Welcoem to posts!!
in the future - u will be able to do some more stuff here,,,!! like pat catgirl- i mean um yeah... for now u can only see others's posts :c
Boat Friends, yes, I am aware of the story done by KSTP in Minneapolis/Saint Paul yesterday. Thank you for all of the emails letting me know! No need to send any more emails about it. For those that did not see the story yesterday, here it is: kstp.com/special-coverage/minnesota-live/vibe-with…
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ABC News did a few stories about the Boat Friends. Make sure to watch the video in each article.
News story #1
www.wdio.com/front-page/top-stories/vibe-with-mike…
News story #2
www.wdio.com/lift-online/online-shipping-videos-co…
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Boat Friends,
I’ve got some exciting updates and personal reflections to share with you, including news about our work with American Steamship Company, thoughts on our amazing Boat Friends community, and a heartfelt tribute showing you the paintings Ralph made. Don’t miss the photos in this post. Let’s dive into what’s coming up.
I’ve been working closely with the leadership at American Steamship Company. We have some truly special plans for our “Life Aboard Great Lakes Ship” series. I’ll be taking you along to explore all of the ASC ships, and there are even bigger things in the works that I’m eager to share with you. It’s going to be a lot of fun, and I’m excited about what’s coming. Sorry, it has been me slowing things up. I’ve had many chances to go on the ASC ships, but sometimes I just feel like relaxing until I feel like truly getting back to my hobby recording ships.🤣
I also want to talk a little about how I manage emails and recording. As much as I’d love to, I can’t reply to every email I get, though I do my best. Recording ships is a hobby for me. It’s how I relax and take a break from my busy professional life. On average, I record about one out of every thirty ships that I see. Many times, I’m down by the bridge or on my boat just watching ships without a camera, enjoying the moment. For me, it’s not about the camera or YouTube. It’s about appreciating the ships just as they are. If I recorded every ship that came in, it would start to feel like a full-time job, and that would take away the joy I get from this hobby. I never want my hobby to feel like work.
Looking ahead, I’m really excited about some unique experiences we’re going to share together. Your loyalty, your passion, and your love for the ships is unbelievably cool. I’ve always said that we have the best YouTube community out there. It still amazes me that this hobby of recording ships has led to moments now where I’m texting captains of ships I’ve admired for years. It’s truly something special. While I can’t share all the photos and videos they send me, since they’re private, I can tell you that they have some of the best views in the world. However, I will share one in this post to make sure I don’t leave you hanging. Nice Boat Friends coffee cup captain!
As we continue to build our Boat Friends community, I just want to say how grateful I am to have met so many of you down on the pier. It’s a wonderful thing that we can share the ups and downs of life with a group of friends online. We answer each other’s questions, we learn together, and we have fun. That’s what this channel is about, and it always will be.
For those who have emailed me about having a Boat Friends gathering, I think it’s a great idea, but this year isn’t the right time for me. Let’s keep the conversation going and figure out what we want to do and where. We can plan something for the future when the time is right. We will make it something special!
One thing that always brings a smile to my face is the photos and videos I receive of myself going through the canal, even when there isn’t a ship. Yes, I get out on Lake Superior a lot on my boat, and it’s always funny to see some of the photos and videos people send me. That blue pontoon and Boat Friends flag must be pretty recognizable. Keep those photos and videos coming, they always make me laugh. Email to mikems1mn@gmail.com (1 is the number one).
Finally, I want to share something that’s really close to my heart. As many of you know, our good Boat Friend Suzanne recently lost her husband, Ralph. Ralph was a dedicated Boat Friend, and after he passed, Suzanne shared that he had painted the North and South pier lighthouses. He was really proud to be part of our Boat Friends community. Suzanne sent me these paintings, and I’ll always display them for people to see. Take a look at how beautiful his paintings are. Many people wanted to see his work, so scroll through the photos in this post to check them out.
Thank you for sticking with me as I share these extra thoughts. I’m looking forward to the fun that’s ahead, and I’ll see you very soon.
All the best,
Mike
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Boat Friends, in my ship videos, you’ve heard me mention Park Point, also known as Minnesota Point. This is a rare occasion where I step away from ship content to talk about a cause that is very important to me.
MP50 is an initiative dedicated to the long-term resiliency of Minnesota Point. I’m deeply moved by the passion and commitment of my friends, Brittany, Pat, and others, who are tirelessly working towards this crucial cause in Duluth, Minnesota.
I urge you to take a few minutes to watch the YouTube video I’ve linked below and visit the website to learn more.
Thank you, Boat Friends, for taking the time to learn about and support this important cause.
MP50 Video: https://youtu.be/lwVnv_N4hWY
MP50 Website: www.minnesotapoint50.org/
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Dear Boat Friends,
It is with a heavy heart that I share some deeply sad news about one of our own. Suzanne Crosby, a cherished member of our Boat Friends community, contacted me via email this morning and asked me to share that her beloved husband, Ralph, passed away last night after a courageous battle with COPD. This news is very fresh, and our hearts go out to Suzanne during this incredibly difficult time.
Ralph and Suzanne discovered our channel about a year ago and quickly became hooked on watching ships together. They found joy and solace in the videos and livestreams, looking forward to each new post. They loved the camaraderie and the connections made in the Boat Friends community, which brought them much happiness.
Ralph had a particular fondness for the Paul R. Tregurtha, which is why I will be dedicating my next video of this magnificent ship to him. I hope this tribute will bring some comfort to Suzanne and remind us all of the bond we share.
Our Boat Friends community is more than just a group of ship enthusiasts; we are a network of friends from around the world who support and care for each other. During our live streams and in the comments, we’ve built connections that go beyond our shared interest in ships. We are here for each other in times of joy and sorrow.
Please join me in sending love and prayers to Suzanne during this time of grief. Let us show her the strength of our community and the warmth of our hearts. “Lord, may Ralph find eternal peace, and may his memory be a source of comfort to Suzanne, now and always.”
With much love and sympathy,
Mike
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Vibe with Mike captures the world of Great Lakes ships and other vessels arriving and departing from Duluth, Minnesota, often during dramatic weather and special events. My live, on-the-ground reporting style brings viewers right into the action. It’s not just about watching ships; it’s about experiencing the excitement of unpredictable moments. This channel is for all ages and will always remain positive!
Home of the Boat Friends community! ⛴️⚓️
What is a Boat Friend? Boat Friends are amazing people from around the world who come together to talk about Great Lakes ships and more, all in a positive, stress-free space. Through comments and live streams, we’ve created one of the fastest-growing, welcoming communities on YouTube, where real friendships are made, and everyone feels connected. While we focus on ships, we enjoy discussing any positive topics. It’s a place where people support each other and share a love for ships and great conversations.
📧📲 Contact: mikems1mn@gmail.com