Gypsum

Blizzard The ship fully loaded with gypsum has been hit by the full force of the blizzard as she attempts to gain some shelter in the lea of Anticosti Island.

Little Narrows Gypsum Plant - Spin After laying at anchor for three days awaiting a weather window to allow navigation through the narrow channel entrance into the harbor of the aptly named Little Narrows Gypsum Plant - another fast moving front is swiftly approaching. The ship has completed the rear half of the load and must be swung around in heavy winds to complete load the forward hatches. This is a difficult manoeuvre in the best of times, and there is a tremendous amount of pressure to complete the load and get the ship off the dock before the full brunt of the blizzard hits.

Labourer Duty on Deck The first shift on deck after the storm heads out to begin clearing snow and ice from the deck. This is done for safety and to remove excess weight as ships are loaded to maximize capacity. Seaway draft is always a concern.

Seaspray The morning after the blizzard has the ship coated in ice.

Untitled The St. Lawrence River is frozen. A pilot must board the ship at Les Escoumins and so the crew has been working through the night to clear enough of the deck that boarding may be possible.

Seasmoke The St. Lawrence River is gelatinous as it turns to ice.

East Montreal - at anchor We sit at anchor with approximately six other ships, for two days awaiting the reopening of the canal. The early freeze-up has ships becoming stuck in the lock and lock doors freezing up and unable to operate. There is ample time to contemplate the changes onshore as modest marine centred blue-collar homes and businesses are replaced by larger luxury homes. The tugboats servicing the ships charge $450.00 should someone wish to go ashore.

East Montreal The Port of Montreal is experiencing increasing gentrification of nearby neighbourhoods

St. Mary's Cement Bowmanville The unloading of gypsum in Bowmanville Ontario.