Life on the Mississippi River with David Estrada

2001 archive


Dan Jones	St. Jude's Secret	31/Dec/2001:11:00:24
Great site! Very informative and interesting.

VICKEN	PIANIST	28/Dec/2001:10:46:56
HIIIIII JUST I WANT TO TELL YOU SOMTHING I LOVE THIS SITE (L)

diana		15/Dec/2001:15:17:41
ya rule dude

emmett c. crowe		10/Dec/2001:02:03:28
i've been decking almost three years and belive you should show some more boat pics but aside from that your site was great

Michael Morris		29/Nov/2001:17:18:21
Pretty neat site. I've been working on the river for just over three years, am 24 years old, and a deckineer. I hope to make an engineer someday in the near future, and plan on retiring on the river. I don't know exactly what it is, but something keps calling me back every trip, it's that cool. John Esser of the Sternwatch website is a crewmember on my boat. He has a good site also. Thanks. Possum

chadwick earl james		27/Nov/2001:22:07:04

mwalker		27/Nov/2001:19:37:37
David: Thank you for taking the time to share your love of the river. Mwalker

Joey May		26/Nov/2001:22:37:35
Been a towboat Cap/pilot for 27 years and my company had a big lay off August 1, 2001. It got me so I've enjoyed being home but still miss the river. Have traveled the Tennessee River quite a bit. Guntersville lost a good ole river man last week, Howard Powell died at the age of 77. He will be missed. Great web site.

ANN CRUM		25/Nov/2001:10:03:14
I AM LOOKING FOR A CAPTIAN ON THE TENNESSEE RIVER THAT WORKED FOR TENNESSEE SAND AND GRAVEL ,SHEFFIELD, AL. HIS NAME IS ERNEST HOMER"MUTT" CRUM. HE ALSO HAD A BROTHER THAT WORKED FOR THEM BUT, GOT KILLED ON THE RIVER IN A FREAK ACCIDENT. ANYONE OUT THERE CAN HELP ME ,I'D GRATLY APPRECIATE IT.HIS BROTHERS NAME WAS JEFF.( MUTT AND JEFF IN THE COMIC BOOKS)

Brother Dear		21/Nov/2001:23:16:45
hey sis. I talked to Mom and relayed the information. I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving. I talked to Angela too. I hope to see you soon! - Brother Dear

Douglass Suehr		21/Nov/2001:12:44:49

James W. Bond III		19/Nov/2001:11:29:25
I'm 25, been in industrial electricity for about 4 years now. I am also in the national guard. I enjoy challenge -&- adventure. I am divorced. I live in N.E. Tennessee. A friend of mine moved from here to Missippi a few years ago and started working the barges. He came back about a year ago and he started telling me about the river life. Needless to say I became very interested. I got the number of the company that he worked at and put in for a job. I have been trying to find out more about the river boat life and found your web site. I am very interested in working barges. If you have any advice or tips please e-mail me. I would appreciate it very much.

Sammy Hull		17/Nov/2001:13:30:34
I'm a fleet mate on the upper Miss., been at it for 4 years now. I've worked my tail off -&- continue to do so for Upper River Services. I started in '98 on the Mary J,boy was I green, 6 months later "they" made me a lead man on the Becky Sue. It goes to show that hard work -&- being true to your, self can still pay off. The next year it was the J.L. Flemming "a great M/V I might add" and now I'm back on the Becky Sue. This last spring I managed to go -&- break my wrist, by checking down some barges into the fleet. 9 weeks later the cast FINALLY came off. Man I missed every aspect of being back on "my" boat or any other for that matter. My wrist still hurts after a good night of tow building or splicing up a pile of scrap line, but it can't stop me from coming back for more. This damned muddy ass river truely does get in your blood. Some nights the rain comes down so hard you'de probably be less wet if you jumped in.

