by Karen Shughart
Let me introduce you to Rose Lummis, she’s quite a gal. She’s not afraid of hard work, gets along well with children, and despite her age, has remained remarkably fit. A former resident, she recently relocated to Sodus Bay after many years of extensive traveling. Despite what you may think, she’s not applying for work as a nanny. She’s a fully restored 49-passenger riverboat that will sail the bay during summer months and early fall to provide eco-tours; guided history, wildlife and sunset cruises with local food, wine and music; educational activities and private charters.
Originally built in 1953 as a Mississippi river boat, the two-decker was purchased by a local Sodus Bay resident in 1985 and sailed here until 2015, named by a 6th grader for a beloved community member. She was then sold several more times, renamed Sea Witch, Miss Green River, and River Tyme, traversing the waters in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
At the end of 2023, Save Our Sodus (SOS), a non-profit organization committed to preserving water quality, protecting shoreline resiliency and promoting sustainable community in and around Sodus Bay and Lake Ontario, published its strategic plan for 2024-2025 which included a vision for eco-tours on the bay.
“We wanted people with ties to the bay to be able to have the opportunity to learn about our history and the benefits of a healthy ecosystem,” said Don Riling, president of the organization. Within weeks a local businessman and philanthropist contacted SOS and offered to purchase a boat to make that vision a reality. The following year when a board member learned the boat was for sale in Appleton, Wisconsin, the benefactor purchased it and committed to three years of financial support while SOS got the project up and running.
An important component of the initiative is outreach to children. The 11 school districts in Wayne County are participating in SOS programs that allow students to work with geologists and molecular biologists for hands’ on learning experiences including dissecting fish and examining sand for microplastic pollution and collecting mud from the bottom of the bay in order to study living organisms.
SOS has also partnered with Alasa Farms – the site of Cracker Box Palace, a no-kill farm animal rescue shelter – for a six-week camp, Discovery Days, for children 8-13 years from July 6-August 14. In addition to exploring 627 acres of woodlands, creeks, marshes and orchards, campers will be transported once a week to and from the camp to Rose Lummis to learn about the importance of the bay and its impact on the environment.
The 2026 season kicked off on May 8th and will run through September 27th . Cruises last between 90 minutes and two hours and embark from Oak Park Marina in North Rose; food is available to take onboard at the marina’s restaurant, Boatyard Pub and Grill. Tours are selling out quickly; Riling recommends purchasing tickets in advance. For more information about SOS, to obtain tickets for cruises or to inquire about a private charter, please visit the organization’s website www.saveoursodus.com.
Karen Shughart is the author of the award-winning Edmund DeCleryk cozy mystery series and a short story, all of them set in the northern Finger Lakes region of New York. She has also co-authored two mysteries and written two non-fiction books. She lives with her husband, Lyle, in Sodus Point, NY. Her books are available at local gift shops, bookstores and in multiple formats at amazon.com.
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