Stever the Ferryman to Retire?

imported
#1

I had a friend tell me that Steve, the ferryman over the Kennebec river was retiring and that he was no longer going to operate the hiker ferry. Anyone know if that’s true? If it is true, anyone know what the options will be in the future?

Moose

#2

Steve was a great guy. Really enjoyed the ferry and morning we had with him. ATC actually paid Steve to do that. I’m guessing the ATC will find somebody else.

Grimace

#3

Haven’t heard. He picked us up in Gatlinburg and took us back up tot he gap. We had waited almost an hour for a hitch and he pulled up. said he was on a three day trip and just thought of going back up to the gap that morning. Cool trail magic. Missed him at the crossing though, he was out or something. So now we have to carry a canoe? My other fav sport. One of those inflatable jobbies is prob only 20# or so. I wonder if I could paddle the AT?

Bushwhack

#4

He has officially retired from being the best ferryman on the AT. He is going to continue to manage his outfitter store nearby. (blue blaze trail off the AT).

Maine ATC will find a replacement.

Peaks

#5

Great guy , Steve. Known him for 11 years. Only used his services 2 0ut of 8 crossings. I like the fording thing. He’s good people. Did his thing extremely well.

Lone Wolf

#6

“Beware new ventures that require new clothes” Thoreau. After 16 years, 14,170 hikers, 2,526 days by the Kennebec River,retirement looks real good or at least steady year round work…dread. Options for cortisone-laced river rat limited. Pharmaceutical sales :slight_smile: Where? Maine? Where else!
2002 saw 1300 hikers cross Kennebec (500 GA-MEers)WAY TO GO!
Fortunate, grateful, blessed, tired, replaceable (who isn’t)
Thank you kindly for all the great memories. ferryman

ferryman

#7

Missed you at the river, thanks again for the trip up to the Gap at Gatlinburg in '01. You were there for a few days, we waited for an hour.

Bushwhack, Bramble & Raindog Esq.

#8

Steve, thanks for the ferry across kennebec for this 2001 nobo. Are you still gonna run the store just a short ways up the trail? -Matt

Sweeper

#9

Steve, Thanks!! We were number eight and ninth to ferry across the kennebec in 2001. Thanks for the shuttle to the Post office and store.

Comer & Jean