The Delta Queen

On August 8, 2009, Anne and I spent the night aboard the Delta Queen here in Chattanooga as sort of a belated birthday present. The Delta Queen has long been a romantic icon of bygone days on America's rivers. The cabins were adequate -- we had a king-sized bed in the Illinois Stateroom. Air conditioning was adequate and certainly necessary in the 95 degree heat. The evening's festivities included a dinner and show. Dinner was a choice of grouper or steak tenderloin and both were very good. The show was a trio of brothers playing old-time bluegrass - not memorable.

That day downtown there had been a convention of antique Ford owners from all over the Southeast.They even had a race downtown that included quite a climb on one city street. Most of that group also spent the night aboard the Delta Queen. A friendly, raucous, happy group. Dinner seating was random and we ate with a couple who live about three miles from us! It was an enjoyable evening.I think the guest total was about 105 for that night. Dinner service was a little slow but admirable and the included Sunday breakfast buffet was outstanding. In keeping with old riverboat traditions, Anne and I played a couple of games of Gin Rummy in the Grand Salon and at last count I owe her $1200.00! :-) Pictures can be seen here: http://picasaweb.google.com/jamesalandrum/DeltaQueen?authkey=Gv1sRgCOLQks-NvsnQ9wE#

All in all, the evening was a wonderful success and we very much enjoyed it. We weren't too excited about ever taking an extended cruise on the old gal, however. We were both surprised that she was not nearly as large as we had pictured. She was built in 1926 in Stockton, California. For a little more detail, see the Delta Queen or to listen to --some cool music

She is moored here until, hopefully, such time as Congress grants another exemption to the laws prohibiting wooden superstructure boats from carrying overnight passengers. For now, she provides just another attraction in downtown Chattanooga, a city of constant music, museums, entertainment, great food, and numerous other local attractions.

Life is good in Dixie.