March 28, 2014 - a dull dreary day with a little bit of rain. But
it's a sign of spring when the Welland Canal officially opens. Most
years, there are ships waiting to get going. Not this year as Lake
Erie is still mostly frozen over. Lots of ice elsewhere too: Lake
Superior, Mackinac Straits, St Marys River, St Lawrence River.

The Algoma Equinox, launched in China last summer, received the Top
Hat in the ceremony at the Welland Canal Centre in St Catharines
Ontario. This picture shows her on her way out of Lock 3. She would
run through Lock 7 and then tie up. She moved up to Port Colbone the
next day. Presumably she will be sitting here until commercial
traffic can begin on Lake Erie.

Steve