It's the middle of January and the majority of bulk carriers on the great lakes are in winter layup. A 5 year inspection and a fresh coat of paint in Sturgeon Bay WI has the oldest active steamship on the lakes, making its way for layup in Cleveland extremely late. A fully jammed St. Clair River meant the Alpena would get stuck in the ice several times. Assisting on their journey down was the USCGC Hollyhock seen in the photo overtaking the Alpena and out of frame in front of the Alpena was the CCGS cutter Samuel Risley. Both aided in the Alpena's downbound journey, allowing it to make the Detroit River in crisp evening light.
Alpena
St. Clair River
