Ships trading on the Great Lakes during the winter months often wear ‘mustaches', the result of ice spray build-up on the bows, which is then partially washed away by wave action.

The 690ft (210.31m) Herbert C. Jackson, operated by Interlake Steamship, sports such a growth after tying up at the massive iron ore dock at Marquette, Michigan this past winter. Ironically, summer weather on the Lakes can also causes problems.

Four years ago that the crew of the Jackson had to use fire hoses to wet down a heat-swollen metal bridge on the Rouge River before it became cool enough for the bridge operator to raise, allowing the ship to pass! Jim Shaw