Vanessa Leishman		10/Nov/2001:15:39:09
This is an awesome site....very realistic and true color...both visual and mental...Thank you...Vanessa

Sandra Bright		01/Nov/2001:14:19:13
Hello! I REALLY ENJOYED THE WEB. I JUST GOT MY COMPUTER,AND FIGURED I'D SCAN TO SEE WHAT I COULD FIND ON THE NET, ANYWAY, I WAS VERY PLEASED OF WHAT YOU PROVIDED FOR PEOPLE TO FIND AND SHARE. MY FAMILY GOESTO THE MISSISSIPPI ALOT JUST TO SPEND THE DAY AND WATCH THE BOATS WORK. A RIVERBOAT WORKING AT NIGHT IS A BEAUTIFUL SIGHT AND SOUND FOR US TO SHARE WHEATHER CAMPING OR JUST WATCHING.THANKS AGAIN FOR THE SIGHT AND WE WILL BE WATCHING FOR YOU NOW. HA HA GOD'S BLESSINGS, THE BRIGHT FAMILY

Sandra Bright		01/Nov/2001:14:17:19
Hello! I REALLY ENJOYED THE WEB. I JUST GOT MY COMPUTER,AND FIGURED I'D SCAN TO SEE WHAT I COULD FIND ON THE NET, ANYWAY, I WAS VERY PLEASED OF WHAT YOU PROVIDED FOR PEOPLE TO FIND AND SHARE. MY FAMILY GOESTO THE MISSISSIPPI ALOT JUST TO SPEND THE DAY AND WATCH THE BOATS WORK. A RIVERBOAT WORKING AT NIGHT IS A BEAUTIFUL SIGHT AND SOUND FOR US TO SHARE WHEATHER CAMPING OR JUST WATCHING.THANKS AGAIN FOR THE SIGHT AND WE WILL BE WATCHING FOR YOU NOW. HA HA GOD'S BLESSINGS,

Sandra Bright		01/Nov/2001:14:08:21
Hello! I REALLY ENJOYED THE WEB. I JUST GOT MY COMPUTER,AND FIGURED I'D

Sandra Bright		01/Nov/2001:14:06:01
Hello!

josh		26/Oct/2001:13:16:18
this is an ok sight

Angie		24/Oct/2001:10:21:40
Just found your site and was thrilled to see the messages posted here. My husband is a Towboat Captain and works the ICW in North Carolina. He worked for Transload and Transport from 1978-1985 and moved to Compass Marine in 1985, three months after we were married. I had no idea 17 years ago of the unique lifestyle being the wife of a towboater would entail! With marine radio in hand,(before cell phones)I have driven beside the canals and sounds when he would pass by so we could talk. Other times, I would walk up on bridges and toss a current newspaper into a barge as it passed, or drive for two or three hours to just be able to visit while he was taking on fuel. As a couple, we've survived deaths in the family, tornado damage to our house, scheduling" births of our children, and paying phone bills that should give us stock in AT-&-T. But, as many times as I resent that "other love" (the boat) in his life, I love him more than ever and we'll "keep on tugging." Have you eve

hugh grant		23/Oct/2001:07:58:26
I LUV THE WATER it is the only place that sets you free.

Gary Harrison		19/Oct/2001:12:34:47
I just wanted to say thank you! Thank you for showing this unique and exciting way of life that is much more than another way to earn a paycheck. I worked on the lower mississippi for 3 years, mostly on the M/V John H. MacMillan Jr. and it is something I will never forget. Take Care, keep up the good site an Stay Safe

Nysa Woodall		18/Oct/2001:22:23:30
Very interesting site, my husband Mike Woodall has worked on the river the whole 7 years we have been together. It has been hard to schedule holidays, family events and even the birth of our two children around the schedule of a river man, but he says he enjoys his job. In 1998 he attended the River School in Memphis TN and became a pilot, he now works at Excell Marine in Paducah KY. The life of a river man's wife is very lonely, but I guess that makes you appreciate them even more. He gives up his time with us and in exchange we have a very nice and comfortable life. To my husband where ever you are tonight. "I love you and will keep the light in my heart on for you, until you are safe in my arms again."

rick scott		16/Oct/2001:10:52:27
thank you for your thoughts, and the sharing of your expieriences. I was a deckhand for 5 years, and just got my masters(pilots) license. i work mainly on the ohio river for a company out of pittsburgh. just wanted to say thank you for showing others what thelife is like, its not often that people praise us and what we do. god bless you, keep her in good water thanx Rick scott( mon river towing)

Ron	SuccessProgram.com - Products You Can Trust	09/Oct/2001:21:14:22
I recently retired from the Air Force and moved to Tennessee. I live only a few hundred yards from the Cumberland River not too far from the Obey River. Most of the old folks around here that once worked on the river are now gone but I remember their stories growing up. An intresting site and way of life.

