A few years ago, retired Great Lakes Capt. Richard Metz began posting his "Sea Stories," drawn from his long career aboard U.S. and Canadian steamboats, on the boatnerd.com website. Someone suggested he turn those stories into a book, and Metz has done just that. Capt. Metz sailed the Great Lakes for more than 30 years, from the day he signed aboard the steamer Thomas Wilson as a deckhand in 1964 until his retirement as master of the steamer Mapleglen in 1999. Among this employers were the Soo River Company and P&H Shipping, in command of classics such as Soo River Trader, E.J. Newberry, Judith M. Pierson and Willowglen, all of which were nearing the end of their careers. Capt. Metz lays it all down in chronological order, year by year and boat by boat. The book is aptly titled, and the author writes about his experiences in a clear and conversational manner. This is a quick and easy read and bound to offer fascinating insight into the world of Great Lakes shipping