Sea Stories

After only ten years driving truck, Captain Richard Metz was drawn to the Great Lakes. He had always enjoyed watching the boats and ships moving seemingly effortlessly on the water going places he could only dream. With very little encouragement, Capt. Metz decided to try for a job working on the Great Lakes ships. He started working on the boats in 1964 as a deckhand. He knew right away that life aboard a laker was what he wanted to do all the rest of his life. He worked his way through the ranks to become a Great Lakes Sea Captain in 1980. Captain Metz enjoyed every minute of his career and continues to enjoy remembering and writing about his life on the lakes, even today. In 2003, Capt. Metz wrote his first book, Sea Stories. That book talked about his experiences in a clear and conversational manner offering his fascinating insight into the world of Great Lakes shipping. Capt. Metz’s second book, Life Aboard a Laker from 1964 to 1999, followed in this same vein, detailing the start of his career through his different positions on lakers, his studies, and what his choice of career meant to him. This book expands on Capt. Metz’s previous work, and includes additional stories, full-color photos, and a question-and-answer session with Capt. Metz.

• Introduction:How It Used to BeMapGreenhornMoving UpSteering by the StarsNever Forget the WoodrushWrong Side of the BuoyMe? A Tugboat Captain?Are You Trying to Kill Us?Across the BorderNovember 10, 1975Aboard the HeimbeckerMy First Ship as CaptainThe Longest TripNew Captain, Old Ship, November GalesA Short TootSilent NightShore LeavesS.S. Judith M. PiersonBeating the StormMake Love to That North ShoreBecoming a Willowglen-erRelief CaptainFull AsternThe AnchorThe CadetFirst in Port, Twice in a YearTime to Let Go the AnchorGlossaryNautical DirectionsAsk the CaptainCaptain Metz’s ShipsRanks AboardGreat Lakes VesselsAbout the Author