Time does fly...I can't believe it's been 5 days since we've posted on the blog, five very exciting and fun-filled days!
We left Cape May on July 13 with the intention of stopping in Atlantic City. As it turned out, the Atlantic was so beautifully calm, with rougher seas predicted for 2 days later, we decide to press on with a longer day and take advantage of calm seas. Thus, we traveled to Barnegat Bay, NJ where we dropped anchor for the night, enjoyed a peaceful evening and fell into bed early. We knew seas were predicted to get rougher later in the day on the 14th, so arose around 5:30 and took the "inside" (intracoastal) up to the Manasquan Outlet, which officially marked the end of the Intracoastal Waterway. Here, we once again entered the Atlantic Ocean and had a relatively calm trip from there to New York Harbor. Our designation was Great Kills Yacht Club in Great Kills Bay, Staten Island, which is well known for welcoming Loopers. Great Kills was once a fishing and oystering port.
When looking at the map, it appears that Staten Island should be part of New Jersey, but it is actually part of New York. Staten Island, which is home to about 500,000 people, was won from New Jersey by New York in a sailing race. Staten Island was once the site of North America's first Peace Conference and also is the first headquarters of the Republican Party.
As expected, we were welcomed with open arms from several of the GKYC members, and given special attention from John, a former Looper and the Harbor Host.
On Wednesday morning, we awoke to rain but weren't deterred from our resolve to see the sights in New York City. Thus, taking cover under our umbrella, we walked the 4 blocks to the city bus which took us not far from the 9/11 Museum and Memorial. Thankfully, the rain had stopped and didn't cut loose again until we were inside the museum. Words cannot describe the feelings evoked while walking through the memorial and museum. They have done a marvelous job of preserving important portions of the landmark, honoring and respecting the dignity of those who perished, those who survived, and the people of New York as they pulled together to not let the enemy break the spirit of our great country. Our original thought was that it would take a few hours, with plenty of time to see other things in the City. However, it captured our attention for the entire day and we both left feeling solemn, overwhelmed and humbled.
As an antidote to the cloud of sadness that swept us up, we decided to attend a Broadway show, focusing on a comedy. After a spectacular dinner at a New York Deli-style restaurant, we walked to the theater for an evening of gut-wrenching laughter. We were SO excited and happy to get tickets to "Fish in the Dark", a comedy starring Jason Alexander (George from Seinfeld), Rosie Perez and Rita Wilson (Tom Hanks wife). Sadly, Rita Wilson had withdrawn from the cast because she was undergoing treatment for breast cancer. The play was outstanding, and Jason was in true form with his expressions and gestures...very reminiscent of George on Seinfeld.
We took the long bus ride back to the boat, fell into bed and set out alarm for 6:00 a.m. so that we could get an early start to head back to Manhattan. Our goal for this day was to get tickets for the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, so we had to be in line before 9:00 to have a chance at getting a stand-by ticket. After standing in line for over 2 hours, we knew it was futile thinking we might get into the show, so when given the opportunity to move to the line for tickets to Late Night with Seth Myers, we quickly did that. Thinking we had won the lottery with #9 & #10 tickets, we were very hopeful that we would have the chance to be selected for any open slots for the show's taping. In the meantime, we were given some tickets to attend Seth Myers' monologue, a rehearsal for his late night show later that evening. That was an absolute RIOT, as we were in the second row of seats and it was the next best thing to being at the actual show. He was very interactive, funny and down-to-earth. Our next stop was a tour of Radio City Music Hall while awaiting our fate as to whether or not we would get in to the taping of Seth Myers' show at 6:00 p.m.
Unfortunately, everyone who had purchased tickets to see Seth Myers actually showed up so there were no seats available for standby ticket holders. Disappointed but tired, we made our way to the bus station and headed back to the boat.
This morning John took Jim to the grocery store while I cleaned and prepared the boat for departure. Weather is fantastic (but very hot), water calm, and a spectacular day to pass through New York Harbor and pass by the Statue of Liberty. Fortunately, Heather's family was able to gather 'round the iPad for a first-hand FaceTime journey with us past Lady Liberty. Fun!
As I write this, we are now through New York Harbor, past the George Washington Bridge, past Yonkers, NY and enjoying the nice scenery along the Hudson. It was surprising to see the stark change in scenery after passing under the George Washington Bridge. Remnants of New York on the right side, and green, wooded rocky cliffs of New Jersey on the left.
We are nearly ready to anchor for the night at Pollepel Island, having just passed West Point. This journey up the Hudson has been a spectacular sight! Mountainous and wooded, DEEP water...over 100 feet in many spots, truly breathtaking!
We have many pictures to share, once we are in a spot with good internet coverage. Thanks for joining us along the journey!
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