Topic starter
08/07/2012 6:00 pm
If you haven't done so already, go to the Rafter Clyde Facebook page and become a friend. Capt. Don Sanders has been giving us a wonderful riverman's perspective of the Upper Mississippi and lower Ohio Rivers as he and his faithful sidekick Everett bring the CLYDE from Alma Wisconsin to her new home in Aurora Indiana. This is day 35 of the journey, and Don's photography is trumped only by his historical notes and anecdotes of their adventures. Hopefully it will become a book and/or dvd eventually.
11/07/2012 8:25 pm
Our local news station did a story on the Mighty Rafter CLYDE and her crew's journey over these past weeks. Hopefully the link works.
11/07/2012 11:35 pm
That Capt. Don Sanders knows how to work the media, he got far more TV coverage than the American Queen did while in Cincy. What worries me is what happened to that fine black mustache, did the stress of this adventure turn it all white?? Also what about the SUNFISH??
12/07/2012 12:08 am
What a Ride Aboard the RAFTER CLYDE!
Indeed, Capt. Don's daily postings of fabulous photographs and expert information was the best river travelogue I've ever seen! It couldn't have been done any better by a professional media company! As Ruth Ferris used to say, it was like "catnip" to river people! I felt as if I were right there on deck for the entire journey as it unfolded aboard the RAFTER CLYDE -- and what a ride it was! THANKS!
Topic starter
12/07/2012 4:02 am
They're home!
Latest posting shows the CLYDE reposing at the Aurora Indiana dock. Now to get started on that book...
12/07/2012 2:49 pm
Hear hear!
What a great book it could be! Not to mention the speaking engagements he should get to tell this story to people. I mean, who else gets to live the life of Huck Finn on his own boat like that? I'd pay to hear the whole story in person!
14/07/2012 2:57 am
CLYDE.'s New Home
Thanks everyone for the kind comments. It was SOME adventure, and each "challenge" was met with success making the boat and crew better for the experience. Each time the trip seemed to be in jeopardy, someone came forward with just the right help needed. We called these wonderful folks, "CLYDE.'s Angels". Without them, the C. would still be someone other than snugly at home on the Middle Ohio River. Regrettably, most of the Angels are unnamed, but the memories of their contributions remain as clear as the day when they suddenly appeared to render assistance.
During a "mini-typhoon", coming out of McAlpine Lock, my greatest concern was for the log book of the CLYDE. in the book rack in the pilothouse. With each increasing blow, I made sure the book was safe and dry, for it contained the entries for each day, and written in water-soluble ink as sold at Hallmark's these days. Much to my relief, the 35 HP paddlewheeler shoved its shoulder into the storm and emerged without a whimper at the same time towboats with loads were experiencing concerns over the marine radio.
Bill, I learned that self-promotion, or "ballyhoo" from the best... Captain Wagner and Betty Blake. It was expected of each of us, back then, to know how to promote the DELTA QUEEN, and it was a lesson that I have capitalized on many times since Cap and Betty "taught me the ropes". The CLYDE. must go on the ways this coming week for a "marine survey". The insurance company called the CLYDE. an "unusual" vessel. I have called Washington Marine, Cincinnati, and they seem to be accommodating... now I need a surveyor. Bill, can you please give me a call? 859-445-XXXX.
The "big, black mustache" has become prematurely grey after only 70 years.... and I worry about my flagship, the SUN*FISH. I would like to bring her up here, but if I had my "druthers", I would druther be on the Tennessee.
Maybe something will come out of this trip in some written form... what I'd really love is a sponsor to enable CLYDE. to make various trips of the inland waterways and for them to be recorded in whatever fashion. I'm ready for the next ride....
22/11/2012 2:34 pm
CLYDE.'s New FB Webpage
The CLYDE. has opened a second Facebook, Rafter Clyde II, webpage to alleviate problems caused by technical FB high-jinx. The new page also contains many of the 4,000 photos, etc. from "Willie & Buster's Whirlwind Tour of the World" collection of river and boat stuff.
Please see:
Rafter Clyde II - Aurora, IN - Ausbildung | Facebook