"In the summer of 1994, 19-year old Ryan Barone sailed the Great Lakes aboard Interlake Steamship's "Lee A. Tregurtha." Serving for a short time as a deckhand, and the remainder of his voyage as a porter in the ship's galley, author Barone kept a daily log of the ship's activities, its crewmembers, and ports of call. His book explores in great detail the backgrounds and relationships among ship personnel as they carry on the daily responsibilities of operating a Great Lakes freighter. He roams the ship from the pilot house to the bowels of the massive engine room, probing the heart and soul of both the ship and her crew.

As a newcomer on board, Barone is not hardened, like many other crewmembers, by the frustrations and difficulties of life on the steamboats. His romanticized view of sailing runs head to head with the more cynical outlooks of others. But, in the end, he walks away with a sailor's "education", and a clearer understanding of what it takes to live and work on a Great Lakes steamboat.

Barone certainly has a great eye for detail in his vivid descriptions of life on the Lakes. It's somewhat reassuring to know that despite the many technological advances in both the pilot house and the engine room, the "characters" on the lakes have hardly changed. I heartily encourage you to relive life on a steamboat and take a fascinating trip aboard the "Lee A. Tregurtha."

Richard Hill; Sault Ste. Marie, MI                                                                             Author of "Lake Effect: a Deckhand's Journey on the Great Lakes Freighters"

"The author was just 19 when he joined the crew of the Lee A. Tregurtha in the summer of 1994 as a deckhand, whom the crew promptly nicknamed “Gilligan.” This is a self-published memoir of that experience, recounting what it felt like to call the old steamship home. Not only is it a story of a young man coming of age on a Great Lakes steamer, it’s the story of the men and women he sailed with and the friendships he forged that will likely last a lifetime. The names have been changed, and Barone sugarcoats nothing, relating the tales of pleasant as well as unpleasant shipmates (and yes, some of the language is a bit salty). What comes through loud and clear is the author’s passion for lake boats and for what has since become his chosen profession. If you want to know what life is like on the boats, this is the book to read."

Roger LeLievre; editor of "Know Your Ships" (the "boatwatcher's bible)

"Growing up around Lake Erie, I felt the same fascination that fed Barone's pursuit of life on the Lakes, so I really enjoyed living vicariously through his experience. In general, the book is an entertaining read, but somewhat bittersweet, as this whole world of interlake freight seems to be fading. Cheers to the author for documenting this lifestyle before it's gone."

Josh Snyder; San Francisco, CA

"With this detailed glimpse into the life of a Great Lakes sailor, Barone reveals who these sailors are and how these great ships overcome their logistical and navigational challenges. Curled up with this book, I felt at times like I was sitting around a campfire with an old sailor sharing his tales of the sea, and at others, with a college buddy who just returned from an amazing summer job. In both cases, the stories were riveting. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has wondered about life on the Great Lakes, "boatnerds", and everyone who enjoys a good story."

J.E. Rose; Charleston, SC

"This story gives a picture to the reader of life on a freighter on the Great Lakes. This life, often romanticized by the young Ryan, is brought to life through his recollections of his experience as a young, rather naive boy of 19, who bravely applies for and gets a summer job aboard one of these great ships. As the job proves too much for him, he ultimately finds his place and uses his talents and personality to make a succesful place for himself amongst the hardened crew. As in life, he comes out on top and shares his knowledge of the history of the Great Lakes steamboats along the way."

J.M. Smith; Sylvania, OH

"Wonderful insight into the world of the Great Lakes freighters. The characters quickly become 'old friends', warts and all! A well-written book with a great story to tell!"

A Great Lakes resident

"I had trouble putting this book down til finished.  Lots of info & insight into a way of life I was largely ignorant of. Although I live near a port & have seen lots of ships in my time, I had little understanding of their function, what goes on with their crew, or the economics that drives their existence. I will henceforth look at lake ships with a newfound knowing arrogance. Not a boat nerd, but happily tolerated the techno tedium as it was masterfully interwoven in a delightful tale of adventure, human interest, and clever colorful character development/assassination. I found myself touched with fondness by the rich history of a huge mass of metal which evolved in form, function and name, taking on a life & personality that is fascinating and quite enamoring. Fresh, creatively constructed, thoroughly enjoyable work of art!"

Jim Moeller; Maumee, OH