Rollin' On The River

Styx  : Come Sail Away; The Styx Anthology  : 'Come Sail Away'  <----Click

This afternoon on my drive to meet my step-mom Rita for lunch, I was treated to a wonderful sight.  I have been waiting for weeks for this, and today I was rewarded.  Every Tuesday, the steam boat Queen of the West docks at the Port of Clarkston on her journey from Portland along the Columbia and  Snake Rivers. 

Steam boats play a significant role in Lewiston's history.  Before the railroads made it to Lewiston in 1898, it was the steam boats that delivered needed supplies and mail.  But the steam boats of those days were not always reliable, and rarely kept to a schedule.

As they say, you've come a long way, baby!

Is she not a beautiful sight?  I really wanted to get some up close shots, but the lack of a ticket prevented me from accessing the dock.  :( 

I had a few minutes to spare, so I jumped at the chance.  For weeks I've been wanting to get some photos of her, but I always forgot my camera.  Then the locks down river were closed for a couple of weeks...and so I waited.  But I was all smiles today.  Every time I see her it takes me back to my high school days, and I remember reading The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain.  Seeing this boat now, well, she just has that affect on me.

I've actually entertained the idea of taking this cruise, even though I've already seen most of the scenery (not all of it, but most of it).  But one look at the cost put that thought right out of my head.  I thought the cruise to Alaska was spendy...oh no.  Compared to this cruise, it was a bargain, all things considered.

You know, when you see signs like these, it just makes you wonder.  Did sneaking livestock onboard become a problem?  Guess you just can't trust those skateboarding sheep.  And watch out for those horses and bicycles...they can be a dangerous combination (this I know, first hand).   ;)

Welcome to the wild, wild West!!!