Avalon Point Marina, NJ to Dung Thourafare Anchorage, Sandy Point, NJ

September 26, 2011
Day 15- departure 3:45PM
Arrival 6:15PM Dungs Thoroughfare Anchorage Sandy Point, NJ
We got a late departure because of the fog and then we had to wait for an incoming tide since there are many very low points on the intracoastal in New Jersey. We ended up going aground hard and had to sit an hour for the tide to float us free. Because of this, we had to find somewhere to anchor as the light was fading so we went to Dungs Thoroughfare which is an inlet of of the waterway that is in a bird sanctuary. We were the only ones there after a fisherman left and it made for a very spooky night in pitch black and the birds calling all night. We did enjoy a great dinner of pork tenderloin cooked on the grill with our never ending red wine!

This fisherman was the only other person in Dungs Thoroughfare until he left before dark.

Anchored in Dungs Thoroughfare for the evening.

We hope the fog is not too bad in the morning so we can get to Cape May, NJ so we can finally go up the Delaware Bay.

Atlantic City, NJ to Avalon Point Marina, NJ

Sept. 24th, Saturday- Departure 11:00AM - Day 13.
Arrival Avalon Point 5:00PM
Today's total miles- 27 Cumulative miles- 256.5

We procrastinated on leaving because of the weather. We started out of the inlet to the ocean down to Cape May but  found it to rough so decided to try the inside intracoastal even though it is not recommended because it is shallow. We went along and had to wait for low bridges to open and went aground a few times but was able to back off and continue on our way. It was overcast with some light rain.

We finally left Atlantic City under overcast skies.

There are a lot of narrow canals with houses on either side.

Some of the houses are not in great shape

One of the many bridges closing after out pass through.

Our sun set at Avalon Point Marina.

Anal Carole washing off the bird droppings off of the docks at sunset.

It was a good night considering the lousy weather day it was.

Seaside Park, NJ to Atlantic City, NJ

Days 11&12
Departure Seaside Park 8:30AM
Arrival Atlantic City, NJ 5:00PM (including 1-hour fog stop)
Today's total miles- 44 and cumulative miles- 229.5

We got a late start because of fog and had a couple of stops along the way to anchor to wait for fog to lift to continue. The trip tool us past houses along the Jersey coast to marsh land along Jersey's intracoastal waterway. We stayed at the State municipal marina which is at the  Golden Nugget. (Was Trumps until May of this year)

Leaving our anchorage.

Houses along the outer banks of Jersey.

Coming up on Atlantic City through the fog.

Getting closer

These 5-windmills next to the casinos in there 1st 8-months of operation produced enough electricity to power 2,500 homes for a year.

This was our view out of our cabin at night.

Visiting historic sights??

Searching for Caesar

Walking along the 4.5 mile boardwalk in a light mist.

Other casinos off of our stern on our final night in Atlantic City.

As long as the weather is ok we will be leaving tomorrow.

Atlantic Highlands NJ to Seaside Park NJ

Days 8,9&10
Departure: Atlantic Highlands NJ 6:45 AM
Arrival: Manasquan Inlet @ 11:20AM and Seaside Park Anchorage @1:30PM
Today's total miles 50, Cumulative miles- 185.5

Because of unfavorable conditions at sea due to hurricane remnants, we spent a couple of extra days in Atlantic Highlands. We did laundry and took a long bike ride along the Henry Hudson Trail to the ocean. The trail is 4.5 miles each way. The town is older and has a neat main street.

Carole riding down Main Street, Atlantic Highlands

Henry Hudson Trail

Hawk along the trail

We could still see New York City from a high point on the trail.

Of course after a 4.5 mile bike ride to the ocean, we needed to refuel for the return trip!

We left today at sunrise to get to Manasquan Inlet before the weather turned.

 

Arrived at Manasquan Inlet

Carol's first canal, the Point Pleasant Canal.

With our 22 foot vertical clearance, we made it under most bridges by 5-6 feet.

We are anchored just off the beach in front of Seaside Park NJ

Tonight's sunset as I was grilling a rib Eye on the back deck, It was a good day!

 

Liberty Island anchorage to Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey

Day 7
Departure 7:40AM
Arrival 10:30AM at Atlantic Highlands Municipal Marina, NJ
Today's total miles - 18  Cumulative miles - 135.5

We pulled anchor and found that while we held well, it was in a black sticky mud that was a lot of fun getting off of the anchor and chain. It was a good trip out the channel past Lady Liberty and down the Hudson River and out through the Verazanno Narrows Bridge. 

Out of the channel behind Lady Liberty. One last look at NYC and the Freedom Tower.

Lady Liberty waving good bye to us.

Navigating up to the Verazanno bridge

After going out of New York harbor, the waves began to build and the wind reached 20 to 30 MPH and were making the conditions unbearable. Instead of going down to Manasquan Inlet, we took a right and headed for Atlantic Highlands NJ for the night. We met up with two other snowbirds going south who also felt it was best to stop. On is from Toronto Canada and the other from Southwest Harbor Maine. we are trading war stories and trips south. We may be stuck here a few days until the left over hurricane winds stop.

At dock after a very rocky ride down the Raritan bay. Good to be on land.

Port Washington, NY to Liberty Island anchorage, NJ

Departure 11:30AM
Arrival 3:00PM at Liberty Island anchorage.
Today/s miles- 23.5  Cumulative miles - 117.5
Note: click on pictures to make them larger.

We left later in the morning to be at Hell's Gate (in the East River)  at the best time to transit. We are leaving Port Washington in our wake.

We could see New York City in the haze.

Approaching the Throgs Neck Bridge

Jack at the wheel

Continuing down the East River

Going by Rikers Island

Rikers Island

Riker's floating over-flow cells on the East River

Hell's Gate, are we going to fit through?

Hell's Gate traffic

NYFD's finest

Window washers over the East River. The top guy was Carole's friend and waved.

Roosevelt Island Tram

The UN building in our wake. Carole was worried about taking a picture earlier since we were escorted past the UN by armed Coast Guard gun boats. For the next week and a half the general assembly is in session.

 Amy Plourde and Patrick Nolan's apartment is to the left of the Empire State building just above the New York University Medical Center overlooking the East River.

Brooklyn Bridge and the South Street Sea Port

South Street Sea Port

Staten Island Ferry is still the cheapest way to see New York Harbor

The new Freedom Tower replacement for the World Trade Centers.

Navigating past the Statue of Liberty to get to our anchorage behind her for the night. It was a spectacular scene.

Ellis Island with the financial district in the background

Our anchorage behind the Statue of Liberty.

The view of the Verizano Bridge also from our anchorage.

We enjoyed a great dinner at anchor of steak and a great bottle of Sterling Cabernet with the setting sun. It doesn't get better than this. As my good friend Dr. Allam would say, "life is good!"

Tomorrow we will head down the Jersey shore and see how far we can get. Maybe there will be a Snooky sighting, one never knows!