Barbie		09/Oct/2001:09:31:01
hey riverman! How's it floating? Just to let you know I've learnd alot about river life this last year.My other half works for excell on the boat named The Winchester with Capt. Skeeter(alias gerald hart)I've met several towboaters and let me say THEY ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!keep up the good work guys andif anyone out there on the river sees Mike Guzman tell him Barbie loves him and everyone be careful . p.s.ride the river safely and may God be with you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Barbie

jason sturgeon		07/Oct/2001:21:21:47
I ENJOYED YOUR SITE I HAVE BEEN WORKING FOR EIGHT YEARS ON THE RIVER AND AM CURRENTLY A ENGINNEER FOR LUHR BROS INC. I AM GOING TO BE GETTING MY TANKERMAN LICENSE ALSO IN THE NEXT MONTH MY DAD IS A PILOT ON THE RIVER AND HAS WORKED ON THE RIVER FOR 21YEARS IT HAS BECAME A WAY OF LIFE FOR ME AND I WOULDNT CHANGE IT FOR ANY THING I WOULD LIKE TO GET MORE INFO ON TOW BOAT LINKS ECT. MY E MAIL IS bjmackus@hotmail.com if you could help me find some good ones

Warren Bridges		07/Oct/2001:18:09:19
This is a real good representation of life on the river. I first worked on the river 8 years ago and worked for 3 years. I had a family at home who didn't like me gone all the time so I left the river. Well, until this year in Jan. I returned to the river. I like the security of the river compared to working in the oilfield, enenthough the money is less. Also, nothing can compare to drinking a cup of morning coffee on the deck while under way. Well, besides getting off your hitch and going home. Peace out and God Bless America

Caleb Albers		22/Sep/2001:18:27:23
This is an excellent account of life on the river! I, too, am a river rat and think we need to have more web sites dedicated to this unique, yet exciting way of life.

Bob herron		19/Sep/2001:19:41:23
I worked on the rivers in 1945-46-49,I have never forgotten those days I worked on mv Edward B.Warner. this tow boat was built on the cobble stones at the memphis harbor some years before I became a deckhand on it.I would like to find pics of the vessel if possible. contact bob herron.herronr@msn.com thanks

Amy Charbauski		19/Sep/2001:19:04:27
Great Site!! My husband, my two brothers, and many friends all work for ADM/ARTCO. My husband works on the Ginny Stone. Its a tough life for both of us. It also provides a great life for us. I tell all guys about what a great job it is. Best of luck to yourself.

David Siemens		18/Sep/2001:21:46:06
I really enjoyed touring your website. I live on a bluff overlooking the Tennessee River just upriver(about 1/2 mi.)of the Guntersville Dam. I really enjoy sitting on the deck and watching the barge traffic. I dream of taking vacation and working on a tow. I'm bookmarking your website -&- will check it out for future updating. C,Ya, David

Julie Kennedy		18/Sep/2001:20:58:17
I have a very close friend who was the captain of the Saftey Leader and pilot of many different AEP tow boats. I live along the Ohio River in the villiage of Pomeroy. I was wondering if maybe you have worked together. He just got off the C.J. Brian, and will go back to work in about a week or so. His name is Wayne Satterfield.Thank you for sharing your story.

Herbert Kelly		08/Sep/2001:19:45:34
Hello from Capt. Herb Kelly, keep with the books take care of urself.

luis hernandez		06/Sep/2001:22:41:38
I've been working the ohio river for some time now, I Know the feelings that bring's a tow boater back to the river. After a while at home I start to miss the certain smells that comfort me while I'm on my long hitch. It's hard to explain to thoes who have not been there. Good luck! and stay safe!! Ohio River Co.

thomas addington		06/Sep/2001:13:18:20
my name is thomas and i work on the lower mississippi river on the m/v city of vicksburg thought i'd say hi so hi takr care on the river

Kenneth Belala		06/Sep/2001:09:31:28
Hey David, Just wanted to say thanks for your web site,it's great!I have been out of for a few months now with a back injury after a ship hit my boat at imtt st.rose.I happen to be in the shower at the time ,just my luck.I been a capt. for 18 long yrs.never thought I would miss being gone but now I know that I do or I wouldn't be on the net looking for sights like yours!THANKS,KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!CAPT.KENNY

