Cooperative Venture Southbound Near Burlington, Iowa

Working life on the Mississippi River is often characterized by towboats and their cargo. Commerce on the river also includes excursions, fishing, channel maintenance and the like, plus hundreds of support industries positioned for the manufacture and delivery of goods and services.

On this day the towboat, Cooperative Venture from St. Louis passed southbound pushing an array of barges under the Great River Bridge at Burlington, Iowa. Painted numbers on the bridge support indicate the distance from water level to the lower portion of the bridge to aid tows and other craft in negotiating the overpass. The barge configuration, three abreast, carries a flag designating the lead formation.

Upon close examination it appears that these 15 tied barges are empty as they ride high on the waterway. After passing the bridge the Cooperative Venture quickly changed orientation as to align with the next passage, an aerial lift bridge just a short distance away. Once again the river provides endless entertainment through its natural vistas and working commerce. And all of that just a few hours or less from the mighty 42N observation station. Know that.

Pegasus Flys Over 42N Country

Pegsus, the winged horse takes form throughout 42N country and surrounding latitudes. In Duluth, Minnesota (46.79°N 92.1°W) is a Pegasus Mobil Oil design which is located near the aerial bridge area. This red sign is attached to a restaurant building's exterior and at night the glow of neon outlines the iconic logo.

Meanwhile 358 miles away in Galena, Illinois, (42.43°N 90.41°W) a weather vane atop the Flying Horse restaurant points to the way of the wind. Both the Duluth and Galena examples are associated with eateries. Perhaps the potential for eye catching graphics and ideas of flights of fancy lures customers to these restaurants. Know that.

Largest Mega-Length Lake Freighter Delights Duluth, Minnesota Audience

Some seven degrees of latitude north of 42N country, the Paul R. Tregurtha makes her way out of Duluth Harbor on June 23rd under the aerial lift bridge. The lake freighter is the longest vessel on the Great Lakes measuring in at 1,013’ 06” - that's 3.37 football fields long! On this day the harbor horn sounded indicating the bridge lifting. That event was followed by the sighting of the departing vessel by people near the canal wall. Within minutes the stupidly-long ship silently glided past the crowd and onto Lake Superior. 

Have you ever wanted to be a guest aboard a 1,000 footer even for just a few days?

Here's your chance. Enter this contest to possibly win a 5-1/2 day voyage on a Great Lakes ship during the summer of 2011. Just think, you could be aboard and waving back to the Duluth crowd while heading for one of 63 commercial ports on the Great Lakes. How cool. Know that.