Friday, May 15, 2009

Shipwrecks in Book, Song, and Legend

I am still thinking about The Highwaymen concert a few nights ago. Shipwrecks seem to be a popular topic for folk songs. In the hour and half concert The Highwaymen sang about two, the Reuben James, the first ship to be sunk in World War II, and the Stan Roger’s song, The Mary Ellen Carter. I have not been able to determine if Mary Ellen Carter was a real ship but the song certainly is real.

There were many shipwrecks on the Great Lakes, the most well known being the one in the song sung by Gordon Lightfoot, The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Who, upon hearing either the name of the ship or the singer, does not start to sing the haunting opening lines to that song?

The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down
of the big lake they called "Gitche Gumee".
The lake, it is said, never gives up her dead
when the skies of November turn gloomy.

A few years ago, I took a writing class from Michael Schumacher. No, not the racecar driver- the Kenosha author of the book “The Mighty Fitz: The Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald”. It is a detailed description of the November 1975 shipwreck on Lake Superior. Mike has another book now, also about a Great Lakes shipwreck, called “The Wreck of the Carter D: The True Story of Loss, Survival and Rescue at Sea” I have not read this yet, but it tells the story of the 1958 wreckage of the Carl D. Bradley that sank in 1958 in northern Lake Michigan.

As for me, I am in another writing class – this one on what is called The Art of Creative Non-fiction. The instructor spent the first two hours trying to get across the concept of what that means. Basically, it means writing non-fiction using techniques more common in fiction such as description, detail, drama, and dialogue. Some of the folks in the class had a problem understanding what that meant. Perhaps I should have referred them to Mike’s book. It has all the elements needed to create a great read.

There are several books about Great Lakes shipwrecks as well as maps for divers who want to explore them. There are several websites, too – all you have to do is google Great Lakes shipwrecks, and you’ll find them. I know my son-in-law Dan would enjoy diving around some of those sites, but that may have to wait until he finishes the MBA program he just began. Still, if he wants he can check out the sites and E-dive. I know it’s not the same, but it may have to do for now. Or maybe we can make the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum in Whitefish Point in the UP a destination for a family trip. My son and his S.O. could come, too. She is a Yupper and still has close family there.

The more I think of it, a road trip sounds like a good idea. Sounds like a song, too. Maybe Gypsy Rover?

45 comments:

Anonymous said...

It's really a great and useful piece of information. I'm glad
that you simply shared this helpful info with us. Please
stay us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.


Here is my web blog; Mason Jasper

Anonymous said...

I do not know whether it's just me or if everyone else experiencing problems with your site. It appears like some of the text within your content are running off the screen. Can somebody else please provide feedback and let me know if this is happening to them as well? This could be a problem with my browser because I've
had this happen previously. Appreciate it

My blog ... Ty Darryl

Anonymous said...

Hi there, I enjoy reading all of your post. I wanted to write
a little comment to support you.

Here is my web blog Matthew Ibrahim

Anonymous said...

Hi there, I do believe your web site might be having web browser compatibility problems.
Whenever I take a look at your website in Safari, it looks fine however, when opening in IE, it has
some overlapping issues. I simply wanted to provide you with a
quick heads up! Other than that, fantastic site!

My homepage ... Muhammad Harry

Anonymous said...

I do consider all the ideas you have introduced on your
post. They're really convincing and can definitely work. Nonetheless, the posts are very short for novices. Could you please prolong them a bit from subsequent time? Thanks for the post.

Check out my blog Matthew Henry

Anonymous said...

Hello, yup this piece of writing is really fastidious and I have learned lot of things from it concerning blogging.

thanks.

Feel free to surf to my blog Titus Harold

Anonymous said...

I'm really enjoying the design and layout of your website. It's a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable for me to come
here and visit more often. Did you hire out a
designer to create your theme? Outstanding work!

my homepage :: Trenton Jamison

Anonymous said...

I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was
great. I do not know who you are but certainly you're going to a famous blogger if you are not already ;) Cheers!

Feel free to surf to my blog Maurice Jaime

Anonymous said...

My family members always say that I am killing my time here at web,
but I know I am getting know-how everyday by reading thes
good articles or reviews.

Look at my blog; Mohamed Jarvis

Anonymous said...

I rarely comment, however i did a few searching and wound
up here "Shipwrecks in Book, Song, and Legend". And
I do have a few questions for you if it's allright. Is it simply me or does it look as if like a few of these comments come across like written by brain dead individuals? :-P And, if you are writing at additional social sites, I'd like to follow anything fresh you have
to post. Would you list of all of your public sites like your twitter feed, Facebook page or linkedin profile?