Jon M. Walecki		30/Aug/2001:11:10:41
Dave: Your site was fond by my Fiance. Must admit,Her interest was more than I thought.Your site offered great deals of info that She brought to me. Keep the site and Keep it in the middle One Tankerman to another.

betty flanagin chris		30/Aug/2001:05:57:04
my dad worked on the ms river out of greenville,ms we rode the boats a few times and enjoyed it. the love of my life works out of louisana. i have not seen him in 30 years but still loves him. my dad made him break up with me. his name is tommy.

Ricky Plunk		28/Aug/2001:05:56:39
Great site (add more photos)

paul swensen		27/Aug/2001:07:16:16
Helo I graduated in the third class at the river academy and have little contact with my old mates. I have beeen woking for Moran for 25 years in the mid atlantic ports of Philadelphia and Baltimore. It would be nice to hear from some of the old gang... pps

Misti Hunt		24/Aug/2001:19:23:02
Big Dave' This part of the website blew me away. I knew that you sometimes shipped off to work; but I was totally clueless as to what it was all about. I really admire you for working to put yourself through college. Keep up the cool website! Love ya, Mis

Eric Lucas Steam/Lau		21/Aug/2001:17:50:08

Ronald Romero		21/Aug/2001:05:24:26
I enjoyed your site.I have been on the river for thirty three years,so I can understand why a person could love it so much. By the way,I run a boat for Kirby.Just wanted to say hi.

RAY FRANKS		17/Aug/2001:13:47:33
VERY NICE WEBSITE WORKED THE RIVER 5 1/2 YEARS HAD A LOT FUN OUT ON THE RIVER MET A LOT OF NICE PEOPLE I AM ALSO THE SON OF CAPTAIN O. A. FRANKS WHO RETIRED AFTER 53 YEARS ON THE RIVER SEE YA,LL AROUND GUNTERSVILLE ALABAMA

Derick Womble		07/Aug/2001:20:13:39
Hey Dave Great site. This is Derick at Williams Refinery (MAPCO) in Memephis.Enjoyed the site especially about Capt. Vic I haven't talked to him since he retired (happy for him sad for us) he was a good pilot. Brought back some memories. keep up the good work. try to stay cool. gonna be hot a 1!! Cya Derick

Jo Anna Webster		02/Aug/2001:14:11:08
You did a great job~! Well writen..I reconmend this page to anyone. great for history puffs.

justin p		01/Aug/2001:17:28:31
hello i really like your webpage i am a fleetmate in the memphis harbor for wepfer marine and i just wanted to say your webpage is good.. Besafe riverrat .............

D.E.KOLL		25/Jul/2001:18:14:42

George H. Jeffries		24/Jul/2001:19:53:27
I really enjoyed visiting your site. I was with Helena Marine Service for quite a few years and saw a few names that used to work for me there and was nice to be able to contact them after so many years. Keep up the good work.

SAM HANSEN		24/Jul/2001:18:56:09
Way back in 1953 I was just 16 years old and looking for an adventure. I was living in Charleston Mo. which you all know is close to the muddy Mississippi.Some buddies and I would hich hike to Cape Giraideau and sit on the back and watch the tugs come in and get supplies. This looked like some real fun working on the tug and going up and down the Mississippi to all of those new places. Man I just have to do this. When i got back home I talked a friend of mine whos father was an engineer on a Simpson oil tug .WHAT LUCK!! Whith a real strok of luck he got me my coast guard lic as a deck hand. And Simpson oil hired me on as a DECK HAND. My life was complet now, what a job. So off I went to Cape Giraideau to catch MY TUG. Well I have a LONG story about my stint on the TUG as a DECK HAND. I can say this for sure--I GREW UP REAL FAST-- let me tell you. I can honestly say this was one of my biggest life experences. I learned at an early age what the real world was all about and I am s

HERBERT HIGGINS		22/Jul/2001:19:34:51

bob caulson		21/Jul/2001:05:16:25
No comment because I have not reviewed the web site yet.

