June 4-5th  New York City and Hudson River

Thursday morning, with the sun peeking out during an intermittent overcast sky, we set out around 7:45 to finish Long Island Sound.  Dan and I placed bets on when we’d first see the New York skyline - he was closest at 8:45 am, but I was the one who picked it out at 8:10.  (My guess was closer to 9:30 am.)  The seas were higher than the predicted one foot, but Ziggy handled it well as we steadily made our way to the zoo that is New York City Harbor.

We had timed the tide and current perfectly for the East River and Hell Gate, and enjoyed a fast ride under bridges, including the Brooklyn Bridge, and around Battery Park.  We did our best to stay out of the way of the ferry boats, sightseeing boats, barges and tugs, while still ogling the sights and watching helicopters take off from shoreside pads.  It’s quite a show from the water, and makes for an interesting, if tense ride.

The Hudson River was less busy.  We made our way upriver to the George Washington Bridge, where we met up with our friend Capt. Joe McGeady, on his tug.  Joe came aboard for a visit and supper of ham and beans, and then we move on, dropping anchor just North of the bridge for the night.

On Friday we put the city behind us and moved steadily upriver into Pete Seeger country.  What beautiful scenery with the cliffs, rolling hills, and hardwood trees all in lush greenery.  Every turn of the river grew more picturesque.  What a pleasure too, to keep a steady course in calm but fast-moving waters.  (As long as you are riding the tide and current!)  We passed by West Point with its medieval-looking fortress walls, saw the sloop Clearwater getting ready for a sail, and eventually found a nice little marina in Marlborough for the night.  

Marina Night!  We had hot showers, enjoyed a walk uptown for a dinner out, and brought home some groceries.  The marina is only a few yards from the train tracks, and we listened to freight trains rumbling by all night.  Dan said it reminds him of Uncle Dana and Aunt Ginny’s summer camp in Lucerne, Maine.  More character!