June 10, 2008

Kaos & Lionheart Re-unite in NYC

May 30, 2008 New York City
As we approached the Statue of Liberty entering New York City, we met up with our good friends Richard and Sue aboard Lionheart, who were to be our buddy boat for most of ths journey. It had been more than a year since we had seen them, so it was a welcome sight to see Lionheart just ahead of us, passing beneath the Verazzono Bridge.
As a result of Richard and Sue's connections, we were able to secure dockage for the week at Liberty Harbor Marina, behind the Statue of Liberty and right at the ferry terminal. We were a 10 minute walk to the Path train and had the option of either the train or ferry to take us downtown NYC.

May 31, 2008 New York NY
Alan and I took the Path train into NYC to do some sightseeing. Although we did not visit "Ground Zero", the train went right past the sight. There were all kinds of construction equipment there and inspite of the noise, there was a quiet eeriness, surreal but comforting.
We had a great pizza lunch at Waldy’s on 6th St. and then walked over to the Empire State Building, where we opted to take the elevator up to the Observation deck and enjoy the breath taking panoramic view. Even today, the structure is awe inspiring and certainly was a marvel back when it was built. Unfortunately, I forgot to take my camera.
Later, we hoped the Path train back to Hoboken, NJ, where I got a great hair cut while Alan enjoyed a couple of libations with the locals in the pub next door.
Hoboken is a delightful town and since it was a beautiful sunny, warm afternoon, the abundant street cafes were bustling and the town was alive with locals walking their babies, dogs and just enjoying being outside. We took the reccommendation of some of the locals and had a great Italian dinner at infamous Tutta Pasta on Washington Street.

June 1, 2008
This afternoon we ventured down to Times Square and saw the broadway show "Mama Mia" with Richard and Sue. The music was exceptional, and though the tickets were pricey, it was a worthwhile splurge. After exploring a busy and bustling Times Square, we headed to Grenich Village to find a quaint bistro for dinner. You guessed....another fabulous Italian meal. A great day shared with good friends.
Exhausted, we hopped the train and headed back to the boats, where we quickly collapsed into bed.

June 2, 2008
Alan departed for a business meeting in Detroit, leaving me to explore with Sue and Richard. Today was a day to catch up on laundry and boat chores. This was followed by dinner at Dale and Yelena's; friends of Sue and Richard in Jersey City. Yelena is enrolled in culinary school and treated us to a gourmet beer can chicken meal.

June 3, 2008
We rented a car and headed off to Westpoint. Prior to the bus tour, we enjoyed lunch on the terrace of the Thayer hotel, overlooking the Hudson River.

Our tour took us to the beautiful historic cathederal, where each graduating class donates a stained glass window.
A walk through the cemetery revealed an astonishing array of history and military heroes, including the burial site and memorial to General Custar.
The view from West Point Monument, overlooking the Hudson River was stunning.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
June 4, 2008

Three hour drive up to Hyde Park NY to visit FDR home and burial place.

Wonderful dinner at the CIA (Culinary Institute of America). Josh, our waiter and student, took us on a tour of the kitchen following dinner.

June 6, 2008

Misty morning departure from NYC. A long days run up the Hudson, taking advantage of a push from the current. Arrived at Mariners on the Hudson late afternoon. Free overnight dockage is provided to boaters having dinner in the restaurant.
Docks are a little shaky and the local geese have left their mark, but all in all, it is a fun stop. After a refreshing shower, a much appreciated cocktail was enjoyed aboard Kaos, followed by a pleasant dinner on the patio at the Mariners Restaurant with the Van Gemmerts. The food was good and the prices reasonable. During the night, we did hear several freight trains as they passed by, but then that is the norm on the Hudson River, where the freight trains run on the west bank and the passenger trains between Albany and New York run along the east shore.                                                                                   



There are many interesting and unique Light Houses along the Hudson River, like the Athens Lighthouse above and Esopus Meadows light to the left. 






June 8, 2008
Crack of dawn departure (6:00am), heading to Waterford. Transited the Troy Federal lock, our first lock in many months. Arrived at Waterford about 10:00am, just in time to scoop a spot on the wall after several boats departed for lock #2 heading north. Waterford a great little town and very hospitable towards boaters.








No comments: