Silver
Hawk
The Silver Hawk at rest was almost as pretty a site as when she was on a cruise under full power.
I spent approximately 5 years living aboard the Silver Hawk. Docked on the Detroit River (Detroit, Michigan) it was certainly a different form of living.
At that time I could afford a house or the boat I always dreamed of. You see my choice. The summers were great but not long enough. The challenging winters were dreary and too long.
As is usual for me I needed an additional challenge so I studied hard and tested and received my U.S. Coast Guard Masters (Captain's) License. They said no one passed the test on the first try. I did. I was more proud of my "Capt. Dave" title than I was of my police rank..
So as a side job(?) I started Silver Hawk River Cruises. I never made much money but it was a lot of fun and I had some great experiences. Traveling the Great Lakes was an exciting adventure in its own right, and I do miss it.
Even when storms came in, one could only stand in awe of natures power.
The charters were a lot of fun. My co-captain "Bouncer"(L) and I enjoyed the excitement shown by my customers. Of course some cruises were better than others!
Living aboard I had all the comforts of home. Surround sound satellite TV, Harmon and Kardon stereo, Air and Heat.
Oh yeah, I even had an oven but the BBQ on the aft received the most use.
In the winter the water had to be "bubbled" so it didn't freeze around the hull. The boat was shrink wrapped with a door installed and acted like a greenhouse. Propane heat was added and that was home for the long winter months
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