The story of the famous Great Lakes icebreaker Mackinaw may seem legendary, but it has not been exaggerated, says Gordon Macauley in the summer issue of Inland Seas. The Mackinaw is a familiar sight locally. She is based at Cheboygan.

The tough little ship breaks the ice and opens the way to Great Lakes shipping every spring. Fondly known as "Mighty Mac," she is almost phenomenal in her ability to open channels through thick ice.

"But practically everything written or said about her is true," says Macauley.

The Mackinaw's performance every year makes the differences between an early or a late start for lakes shipping.

"The spring of 1956 was among the worst for bad ice conditions," says Macauley.

Abnormal ice from 20 to 30 inches thick hampered operations between Gros Cap and Parisienne, "but the Mack cut figure eights through it, almost playfully," he said.

Macauley was aboard the United States Coast Guard ice breaker both this year and in 1944, the year of her commissioning. He describes his trip this spring in some detail, including one unusual experience of the Mackinaw breaking ice in 65 mile winds, fog, and lightning. He also notes the "kindness, hospitality and cooperation" of the United States Coast Guard in directing lake traffic through ice and giving help where help is needed.

A few years ago, lakes vessels were allowed to go on their own through channels cleared of ice. But now they are controlled so that traffic jams can be avoided, Macauley says. The Mackinaw keeps in touch by radio-phone with every shipmaster. Each is given instructions on whether he can sail or not.

"The Mackinaw's pilot house becomes a busy place as requests for sailing come in from waiting ships," said Macauley.

The Mackinaw frequently lends a helping hand in emergencies. Only recently her helicopter transferred a stricken seaman from an ore freighter to a hospital at the Sault.

"Mighty Mack is always on hand for spring's bitter struggle," he concludes.

Inland Seas, now in its 12th year, is a quarterly magazine devoted to lakes lore. It is published by the Great Lakes Historical Society, a nonprofit organization sponsored by the Cleveland Public Library.