Sunday, September 25, 2011

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.




Wednesday, September 21, 2011

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!


 

Sunday, September 18, 2011

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.



Saturday, September 17, 2011

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!