October 1, 2005

  • The Delta Queen...



    Making her first appearance in Ashland, Kentucky, on Sept. 25, 2005. I don't know how many times she's traveled this way, but I've been told this was the first time she docked in this town.



    She's a rare breed. Not many sternwheelers are on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. There are the Delta Queen, the America Queen, and the Mississippi Queen, operated by the Delta Queen Steamboat Company.



    That's how she gets around.



    Most boats have screw propellers. This one has a paddlewheel on her stern. Hence the term, sternwheeler.



    When the Queen comes to port, the steam-powered calliope sings her song, and it is heard for a long way off. People would know a ship was coming in, so they would run and greet her. She carriend not only passengers, but mail and other cargo.



    Can you imagine what it was like cruising the rivers on these magnificent ships? Makes you long for a simpler time, doesn't it?


    Here's information on planning your next vacation.


     

Comments (11)

  • Hahah, reminds me of the Maverick series, and movie. Gamblin' boats.

  • Yes...they are quite something! Thanks for sharing Jim!

  • I didn't know she was still sailing.

  • Much of my life has been spent somwhere near the Ohio river.  I was born in Maysville, Kentucky, and have lived in Ironton, Ohio, Cincinnati and Huntington, WV.  I've driven past Ashland many times, but never visited (except maybe when I was too young to remember).  I consider that part of the country my home, and look forward to living back there some time.  Unfortunately, my wife (who grew up in Huntington) can't get the kind of education and experience down there that will enable her to attain the highest in her chosen career (developmental biology).  I'm sure that once she's got her PhD and a few years of post-doc experience, she'll be prepared to apply for some research positions in the region (probably Cincinnati), but until then, we'll both be away from the place we call our real home.

    I'm not sure I'd like to live back in the days when the riverboats ruled the Ohio and the other great rivers of the Midwest and South.  It would be simpler in some ways, but also tougher to survive.  And the nation during the times of slavery and the Civil War would be a rough time to get through.

  • Long time ago, I met the VP of marketing for the Delta Queen steamboat company.  She sat next to me on an airplane and wore a pear shaped diamond the size of my right testicle.

  • Haha I come from the land of the General Jackson.
    ~V

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  • sternwheelers are my favorites. We have one here in our town that goes up and down the river, you can have lunch or dinner during the cruise on it if you want or just take the cruise.. I'l be doing that some day, I can't wait

    Is that the same boat that is haunted?

  • Thanks for sharing the pics Jim.  And I finally got the pics of  Talena and Dustin too (the ones you took are really good).

  • There are plans here for another fest for the paddle wheelers called Tall Stacks here in Cinci.  We attended the first in 1995 and I have photos somewhere but nothing like the photos I could have taken with my ditital cam if I had one at the time.  It is quite a site to see them all and the only thing I wish I had seen more was the bicentennial that included the tall ships.  Both are amazing and something most of us will never have opportunity to see.

    I have some good photos.  I will be anxious to get them all sorted and will get them to you as soon as I can. 

    We had a really nice time of it.  You are an excellent tour guide.  Thank you very much.

    Becca

  • Thanks for your caring comments and interest.  I hope to continue to check on you because I’ll always be interested in how things are going for you.  If you ever want to email me, my address is dixie27@bellsouth.net
     
    Sincerely,
    Kathy

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