Day Trip to Cincinnati Ducks - July 27, 2010

Tuesday, July 27, we took our Young at Heart group to visit the Cincinnati area and ride the Cincinnati Ducks! This is a fairly new attraction for the Cincinnati area and we were anxious to try it. The Ducks originated as World War II DUWK amphibious vehicles. The designation of DUKW is not a military acronym – the name comes from the model naming terminology used by GMC; the "D" indicates a vehicle designed in 1942, the "U" meant "utility (amphibious)", the "K" indicated all-wheel drive and the "W" indicated two powered rear axles. The Duck we used was build at the end of the war in 1946, but is is very good condition. These are also modified to lengthen them and include large enclosures for passengers.

(Remember to click any photo for a larger view)

Our captain (left) and guide (right) were both very friendly and helpful. In fact, our captain is also a captain for the barge boats that ride up and down the Ohio River.
We always enjoy special times that we have with the friends we know and many we meet for the first time on any of our trips. These trips are always great for making new and interesting friends.
As we were about to enter the water on the Ohio side of the river, we hear a radio contact with a barge. Oops, there it was dead ahead of us! We were all painfully aware of a recent accident in Pennsylvania between another similar Duck and a barge that ended in loss of a couple of lives, so we were certainly apprehensive of making a headlong run at any barge. I thought we would hold back for the barge to pass, but NO - we drove right into the water.; holding our hats for the sudden jolt and splash as we entered the water. Fortunately, the Ohio River at this point is very wide and we did not come close to the barge. In fact, it outran us! But, we did have a bit of an adventure. Notice the view of the Kentucky skyline.
This is the pusher boat. Is it called a tug, or what?
One major highlight of this tour is the view of the waterfront and skylines on both sides of the Ohio River. This is the Ohio side. The photo with the barge above is a view of the Kentucky side.
In Cincinnati, we noticed this sign below telling about a long lost military Powder Magazine that was excavated during the construction of some of the waterfront property. There would have been enough gun power in this place to blow a very large hole and create a tidal wave in the Ohio River. I believe our guide said this was a Civil War Fort, however when you read this sign you will learn otherwise. It was an outpost in the late 1700s and was used for the Indian wars.
Finally, we are headed home again to Newport on the Levee!
This was a great tour and I would also recommend this to anyone as a great outing for the grand-kids.

July 2010 YAH Luncheon

This month we tried another new performer and he worked out very well.  We were entertained by Stan the Magic Man.  Stan Goode’s mother is one of our YAH regulars; it is always nice to have “family” perform for us.  We also had two sisters and their cousin sing for us.  We always enjoy it when kids perform; this trio and solo were outstanding.

The girls, Madelyn, Nicole and Lydia sang a very nice trio together.  Watch/listen to their performance HERE.  Then, Nicole followed her sister and cousin with a nice solo, "Trust in the Lord".  I’ve heard her sing this before and that is what prompted me to ask them to perform.  You can watch and hear Nicole sing, HERE.

Following the music, we had the privilege of having Stan the Magic Man bring his premiere performance to Young at Heart.  Stan did a number of illusions including card tricks, rope tricks, etc. 

Then, his finale was to make the rabbit appear.  This one wowed our audience and the kids especially enjoyed the rabbit.