Steam boats at Lee's Mills
 

This is a time when I wish I was more articulate and could accurately describe the gathering of the steam boats at Lee's Mills. Each of these basically hand-crafted vessels represents thousands of hours of labor, and, I'm sure, many dollars. The families involved are all so friendly and sociable, and just want to talk about their steamboats, and show off their efforts to the public. It just looks like a fun event, tucked away in Lee's Mills, with little or no publicity. The weather worked out well for them, and several times they went out on parade. I even saw three of them tied up at theTown docks in Wolfeboro - now that's a long way from Lee's Mills by steamboat.

My granddaughter and I spent a wonderful few hours looking at each boat, all different, and, unfortunately due to time considerations, had to pass up on several offers to take a ride.

This is a great gathering, and I thank all of them for coming to Lee's Mills, and I look forward to seeing them again next season.

I was at the rally both yesterday and today taking pictures and video. It is an amazing display of craftsmanship and ingenuity. I was fortunate enough to get rides on 2 steamboats yesterday and get on one for the parade today. I shot 2 hours of HD video but it will take a few days to edit together the highlights. I'll post some still shots later.

Here a few shots of the Steamboat Rally from PhotoPost. More to come.

This is Dave Thorpe, owner and builder of the steamboat Wicwas. Dave was kind enough to give me a ride and allow me to record some great HD video of him talking about the boat and how his custom made steam engine works. Editing all the clips together may take several days but it should be worth the wait.

checked them out
 

I went up to see the boats (and a couple of old cars) on Saturday. The parade was nice yesterday morning too.. my dock is a front row seat!

Really a very cool thing!

Missed it
 

I wish I had known I usually take my sons there to watch the parade. It's always fun .
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Steamboat Rally Video
 

Here's the first of my videos from the Steamboat Rally. I have 3 more I'm working on.

Very nice Don. Just like being there.

What old cars were there?

cars
 

a black Stanley steamer and something like a Reo from the early 1900's, in yellow, with wooden spoked wheels were there on Sat afternoon

2nd Wicwas Video
 

Here's the second video from my ride on the Wicwas. In this video builder Dave Thorpe describes how his steam engine works.

Absolutely Awesome Don...
 

Thank you for sharing this with us!!!!

The videos and sound are fantastic!!!! The best I've seen on the net so far!



Terry
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It sounds like you had a great time, Don. Thank you for the videos.

3rd Steamboat Video
 

Here's a video of my ride on the steamboat RAECAROL:

Wonderful stuff Don. Thats just a beautiful and majestic machine, isn't it?

Thanks for sharing Don. Nice job with the video.

Wonderful Videos Don! Thanks!!!
 

Perhaps you missed your calling in filmography? :D

About the Annual Lee’s Mills Steamboat Rally:

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo.../DSC_00503.JPG
From the Sunset Bob Gallery

Each September the town of Moultonborough sponsors the largest and longest meet in the world for steam launches. It lasts for about ten days.

On the first Sunday of the rally, a steamboat parade goes out into Moultonborough Bay.

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...m/100_4556.JPG
From the Webmaster Gallery

On the second Sunday of the meet, the parade goes into Green's Basin.

Usually the rally showcases 55 to 60 operating steamboats with several steam models on display.

It truly is a very unique, interesting and educational event. I highly recommend it.
You can really tell that the owners are very proud of their vessels and seem to enjoy sharing their hobby with the spectators.

Mark your calendars for next years 39th Annual Lee’s Mills Steamboat Rally
The dates should be September 9th – 18th.

Thanks again for the excellent videos Don!

Great videos! When I watched them I thought they were good enough to be a segment on Chronicle. Nice job!

4th Steamboat Video
 

Take a ride in the Steamboat Parade:

Fabulous videography!
 

I am grinning from ear to ear! Absolutely fabulous videography! Thanks, Don, for taking us all along on your steamboat adventures. I've always wanted to go see the rally and parade, but just never seem to have the opportunity. Now that I've seen these videos, I know that somehow, some way, next year I'm going!

5th Steamboat Video
 

Here is the final video from the Steamboat Rally (whew!). This video contains stills and a few video highlights. It also has musical background provided by a friend who wrote and performed it.

This year I've added 25 HD videos to our Youtube Channel and I have plans for lots more in the future. I've also added an identity to the Channel with the name TheLake.tv. Type that into your browser and you'll go directly to the videos.

Please visit our Channel and subscribe. When I reach a certain level of subscriptions and views Youtube will consider me a "partner" and allow for more branding and other features.