Hyde Park, NY Excursions – 5/31/06

Our day included a visit to the Vanderbilt Estate which overlooks the Hudson River which at one time sat on one mile of river frontage. The estate was donated to the Federal Government in, about, 1946 with all of its contents. A lot of the homes we visit do not have the original furniture or contents, only similar period pieces, so this was a real treat for us. Have you ever seen a Tulip tree? (see photo)

We then proceeded to the American Culinary Institute (CIA) for a wonderful lunch. The CIA also sits overlooking the Hudson River in a building that at one time was a Jesuit Seminary. The Culinary school was established in 1946 and today is considered the worlds premier culinary college. After a 2 hour lunch at the Italian restaurant and stocking up on fresh artesian bread we moved on.

Next was a stop at the river estate home of FDR. A modest estate by comparison to the Vanderbuilts however at one time was 1,200 acres in size. The first Presidential Library was established on this property and sits close to the home.

As if the day was not complete enough we topped it all off with a group shopping trip to Sam's before returning to the marina.

Hudson River to Kingston, NY – 5/31 - 6/1/06

Today we passed many old estates on the river and West Point which was very impressive.

Kingston was our next destination. It is an old town that at one time was the state capital of New York before it was moved up river to albany. We met up with some boating friends from Arcadia, MI and Minnetonka, MN. We decided to stay 2 nights and rent a car on Wednesday for an excursion to Hyde Park.

Hudson River to Haverstraw, NY – 5/30/06

We left the New York City area on our journey 150 miles up the Hudson River, considered by many as the America's Rhine. Once out of the city the landscape changed dramatically into beautiful wooded hillsides and rocky cliffs with only small towns or villages on the water occasionally. The Hudson River keeps getting more beautiful the further north one travels.

We made our way about 40 miles to an anchorage in Haverstraw Bay – one of only a handful of safe places to anchor on the Hudson. The river has a tidal reach all the way to the Erie Canal. It is up to 168 feet deep in places withy a rocky bottom. The anchorage was very peaceful after 5 days of big city life.

NYC-Captain Drake - 5/29/06

Today our friend Chris and her son, Drake joined for a night on the boat. Before Denise and family left we took everyone for cruise on the boat on the Hudson River past the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the tip of Manhattan and back to the marina. It was a little rough on the water because of all the weekend boaters but it was excellent weather and we all had a great time. Drake got to be captain and drive the boat for a while.

Unfortunately Mark, Denise and Gavin left after our short cruise. We wanted to keep Gavin with us but Mom and Dad wouldn't think of it. We were sorry to see them go but we were glad we got a chance to connect and meet our precious new nephew.

Chris and Drake spent the balance of the day with us. We had not seen them in about 3 years. Lisa and Chris used to work together many years ago. They got to spend a lot of quality time catching up while Drake helped Jim change the fuel filter on the engines.

This is what it is all about.

1008 miles, about 5 1/2 weeks, until we're home.

Kowalski's Arrive – 5/27/06

Jim's sister Denise, her husband Mark and son Gavin joined us for a couple of days on the boat. This is the first time we have met Gavin so we were pretty excited for this visit. Gavin has to be one of the best behaved babes we've ever seen. We think it is because of all the love and attention his parents lavish on him. Meeting Gavin for the first time made for another great experience for us on this trip. It was fun for all of us just to sit around and stare at Gavin explore everything on the boat.

NYC Excursion – 5/26/06

Today we had a host of new experiences. We took a subway under the Hudson River to Ground Zero. We actually pulled right onto where the station was under the Twin Towers. Obviously a sobering experience.

We worked our way over to Wall Street to view the buildings and area that is considered the financial capital of the world. Another subway ride to Broadway and Times Square area for more touring. Lots to see, however, too many people, too much traffic, pollution and noise for our tastes but it was interesting to spend the day walking around with the crowds of people hurrying from one place to another.

We walked to Central Park. Now, this has to be considered one of man's greatest forward planning achievements. To set aside this much property to benefit all the people who live or visit this incredible hub of activity.

Next we hopped on a bus to Rockerfeller Center, home of NBC. We saw a sandcastle being sculpted here. It's amazing the things you will see like the Naked Cowboy for instance.

The highlight of the day was meeting up with our friend Tara Ziegler who works and goes to graduate school in New York. We had dinner and caught up on each other's year, a busy one for each of us. After a great dinner Tara helped us get back to our marina via the subway system.

Jersey City Marina, NJ – 5/26-29/06

We spent a 4 day Memorial weekend docked at Newport Marina on the west side of the Hudson River in Jersey City, NJ. We have the entire view of Manhattan just outside of our boat.

Ocean Run to To NYC – 5/25/06

Got up early again for a long day out on the ocean again. This time we head to NYC. Again calm water for our 45 mile run to the Hudson River and the state of New York.

What an experience to approach the harbor and view the skyline as we neared the city. Of course it is a busy port area and we have not seen this much water traffic in a long time. Freighters, tug boats, ferries of all sizes and colors, cruise ships, tankers and all different sizes of power and sail boats.

Tonight we are anchored out next to the Statue of Liberty with 4 other boats in a well protected area. Knowing that the statue stands for all that we cherish as citizen of the United States it was a great experience. As it got dark the view of the statue with the torch lit and the background of Battery Park in the background made this sight exceptional.

Ocean Run to To Manasquan – 5/24/06

We got lucky today with with west winds making the 90 mile run up to Manasquan on the ocean a calm cruise. We were relieved.

At Manasquan we docked at a marina where we ran into Paul Jacobs, from Traverse City, again. What a small world. It was also interesting that just on the edge of the marina, about 2 docks away, the commuter train rushed by about every 20 minutes.