Steven Kelly		20/Jul/2001:20:14:45
hey dude nice site capt. Herbert Kelly is my dad, how is it to work for him?? I was surfing looking for pics of the boat. nice site later.

william redding		19/Jul/2001:21:55:18
i worked on the river for 8yrs i hope you enjoy it sa much as i did. good luck. good web site.

BGIBSON		17/Jul/2001:03:36:17

Cap'n Barnicle Jim		16/Jul/2001:19:18:57
Arrrr....Matey! Ahoy there! Shiver me timbers and a yo ho ho! Avast there young Jim Hawkins. Tired be ya? Well, up to the poop deck with a swab and make the decks ship shape, ye scoundrel. Coll! Nice site.

Bob Sarver		16/Jul/2001:15:55:39
My father was in his seventh issue of Master and Pilot's licenses. He once worked for Sabine Towing. Maybe you or someone you know might remembers him. His name was Paul B. Sarver, Sr. He was born in Orange, Texas and mostly worked the Intercoastal Canal. He did run the Mississippi River for several years too. If you or someone knows or remembers him, please write me. I am to do a article on his life as a tug boat captain and I could use any information I can find. You might ask around the office too. I once worked the tugs too, so I know your love for the job. It gets in your blood and no other job can take it's place. That is why my father was in his seventh issue (five years to a issue)of his licenses.

Peter		13/Jul/2001:11:30:59
Hi David, a great site indeed. I myself used to work on towboats on the Danube river which is a magnificent river connecting eight countries of central Europe. The life on the river was fantastic and browsing through your site now brought back good memories of those years gone by. All the best mate and keep the towboating spirit alive.

Bernard		13/Jul/2001:09:03:36
i am just getting started working on a tow boat and so far i love it.

Tony Helms		12/Jul/2001:19:47:09
I cross the Mississippi River at Vicksburg Ms. alot. On I-20 traveling to visit my son in Gulfport. I have always been in awe of this mighty river. Maybe one day I will get the oportunity to take a ride down or up this great River. Better yet I would love to do some catfishing along this river. I really enjoyed viewing this websight. Take care and the best of luck to you! Tony Helms

Stephanie		08/Jul/2001:16:39:22

Brian		08/Jul/2001:14:55:02
In the 70's I worked harbor tugs along pool 17 -&- 18 below/above Muscatine, Iowa. From age 17 to 21. I moved barges out of the local grain terminals to the line boats. It was hard work, you earn your money as you know, those cables and wratchets were not lite! The Mississippi River, a wonderful experience , the solitude, peacefullness, and serenity.. Gee I hate getting old and living in the city! A wonderful sight, I have shared it with many..

Bob		08/Jul/2001:11:22:04
David, One thing that I believe should be mentioned on this site is the importance of what tow boats and their loads play in this great nation of ours. And therefore, the importance of those who choose to ride these rivers. I'm no genius, but it doesn't take a rocket scientist or a person with a masters degree in business from Harvard to realize it. You have a wonderful site here. Thanks for letting me visit.

Karl Causey		07/Jul/2001:02:01:08
Hi David, My wife and I ate at the Ameristar casino tonight and as we were walking to our car to go home we noticed a huge barge about to pass under the bridge, something she has never seen before and we stopped and watched untill it passed through and was out of sight (it was dark) She asked me alot of questions about where the people on the boat sleep and how many are on it and so forth. I really didn't know. Ironically that was just a few hours ago and I was bored and searching the net and just happened to come across your sight. She's asleep now but I'm going to show it to her tomarrow and all the great photos you have. I could use some of those breath taking views. Keep it up and good luck!

Robin Oakes		05/Jul/2001:14:52:21
I really enjoyed your website. The pictures are beautiful. My son is interested in being a tankerman. If you could afford me any information I would greatly appreciate it. We don't know how to get started. Chris just graduated from high school and is 18. Thank for in advance for any assistance you can give us. Robin Oakes robin@fletchercommunications.com

Pete T.		04/Jul/2001:12:14:32
I live next to the river in G'vlle Ms. See it -&- respect it every day.

KAREN		01/Jul/2001:19:56:42

Paula	Paula's Twigs -&- Branches	29/Jun/2001:20:31:35
I really enjoyed your website. My great uncle Clyde Stallings was in the Merchant Marines and was killed on the USS Munger T Ball. thanks!

