Nestled in a sixty-mile stretch of the St. Lawrence River between Northern New York and Southeast Ontario is an area that has been known to the native people for many thousands of years as Manitoana, or Garden of the Great Spirit.

Later, it became known to the French explorers as Les Mille Isles, and today, it is simply called the Thousand Islands.

It is here, more than anywhere else along its 1200-mile journey to the sea, where the St. Lawrence reaches its pinnacle of achievement. It is wide, deep, clear and pristine, teeming with wildlife and scenery that rivals any river in the world.

It is an area of wondrous natural beauty and it captures the hearts of those who are fortunate enough to become its prisoner.

Journey with the author from the 1950s on and share in his enthusiasm of being raised on the River in Alexandria Bay, New York.

From the early fishing escapades as a young boy to eerie interludes with ghostly reminders of an ancient island past, you'll quickly feel a part of the excitement and wonder of growing up in and on the River.

The post-World War II years finds a once elite abode of the rich and famous struggling to find its new place among the emerging tourist destinations of the northeast.

Everyone should experience a dose of the River and Islands as an integral part of their earthly trek through life. If you haven't been there in years, it's time to go back. If you've never been there, this may be the harbinger of a tantalizing experience that waits for your call.

If you were raised on the River, you'll understand...and you'll quickly rekindle an appreciation of what the author brings to mind. Discover and rediscover the awe and wonder of the Garden of the Great Spirit.