So long, Delta Queen

After 40-some years of having cameras, from a Kodak Instamatic to a digital SLR, this could be the final photo I take of the Delta Queen on the Ohio River:

It was taken at old Lock and Dam 27 in Lawrence County.

As I stood on the old lockwall watching the boat go by, before walking up the hill and snapping this shot, I got to thinking about John Hartford.

I just want to hear steam.

And I want to feel wind.

And see the Pitman arm come around again.

That muddy water

Never quite runs clear

When I try to give a reason

Why I want to be here.

Ain't you got no family,

No place to be?

Out on the river

On Christmas Eve.

(The Pitman arm is the big thing that turns the sternwheel, by the way).

The above photo was taken after sunset. I was losing light, and I knew there was no reason to head down to the next place where I could shoot.

Earlier, I was up on County Road 9 between Miller and Crown City and got this shot.

And I got this one from the boat ramp at Athalia.

As I crossed the East End bridge heading home, I saw the Delta Queen coming down the river. By coincidence, my CD player was playing this tune from the first "Lord of the Rings" movie:

When the seas and mountains fall

And we come, to end of days

In the dark I hear a call

Calling me there,

I will go there

And back again

Maybe the Delta Queen will be back.

If so, I'll probably be there.