom (Bay Shipbuilding), Magnus and Hoyt Purinton,
and Rich Ellefson, upon arrival, relieved and satisfied at successful
delivery, and to be joined by well-wishers.
(Kim Toro photo)

Madonna is about to enter dedicated ferry service, for what we anticipate will be decades of faithful operations--winter and summer--for Washington Island, its residents and visitors.

All off this has happened during the 80th anniversary of Washington Island Ferry Line, Inc., an additional reason to celebrate.

      -  Dick Purinton

PS -  I was busy steering the Moby Dick last evening and wasn't able to take photos.  Thanks to all who sent me a selection from which to choose.

Steve Propsom with author.  Steve retires after
46 years in area shipbuilding.  One note: this writer also
celebrates 46 years with the Ferry Line, in late October.
Jim Rose, WIFL employee (and the photographer here)
reminded us that his first day as a Ferry Line ticket seller
was the day of the Robert Noble christening, June of 1979.
Steve began his career as a part of the Peterson Builder's work
force on that ferry project.
We've each had the pleasure of observing the bay freezing
over--and then thawing once again--many times.    

MORE EXCUSES...

From L to R:  Atlas, Aidan, Zander, Birthday Boy Thor, Magnus, 

Boyne City, Michigan -

No one says I have to put out a blog, but after a fashion, I sense pressure from afar and guilt that comes from not producing.  Guilt (and Thor's 34th Birthday) breaks another gap of nearly two weeks without blog communication.

Boyne City is where Thor works and lives, and aside from the large Boyne Hill ski establishment, there really isn't suitable nearby lodging that will hold twelve people and allow for indoor activities.  We opted instead, three families plus Thor, to occupy a rental home.  It was a great decision in terms of room to spread out.  I will add that our first day in Boyne City, following an uneventful drive into the eastern UP, saw gale force winds with blizzard conditions that prompted MDOT to close the Mackinac Bridge for one day.  Snow continued the next day, Saturday, and the day after that, too.

The amount of snow cover in that region, due to almost daily lake effect snows, I estimated to be nearly three times the accumulation of Washington Island.  Each bright winter day here, when we look out over the East Channel and see banks of dark clouds, snow is being produced on the eastern shore of the lake.  For that same reason, overcast skies are quite common there in winter, too.

Our main reason for the get-away was to celebrate Thor's birthday.   Although there was swimming, sledding, plenty of eating, and a mad piñata bash, the four boys spent a great deal of time crowded together on a couch playing Minecraft.   I know very little about this game, despite having it explained to me several times, and despite the fact I was convinced months ago to load it on my iPad so they could use it.   This game can be played individually, or as a group.  During this outing, their devices were connected while they quietly and politely assisted one another in building virtual scenes.

We toured the Van Dam boat building shop Saturday afternoon (except for Magnus, who fell asleep in the warm truck, and Kirsten, his mom, stayed with him).   Two new construction projects were on the floor, and this was a chance for the boys to ask questions and see the craftsmanship of Thor and his co-workers.   At one point, Thor demonstrated use of a small block plane, one of his safer woodworking tools.  He let each of the boys try their hand at planing a strip of mahogany.

When it came to his turn, Zander hefted the plane and made this observation:  "This thing is heavy enough to kill a chicken!"

We're still not sure how that connection was made, but we agreed it was probably true.

We're back home now, for the rest of the winter.

-  Dick Purinton

Note:  For a great web tour of Van Dam Wood Craft products past and present, and production details, go to:      www.vandamboats.com

NATURE'S WAYS

Muskrat heading home from grocery store.

Detroit Harbor, Washington Island -

With water levels up a bit, wildlife seem to have responded in a positive manner.   Bass have made nests in the warm shallows, and from the Bayou pier we can see half a dozen or more fish of size guarding eggs among the fanned, white stones.  On one of my trips to watch what was going on there, I found a muskrat on the pier munching green grass shoots.  Finally, it left the pier for home with grass bunched in its mouth.  We're not certain how many of these muskrats there are, but with high water they've got more territory to build homes, find food and raise young.

Aidan and Magnus have been with us on several occasions, too, watching for turtles and birds. Canada geese, despite the nearly continual presence of aggressive mute swans, have successfully raised young in the area marsh grasses.  We counted 20 goslings in a flotilla this morning, accompanied and guarded by their parents.

