Miles with MarkyMark
I went out for beignets and somehow ended up steering a steamboat on the Mississippi River. Apparently, this is what happens when you stop to pet a Golden Retriever in New Orleans! Most people come back from Café du Monde with powdered sugar on their shirt, oh I did! But, I also met some incredibly kind people and a very brief career in maritime transportation. 😂 And it all started with Treasure Coin #357.
Powdered Sugar and a Golden Nugget
Yesterday, I had just finished my beignets at Café du Monde and was heading toward the convention center. I’m in town for a conference, so I wanted to check out the location, find the registration booth, and figure out where to get my badge. You know—responsible adult stuff. But first, a walk along the river boardwalk. The views of the Mississippi and the bridge were fantastic, and I was taking it all in when I spotted a Golden Retriever named Fenn. Well, there went the schedule.
You know the rules; you see a Golden, you say hello. Ask. Then, if a belly is presented, you rub it. These are binding terms and conditions.
Fenn got his belly rubs, and his owner, Ben—who I’d soon learn was Captain Ben—and I started chatting. He had noticed me tuck Treasure Coin #357 beneath a lamppost cover near some decorative stones, not far from a bridge covered in locks. He asked if I was one of those guys who travels around hiding money. Not quite, I explained that I’ve built a treasure geocoin hunt with more than 350 coins planted across the country, and that all registration fees go toward helping kids. That led us into a conversation about Mile Monsters, the boys we support, and raising awareness about Duchenne muscular dystrophy, or DMD. I also shared that it’s one of several causes I ride for. A little coin can open the door to telling someone about our the charity why I and (we) ride the miles. Eventually, we said our goodbyes, and I continued toward the convention center. A good conversation, a little awareness shared, and a Golden Retriever properly appreciated. A successful morning!
The Next Day: Fenn Strikes Again
The following day, after meeting a few people at the conference, I grabbed a coffee and realized I had a few hours before the afternoon talk. Perfect time for a two-mile walk along the river, a few pictures of historic sites along the way, and some people-watching. And who did I run into? Fenn! More hellos. More belly rubs. At this point, Fenn probably figured I was a regularly scheduled service. Ben and I started chatting again, and he told me he had found the coin! He thought it was really cool, wanted to learn more. I made sure he knew he could keep it. “No, no—you keep it! I’m happy you found it!” That little piece of treasure had already done its job. It started a conversation and helped spread awareness about the charity. Treasure Coin #357 found in NOLA by Captain Ben—a captain by day… and, I’m guessing, a pirate by night! 🏴☠️😂
Because right before we parted ways, he casually mentioned that he was one of the captains of the boat behind us. I turned around. The Steamboat NATCHEZ.
Well, that’s a slightly bigger company vehicle than I was expecting. Captain Ben asked whether I was free for the 11 a.m. tour. He could get me aboard and show me around. YES. Absolutely yes. Suddenly, my plans to sit on a bench with coffee seemed wildly unambitious.
All Aboard: MarkyMark Has Left the Sidewalk
What followed was an incredible behind-the-scenes tour: the boilers, the engine room, the wheelhouse, the instruments, and the workings of this amazing steamboat. I was getting the full experience. One day I’m hiding a coin under a lamppost; the next I’m standing beside Captain Ben on the Mississippi River, learning how a steamboat operates. My conference badge did not prepare me for this level of access. We talked about boats, New Orleans history, and the river. I took pictures and videos. I wanted our everyone to also get a look at this incredible experience—to see the machinery, the boat, and the river through the little pieces I could bring back and share.
And then something happened that definitely wasn’t on my itinerary. I got to steer the boat. Yep. They let MarkyMark take the helm.
Captain MarkyMark: A Very Short Appointment
For a few minutes, there I was, steering the NATCHEZ on the Mississippi River. What an experience. Then my brain caught up with the situation: there are roughly 450 people aboard this thing. I got a little nervous and kindly handed the helm back to the captain. We had a good laugh, and my brief maritime career ended with everyone still enjoying their boat ride. But hey—I did it! I can now say I’ve steered a steamboat on the Mississippi. 🤣
I also had an alligator sausage in a bun, and wow, was it good, I may still prefer a dirty water hotdog. Apparently, my New Orleans checklist now included eating beignets, petting a dog, steering a boat, and eating something that could theoretically have eaten me. A productive day. 😂
The Crew Made It Special
As amazing as the boat was, the people aboard made the experience. The crew was fantastic. Watching them work behind the scenes, you could see how much they respected one another. They worked as a team, shared laughs, and made me feel welcome while going about their jobs. I got to hear stories from both captains and see parts of the operation most passengers never get to see up close. That’s the kind of thing that stays with you.
New Orleans Looks Different from the Water
Seeing New Orleans from the Mississippi gave me a completely different appreciation for the city. St. Louis Cathedral really stands out above the French Quarter. From the water, you can take in the buildings and the shape of the skyline in a way you miss when you’re walking right beside everything. On foot, I’m looking at doorways, balconies, signs, and whatever smells like lunch. From the river, I could step back and see how it all came together. It was beautiful. Captain Ben had shared his workplace, his knowledge, and a view of New Orleans I’ll never forget.
The Best Treasure Was the Connection
What gets me is how simple the beginning was. I stopped to pet a dog. His owner noticed a coin. We talked about the kids we ride for. The next day, he welcomed me aboard a steamboat and gave me an experience I never could have planned while here. It was his way of giving back for the coin. That little coin had already given me plenty. Someone learned about my charities and took an interest in why we do what I (we) do. Then his kindness gave me something else to bring back: pictures, videos, stories, and a memory I could share. You head out expecting an ordinary walk, and someone gives you a reason to remember that day. Fin deserves some credit, too.
And if you see a Golden Retriever named Fenn, give him a belly rub for me. 🐾
Captain Ben of the NATCHEZ: thank you for the hospitality, the laughs, the stories, and the opportunity to see your world up close. And thank you for trusting me at the helm long enough to discover that I’m considerably more relaxed with two wheels underneath me. Treasure Coin #357 found a good home in NOLA. Until we meet again, Captain Ben. God bless.
If You’re Visiting NOLA, Hop Aboard
I highly recommend taking a ride on the Steamboat NATCHEZ.
A snack bar, a full brunch spread, a band playing, and plenty of tables and chairs where you could relax and enjoy the views along deckside. Between the music, the food, and the river scenery. Go see New Orleans from the water, its an experience totally worth it.
Ride safe, ride hard, and keep those wheels rolling!
Miles with MarkyMark
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