I've decided to use up a few rather generic Mark Twain photos on this "Snoozer Sunday", so that you won't have to see them on a "normal" day.
To be honest, I think this first one (circa 1965) is pretty nice, even though it is a scan of a photo print and not a slide. I like the crowd in the foreground, as well as the busy lower deck of the Twain. Curiously, the top deck is fairly empty, it seems to me that most people run to the top these days.
There's nothing wrong with this July 1969 picture except that we've all seen 1000 others just like it.
Like photo #2... this one isn't bad, per se; it's just not anything to get very excited about.
Come back tomorrow, there will be something more interesting, I promise!
Major-
ReplyDeleteThe composition of picture #1 is what makes it shine: The two sets of people - and the lovely Cascade Peak. Com'on, now-!
Thanks, Major.
I’ve not ever ridden the Mark Twain, but so many of the pictures have the people on the front with their arms crossed and often a scowl on their face. They look like they are not about to give up their primo seat when we get to the dock, so you can get over it.
ReplyDeleteI think the second deck would be better anyways. Up higher for a better view, some shade, and still the cool breeze when the ship is moving.
Do they still have a “skipper” that will take lucky guests to the pilot house? Or is that all over in this age? It’s fun to think we could be so lucky.
The first pic is great for the people. The second is great for all the cooling/soothing blues. The third is great because Hey here it comes! We’re next!
I like em all! Number 2 could be a postcard in my book. And we don't get to see Cascade Peak that often.
ReplyDeleteSo I beg to differ. Not snoozers at all. Thank you, Major, for the scans today.
Zach
Nanook, I agree, the first one is the nicest, but poor old photo prints just don’t have the sharpness and quality. Still… I can’t be too picky.
ReplyDeleteBudblade, I’m surprised that you’ve never been on the Mark Twain! How?? I don’t know if I’ve noticed the crossed arms and scowls, maybe everyone was shaken up because they were surprised that the Mark Twain did a loop. I guess the second level provides shade, but I’ve never been bothered by the sun (I always go to the top). Let’s face it, no matter which level you chose, you were going to be OK! Yes they still have skippers, and as far as I know they let people up into the pilot house (I guess you have to ask, but maybe they will sometimes say “no”), where they can blow the whistle, ring the bell, and launch the torpedoes. You get a nice certificate to remember this special occasion.
zach, you commented while I was commenting! There are several postcards that are not that different from photo #2. I think I've said this before, but I had a glimmer of a hope that maybe they would rebuild Cascade Peak when they closed the river down for so long for the construction of "Galaxy's Edge". What a fool I was!
ReplyDeleteMajor, I think you can still do all that stuff, but launching the ICBMs out of the smoke stacks is frowned upon now.
ReplyDeleteSince the Twain is preparing to dock in the first photo, I wonder if some folks have already started heading downstairs to line up to disembark? Let's just hope none of them gets too anxious and opens the airlock doors before the gangway is fully pressurized.
ReplyDeleteBudblade, I think the scowls are from guests irritated at the wind blast they have to endure in the bow. I never sit up there because I hate having to pick bugs out of my teeth.
They still have a cast member in the pilot house, but they're no longer able to skip. CalOSHA determined it was too dangerous without a safety line, helmet, and reflective belt.
Stu, the aft cruise missile launcher is still operational, though, right?
My favorite riverboat in my favorite land, I can't get enough I tell ya. The second one would make a dandy post card. I heard a rumor that Major has his own stateroom deep in the bowels of the Twain. He gets to ring the bell as many times as he likes. Do they let him fire the torpedoes? We may never know. Ahoy Major and thanks.
ReplyDeleteChuck, they were replaced by Blasters with the addition of Star Wars land.
ReplyDeletezach, it figures.
ReplyDeleteTM!, in case you missed it, I just responded to your last comment on yesterday's GDB. I agree that Pinto ad was shot on Universal's backlot. Good eye! More detailed commentary is included in that response.
I like the way the foliage frames the boat in the second two pictures.
ReplyDeleteYep...I've seen many a picture of the MT...and somehow I never get tired of looking at them. Brings back the memories of 'working' up in the wheelhouse. Torpedos up front...depth charges in the back. Ring the whistle and blow the bell! ;) KS
ReplyDeleteAhh, I think chuck has solved the mystery of the scowling people. I’m not sure why I never thought about bugs in the teeth. GDB readers know everything!
ReplyDelete;-)
@ Melissa - Have to agree with the foliage in that second picture. I like the boy standing on the dock to our left, overlooking the big river. It made me think of how many of us have stood along that river bank and day dreamed about growing up with Tom, Huck, Becky and running scared from ol' Injun Joe.
ReplyDelete@Budblade, as a former Mark Twain Captain, we did allow Guests up to the wheelhouse. I believe they still do today, but now so many people know about it that you may have to wait a few trips before it is your turn. I would highly recommend it... before it does go away. The climb up the stairs from the Captain's Cab to the Wheelhouse is steep so better enjoy it now before CAL OSHA does take it away.
Always your pal,
Amazon Belle