More Blue Paint on the Columbia River

Becky and I got back last week from a quick 4 day cruise on Empress of the North on the lower Columbia River. The Corps of Engineers had to work on the locks up river for a few weeks so the Majestic America Line (MAL) replaced two 7 days trips with 2 five day and 1 four day trip. We tried the 4 day to see how MAJ was doing on the Columbia River. The Queen of the West was taken out of service for a while doubling up their passengers with the Empress of the North. When the Queen of the West will reappear on the Columbia River is unknown. Consequently the Empress was very full. It is a beautiful boat inside and out. We had a wonderful time. The Alaska trip on this boat would be a great trip. Back to the blue paint. When we docked at Washougal, Washington, the Queen of the West was tied up next to us. It was being extensively rehabed. Also, lots of blue paint was being applied to the railings who knows where else. The one yound lady painting the railings in the rain had more blue paint on her that on the rails. We will keep open minds on all the blue paint until we see the final products. In looking back over various steamboat photos over the years, the extensive white paint with some red accents and paddlewheel seem to look the best to us. They look like real boats instead of maybe a cartoon creation. But will shall see. Besides the blue paint can still be repainted white down the road. More on the Empress of the North trip to follow. No blue paint on the Empress yet.