On the Water in New York City with Family

6/4/2012

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Jay, Belinda, Laurie, Will and Mary
May 28, Monday - Day 31: Belinda's son Jay, his wife Laurie, Mary (7yrs) and Will (4yrs) arrived Sunday night from Tucson about 9pm. They had never seen Rickshaw so they had lots of questions – especially Mary and Will.  Monday was boating day - first we went about four miles north up the Hudson River  to see the west side of Manhattan from the water.  This was the best side to see the Empire State Building and the new Freedom Tower. 
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Above is the new Freedom Tower - still under construction.
After rounding the southern tip of Manhattan we headed up the East River to tour the  east side of Manhattan. We passed South Street Seaport, went under the Brooklyn Bridge and by the United Nations Building. We went as far north as Hell Gate and then turned around. Hell Gate is where three rivers converge and it is notorious for having swift currents, eddies and lots of traffic. However, we were fortunate enough to get there at slack tide so it was pretty uneventful. We retraced our track and went back down the East River and reentered the Hudson River turning south.
We were headed to the highlight of today's trip - The Statue of Liberty. We passed directly in front of the statue and of course took lots of pictures. There is a protected anchorage behind the Statue of Liberty next to Liberty Park. After dropping the hook we dropped Ricky-Dink in the water and took a short dinghy ride around the anchorage - Mary loved it and and faster we went the more she loved it! We enjoyed our dinner on the aft deck taking in the beautiful sunset, the park and the Statue.

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Jay helping the kids fish
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Out in Ricky-Dink for a spin around the anchorage. We stopped and talked to some other Loopers also anchored there.
We turned around and then went back down the Hudson River to anchor out at Ellis Island for grilled hot dogs for lunch - it seemed like an appropriate lunch for Memorial Day - we just needed the apple pie. After lunch we cut across the river dodging ferry boats and tour boats packed with  tourist.
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Mary and Laurie with the Empire State Building in the Skyline.



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The United Nations Building. If there had been any meetings in session we would not have been able to get this close.
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New York City!

6/1/2012

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May 27, Sunday - Day 30:  We got up early so we could research the ferry dock area for a place to rendezvous with Linda and Ashley.   Looking at the satellite map we noticed a marina next to the ferry dock, so we called to ask for 'local knowledge' about suggestions for docking a 44 foot trawler to pick up passengers from the ferry.  The marina said - "No problem - use our dock its a short walk from the ferry dock.  We don't mind and we'll even come catch your lines if you need some help."  Fantastic!  We were docking Rickshaw as the ferry was coming in; Linda could see us from the ferry so she knew where to go.  She and Ashley were aboard Rickshaw by 9:15.  Everything when perfectly - except - did I mention it had been pouring down rain all morning?  UCK.  Everyone was wet.   We waited about 45 minutes for the rain to let up then we pulled in our lines and headed for the Big Apple - a three hour trip.

Within a hour the rain was gone and the skies were blue - it was great weather for the challenges of entering the BUSY New York Harbor.  First we went under the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, then we passed by the Statue of Liberty and the new Freedom Tower was standing tall in Manhattan skyline - how exciting!!   But with all the sites we wanted to take in - we still had to keep a sharp look out as NY Harbor is buzzing with huge ships, ferry boats, tour boats, power boats and sail boats.

We arrived at the Newport Yacht Club and Marina in time for lunch with our crew at a nearby restaurant.  Then it was goodby to our Houston friends - we had a lot to do to get ready for our company who will be arriving about 8:30 tonight!  I can't wait - its been 4 months since I've seen my son and grandkids.
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This is the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, the first bridge when entering New York Harbor. This is also the bridge where the NYC marathon starts.
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From our aft deck we could see the Empire State Building which was aglow from the evening sun.
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Jim and Belinda approaching the Statue of Liberty. This is the first time Belinda has EVER seen her!
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Here is our track from May 13th to May 27th. We started in Chesapeake City, Maryland, stopped in Delaware, Cape May, NJ, Atantic City, NJ, Sandy Hook, NJ and ended across from Manhattan!
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Linda and Belinda on the bow as we pass the Statue of Liberty.
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We could also see the Freedom Tower from Rickshaw - it was prettier at night as it wasn't as obvious that it was still under construction.
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