Topic starter
10/05/2011 9:31 pm
After a LONG rest, the Belle eagerly pushed away from the wharf this morning and plied the river to the satisfaction of the Coast Guard! She'll make her debut tomorrow with a throng of young school children to entertain once more!
10/05/2011 10:53 pm
HOORAY & HALLELUJAH!
Great news Dan! Now that the Ohio is quickly returning to normal pool and the BELLE is back in operation, steamboating season is OFFICIALLY open! It will be great to again see the BELLE passing the museum and I hope y'all will blow us a whistle and perhaps tootle a tune on the callyope now and then -- especially since you have a new and talented young deckhand on there this season who can play that thang!
Folks, this is the year we celebrate 200 YEARS of STEAMBOATING! Be sure to take part in this bicentennial by riding a steamboat while you still can!
HAPPY STEAMBOATING!
Topic starter
12/05/2011 12:34 am
Thank you Keith! I heard some months ago Matt's interest in working on the Belle this season. He started with us yesterday, getting involved in our inspection process. I didn't have a chance to talk to him 'til today, but I'm glad he's able to work with us. Now, if I could only get him back in the engine room...
12/05/2011 3:21 am
He's everywhere...
He'll be back there, Chief. He worked in the NATCHEZ' engine room and in the deck crew, and as watchman, and as relief relief calliope player...
12/05/2011 4:50 pm
For what it is worth, I can testify to his calliope playing skills. He gets my seal of approval on those talents!
12/05/2011 6:44 pm
A working summer
Lest some people get the wrong idea from our comments, this summer's job on the BELLE is that for Matt - a job. It will be a great learning experience for him, and the BELLE will benefit from his hard work, inquisitiveness, and versatility. While we have commented about his calliope playing, this position on the BELLE is certainly no Kalliope Kapers Kamp. I'm sure he'll find his way to the keyboard, but he's going to be busy as a deckhand, first and foremost.
12/05/2011 8:29 pm
Judy,
So true! My statement was just my testimonial for him. We all realize this is a very important learning experience for him to hone his skills for the future of steamboating. I am sure he will come away from this both educated and very happy with the experience. There is a lot to learn on the deck of a steamboat...I have been there myself. Many of life's lessons come from the guidance of a good Mate. The BELLE has a fine staff of those...not to mention the rest of the Officers he will have at his disposal to learn all about the fine art of steamboating.
12/05/2011 9:17 pm
Thanks yall for your wonderful comments. I have already had a great time with the boat and the staff, and it's only been three days. And yes, while I may find myself opening up that cabinet on the Texas Deck some time, it will be after my duties as a deckhand are completed. I am a deckhand first and foremost, and since I'm on the 'bottom of the ladder' there, I must do what's required of me before I can tickle the ivories (well, brass on that boat!).