Charles Gilmer		28/Jun/2001:16:45:29
I work on the Mississippi River for 18 years for the Memphis Queen Line riverboat company.I am no longer on the river now but I love it while I was there.

Ron Murphy		28/Jun/2001:03:41:31
that was fun

Willis Koffroth		27/Jun/2001:00:12:13
My Great-grandfather was a steamboat mate back in the days before and during the Civil War. His home was in Portsmouth, Ohio. His father was a ship's carpenter, working on the construction of boats at Concord, Lewis County, Kentucky. This great-great grandfather ended up in that area after being discharged from the army in Chillicothe, Ohio, after the end of the War of 1812.These men must have loved the river. I am going to take a drive along the northern side of the river from Cincinnatti to Marietta in early July. I would love to take a trip on one of the barges someday. I am enjoying your site and photos. Excellent.

shannon		24/Jun/2001:18:56:28
Hello, im jesse friend and i love your page you did a great job and keep up the good hard work David!!! Well email me some time and let me now when you get more things bye-bye for now i will come back here and visit!!!!

Tom Tooker		24/Jun/2001:09:14:18
This is GREAT! I wonder if you can find graduates of The National River Academy, a private instutution that the Towboat -&- Barge industry once supported. I was fortunate enough to be the Executive Director of the this very effective institution from 1980 until it's closing. Looking forward to hearing from you - Tom Tooker

C.D. Greene		23/Jun/2001:23:04:14
Thank you for sharing something that has only been aq dream.

Evelyn		21/Jun/2001:23:45:17
Was linked to your site, but this is a fascinating look at the life; wish I could go on a journey once to see what it is like. It seems truly special to experience.

kim		21/Jun/2001:17:58:12

Fran Ingersoll		18/Jun/2001:19:24:39
Love the site. Visit it regularly to keep abreast of the river conditions south of Burlington, IA as we have a cabin about 5 miles south on the Illinois. Love the Mississippi!!!!!

Jack R. Simpson	Little River Books	16/Jun/2001:20:58:58
I finding interesting things on your site. One more place to gather in great river stuff. You might want to look at my site as well. I market river books. We can even trade link

HUGH GRIFFIN		12/Jun/2001:20:45:01
Great site! R.I.P.Great PILOT JOHN HARTFORD,have a great time talking to MARK TWAIN

cameel Halim		12/Jun/2001:17:58:36

NOBLE WITHERSPOON		10/Jun/2001:10:57:51
I have great memories of the short time I worked on the river. This site brought back a lot of things I havent thought of in thirty-odd years. A greeat site. Great site. Thanks thanks

Nathan Crowley		09/Jun/2001:20:32:39
Worked on the river 47 years.Retired 1992 off the Conti Judy worked for A lot of different companys.

Linda Mika		09/Jun/2001:07:50:03
I love it!

bill rose		06/Jun/2001:16:15:37
I like your website and am thinking about working on the river myself. My father worked on towboats for 10 years but got hurt and had to stop riding. great site!

Paul Dontigney		05/Jun/2001:09:06:16
Just dropped in while surfing. It is always nice to see towboat sites. I am a chief engineer currently with Marquette Transportation. Keep the site going and keep her between the banks.

Tara little		02/Jun/2001:07:38:39
I LIKE THIS PAGE ALOT IT IS VERY INTERETING

Jill Beaudette		01/Jun/2001:18:44:31
Thank you for sharing your journey. In over fifty years, I never tire of seeing the Mississippi River. And I never will.

Guy Brooks		01/Jun/2001:18:03:25
We just completed a Steamboatin' tour on the Mississippi Queen from Memphis, TN to NOL. What an experience.....Thanks for sharing through your website....we were wondering how you folks lived.

richard berry		30/May/2001:11:59:49

Beverly Guidry		23/May/2001:12:16:21
Great site! Cruising through yahoo looking for tankerman training for our guys at Carotex, Inc. a shipyard in Port Arthur, TX and ran across your site. Very nice! The Diamond S was our favorite customer and friend. We still work with Kirby but it just isn't as personal. Thanks

