According to the article in my local paper, it is the last stern paddle wheel ferry in the USA. Runs only in summer, Susquehanna is a nasty river with ice chunks.
They have two of them, a spare paddle wheeler in case the primary dies. Diesel-hydraulic drive to a big jackshaft in multiple pillow blocks.then a big sloppy greased chain to the paddle. I didn't notice any names, but I'm sure they are named.
I live about twenty miles north of the east dock, and pass both ends frequently, but had never taken it before. Today's travels were originally just goingto be to a M/C shop to see about new rubber in the near future: the OEM tires are getting tired. I had spoken to Venture, he and his buddy, who were heading home from a trip, and was thinking about my destination and this ferry. After the trip to the shop, I decided to see if the ferry was running, and headed down to find the west bank dock. Imagine my surprise when they showed up while I was waiting for it to come back across. Beautiful day, great ride, neat diversion.
After we got to shore, Venture & co headed off home, and I headed north to my home. Had to pass the obligatory open pipe Harleys several times on the way home, but otherwise, great ride, great day.