One sight that's fascinating, but still a bit hard to watch, is the hunting and eating of snakes by the great blue heron.  Last week Mary Jo observed a heron as it caught, then managed to down a large, fat water snake.  Part of the process in subduing the snake enough to get its head down its gullet first requires gumming it near the head repeatedly, then dropping it back into the water momentarily to get a new grip with its long beak.  Eventually, head-first, the snake disappears down the bird's esophagus as the heron tilts its head backward.  To aid in swallowing, it may take a sip of water, much as we would after eating a dry cracker.

Well, this noon we watched that process once more with a slightly smaller snake as the heron's lunch.  It was close enough for me to capture with a small telephoto, including the bulge in its neck as the still writhing snake went down the chute.  Some powerful stomach acids must then do the rest of the work, we assume.  Not more than a minute after eating one two-footer, the heron slowly walked forward and caught another snake, this one a bit smaller, and if we missed any technique the first time around, it was on display even more plainly with the second snake.

For one who doesn't much care for snakes, or at least so many in an area where we often go wading - even though they are harmless - this heron and its brethren are seen by my wife as heroes in keeping a balance, maybe even tipping it toward the heron a bit.  I can't say I enjoy those brown water snakes, either.  On the pier at Rock Island last week, four or five good-sized snakes were wrapped together on the top of the pier, mating or enjoying the warm concrete...or whatever it is snakes do in community.

Here, then, are some of the great blue heron photos taken today.   -  Dick Purinton

AN AFTERNOON POSTING

Detroit Harbor, Washington Island -

Rain changed over to snow as the air temperature fell. As predicted, the wind picked up speed about noon today, and wet snow began to accumulate.  Thursday's afternoon ferries were cancelled.

Out at the Potato Dock, dredging is still on the slow side, but there is production.  Hard spots have been passed by, for now, in favor of digging as much volume as possible in time available.

There won't be more hauling of spoils from the site until road conditions improve, so Roen's crew will spend this night keeping an eye on their equipment.

There have been a few spectators, among them Magnus, Aidan and their dad, Hoyt Purinton, looking on as the crane's bucket brought another mucky load to the surface.  Aidan is sporting a new look since Saturday when, he said, his brother Magnus sat on his head.  That action took out one tooth and loosened the other, to where it dangled.  His mom removed that one to complete the symmetry.   We suspect the pair might have been ready to go soon without the extra help, but now he's all set for those permanent teeth to grow in.  A classic look for Christmas, we reminded him.    -  Dick Purinton

Although visibility was still quite good, snow began to fly by 2:30 pm
when this photo was taken.   The heavy rains of morning, plus wet snow,
made a slushy mess of roads.   Island plows were out to
scrape the mess before more serious snow
amounts fell.

 

BEING A KID

Washington Island, Wisconsin -

Summer is winding down and vacationing families have headed home, or are considering doing so, in time for the start of school and related activities.

In the patch of woods between driveway and Detroit Harbor our grandsons built a clubhouse, or fort, depending on who asks, beyond adult eyes but not too far away from Gramma's kitchen and refrigerator.

Atlas, at 8, is the oldest, a self-appointed leader.  Then come the rest of the pirates:  Aidan, 5 3/4; Magnus, 3 3/4;  and Zander, 3 1/4.    When you are six or three years old, halves and quarters make a great deal of difference.

Among the first things to go up were the Club "Ruls" posted by Atlas, shown above:  

  1.  No crazinese
   2. follow derekchens

It would be well to post such rules in the halls of Congress, though they might cause just as much confusion as the Constitution.

Atlas adds decoration
to the clubhouse

A pallet for a table, chairs, stove grids for tree branch shelving, pirate banners and pirate gear from the Main Road Tent Sale were added to the clubhouse, after pine needles and sticks were removed from the "floor."

Cleaning out the club house, L to R:
Atlas, Magnus, Aidan, Zander

The best additions, though, were two cardboard furniture boxes dropped off by Hoyt, each large enough to make a shelter. Those boxes made it his best summer day yet, according to Atlas, which says a lot for kids who've often swam twice a day, played pirate on a raft we built together in early June, biked and fished.
Here's to summer and being a kid.
   -  Dick Purinton





*** Since publishing, I've had to correct three of the boys' ages.  Atlas is currently 8.  Zander is 3 1/4, not 3 1/2, and Aidan is 5 3/4, soon to be six.
Additional Note:  I haven't been absent, just working on other things, including editing an interview with an island citizen for publication here in the near future. - DP

O'CONNOR TRIFECTA

Margie O'Connor proudly displays three grandsons:
 Sullivan and twins Isaac and Aaron.

