We met Captain Rusty at the docks on 14th street across from La Diff in Shockoe Bottom. He jogged over with a grin and shook our hands as we gathered around. “You’re a brave lot to join me on my first time on a boat!”

There were a lot of us. Some co-workers and friends had caught wind of our canal excursion and wanted to tag along, and so Korey, Mauricio, Jim, Mandy, Dwayne, Isabel and I were joined by Joel, Bill, Joan, Charlotte-Marie and one random solitary lady who wasn’t with our group. Captain Rusty invited us to board the small, green boat and we took our seats along the shallow and not quite comfortable benches. Mandy, Jim and Joel were still hanging out by the ticket counter. 

“You all go ahead,” said Mandy as she snapped a couple pictures. 

We sat patiently as Captain Rusty launched into a lengthy dissertation on the history and creation of the James River canal and lock system, and fifteen minutes later came up for air asking if there were any questions.

“Yes,” replied Joan with her hand raised. “When are we leaving?”

“Right now,” said Rusty as he untied the moorings, and off we went.

We headed west past Toad’s Place where Jim, Mandy and Joel were enjoying a beer on the outdoor patio. Jim jumped up and took a few photos as we floated towards a dead end. Captain Rusty spun the boat around in a skillful 180, missing the canal walls by inches as we headed east.

We drifted slowly alongside the narrow passage walls, under bridges and walkways. The streetlights flickered on as the sky grew darker and reflected in the murky water. Rusty pointed out the famous triple crossing and the site of Lumpkin’s jail or “hell’s half-acre” as it was know back then. 

We passed through the flood wall as Rusty began the story of Elizabeth “Crazy Beth” Van Lew and then came to rest at the far end of the canal in front of a weather-worn flaking metal drawbridge. Rusty’s history lessons, while fascinating and thought provoking, began to pale in comparison to the sun setting behind the Richmond skyline in shades of pink and blue. Bats circled overhead, swooping out from the underside of the highway and catching bugs in front of the low crescent moon.

Captain Rusty guided the boat back into its resting place in the New Turning Basin and wished us a pleasant evening. “I hope you all have had a wonderful time. I try to keep it fun and interesting and I hope I’ve planted a seed of curiosity that will make you want to seek out more information about this fascinating city we live in.”

He did and we were, but first we were most interested in joining Mandy, Jim and Joel on the patio for a beer. 

WEB | http://www.venturerichmond.com

REMAINING SCHEDULE
Sept. 4 through Sept. 28
Thursday through Saturday: Noon to 7 p.m. Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m.
Oct. 3 through Nov. 16
Friday and Saturday:Noon to 7 p.m. Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m.
Note: All tours are weather dependent

Rusty Rocks!