We’ve covered what the Great Steamboat Race is about in the past. A couple of paddle-wheel boats ramble up and down the Ohio. Lots of cheating. Coal-fired steam vs. diesel engine.

But what isn’t talked about enough is the friendships made on the boat. What starts as total strangers and a force of habit come together to create lasting friendships. While you may not know or remember their names, you come to expect to see these people next year and when you do, it’s all smiles and hugs and catching up on the past year’s shenanigans.

Now in the era of Social Media, friend requests and follows have been sent so maybe, just maybe we will remember names and be able to keep track of each other a bit more throughout the year.

Oh, the matter of the race. The Belle of Cincinnati oddly beat the Belle of Louisville  back to the line at the 2nd Street Bridge by half a boat length, it wasn’t that close. At least twice the Belle of Cincinnati’s paddle wheel’s stopped and coasted to make up the massive lead she held more than halfway through the race.

Oh well… There is next year. And time with friends.