Tugboat Cheyenne

Remember the classic Scuffy the Tugboat? Remember Scuffy thought he was meant for bigger things than just sailing around in a bathtub? I loved that book, but I had forgotten about the part when he arrived in the big city and since it was so noisy when Scuffy tooted, nobody noticed. That’s kinda the way I feel today about the tugs that work the river. Does anyone notice?

I saw Tugboat Cheyenne on the Hudson River for the first time about a month ago. I just happened to look out the window and saw the most adorable, baby blue tug meandering along. I did some research on her and found out she was born red in 1965 and a while back had a makeover to blue.

So of course you can imagine my excitement when I saw her Sunday morning as part of the tugboat race and competition. (See previous post.) Once the competition was over and the tugs anchored at Pier 84 (44th street), I had the opportunity to chat with the first mate, Mike. He had signed up for the spinach eating contest, but promised when it was over he’d take me on a tour. I said, “My own personal tour?” “Sure, I’ll get you on” says Mike. Yippee! You have to understand that regular folks like you and me aren’t always allowed. Simply because the tugs are always working and of course liability issues galore. I had to contain my excitement throughout the spinach eating contest.

I mentioned that I had read that Tug Chey had been red. Sure enough. Here’s proof. Mike says the company provided the paint and the crew spent a day painting. (I didn’t have the heart to tease him that he/they missed some spots.)

Even though we toured the engine room and all the workings of the tug, those weren’t at the top of my interest list. I wanted to see where these guys lived. Mike had mentioned they work two weeks on and two weeks off.

Here’s Mike’s room:

The kitchen:

Here’s Mike in this tiny little space where showers are taken.

Then of course the finale was seeing the big guy’s “office” so to speak:

And even better…meeting the big guy, captain extraordinaire! (They won the line toss competition!)

I’m sure they thought I was totally off my rocker, but at the same time I could tell they were thrilled with my interest. So Tug Cheyenne, I’ll be watching for you up and down the Hudson! My very own Scuffy!