CRISFIELD, Md. -- In a symbolic departure, the Black-Eyed Susan riverboat said goodbye to Snow Hill, concluding a year-long contemplation of its fate. Today marked a moment of relief as the vessel embarked on a journey down the Pocomoke River.
It navigated its way through the waters with a temporary pause in Crisfield before reaching its final destination on Taylors Island in Dorchester County.
The riverboat, under the ownership of John Butz, made its way down the Pocomoke River at a steady five miles per hour, a pace that reflected the deliberate consideration Snow Hill gave to the decision surrounding the vessel's future.
From the aerial view of Chopper 16, the boat's paddles churned the water as it gracefully approached the dock in Crisfield, a sight not witnessed in quite some time.
Speaking about the journey, Butz expressed satisfaction.
"Really good, rode well, captains handled it really well and like I said made it here with no incidents or any problems so it was a good journey," said Butz.
Despite the confidence in the boat's ability to make the trip under its own power, there is one thing that always helps.
"A little bit of luck," said Butz.
Back in Snow Hill, the absence of the Black-Eyed Susan was palpable. The once-dominating presence of the riverboat left an empty dock.
"The boat has dominated so much of our existence, and so we're kind of numb to it right now," said Rick Pollitt, Snow Hill's town manager. "It hasn't sunk in, no pun intended."
The now-vacant dock, adorned with ropes tethered to nothing, serves as the last physical reminder of the Susan's time in Worcester's county seat.
As the Black-Eyed Susan continues its journey to Taylors Island, the town of Snow Hill can finally shift its focus away from the riverboat that once held so much significance.
"We can get back to business in trying to deal with the mayor's priorities in getting our core infrastructure in place," said Pollitt.
In the wake of the Black-Eyed Susan's departure, Snow Hill looks towards a future free from the shadow of the riverboat, while the Susan sails steadily towards her new home.
