Proceeding on.
I feel like an explorer even though I am “motoring” in my Mini. Unlike a real boatman, I do not experience the water nor view towns from the river; unlike a normal motorist, I have not taken the by-pass. Preferring a more natural experience, I have avoided the Interstates favoring blue roads along the river passing directly through the small river towns mentioned by Georgetown steamboat men in their letters and interviews. One of my greatest pleasures was simply walking along the riverfront where Georgetown steamboat captains also once walked past past the squares, parks and buildings that existed in their time. Strange moments occur when the past seems to reach out to reassure me that I am on the right path. I hope to meet people who have good river stories and so far I have not been disappointed.
The Pt Pleasant Riview Museum is a must-do destination. I had hoped to find information about my Georgetown steamboat men because they worked on the Kanawha River. I was not disappointed. Great library of steamboat books including the Bupp Collection.
Before the steamboat era, Pt Pleasant was the site of a frontier fort – Fort Randolph. Officers from Ft Randolph were summoned to Georgetown for strategic meetings. See The Lost Frontier Fort for more detail.
For quarters, I search out B&Bs or river hotels. For hearty fare, I try to find local delectables in a family owned river café or bar within foot distance. The hunt for dinner is harder than you might imagine in these once vibrant river towns. As you have no doubt guessed, I travel on my stomach. No doubt my waistline will suffer from this philosophy.