The paddleboat's final resting place

[pjflan7]

This was almost out of sight from the road along the Kentucky River, but I went down a business driveway and saw this sunken paddleboat anchored to the bank and oddly a dock walkway on the outside of it with private boats docked. It is apparent that this boat has been left to rot in the water. I seriously doubt anything will be done with it





I noticed the "launch" sign on the pole and chuckled at the thought given the sight in front of me


I thought that this was an odd combination.....Old Glory and Dixie sharing the same air space. Kentucky was more or less a border state but tended to side with the Confederacy given its agricultural economy. We still very much have an agricultural economy. In the country, from Kentucky and any point south, it is not too uncommon to see symbols of Confederate pride. Reasons for doing so are varied....it can be that the folks are racial bigots, maybe Klansmen....yeah, they're still around..., might have had relatives who fought as Confederates, might just be rednecks, Might be a rebellious statement against big government, sometimes it is just to recognize history.....you get all sorts of answers when you ask why Dixie flies at all. But like I said, strange to see them both together.
You might have noticed the snow...taken in late February.

[kathylee]

Originally Posted by pjflan7

This was almost out of sight from the road along the Kentucky River, but I went down a business driveway and saw this sunken paddleboat anchored to the bank and oddly a dock walkway on the outside of it with private boats docked. It is apparent that this boat has been left to rot in the water. I seriously doubt anything will be done with it





I noticed the "launch" sign on the pole and chuckled at the thought given the sight in front of me


I thought that this was an odd combination.....Old Glory and Dixie sharing the same air space. Kentucky was more or less a border state but tended to side with the Confederacy given its agricultural economy. We still very much have an agricultural economy. In the country, from Kentucky and any point south, it is not too uncommon to see symbols of Confederate pride. Reasons for doing so are varied....it can be that the folks are racial bigots, maybe Klansmen....yeah, they're still around..., might have had relatives who fought as Confederates, might just be rednecks, Might be a rebellious statement against big government, sometimes it is just to recognize history.....you get all sorts of answers when you ask why Dixie flies at all. But like I said, strange to see them both together.
You might have noticed the snow...taken in late February.

Beautiful but sad! Is strange to see both together! Love the angle of the 2nd pic. Nice colors too!

[Tryfan67]

What a shame to see that old boat like that I bet it looked quite impressive in its day. Nice set of shots.

[bradzo66]

Love the shots mate and the irony of the flags flying side by side , hoping you managed to remain in one piece as I hear yr State had some big tornados blow through , hope all is well .

[beachcomber]

Hi Patrick, what an interesting find, I like the inclusion of the flags in the final shot and can almost hear the last post being played as the flag is lowered. I take your point about my boat pics, and water and moorings, I guess your waterways are less/ not tidal. or perhaps the tide just doesn't rise and fall that much when you get so far up river. Great series of pictures with good composition, colour and charm, its sad to see another part of history potentionally being neglected and forgetten apart from by the fish.

beachcomber

[jack russell]

Nice series here Patrick .. It sure is sad to see such a demise to a beautiful craft ..

I can just imagine the the amount of drinking, singing & gambling that went on in there .. I wonder if they allowed that on the boat too ... lol

[teedlepeep]

Great find and great shots !! So sad to see that boat there among the newer ones that are being maintained

[angeleyes216]

Beautiful sharp colourful shots and i bet it was a great boat in her day...you did a really nice job and a lucky find.

[jakethepig]

What a shame for that old paddle boat. Someone should rescue it. Good job you have your camera to keep what is left foreve. These are excellent Patrick. I saw the big gambling boats on the Mississippi when I was over in St Louis. Love that last one too Patrick. This is great work my friend.

Jake.