Still Steamin'

Just finished a great book! One that combines elements from so many of my interests: The Great Lakes, boats, sailors, history, and photography.

The book is titled, "Centennial - Steaming Through the American Century", by Christopher Winters, and it chronicles the history of the oldest, fully operational, working steamship on the Great Lakes.

The "St. Marys Challenger" as she is now known, went into operation in 1906! She's a traditional ore-carrier that now moves cement, 10,000 tons at a time, over Lake Michigan. Her complete story is told very nicely in the book, in honor of her centennial. But it's the dozens and dozens of photographs that really make the book. Many are historical record, but most were taken by the author, who spent three full shipping seasons covering life aboard this old survivor.

I highly recommend it for those who love our inland seas and have watched fondly as one of those giant ships pass by; far out on the horizon or close enough that you could almost reach out and touch her sides as she moves down the St. Clair River or through the Soo Locks.

Check it out.