2nd Annual Boatnerd Gatherings

Our series of Gatherings last year were so popular that the viewers of this web site have asked that we expand the number and locations this year.

The 2001 series of Gatherings will take place at five convenient spots around the Lakes. These are informal events with some activities planned and plenty of boatwatching opportunities.

All events are very informal with participation optional in specific events. Each Gathering starts on a Friday with the main events taking place on Saturday.

Please e-mail moderator@boatnerd.com with ideas or suggestions

Be sure you have your official
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October 26-27 Boatnerd Gathering East
The final gathering of the 2001 season. We meeting at the Welland Canal for a weekend of boatwatching during the fall grain rush. Other planned events include a tour of Port Weller Dry Docks and a open slide night Friday and possible guest speaker Saturday.	Click here for details

Mini Weekly Gatherings
Each weekend Diamond Jack River Tours in Detroit will off a discount to boatwatchers wishing to take one of their 2 hours River Tours. These tours are a great opportunity for people to meet and take pictures of the passing vessels.	Check here to print the discount coupon
Past Gatherings
June 1-2 Boatnerd Gathering West
The series kicks off with a trip aboard the Carferry Badger. The Badger is the last carferry operating on the lakes. Our crossing takes us from Ludington, MI. to Manitowoc, WI on Saturday June 2. The Lake Michigan Carferry has offered a special rate on the crossing and a stay in the "Badger Boatel" Friday night. Those staying onboard will be treated to limited tours of the pilot house and engine room of the last coal fired vessel on the Lakes.	Click here for more details

June 29-30 Boatnerd Gathering Soo
We gather at the Soo Locks for Engineers Day on Friday June 29. On Engineers Day the US Army Corps of Engineers opens the area between the MacArthur and Poe Locks to the public and the ground floor of the Administration Building is open for tours. Engineers day runs from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Also planned for the weekend is River and Locks Cruise aboard the Chief Shingwauk and an open slide night.	Click here for more details

July 14 Fawn Island, St. Clair River
A day of boatwatching and river cruising is planned for July 14. Ron and Shari Schwartz and George Lee from Hammond Bay River Cruises are hosting the exclusive "Boatnerd" outing. Two cruises are planned on the 54-foot, 40 passenger charter vessel Hammond Bay. Fawn Island is located across from Sombra, Ontario and Marine City, Michigan. Boatwatching starting at 9:00 a.m. through Dinner at 5:30 on the Island. Then slides after dark.	Click here for details

September 22-23 Boatnerd Gathering North
We gather in Duluth for a weekend of boatwatching. Plans include: harbor cruise, tour of local museum ships and possible slide show.	Click here for details

	Great Lakes & Seaway Shipping Online
	2nd annual Boatnerd Gatherings Series Starting June 2001