This is a photo of a New
Orleans steamboat that I shot in the spring of 95. The towboat crew
and I were just coming out of the Industrial Locks in New Orleans
when we were met with the sight of this grand boat. It's brightness
on the river overpowered that of downtown New Orleans and the the GNO
bridge located right behind it. I remember hearing the sound of jazz
and every few seconds the laughter of people off the reflection of
the water. When a Mississippi steamboat cruises by, every riverman
stops to gaze in awe of it's magnificence. It's been like that for
over a hundred years and still holds true today.
I've crossed paths with steamboats all up
and down the Mississippi like the mighty American Queen shown behind me. As the steamboat passed with many of its passengers on deck, I did a dance with one work glove on and a mop to entertain them. They really enjoyed it. They were so far away that all I could see were the white smiles across their faces. Whenever a steamboat passed our tow, it was like a few minutes of paradise riding by. A reminder that made you forget about the hard work and being in the middle of nowhere. I would always have dreams of someday riding on one.
continue
