Topic starter
22/05/2008 8:31 pm
Legends of the River - I must admit that Majestic did a good job of this fine tribute to the Delta Queen. Among the full complement of passengers (some were guest presenters) were 97 repeaters. Lectures and presentations were very well attended and the exemption was frankly and clearly discussed. There was a unanimous feeling of frustration but also a determination to succeed in getting the exemption passed. The guest presenters included Jane Greene with her usual humorous and far too short talk, Jerry Sutphin, writer and producer of "Tested by Time to Become a Legend" with additional clips and cutting room footage of the documentary, Lew Hankin as Mark Twain, Cathy Barton and Dave Para and their marvelous music, Laura Sable with her delightful voice and personality, and Bill Wiemuth pulling it all together as river historian. These folks were in addition to the onboard entertainers Traci Vaugh, Jim Braet, Bob Stevens, Bobby Durham and the band and of course Mary Charlton as Discovery Guide.
The first few days were rainy but didn't dampen spirits. Our wonderful deck hands had to work even harder than usual since the Ohio was so high it covered tie off rings. They were practically swimming in a couple ports - you already know we were not docked as usual in Paducah due to the high water.
Some changes - no hot dogs, no moonlight buffet, no engine room visits, repeater reception was for repeaters only this time. I think the food was better with empasis on southern cooking. Less choice of desserts but bread pudding every night.
In both Pittsburgh and Maysville the Delta Queen hosted city officials for a tribute to those ports for their years of welcome. I understand all ports will eventually be honored this season. It was great to see Barb Hameister in Maysville as well.
All passengers were given a CD "Life and Times of the Steamboat Delta Queen", a travel log nicely illustrated, and commemorative coins and lapel pins. In addition all Moms received a red rose on Mother's Day.
Sorry this is so long and isn't nearly complete. We had a lovely trip, met some great people, enjoyed wonderful speakers and entertainment, and came away with renewed determination to do all we can to help keep this magic boat on our rivers.
Long Live the Delta Queen!
Ginnie Rhynders
22/05/2008 10:13 pm
Really nice report Ginnie...I just read it to Deb and she's muttering under her breath but my hearing aid is picking it up: We should have been there.... Did you two win the repeaters with most cruises?
We're really looking forward to seeing you and Ralph in August. The August 19th trip is going to be like old home week, so many people that we love/haven't seen since the last time we were on the Legendary One, huge hugs and great conversation all around. New York, California, Missouri, Florida, Texas, and Ohio hugs. And of course, the DQ wouldn't be the DQ without seeing you and Ralph at least once a year onboard. You call me and David "young whippersnappers" once again and this year will be complete...
And people ask me what is so special about that old boat? Indeed! Absolutely priceless...
And I had forgotten about the engine room visit policy change. The visits were also verboten on the American Queen in March...
23/05/2008 4:46 am
Excellent report! It makes me wish I was there, even moreso!
I've always wanted to sit down with a river historian and pick his/her brain; America's rivers, I feel, are an important part of our history and culture, and one which has been largely ignored by the masses.
The festivities at the various ports sound good, too. Hopefully they will do one in Nashville -- and let members of the public, like me, take a once-in-a-lifetime tour of the boat. It would certainly create a lot of support for saving her. I'm sure that many non-Delta Queen riders would join the cause if they could experience her for only a few minutes.
I'm going to check with them about possibly being a presenter myself. That's what I do in real life, when I'm not teaching. I've had 17 books published and I lecture extensively at libraries, universities, and similar places. My specialty is folklore and ghost stories. If I could only tie the Delta Queen and regional ghost stories together, I would probably get to ride her at last (instead of sitting on the river bank taking pictures haha).
I wasn't aware that they served a midnight buffet, but I'm sorry they stopped. It sounds right up my alley, as do the engine room visits.
I'm glad you had a great time on your trip; please keep up the support!
23/05/2008 6:15 am
NO ENGINE ROOM VISITS???? AAAAUGH!!!!
That's one of my favorite things! Also the midnight snacks!
Boy, if they even THINK about doin' something with the bread pudding. . . .
Linda says, "NO, we aren't cancelling! OK, but gee--I'm gonna have to start a letter-writing campaign to get engine room trips back.
S'
David D.