M/V Yvonne Conway

One thing about cameras: Each year, manufacturers come out with new and improved models. Each new model is the GREATEST OF ALL TIME and if you don't shell out thousands for it, you're left behind and have proven yourself to be a failure in the pursuit of photography. That's what the gear review guys on YouTube -- the ones who get the good stuff from the camera makers in hopes of separating me from my meager savings account -- are always telling me.

But one truth always comes out: The purpose of a camera is to take a picture, and an older model that doesn't have all the latest technology but gets the job done anyway is all you need.

I have the same thoughts about these older models of Crounse Corp. boats. In low water and high water, they get the basic job done. They push barges from here to there, from where they aren't needed to where they are.

Thus, I have a certain respect for these boats among all the big, new, glittery models.

This is the M/V Yvonne Conway doing something I rarely see anymore. It's pushing 15 barges of coal.

I enjoyed seeing her today, even if she's not the flashiest, most modern boat out there.

As long as we're talking about going old school, here's the same pic only edited as a black-and-white.

Enjoy.