Here is my weblog; Xzavier Jaime

Anonymous said...

Every weekend i used to go to see this website, for the reason that i want enjoyment, since this
this web page conations in fact good funny data too.


Feel free to surf to my weblog :: Tyree Hugh

Anonymous said...

Wonderful, what a blog it is! This website provides helpful data to us, keep it up.



My webpage :: Myles Jaren

Anonymous said...

Hey would you mind letting me know which web host
you're working with? I've loaded your blog in
3 different browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot faster then most.
Can you recommend a good internet hosting provider at
a reasonable price? Thanks, I appreciate it!

Visit my website; Walker Jamie

Anonymous said...

It is not my first time to pay a visit this web site, i am browsing
this web page dailly and get good data from here all the time.


my website - Terrence Darnell

Anonymous said...

Whoa! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It's on a completely different topic but it has pretty much the same layout and design. Wonderful choice of colors!

Also visit my website: Moises Ian

Anonymous said...

This text is priceless. When can I find out more?

my website ... Nash Darion

Anonymous said...

Good post! We are linking to this particularly great article on our website.
Keep up the good writing.

Also visit my web blog: Ulysses Marc

Anonymous said...

Fascinating blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere?
A theme like yours with a few simple tweeks would really make my blog jump out.
Please let me know where you got your design. Thanks a lot

Also visit my page ... Nico Holden

Anonymous said...

Hello there! Do you use Twitter? I'd like to follow you if that would be ok. I'm absolutely enjoying your blog and look forward to new posts.


my web-site - Nasir Luis

Anonymous said...

Hey there just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let you know
a few of the pictures aren't loading properly. I'm not sure why
but I think its a linking issue. I've tried it in two different browsers and both show the same outcome.

Visit my web site ... Thomas Mario

Anonymous said...

That is a very good tip especially to those fresh to
the blogosphere. Simple but very precise information… Appreciate your sharing this one.
A must read post!

Stop by my site - Treyton Jaron

Anonymous said...

It's amazing in support of me to have a website, which is useful in favor of my experience. thanks admin

Feel free to visit my web site: Maxim Darrius

Anonymous said...

Why visitors still make use of to read news papers when in
this technological globe the whole thing is accessible on web?


Feel free to surf to my web site: Travon Jabari

Anonymous said...

Touche. Great arguments. Keep up the good work.

Here is my web page :: Weston Hunter

Anonymous said...

Wow that was strange. I just wrote an extremely long comment but
after I clicked submit my comment didn't show up. Grrrr... well I'm not writing all that over again.
Anyways, just wanted to say superb blog!

my homepage Martin Jamar

Anonymous said...

Excellent web site you've got here.. It's difficult to find quality writing like yours these days.
I truly appreciate people like you! Take care!!

Look into my weblog: Zachary Jarred

Anonymous said...

It is the best time to make some plans for the future
and it is time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I desire to suggest you some interesting things or advice.
Perhaps you can write next articles referring to this
article. I want to read more things about it!

my blog :: Triston Jaquan

Anonymous said...

Have you ever considered publishing an e-book or guest authoring
on other blogs? I have a blog centered on the same information you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information.
I know my readers would value your work. If you're even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an e mail.

Also visit my blog post - Travon Mariano

Anonymous said...

I enjoy reading a post that will make men and women
think. Also, thanks for allowing for me to comment!

Here is my web blog ... Tucker Jabari

Anonymous said...

Do you have a spam issue on this blog; I also am a blogger, and I was wanting to
know your situation; we have created some nice practices and we are looking to exchange techniques with other folks,
be sure to shoot me an email if interested.

My web-site :: Mohammed Immanuel

Anonymous said...

Emu Boots sale around 50%, and in case you pay for two couples of uk ugg boots, many surplus treats will probably
be offered. People of the class and level can certainly get these
because their price is of every range. In addition, when you seem on the labels for the manufacturing site, you ought
to bear in mind that this labels which exhibit "Manufactured in China" are authentic, and a lot of others are counterfeits.


my web site www.kochininkisaifu.com

Anonymous said...

Cheap Burberry Handbags These furnishings certainly
are a good choice. If you've got no idea about whether these boots you want are real or not, it really is advisable not to purchase them. And utilization of the preserving stratum in the knock-off is oftentimes a easy preventative pelage - not the real authenticated guy who can conflict users; the assembly is her toes when her vernacular users of sea boots check in the U.

Also visit my web blog プラダ バッグ

Anonymous said...

Cheap Burberry Handbags These furnishings really are a good choice.
When it comes to probably the most styling infant, dress
your kids in uggs. And utilization from the preserving
stratum inside the knock-off may also be a easy preventative pelage - not the actual authenticated guy
who are able to conflict users; the production is her toes when her
vernacular users of sea boots check inside the U.

my website: コーチ バッグ

Anonymous said...

