Delta Queen Christmas Cards

As the holidays creep up on us, many of us flash back to wonderful holiday memories on the river. Well, with no riverboats running this holiday season, at least you can retain a bit of that wonderful nostalgia in your Christmas cards.

A true Delta Queen legend, Karen “Toots” Maloy has developed a lovely series of handmade Delta Queen Christmas Cards. I thought these were so cute, I just had to put a link here on the blog. If you’d like to see all the available colors and variations, to visit her website, click here.

Of course, for a great holiday gift idea, don’t forget the musical CD Laura and I produced that musically chronicles the boat’s amazing history. To listen to samples of the CD, click here.

 

Stopped by the Delta Queen

Traveling from Knoxville down to Atlanta, we passed through Chattanooga and stopped by to check in on the old gal. The Delta Queen rests comfortably there at Coolidge Park and has been decorated for the autumn. The boat looks great and business is beginning to pick up. We continue to wish the best for the Delta Queen Hotel venture as they serve as the best caretakers we can realistically hope for at this time.

If you’re ever passing through the Chattanooga area, stop in for a drink or to stay the night. For their website, click here.

We met with Leah Ann Ingram, the new managing partner, and we are discussing possibilities for our eventual return to the boat to continue the Riverboat Entertainment tradition. Keep your fingers crossed!

 

Where have we been? Getting married!!!

I’m sure some of you were wondering why I have taken a bit of a hiatus from the DQ blog. Well…Laura and I got hitched on August 10! We had an incredibly beautiful wedding in the Columbia River Gorge (just can’t get too far away from a river!) and it was attended by our families and some of our dearest friends. Even some old steamboat entertainers such as Norman Bergan, Mark Cotter, Jennifer Neiderloh, Eric Hadley, Fred Bishop, Rick Lewis, Jeff Siri, Ken Anoe and Christopher Dean were on hand to witness our nuptials. We’ve been traveling ever since the wedding on a tour for Holland America that has taken us from Hawaii to England, so the first months of our wedded life have been a whirlwind. Thanks for being patient as we have taken time to catch our breath from our wonderful adventures. More Delta Queen posts to come…

 

I know I’m behind!

My apologies to my faithful readers. Things have been so crazy busy here that I have not posted as I should.

I will let you know that I have been taking photographs and making frequent notes in my notebook. I will get these written up and posted soon.

In short, things are going well. Laura and I are performing a variety of entertainment programming from 4:30 to around 10 each night Tuesdays through Saturdays. Days have been busy with meetings, family visiting, planning a wedding, etc.

Our contract here ends July 25. If you’re anywhere nearby, please come down and visit, see one of our shows, and stay overnight if you can. We’d love to see you before we head out to get married!

All the best to all you river and steamboat fans. I’ll update you on the details of the Delta Queen hotel operations soon.

 

Article

Here’s the next Chattanooga Times Free Press installment: CLICK HERE.

 

Final Finished With Engine

I have so much more to share about the journey. I just need a few days to transcribe my notes and wrap up the business around here.

Eric Hadley has filmed many other terrific segments that will take just a few days to get edited and uploaded. Check back soon.

But for those of you hopeful for an update, here is a powerful one.

After docking at her new home at Chattanooga’s beautiful Coolidge Park, many of us gathered in the Engine Room. Captain Finley finally made the call and gave the signal. Here is the video I shot on my little camera of the final ring on the Engine Order Telegraph to signal Finished With Engine. Many tears were shed and hugs were shared.

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We all are hopeful that the old DQ will fire up and cruise again. We are glad to hear that her engines will be inspected regularly by Chief Fred to verify her wellbeing. But it was incredibly powerful to stand there with fellow crewmembers and realize that we might be witnessing the end of a chapter of American history. I am so proud that I served aboard this vessel and that I experienced this very special place and the people that helped make her great.

Now the Delta Queen shifts to a new chapter in her career. I am thankful that she will be cared for and that she will be open to the public. Perhaps another generation will yet have the opportunity to come aboard and learn about the incredible adventures of the Delta Queen and the significance of steamboat history to America.

-END-

 

Wilson Lock Transit

Eric Hadley shot and produced this incredible time-lapse video of the lockage through the Wilson Lock, which was about 97 feet at this stage. Really cool! Enjoy.

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Fri 12:15pm – Mile 117 above Mobile

Just passed marker 117 as we went through the first of 12 locks on our way up to the Tennessee River. Weather is great. Water level is good. This is a very rural and a lovely stretch of river. Lots of work going on aboard. Cleaning, polishing, etc. to prepare the boat. The DQ looks terrific. She’s in wonderful shape and there is much love being given to her by a crew of both professionals and many volunteers.

More to come as internet service allows.

 

Across the Intercoastal Waterway

Here’s our next installment crossing the Intercoastal Waterway.

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Stay tuned

 

Delta Queen prepares to depart New Orleans

Here’s the first in our series of videos documenting the Delta Queen’s journey from New Orleans to Chattanooga.

Video produced by Eric Hadley and Bill Wiemuth. Special thanks to Mike Gentry for playing the banjo for us on this cold morning. Mike has a terrific CD of river songs. I’ll post his contact info soon. Also, special thanks to Toots Maloy for all her help.

Stay tuned for more!

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