BIRTHDAY

Aug. 3, 2010---Alternating engines in reverse to move the stern back and forth to get free from the sand. Called the lock and learned they would get the short chamber ready. This is the first time our guests have experienced a lock.

Notice, before starting the day trip, Steph is helping the blogger.




Approaching Meldahl lock and dam at mile 436.2




In the lock chamber Max learned how to hold the line secure.

Steph observed the activity from the flybridge.


Todd & Max keeping Dream Manor against the wall.

At mile 427 the small town of Augusta, Kentucky has a great public dock.




Fine looking crew!

Walked three blocks to the Parkview Country Inn. Found this to be a wonderful place to eat. Service was great and the buffet was like a home cooked meal with lots of variety. Desserts were terrific!



Augusta is home of the 2000 Miss America.

After eating we looked in the store next door. "Beads & More" had a lot of neat things on display. Sign on the door was especially fun.




Rosemary Clooney House.

Rosemary died in 2002. She was George Clooney's aunt.

After a visit to Augusta we went back down the Ohio River and through the Meldahl Lock. The guests have not had the anchoring experience so we chose a location about 1/2 mile below the lock not far from where we had beached the boat. Dropped the anchor and began swinging on the hook.

Decorated for Maryann's birthday. Some balloons and streamers created a festive atmosphere.

Two cakes. One with candles showing 29 and holding. (wishful thinking) . Thanks to Ron Friends for the cake with the low numbers.

The other cake with true information.

Max helped Grandma blow out the candles.

Maryann and Todd still eating!

Total travel today 25.9 miles in 3.8 hours. A fine day trip for the "birthday girl" and guests.

SAND

Aug. 2, 2010---BB found a friend in Max.

BB was very excited about the opportunity to play in sand for the first time! ( Over two years without a potty break)

Steph and Max were also playing in the sand.

This view gives an idea of the length of this sandy beach on the Kentucky side of the river. It extends for about a mile just below the Meldahl Lock and Dam.

Good deed of the day! The crew combed the beach cleaning up trash. Two large bags were filled to capacity.

Todd and Steph took time out to enjoy the woods.

Took a ride in the "Little Dreamer". Mother ship looks good as the sunset created a glow.

Happy crew. Allen, Max, Maryann and Steph.

The dinghy ride was our chance to investigate a tunnel that we had spotted from the Dream Manor on our trip up the Ohio River. An eerie feeling dominated the group as we passed through the tunnel and under the bridge located on the Kentucky side. Due to the shallow depth and hazards in the water it was necessary to assign Max to be the oarsman as seen in the video below.

It was a creepy adventure. The rope in the tree caused one to wonder about banjo music. With barely enough room to turn around it was clear that a quick retreat was not possible. The high steep banks were of concern. A flash flood would be terrifying.

A sliver of light could be seen coming thru the tunnel as Keith watched the bank for critters.

Max is learning to handle the dinghy on the trip back to the mother ship.

Todd and Steph showing obvious signs of relief and pleasure that the venture was a success.



Just for info the tunnel is a railroad bridge and then a highway bridge located by the small town of Foster Kentucky.

SOFT LDG

Aug. 1, 2010---Steph (Keith & Maryann's daughter), Todd (Steph's close friend) and Max (Keith & Maryann's grandson) flew into Kentucky/Cincinnati airport last night to join us on the Dream Manor. Good thing captain Max is paying attention to the driving as Steph & Todd are looking elsewhere. Traveling up the Ohio River. Leaving Manhatten Harbour for a couple of days while they dredge out the slips.

Town of New Richmond at mile 450.

Dock centered around the Skipper's River Cafe.

Stopped for lunch.

Dream Manor can just barely be seen in the background to the right of this fun flag.

After lunch we took a walk on the frontage street of New Richmond.

This historic town was founded in 1814.

WW II memorial.

WW I memorial. This small town has certainly put out a good effort to honor the fallen who played such an important part in making America a free country.

A large gauge to monitor the level of the Ohio River during floods.






This old structure was built in 1898. Several business are located in the building now. Carol enjoyed finding a road runner at Mr. Grim's to add to her collection.

Citizens of New Richmond participated in the Undergound Railroad movement.

Steph enjoys maneuvering the Dream Manor up the Ohio.




Dream Manor waited near the cafe as we made the sight-seeing walk in New Richmond.

Traveled 30 miles today in a casual 4.7 hours. Made a soft landing on a nice sandy beach about one mile below the Meldahl Lock and Dam at mile 437. I called it a "soft landing" because that is the term boaters use when they land on the beach. The firm bump was a bit startling to some of the passengers!

Once the walkway was extended to the sand it did not take long for everyone to get in the water.

Writing in the sand!

Max got up his nerve and jumped from the aft platform, Looks good in the airborne start.

As the sunset we all reflected on a great day.