Just because the name implies, these ugg boots are from Australia, that
are crafted from twin-tier merino wool. The artist material moisture from you, ensure that is stays cold and dry.
And reproductions may possibly appearance just like terrific.


My web-site; コーチ アウトレット

Anonymous said...

Many celebrities are actually fascinated while using retro looks of for the reason that,
as an illustration, Oprah, Paris Hilton, Pamela Anderson and Kate Hudson etc.
The artist material moisture from the feet, ensure that it
stays cold and dry. As an effect of peculiarity on the physical appearance of a pair of boots, a great deal of people will not likely want to put on
them beforehand of.

Also visit my site; グッチ

Anonymous said...

Many customers have stated that once they have ordered these counterfeit, fake,
imitation UGG's, they would arrive in the plain, brown box that looked battered. These forms of Ugg Boots Clearance may be found in 2 colors from a shop at fine sand too as saying. And reproductions may perhaps appearance equally as terrific.

Here is my weblog; www.ruivitonwaribiki.com

Anonymous said...

Just because name implies, these uggs are from Australia, that are crafted
from twin-tier merino wool. Buy cheap UGG boots visit:
When looking at purchasing for the reason that, world-wide-web retailers offer them with lower prices compared to
those from local sellers. Delicately wipe it utilizing a damp material, will not likely
brush it fiercely that carries a brush, don't melt away the sneakers with boiled water, and use washing detergent and alkaline cleaning fluid to completely clean it with the same time.

Feel free to surf to my web site グッチ

Anonymous said...

Many customers have stated that whenever they have ordered these counterfeit, fake, imitation UGG's, they'd arrive inside a plain, brown box that looked battered.
There are a number of types for babies, though the very top from the favorites list include:.
Regardless of the items your first choices, UGG Classic
Short you can find in the UGG boot.

Feel free to visit my webpage: http://www.jagucchibaggu.com/

Anonymous said...

If you disregarded the Ugg guidelines and wore your boots in water, or perhaps you dropped liquid on the boot,
you may have stains along your boots. And recollection, they might eventually be willful Worn tedium without
situation, so that this graduate are capable of doing their job.

Nevertheless, with super delicate ease and convenience,
increased desire, and wintertime season approaching, it is possible to still discover some very nice provides.


Here is my website :: gucci

Anonymous said...

UGG Australia has produced some unique and fun types in boots for girls - Classic Stripe
UGG Boots actually are a perfect illustration of this.

People of each and every class and level can easily get these because their prices are of every range.

What many are finding are imitation, fake UGG Boots.

Feel free to visit my page - coach

Anonymous said...

Emu Boots sale approximately 50%, and should you pay for two
main couples of uk uggs, many surplus treats is going to be offered.

Buy cheap UGG boots visit: When looking at purchasing these boots, world-wide-web
retailers offer them lower prices than others from local sellers.
Nevertheless, with super delicate ease and convenience, increased desire, and wintertime season approaching, you'll be able to still discover some very nice provides.

my web site: www.ruivitonsaifuhassou.com

Anonymous said...

If you disregarded the Ugg guidelines and wore your boots in water, or
else you dropped liquid on your own boot, you could have stains along your boots.

These types of Ugg Boots Clearance might be found
in 2 colors from a shop at fine sand too as saying. And reproductions may well appearance just like terrific.


My web-site; louis vuitton

Anonymous said...

Many celebrities have been fascinated while using retro looks of due to the fact, for
example, Oprah, Paris Hilton, Pamela Anderson and Kate Hudson etc.
And recollection, they will often eventually be willful
Worn tedium without situation, so that this graduate can perform their job.
The unique qualities of the sheepskin mean they will keep the feet warm in perhaps the coldest of weather, but that
when you wear them in summer they will not overheat your foot.


Look into my homepage - http://www.daininkivitonsaifu.com

Anonymous said...

Thanks on your marvelous posting! I quite enjoyed reading it, you can be
a great author. I will be sure to bookmark your
blog and will eventually come back at some point.
I want to encourage yourself to continue your great writing, have a
nice morning!

My web blog; new cellulite treatment

Anonymous said...

Emu Boots sale approximately 50%, and if you pay for two main couples of uk uggs, many
surplus treats will be offered. ì (IE: sand, chestnut, chocolate, black) UGG boots.

The unique qualities from the sheepskin mean that they can will keep the feet warm in even coldest of weather,
but if you put them on in summer they is not going to overheat your foot.



Feel free to visit my page ... coach