Manitowoc to Ludington

 No riding today, ferry (SS Badger) across Lake Michigan. Four hour crossing, plus time change.

Lazy morning in Manitowoc. I visited the Wisconsin maritime museum.  A boatyard in Manitowoc built 12 submarines as a part of the World War 2 effort. Four of them were sunk during the war with all hands lost. The other 8 served for the duration of the war in the Pacific, several with great distinction  The USS Cobia is tied up at the museum with tours offered. The Cobia lost one person in all of its tours of duty, in a surface gun fight. Among other battles it was in, it sank a Japanese tank transport, 24 tanks, on its way to Iwo Jima.

There were many galleries devoted to Great Lakes shipping and wrecks. Many models, half models and dioramas, including one of the wreck of Edmond Fitzgerald. Link to song below.

Wreck of the Edmonds Fitzgerald

The sub tour was an eye opener. I had been on a WW 2 sub before, many years ago. I was amazed at what a rabbit warren it is. Everything packed in super tight. Bunks were triple decker and always full as bunks were shared between watches, hot bunks. Generally 90 degrees in the sub, a sponge shower every 2 weeks. I cam imagine the aroma! No one over 6 ft tall was allowed into the sub service at that time.

SS Badger

Now underway onto a calm lake. Good-bye to Wisconsin, I have thoroughly enjoyed visiting.

Hello to Michigan!

The SS Badger ferried us safely across. Built in 1952 the Badger is the last coal fired ferry in the US. It is a National Historic landmark. This was likely my second trip on the Badger. My mom reminded me we took the Badger on our family cross country trip in 1962. 

Doug Wood, a good friend from the Frosh ‘76 crew, and who has lived in Seattle for 25 years, met me in Ludington. He will ride with me for a couple of days. He is from this area and will also see his sister and family. 

Ludington town hall, quite pretty in the fading sunlight.

By the numbers:

Dist 0 - ferry did all the work