Sunday was simply a relaxing day. We spent the day transiting from Silver Islet, Ontario through the lock at Sault Ste. Marie, nipping the edge of Lake Huron before entering Lake Michigan. The day was extraordinarily clear with temperatures in the low 70s. The water was smooth like glass.
Sault Ste. Marie is located along the St. Marys River, which flows from Lake Superior to Lake Huron and forms part of the United States–Canada border. Across the river is the larger Ontario town of the same name; the two cities are connected by the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge. Between the two cities are the Soo Locks, a set of locks allowing ship travel between Lake Superior and the Lower Great Lakes. On both sides of the border, the towns and the general vicinity are called The Sault (usually pronounced /suː/), or The Soo.
Because cruise ships moving the through the lock isn’t all that common yet, people were lined up just to see the Viking Octantus. Similarly, the passengers onboard were at the rails all around just taking in the sites.
Construction of a new Soo Lock began in 2019, and it is expected to takeup to 10 years to complete. The project as of 2023 now costs $3.22 billion, more than three times its initial price tag, due to labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and material cost increases over the past four years. The new lock will be built adjacent to the Poe Lock and will be the same size, allowing for more efficient traffic flow and reducing delays. The project is seen as critical to the U.S. economy and national security, as the Great Lakes shipping industry is a vital part of the country’s transportation infrastructure. The new Soo Lock will ensure continued reliable and safe navigation of goods and materials through the Great Lakes, helping to support economic growth and maintain the region’s competitiveness in global markets.
After coming through the lock, US CBP came on board for immigration and customs clearing. The process was smooth and fast due to the facial recognition they were using. We handed the agent our passport, they held up a small camera pointed at us, then they said “next” and handed back the passport without opening it. I hope it’s that smooth when we return to the US next week from Toronto.
The rest of the day was just spent eating and napping.
It’s vacation!
