What a joy it was to be on the DQ for her 75th birthday bash. She looks so gorgeous that words would never serve her the justice she deserves. The staff have worked so hard to get her ready for all of her beloved friends and it shows. I have never seen the ironwood flooring look so beautiful. But the best part was to see all of the loving faces of the crew. Capt. Mike, Buford and Amy, Patrick, Teresa, Al, Mo, Lionel, William, Eric and so many more.
Richard Stephens and Tony Martinez from Delaware North were treated with the typical steamboating love and I know they were surprised by all of us. But by the end of the 3 days if there was any doubt in their minds as to why we all love these boats it was deminished. They could feel the devotion as to why all of us and the crew all fought so hard to save these wonderful boats.
It was amazing to meet Doc Hawley and Jane Green. And to listen to their stories. The staff from the office-David Simmons, Barbara Bursch, Tom Hook, Tom Carmen (these were the ones I knew) came aboard to send us off and there were flowers that were sent by some of the staff on MQ. It was also great to meet people from this message board, Sam and Becky, Pat, and Judy.
Dad and I can hardly wait until we are back on her in Oct.
Love was abounding and I'm so glad that Dad and I were a very special part of it.
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