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Great Lakes Viking 55' Motor Yacht
This trip started in Holland, MI and ended in the 1000 Islands, NY which is in the St Lawrence Seaway 1100 miles away. We traversed 4 of the 5 Great Lakes. The owners of "Chances Are" are definately two of the nicest people I have ever met. We had a super trip covering 1100 miles in 24 days. We shopped in every town along the way. The two doberman's did their thing in every marina and I had a ball being Captain. I really enjoyed Charlevoix, Mackinac Island, Windsor, Toronto, the Canadian side of Lake Ontario,and I plan to go back. Each lake has it's own character and reputation. The highlight is certainly the 1000 islands. This wealthy area is incredible with it's castle and many large yachts and homes. The season is short but the area is georgeous and well worth a return visit for a much longer time. The two dobermans on this trip provided constant entertainment. The nine month old puppy weighed 95 pounds. We entertained 20 Women Canadian WWII Veterans in Windsor, Canada. That was very rewarding, they thoroughly enjoyed the boat ride and luncheon. It made me feel good to be a part of that day. Next trip I hope to see the Georgian Bay and several other parts of Canada that I missed. It was fun to visit some of my crew members in Toronto and see the boat I will be sailing transatlantic in July in Windsor and meet the owners. The Welland Canal was relatively easy going this direction with 7 locks ranging from about 40 to 80' drops. We saw several tall ships in the Welland Canal and in Toronto. |
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Viking 55' Wide Body Motor Yacht, Twin Detroit Diesels, Lots of Horsepower
Four Staterooms, three heads, extra large living area, galley, pilothouse |
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Lake Michigan, 25 knot winds, the Viking took it well! Lake Michigan was rough for
several days wind, fog, rain, but we persevered and had a good time doing it. |
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| This is not a black and white photo it was just an ugly day on Lake Michigan |
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I am not sure of the species but this is a pretty little bird |
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Charlevoix, Michigan a very cute, quaint little town worth stopping in again. The Mackinac bridge, fortunately the weather cleared from Charlevoix to Mackinaw

MacKinac Island Lighthouse MacKinac Island one of the many old churches on the island

One of the beautiful homes on the island Beautiful Lawn Behind the Marina

Zena and Milo the "Entertainers" Chocalate Dobermans The Mac Kinac Island Yacht Club

Milo having a rough day on the water 95 lb puppy Zena had to have both bones if Milo wanted one

No cars or trucks on MacKinac Island just bicycles and wagons These are really working horses Clydesdale

Can anyone tell me what kind of bird this is? The lady won! Alpena, Michigan |
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Windsor Canada on the Detroit River, many beautiful homes.

Church in Windsor, Canada along the Detroit River

These young ladies had a ball on the boat riding down the Detroit River

Welland Canal Notice the Ship on the Top Right Being Lifted Up the Locks

Sunset in Dolhousie, Ontario Canada

"Empire + Sandy" Tall Ship Toronto

Toronto at night from the downtown marina

The Toronto Needle

One of the many Millionaire Homes in the 1000 Island Area

Part of the Castle Wellesley Island Upper State, NY St Lawrence Seaway
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Typical Great Lakes Ore Boat

These ladies were honored for their service in WWII at a luncheon and a ride on the boat.

Cute Little Boat in Leamington, Canada

The "Pride of Baltimore" on its way through the Welland Canal

Toronto, Canada I was lucky enough to see some of my crew while I was here

The baseball stadium the dome opens up for a game, taken from the stern of the boat

We had a little fog between Cobourg and Kingston, Canada

The "Castle" The story is the wife died before it was completed and the interior is unfinished

These ships pass through here on their way to the ocean on the St Lawrence Seaway

There is a museum here for wooden boats I want to see it next time I visit.
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