Everyone loved it – especially the love bugs!

The day, Mother’s Day on the Indian River Queen, could be no more perfect – clear skies, very gentle breeze, and the promise of smooth sailing as far as the eye could see. And the gleaming paddle-wheel river boat was simply charming, proudly poised with a cozy yet elegant dining room and two upper decks, each easily allowing a 360 degree view of the expansive Indian River Estuary. Only one compromising feature confronted us upon arrival – countless love bugs had descended, completely enveloping this otherwise regal gem of the waters. I quickly looked around for Moses because obviously one of the ten plagues of Egypt had suddenly made its unexpected, untimely and unwelcome appearance.

Penny, the self-proclaimed “boat lady,” sprang into action. And her crew, always at the ready, scurried to make the voyage possible. All plans had to be modified as leaf blowers violently chased the amorous insects off the upper decks, as the band (Sound Traveler) had to be set up in a cozy position in the dining room, and as guests were welcomed early and quickly swept into the air-conditioned (and insect free) dining area. Despite the flurry of unanticipated activity, the crew and staff greeted each guest with easy grace and with a warm smile. Before long music filled the air, people happily dined on a delicious meal, and drinks made conversation flow easily. And the boat began its lazy journey down the gorgeous Indian River.

Once the boat was underway, the love bugs largely dissipated and people again enjoyed free range on the outer decks. We had a wonderful time making music on the inside. Through large picture windows, we watched a semi-tropical paradise pass by while we played everything from ballroom standards to rousing river tunes. What a day! We took a riverboat ride on the Indian River Queen, played music, and met so many new and interesting people. During a three-hour performance, the band often takes a break, but we were having so much fun that we didn’t really want one. Where would we go? We had everything we needed right there! As we arrived back at the dock in Cocoa, we had to finish up with the definitive river-boat song that I’m sure the crew and staff had heard a thousand times. But it still fit. And in my mind it always will:

Proud Mary

Left a good job in the city,
Workin’ for the man ev’ry night and day,
And I never lost one minute of sleepin’,
Worryin’ ’bout the way things might have been.

[Chorus:]
Big wheel keep on turnin’,
Proud Mary keep on burnin’,
Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ on the river.

Cleaned a lot of plates in Memphis,
Pumped a lot of ‘tane down in New Orleans,
But I never saw the good side of the city,
‘Til I hitched a ride on a river boat queen.

[Chorus]

Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ on the river.

If you come down to the river,
Bet you gonna find some people who live.
You don’t have to worry ’cause you have no money,
People on the river are happy to give.

[Chorus]

Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ on the river.
Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ on the river.
Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ on the river
Rollin’, rollin, Indian River Queen (John Fogarty)

Yep, we changed the last line, but why not? I think as people headed for shore, memories of those pesky love-bugs had been replaced by memories of a perfect day on the river. I know that was true for us, and one way or another we will find a way to be back. – Bob Tatum

Sound Traveler will be playing for a Baccalaureate service for Edgewood seniors tomorrow night at Faith Lutheran Church. It should be a beautiful service, and we’re honored to be a part. On Thursday night we will be at Nolan’s Irish Pub participating in our last writer’s night of the season. In a couple of weeks we head back to North Carolina for a couple of months where we have a busy schedule of performances. Check the web site, and find us when you visit the area. Life is good, especially when you get to sing about it.

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4 Comments to “SongTravelin’: 05.12.11 — “Everyone Loved it….””

• May 12, 2011 at 9:31 am
  Libby says:

  It sounds perfect! Do people get married on the riverboat?
• May 12, 2011 at 9:32 am
  Bob says:

  It is my understanding that they do. Someone we knew had a wedding party on the boat, and that’s how we found out about it in the first place.
• May 12, 2011 at 1:24 pm
  Patty says:

  Yes, my colleague Jessica got married there – she said it was wonderful. And, Bob, we will get to go back soon, because we are booked for September 2. Make your reservations early – voyages sell out!

  It was a great time, and I totally recommend the Indian River Queen to everyone!
• May 12, 2011 at 2:14 pm
  Your Sis, Terry says:

  We are so happy the two of you are having so much fun and have found a way to bring so many people into your happy, positive world. And soon – on your way to NC – I think you have this thing called retirement figured out!

  Break a let – we love your blog