August 10, 2013, Saturday Part 1 of 2 Ludington Michigan to Manitowoc Wisconsin.

We woke up at 5 am.  Of course we didn't need a wake up call or an alarm.

Carol took advantage of the Continental breakfast while I got dressed and ready to start the day.

We got to the USS Badger at 8am, we were first questioned by a guard with a dog to make sure that we had no firearms or explosives.  Carol had already gotten us reservations for the car and both of us so we left the car and stood in line waiting to board.

8-10-2013 7:58 am This is a passenger. 



8-10-2013 7:58 am Getting ready to go on the USS. Badger.

8-10-2013 Lining up for the Badger.

8-10-2013 The Spartan.

8-10-2013 One last shot of the USS Badger before getting in line.

8-10-2013 8:17 am I'm on board and I'm calculating whether this life ring is large enough for Carol and I.   I think so.......I'll look for lifeboats later.

8-10-2013 Still loading, they put a lot on this ferry.

8-10-2013 Almost done.

8-10-2013  They don't use this room anymore, but it was pretty.

The weather is good, cloudy and cool but not windy. That's a good thing.

After boarding we watched from the stern all the cars, trucks, cycles and campers being loaded.
Vehicles are not accessible during the cruise.

There is a Main Lounge with Wi-Fi internet, Bingo and trivia games, live entertainment, and satellite television.  There is also a KidsPort children's play area and a video arcade.  They have family-oriented motion pictures in the Movie Lounge. And there are restrooms, of course.

There are private staterooms, I was surprised to see that these were being used and lots of chairs and chaise lounges to relax on deck.

Of course there is a Badger Boatique gift shop, where I bought a USS Badger sweatshirt, but it also was stocked with souvenirs, books, newspapers, magazines, travel accessories, and candy.

8-10-2013 9:05am.  And we're off.

8-10-2013

8-10-2013 9:05 am Everyone is watching us leave the dock.

8-10-2013 View of Ludington Michigan from the Badger.

8-10-2013 Ludington Michigan.

8-10-2013 Ludington Michigan

8-10-2013 Ludington Michigan

8-10-2013 Leaving Ludington Michigan.

8-10-2013 9:11am Ludington Michigan North Breakwater Light House.  (Almost missed it).

8-10-2013 Michigan shoreline is getting smaller.

8-10-2013 A freighter.



www.ssbadger.com
About the Badger:

2013 is the USS Badger's 60th year.  The Badger is the last in a line of steamships taking travelers and cargo across Lake Michigan.  The Badger, was built in 1952 for 5 million and launched in 1953.  She was constructed to transport railroad freight cars, but also accommodated passengers in high style.  She and her sister ship, the Spartan were the best equipped and largest car ferries in the world.

Finally, in May 1993, the Badger began her new life as a passenger ship.  East year the ship generates more than $14 million to the city of Manitowoc's economy and $21 million to Ludington's economy.

She helps Michigan and Wisconsin get products to market in a cost-effective manner. Transporting trucks, semi-trucks, wind tower sections and passenger vehicles, the Badger saves more than one million gallons of gas annually and keeps 4.3 tons of carbon emission from the atmosphere.

8-10-2013 11:18 am In the middle of Lake Michigan.

8-10-2013 Photos of the Badger

8-10-2013 Up on the bow. 

8-10-2013

8-10-2013 Just relaxing on the USS Badger about 11:48am.  Glad it's not raining and then I look over my head at the life boat....

8-10-2013 Okay, first I look at the pretty clouds..then I look at the life boat.

8-10-2013  I'm sure that hole is supposed to be there...yeah, it's got a plug in it...but I can still see daylight there...through the hole.

8-10-2013  I decide to look for another lifeboat..

 Wow, we're almost here, I better go find Carol, she is reading in the Lounge.

8-10-2013 12:59 pm Manitowoc Wisconsin...no need for a lifeboat.

8-10-2013 Manitowoc Wisconsin from the USS Badger.

8-10-2013 Manitowoc Breakwater Lighthouse.

8-10-2013  Manitowoc Wisconsin.

8-10-2013 Manitowoc Wisconsin Breakwater Lighthouse.

8-10-2013 Manitowoc Wisconsin 1pm

8-10-2013 Manitowoc Wisconsin

We arrived in Manitowoc Wisconsin at 12 pm their time, 1 pm Michigan time.  The trip across Lake Michigan was a nice experience, and everyone involved were very well organized.

8-10-2013 Unloading the USS Badger 1:30pm in Manitowoc Wisconsin.  Sunny, warm and beautiful.