The BilgeWater Trips
Overnight to Rising Sun, Indiana City Dock.
There is a little used dock in Rising Sun, Indiana (mile marker 500 approx. (open to transit boaters. But it's one that BilgeWater likes. By boat, it's an easy two hour trip from the Cincinnati area, even going at dead slow speed through the bridge area of downtown Cincinnati, a speed we suggest day or night in this congested water.
After clearing Ludlow Bromley resturant docks, you can open the throttles and enjoy a wide river with little traffic. It's even easy to pass the tow barges with plenty of room. The first "be aware" is the Anderson Ferry boat that transports passenger cars from Ohio to Kentucky. We're lucky to be on the water rather than commuting home from work or driving hours to a southern lake.
Then it's sit back and enjoy the varied shoreline. The next landmark is the tall stacks of the power generators just up river of the Great Miami River. Mrs. BilgeWater always wanted to try to go up that waterway, perhaps someday by dinghy. Just beyond, is the I-275 bridge. It's a majestic structure, and again wonder if the truckers and commuters might be envious of us as we glide carefree on the water while they're trying to make miles just to get there. Our mode of transportation is so much more fun and relaxing.
As we round the bend, we see the Argosy Casino (sorry, you have to keep your distance) and the picture perfect city of Aurora, Indiana. The white church steeple makes you think you are on a New England waterway, but we'll pass this town today.
The shore line flattens out now and we check out the fuel price on the sign next to the creek leading to Lighthouse Point Yacht Club. Then on past a private island taking the main channel on the Kentucky side, to see the waterfront town of Rising Sun.
Your tempted to pull along the shoreline where the stone bank begins, but beware, until you get close to the stadium seating, the water is fairly shallow. Cut in after the grand gazebo.
But then you see the city ramp next to the painted "Rising Sun" on the bank and a brand new dock parallel to the shoreline. There is plenty of depth on the inside and good padding, Throw out some fenders as the passing tows can produce a wake to rock you asleep at night. There is a sign on shore advising overnight guest to register via a phone call to the local police. We wondered if there was a fee, but were told by the officer that it was for security purposes. They would stop by occasionally to check on you. In fact the morning duty officer came down the dock to "see how we slept" as he had passed by us several times during the night. His discrete light making sure we tied up securely and no body was "fooling around" to disturb our sleep. That was nice to know. And if your boat is not 'fully equipped" there is a very well maintained public restroom in the center of town, great for that morning walk with a thermos full of coffee.
So what's in town? Well, food, arts and crafts, and boating history! We enjoy walking the main drag to see what new artists are working in their shops. Check out the harp factory, the guitar factory (more on this later) and the mall of artist. Ok, we stopped at a pub or two to receive a pint to keep the walking stamina up.
Then off to the town historical museum to see the fastest boat on the river. Got your attention didn't I?
Try this you high horsepower boats. Start in Cincinnati, get to Louisville and back , 267 miles in 267 minutes. That's an average of 60 mph. Hoosier Boy did this in October 1924. This record still stands! You'd think that when he established this record that he would stop and receive his accolades. But no! He had holed his hull and if he came off plane, his boat would take on water, so it was back to Rising Sun to put the boat on shore. Check it out and Hoosier Girl too.
Hungry? Head for dinner at the Courthouse Inn. Good food, fun staff. Share plenty of good grog with the unofficial mayor Monty at his pub down under. Then after dinner, weather permitting, head to the back courtyard with water pond, to listen to music.....remember the guitar maker in town...he's the headliner, and is talented to playing music to fit the crowd. He'll play down at Monty's pub if the weather if gloomy.
Ok, full day, back to the boat. And the walk along the river is majestic. The path is well lit, and the fountain is magnificent. But alas we're back at the boat, still secure and well protected. Just a few townies on the bench above you talking about their dog, or crops, or hunting, or the new pickup truck. Some families with their pup walking the groomed stadium cut shoreline. And of course, some romantic couples sharing the river scenery of the river.
Oops! We forgot to walk to the Grand Victoria Casino to win big bucks to buy a bigger boat.....oh well, next time.
See you on the water,
BilgeWater |
