The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-06-11
TRAVELLING BY THE OHIO.
A Pleasant Route to the East hut Lit
tie known to indianapolis People.

The average American is a hustler when
he travels. as at all other times. When he
goes anywhere his policy is to ''get there:''
his preferred route is the straightest line
between two points, and for that reason
he misses much variety and pleasure that
might be his If he could persuade himself
to be more leisurely. For example, OF all
the people who travel to and fro between
indianapolis and the East how many think
of going by the Ohio river? 1t is a scme-
what circuitous way to ones destination
and takes two or three days longer, but ii
costs no more-less, indeed, and the famous
ia belle ~riviere" Of the early French ex-
plorers, the great artery Of the Western
country, is worth seeing at least once, es-
pecially as river running is conceded to be
the least monotonous of all kinds of travel
ing and the pleasantest IL the boat service
be good. The boat service on the upper
Ohio fulflls this important requirement.
The Pittsburg and Cincinnati packet line
runs three large boats between the points
named which leave Cincinnati Tuesdays,
Thursdays and Saturdays at 5 p. m. and
Pittsburg Mondays. Wednesdays and Satur-
days at 4 p. m. These boats are well
equipped, handsome and comfortable, the
table good, the officials most courteous and
accommodating. By them one can make
railroad connections for the East at various
points-at Pittsburg for Philadelphia and
New York. at Huntington for Washington
by the Chesapeake & Ohio and at Parkers-
burg or Wheeling for Washington by the
Baltimore & Ohio. The distance to Pitts
burg Is nearly 500 miles. the fare, including
table and berth, s., the time three days;
to Wheeling. 81 miles, Sc fare: Parkersburg,
2S4 miles xT. IJupffpotop 1e1 r,ilaz q N
The running season for these boats ordi-
narily is from middle autumn till the fol-
lowing July, the river, unless there are un-
usual rainfalls, being too low through July.
August and September. All season through
there is more or less travel between river
| points not easily accessible by rail, but
with the coming of warm weather the sea-
son fairly opens, and for perhaps two
months there is a good patronage. The
steamer on which 1 made the trip carried
between Cincinnati and Parkersburg almost
her full capacity Of 200 passengers, and her
total register for the last completed year
was 1900. The great preponderance of
ladies is notable, and the captain informed
me that not, less than 20 per cent. of his
patrons We're of the gentler sex, the men
presumably not having time for that sort
| or travelling. Out OF Difference to these
patrons the customary liquor bar is con-
s%picuous by its absence. and there is a tone
and decency to the company not always
found on passenger boats.
The beautiful river is certatnly not a
misnomer for the Ohio. II has lot the va
riety Of that paragon Of streams. the Hud-
son, but for the quality OF pictu resqueness.
with here and there a touch Of grandeur.
1t could not be surpassed. The traveller Is
hinged by a perpetual circle Of ever-shifting.
ever-receding hills whose sky lines flow In
endless changes as the river in its winnings
seeks the heart OF them. One has the pur-
pie distance always, and sometimes there
are nearby ridges and cliffs, or ranges of
bold, sugar-loaf knobs through which the
little lateral valleys make verdant vistas.
Along the hill bases are sprinkled tiny
looking houses that thicken now and then
into villages and towns where spires pierce
the foliage and lie sharp against the hill
sides. After dusk, when the hills have
lost their detail and blend blackly together.
showing only dim outlines. these habitations
or men are sui In evidence as trailing lines
and consultations of lights spangling the
velvet darkness; and so the panoramic
scene changes Its aspects throughout the
course.
A feature of special interest Is the noted
Blennerhassett island. just below Parkers-
the boats deck the site OF the old Blenner-
hassett home. the memory of which has
been preserved in history by reason OF its
first owners connection with Aaron Burr.
1t IS q narrow strip OF territory some three
miles long, now occupied by three or four
farmhouses. and. for the most part, divided
the trip which commends 1t to some is the
opportunity. occasionally. TO so ashore and
make little excursions, and as the river
town n, have s,a q character dis tnsa their
~ = 'As ''-ss Sr ORG ;1irS GOTHAM