 The Hatton Ferry
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Yesterday I rode to near Scottsville, Virginia to the Hatton Ferry Est. 1870, America's last hand poled ferry, which crosses the James River. A single cable is strung across the river. The ferry is attached front and rear by cables attached to idler pulleys on the single cable. To get things moving, the ferrymen hand pole a few feet away from the riverbank. Next, they winch the cable on the bow in enough so the ferry is pointing slightly upstream. The current is then striking the hull at a slight diagonal angle and the resulting vector propels the craft across the river. Reverse to return. How cool is that? Cars, trucks, bikes, people, etc. Hatton Ferry
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 Re: The Hatton Ferry
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
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Good info. While reading, I was wondering how Mr. Brown's ferry came to be known as Hatton's. The answer was in there, re-named after a politician! 
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 Re: The Hatton Ferry
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 819
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Apr 2008
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Hey! There is a cool ferry like that between Richmond and Lexington KY! We often take our bikes across the Kentucky River to get to Lexington.  It isn't poled though . . .
Last edited by CynMcA; 05/27/2013 1:11 PM.
I would be unstoppable if not for law enforcement and physics.
2002, Cardinal Red & Silver
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 Re: The Hatton Ferry
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,839 Likes: 3
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,839 Likes: 3 |
Would that be clay's ferry north of richmond?
ENJOY!!!!! NEWT!!!!!
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 Re: The Hatton Ferry
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Newt, The Hatton Ferry is about 70 miles west of Richmond and 25 miles south of Charlottesville, so I don't think they are the same. As soon as I can upload some pictures to photobucket and figure out how to post them, I'll do so.
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 Re: The Hatton Ferry
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
Good info. While reading, I was wondering how Mr. Brown's ferry came to be known as Hatton's. The answer was in there, re-named after a politician!
It could be worse ya know, Steve.
(...uh huh...in TODAY'S world it's a surprise it isn't now named "The Samsung or Doritos Hatton's Ferry"!!!) 
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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 Re: The Hatton Ferry
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Thanks for the tips on both of those ferries! We'll be checking them out on future rides!  If you like ferries, the Millersburg PA ferry across the Susquehanna is a hoot. 
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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 Re: The Hatton Ferry
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Dwight, the rename will surely come. Maybe The Beijing Express. The Chinese are probably holding paper against it as we joke. Or they could call it The Carnival Cruise Line Ferry. Then most people would be afraid to ride on it leaving more room for Triumph folks. 
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 Re: The Hatton Ferry
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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like to see story like this posted here..  Ed 
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 Re: The Hatton Ferry
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 819
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
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Quote:
Would that be clay's ferry north of richmond?
To my knowlege, there is no ferry at Clay's Ferry (north of Richmond, KY). Maybe there once was, but now there is a bridge and dock. This ferry is called Valley View and there is a nice twisty ride on the western side into Lexington.
I would be unstoppable if not for law enforcement and physics.
2002, Cardinal Red & Silver
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