Richard Vardaman Sr.	The Captains Homepage	23/May/2001:07:15:33
Howdy there, You have a great site and would like for you to keep up the good work. I have been a Captain on Towboats for 23 yrs now and have operated on the Upper and Lower Mississippi, Arkansas, and the White River in Arkansas. I specialize on the White River in Arkansas because we have no aids to navigation. Nothing. We have to read the river like they did back in the Mark Twain days of boating. Good luck on your ventures. Captain Richard Vardaman Capt44

MATT		22/May/2001:19:23:03
GREAT SIGHT I'M A CHIEF ENGINEER FOR EXCELL MARINE m/v RIVER PRINCESS.ANYONE WITH RIVER INFO E-MAIL ME. SEE YA ALL ON THE FLIP SIDE.

alex the great		21/May/2001:13:20:19
i love this site its amzing. im going to go home right after school and make one just like it . the facts are so alse its great. you should check this site out.

Randy		17/May/2001:19:51:16
I deliver supplies to the ARTCO/ADM boats at St Louis and only can wish I were younger, Single, And with out children. I once worked on microwave towers all across the country where every day was an adventure and something new. We did our job knowing that each day could be our last, but the job had to be done. Best done by us young stupid bucks and not family men. (My Words). I see these deckhands and mates working the same kind of life - away from home for long periods ( If there is a home ) I can not see where they are given the credit they deserve. So here goes - You guys keep up the good work - you keep America running While you do this job and we need people like you. It's a rough job, but it pays good. Put something away for later if you can. Enjoy the time off, Remember the stories and the men you have met. I'd like to say Hi to a couple of river rats - Mike H. and Frank R. - Two hardworking great guys. Have a safe trip wherever life may take you ! _

John Weaver		15/May/2001:07:47:40
You have a very nicely done website. It was really refreshing to run into someone who is enthusiastic about working on the river. So many of us out here seem to just dread the next trip. Hope to run into to you somewhere down the line.

Jack Mechan		13/May/2001:14:48:52
Great website

John van der Doe		13/May/2001:12:36:16
As a former towboatcrewmember on the river Rhine I enjoy your side very much. I am very interested in the work on the Mississippi and Ohio river and visited a few locks and dams.

Theo Gerrits		13/May/2001:10:47:25
I am a inland shipper of the Netherlands and I have a barge an a towboat at one. That is normal here in europa for more information www.inlandshipping.com

marykay knutson		30/Apr/2001:19:28:12

Leslie Harris		29/Apr/2001:17:06:31
it seems that u enjoy your work, i hope u can find all the information you need, to complete it. why dont u set a place where kids can do some research on your work.

Tom M		29/Apr/2001:15:13:51
Dave you sure sound like you enjoyrd your work. I am sure there were plenty of times you woked your tail off but you enjoyed the river. The cruise you took me on was awesome and I enjoyed every part of it. With your enthusiasm I am sure you will do well, but I think the river will be your first love.

Lauren		29/Apr/2001:13:42:10
hello, I just want to say that this site was one of the best ones I've seen so far on the Mississippi River. Thank you very much and keep up the good work. These pictures have been wonderful- upon seeing them I finally understood why people seem to love the Mississippi so much.

dick rogers		29/Apr/2001:13:32:12
HAD AN ENJOYABLE TIME VIEWING THE MIGHTY MISS. I'MA DIABLED VET WW2. AND I AM FAIRLY NEW TO THE PUTER. IT WAS GREAT TO SEE AND FANTASTIC COLORS AND SCENERY. THANK YOU

CAROL TAMBO		28/Apr/2001:08:54:11
THANKS FOR A GREAT SITE

CAROL TAMBO		28/Apr/2001:08:44:29
THANKS FOR A GREAT SITE

Amber Lyons		26/Apr/2001:21:56:10
Hi, My name is Amber Lyons and I am doing an I-search project on the Mississippi River. I have to do an interview with someone who has life on the river and my mom found your website. I think its really cool. Can I e-mail you with a few questions?

terrihoey		23/Apr/2001:05:55:00

Chuck Park		22/Apr/2001:14:01:51
Hi Dave, Enjoyed visiting your website. Thanks for inviting me to be a part of your travels. Chuck

irish		22/Apr/2001:08:15:53
hey there, i was researching about mark twain's life on the mississippi wwhen i came across you web site. i really had no idea what life on the river meant until this research. i enjoyed your stories and most especially the pictures so much that it became a part of my report. thanks.

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