The riverboat captain is a storyteller. Captain Don Sanders shares the stories of his long association with the river — from discovery to a way of love and life. This a part of a long and continuing story.
By Capt. Don SandersSpecial to NKyTribune
The Cincinnati River Roots celebration is about to be recorded in the history books today, following a spectacular week of festivities. Soon after a bout of thunder showers last Tuesday, the summer’s persistent heat dropped to more autumn-like temperatures more suited for October. Although Roots officially began this previous Wednesday, the show really started as soon as the steamboat NATCHEZ departed New Orleans, her hometown, bound for the Middle Ohio River.
Last Sunday’s column described the carrying on as the famed riverboat passed her namesake town, Natchez, Mississippi, with whistle hoots and old-timey tunes belting out on the recently-restored steam calliope. The calliope was once the pride of the Streckfus excursion Steamer SIDNEY, a celebrated steamboat that helped carry the jazz style of music out of New Orleans to audiences along the Mississippi River and beyond…