Detroit Harbor, Washington Island -


Washington Harbor homeowners Steve and Margie O'Connor (also a Ferry Line ticket seller) are still coming down from an exciting several days experienced last weekend.

They had left the island on the early boat Thursday, July 14, knowing son Patrick and daughter-in law Emilie were expecting a child any moment, given Emilie was nearing one week beyond the due date.   Margie and Steve arrived in Milwaukee in plenty of time, following some appointments of their own, and they met 10 lb. 13 oz. Sullivan soon after he was born, which was approximately 2 a.m. early Friday morning, July 15.

While enroute to the Milwaukee hospital on Thursday, they had spoken with eldest son Sean who said that he and his wife Fran were just returning from a night in the hospital for observation in Hoffman Estates, IL, due to false contractions, and that everything was "normal"with the twins she was carrying.  Fran was not expected to deliver until mid-August.   Later that day, however, Sean called Margie back to say that he and Fran were proud parents of twin boys born at the St. Alexius Hospital:  Isaac Stephen (5 lb. 3 oz.) and Aaron Joseph (6 lb. 9 oz.)

This made three new O'Connor grandsons, all on July 15!

Further fulfilling their role as grandparents, and a promise to have granddaughters stay with them for two weeks, Margie and Steve picked up two older grandchildren of daughter Shannon, who had vacationed in Ripon, at an arranged rendezvous as they passed through Fond du Lac.   Then they raced to catch the Saturday's late afternoon ferry, in time for Steve to sing in the Red Barn's Folk Festival that evening.

More grandparent stuff


Saturday afternoon I offered to take Hoyt and Kirsten's two boys, Aidan and Magnus, ages three and five, to see the planes at the Island Fly-In, and to buy them lunch in Jackson Harbor.  They had just come from shopping with their mom at the Twice Around Shop and each boy had with him a new toy truck.

One of 25 photos taken by Aidan of his
new toy truck

With cars parked along both sides of Airport Road, I looked for an open space to park from where we could watch planes land and take off. During this time, Magnus informed me he had to use the bathroom.  I decided the public restrooms at School House Beach would be the closest, so I drove there from the Airport.

While I entered the School House Beach men's room with Magnus, his brother Aidan, a knowledgeable little photographer with a point-and-shoot camera, located my camera and used it to snap a few photos of his new truck.

Then, we headed east from Washington Harbor to Jackson Harbor and lunch at the Time Out Concession operated by Karen Baxter and her mother-in-law, Shirley.   I ordered three hot dogs: one with ketchup only for Aidan; ketchup and relish for Magnus; and the works for me.  I soon learned I had heard it wrong, that Magnus didn't like relish at all, and that Aidan didn't like hot dogs (although he ate his without complaint).  Magnus ate only his pickle, but he wouldn't touch the hot dog despite my "scraping off" the relish.  We sat at a picnic table in the heat of the midday sun, two of us eating hot dogs while Magnus climbed on the anchor, and we sipped lemonade.  In between bites, I kibitzed with Barry McNulty who rested in a nearby chair placed under the shade of the old Coast Guard boat, Valiant. 

Hoping I could regain the boys' confidence, I offered to return to the concession wagon to buy ice cream in the form of packaged drumsticks.  In due time, I learned that not all young kids like drumsticks, or nuts on chocolate for that matter, or that they can keep ahead of melting chocolate and ice cream while standing in the sunshine.   Magnus licked his slowly, but steadily, to the point where the remaining ice cream leaned to one side before toppling to the grass.   Aidan had made great headway on his drumstick, working top to bottom, but he lost the lower third to the ground once he'd eaten the sugar cone sides that provided support.

Magnus passes up hot dog for a climb on
an anchor near the Fishing Museum

I ignored sticky hands and faces as seat belts were snapped once more and we drove toward their home where nap time awaited.  Approaching the driveway, I was informed Magnus again had to go "peeps."  As soon as car doors opened, both boys jumped out and thoroughly christened the bush that grows alongside the driveway.

It was a great time!

 -  Dick Purinton