On the Water in New York City with Family

6/4/2012

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.

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.

Jay helping the kids fish

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.