The Battle of Lake Erie!!

The Niagara

My current adventure has transported me off the shoreline and out onto the ISLANDS within our Great Lakes.


This Labor Day, I traveled to South Bass Island's Put-in-Bay to take part in the bicentennial reenactment of the Battle of Lake Erie. This naval engagement between the Americans and British was a turning point in the War of 1812.

Sixteen tall ships gathered in Lake Erie for this event which was the largest reenactment of a naval battle in American history.

Cannon fire!

My ship had a tiny cannon

It was fascinating to take part in this Great Lakes event.

The Lynx

The Niagara fires from both sides

"We have met the enemy, and they are OURS!"

Check out the video below for glimpses of the action!

{This experience will be part of my next book

A 1,000-Mile Great Lakes

ISLAND ADVENTURE!

Due to be released in 2015.

Perry Victory and International Peace Memorial

During my 1000-mile hike this year, I passed many battle sites from the War of 1812.

While this conflict with the British is rather glossed over when we study American History, it was actually a pivotal moment where our young nation struggled for survival.

One of the most decisive battles took place on Lake Erie. It was the first time the British Navy was soundly beaten and all British ships engaged in the battle were seized by the Americans.

When Commodore Oliver Perry reported the win to his superiors, he wrote:

 "We have met the enemy and they are ours"

This week I visited the monument to this naval victory and the lasting peace between the US and Canada.