RED WING, MN 8-15-2017

Seems I run out of time and space to tell you all of the tales that are stored in my fingers.  We stayed 2 nights in MSP at the Radisson Blu Hotel located at the Mall of America.  If you have a bucket list, put Mall of America on it.  It’s like Disneyland under a roof, perfect for Minnesota where you can spend a day out of the weather in an amazing environment.  You can take an incredible ride in a simulator that is like the IMAX Theater on steroids.  It’s called, “Fly Over America.”  Do this!

Meanwhile, back at the American Queen:

In the morning, George and Ray arrived and we brought them aboard the ship to poke around.  Our stateroom was stop one but let’s get on with the fun stuff! 

Ray and George in our stateroom

There was a tour of the bridge (pilot house) on the schedule starting in the Chart Room.  Our tour guide was accompanied by one of the Captains, Allison. 

Up on the bridge

Explaining the sonar

Yes, a chick Captain… we’re doomed.  They explained all of the controls, computers and sonar equipment that these talented, experienced folks must understand and operate flawlessly.  It is really intimidating, way too much to remember.  On the fun side, the guide blew the ear-splitting steam-powered whistle for us.  One long and two shorts is the signal for, “Relax, this is just a demo.”  They also explained that the stacks collapse down if necessary to travel under bridges.  We watched this process a little later when we set sail, immediately passing under a bridge.

Blowing the steam whistle

Rob and George listen to Greg in Engineering

Down in the engine room

The engine room was next.  The boat is preparing to depart today so the engineers were a bit busy but Greg took time to show us around and explain the complex systems that move us along the river.  The engines originally belonged to the dredge Kennedy and were built in 1932.  It was a clever design that uses four steam chambers to drive twin pistons, one on either side of the paddle wheel.  These pistons are attached to the gigantic cranks that rotate the paddle wheel.  Other hardware and cables control the rudders and rudder trim surfaces which are pinned together to function in tandem.  The paddle wheel itself is massive, clocking in at almost 100,000 pounds of wood and metal.  The paddles are pine, meant to give and break if necessary, to be replaced by spares carried on board.  The spokes of the paddle are made of oak and are intended to be much sturdier. 

Lindy and Ray and a big ass paddle wheel

Big ass paddle wheel

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There is a machine shop in the engine room kept proudly by Mark, who can make replacements for any parts that may fail.

Rob and George in their element, the machine shop

Tools, tools, tools!  Aaaaargh!

The engineers were happy to escort us to the boiler room, next.  They grinned happily, “Hardly anybody ever asks to tour the boiler room!”  This is the heartbeat of this complex machine.  The fuel that is burned to heat the water that creates the steam that drives the engines all begins here.  Storage

In the boiler room

Look in there, George.  One hot ass fire!

We four in the boiler room

tanks, potable water provisions and hot water for every need are the purview of the trusty boiler room staff who carefully tend and monitor the machinery.  The staff told George that there is a job opening right now for an oiler in the boiler room.  George laughed and said, “Get me a pair of overalls!”

 

When the boat exploration ended, bloody marys and lunch were served at the café at the bow end.  Of course this was the perfect way to complete the experience!  After polishing off broccoli soup, baked salmon, beef brisket, fresh tomatoes, coleslaw, pumpkin pie and brownies, it was at last time to say, “good bye” to George and Ray.  Now we head down the Mississippi River!  First stop:  LaCrosse, WI.

Raising the starboard stack

Almost up!

Lunchtime!  George, Ray, Lindy and Roberto