A River Walk.....Sistersville Multi-Cache
cachepoorcouple: Too easily flooded..... another to follow soon, I hope.
A River Walk.....Sistersville
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(regular)
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This multi cache is located in Sistersville along the banks of the beautiful Ohio River. This is an easy walk, nice peddle, or quick drive between stages along the scenic walking trail.
Stage 1 is a magnetic micro, Stage 2 is a small lock-n-lock, and Stage 3 is a regular sized cache.
There is plenty to see and enjoy along this hunt.
The first Sistersville Ferry dates back to January 28,1818! This ferryboat is the last public boat of its kind along a 981 mile stretch of the beautiful Ohio River. It carries the distinction of being the oldest ferry in continuous operation on the Long Reach section of river recognized as one of the Ohio's rare straight sections, measuring approximately 20 miles in length. With the nearest bridges being 16 miles downriver and 11 miles upriver, the ferry remains a necessary gateway for travelers and commuters who wish to cross the river between Tyler County, WV and Monroe County, OH. The daily ferry service continues under the operation of the city, although the hours of operation are limited to 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM weekdays and 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM weekends, and the boat sits idle during the winter months.
The current boat, the City of Sistersville II, was purchased and christened in September 1999. The CS-II's 500-horse power engine makes it possible to bear the load of one tractor trailer or eight cars at a time; it's equipped with a hull that swings around so that the pilot can face forward no matter which direction the boat is traveling. The barge is named the Gilbert "Dib" Harmon who owned and piloted the ferry for many years and we remember him fondly. He lived in a mobile home at the landing on the WV side and spent many hours telling of his adventures on the river over the years. Dib has passed on and we think of him every time we ride the ferry.
In recent years the ferry has been staffed by pilots and deckhands over the age of 70. One of which was George Thomas. When he was 15, his father took him out of school and he got a job shoveling coal into steamboats. The first boat he worked on ran from Pittsburgh to New Orleans. For more than 60 years he was employed by various towing companies, coming aboard with the ferry service six years ago as pilot. George retired in July, 2008. The boat is now piloted by Ed Mars and Albert Beebe and flanked by deckhands Emmett Richeson, Gene Beegle, Russell Adams, and Irwin Billiter. They are a friendly bunch who thoroughly enjoy their jobs. You may find them at the Veteran's gazebo overlooking the river and ferry in their down time.
The Sistersville Ferry reopen for the season in April, 2011. Hours are usually 6:00 AM thru 6:00 PM M-F and 9-3 on weekends.
Our very first hide..... hope you like it!
FTF Congratulations go to jayro73. Way to go!
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Treasures
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