Relocation Two tugs assist us to our new berth at Sorel where we shall offload the remainder of a cargo of soybeans that was contaminated with moisture. This shall be sold as animal feed.

Diver A diver plunges into the icy water to do a marine survey of the ship's hull.

Untitled The work of keeping the hatches clear of ice and snow is constant in this year of early ice and snow. Aside from the additional weight, hatches must be cleared so that they may open and have no dangerous accumulation that may slide off on a worker's head when in a vertical position.

Engine Room Conversation Communication is challenging amongst the constant noise of the equipment required to keep the ship's systems fully functioning.

First Mate Record keeping in a quiet moment in the wee hours of the morning up on the Bridge.

Cook I had the best ever schnitzel in years cooked up by the ever smiling and Movenpick trained chef. Wade loves his job and thoroughly enjoys pleasing the crew. A happy ship runs on its stomach and in the harsh late December conditions, this is especially important and appreciated.

Plotting the next trip The Captain and Mate discuss the logistics of their next destination.

Untitled All kitted up and ready for deck duty on a chilly December morning. We are awaiting the arrival of a marine surveyor and diver and shall discharge some wet soybeans from a previous delivery.

Untitled The Captain and Chief (Engineer) are dockside watching the survey.

Untitled A quiet moment on the Bridge.

The Dream Team Taking a moment in the late afternoon light to prompt me for a photo.

Ship's Pilot Disembarks The boarding and disembarking of pilots is often performed in challenging conditions and often at night. On this day we are lucky with the flat seas near Les Escoumins pilot station.on the remote north shore of the St. Lawrence River.

A Town's Lifeblood Ilmenite is loaded into the ship's hold at Le Havre St. Pierre on the remote north shore of Quebec near the Labrador border. Ilmenite is a primary ore used in the making of titanium.

The Captain Helps Out On Deck On the aft deck working one of the stern line winches in preparation of our departure from Le Havre St. Pierre.

Untitled Our departure from Le Havre St. Pierre is rendered unworldly due to snow flurries and the dock lighting. Dolphins, round components to a pier allowing for the manuevering and fendering of ships - appear to be suspended in air.

Arrival at Sorel We are nudged into the dock by the tug.

Linesman Our predawn arrival at Sorel Quebec is amidst a carpet of wonderous velvety seasmoke