LEAVING THE SOUND

LEAVING THE SOUND

Well, dear friends,

another chapter is closing on our little odyssey.

The side trip to Long Island Sound was amazing!

It wasn’t a part of our original plans

but had we missed it,

it would have been a shame.

We didn’t realize the geographic magnitude

and after four days,

had covered just a fraction of it’s wonderful locations.

The plan is to return someday to complete our visit.

Yesterday we crossed from Connecticut back to the New York side

in dense fog,

visibility barely one mile.

Sailing in the light winds proved far too frustrating

but we made it at least 1/3 of the way across before motoring.

Our achorage for the night was a treat in North Port Bay,

quiet and protected just behind this sand spit…

Today was an entirely different scenario.

20 knot winds,

white caps,

more tide and current challenges…

What a great way to finish our last day on the Sound!

Now safely at anchor just past Throgs Neck Bridge

with another view of the New York skyline…

…we plan for tomorrow’s trip through Hell Gate…

this time it will be scheduled.

R.E.D.’s salt water experience has been unique for our little fresh water lady.

(Francois would kill to be able to power wash right now)

We too are crusty and crinkly (no shower for at least four days).

But what an experience this part has been!

While I poured us an evening cocktail,

Captain barbecued us dinner R.E.D. style

that could rival any New York Pizza (Galley Kat’s Recipe)…

(our story and we are sticking to it)

Check back tomorrow to see if we survived the gate from Hell…

 

 

HERMIONE

HERMIONE

Just when we thought that we had reached the pinnacle of our adventure,

sailing past the Statue of Liberty

in the heart of New York City….

We had known the Hermione would be in New York

(you can read more about her here)

and hoped we would be able to see her

but when we came across the opportunity to join the flotilla

for the Independence Day celebration,

we jumped at the chance.

145 boats participated

R.E.D. was listed as #100

and as far as we could tell

we were the only Canadian boat.

I hope the following pictures
will give you a hint of her magnificence…

 

Captain did a superb job of positioning us amongst the others…
At times it wasn’t easy as the waters were rough
and there was constant jockeying for the best place.
We had to keep within a designated perimeter of Hermione
and none were allowed to move past her bow,
otherwise it was a nautical free-for-all.
…Francois flew his Royal Canadian Artillery Flag with pride…
…we all passed under the Verrazano Bridge…
…past the Statue of Liberty…
…and the Freedom Tower…
…there were pirates…
…and musicians…
(this French woman held the tiller between her legs while playing beautiful
French tunes on her accordian)
…at noon there was a fly-past…
…and fire boat displays…
…so many beautiful ships participated…
…security was fierce…
After 2 hours the parade ended
and we let R.E.D. do what she was meant to do..
sail.
Back on Staten Island we settled in to the evening fireworks…

A day we will remember always!

 

THE REST IS ICING

THE REST IS ICING

we hauled anchor and headed farther toward NYC
…and past the Manhattan skyline…
We’ve heard and read a lot about the harbour water taxis and ferries.
Well, everything we’ve been told is true.
These are everywhere, crossing this way and that
from all directions
and the wakes they leave are impressive
and as a friend said very ‘bouncy’.

 

This next image alone made our trip so far
worthwhile.
She’s a very elegant lady…
Now if only we could get someone to snap a photo of R.E.D.
sailing in front of Lady Liberty.

 

Just outside the harbour and under the Verrazano Bridge,
…there is this vast expanse of nothing but ocean.
So tempting to just keep on going.

 

We did however have a date with John
on Staten Island.
What a great place this is!
I think there may be a tie for first place
with the Friendliest Canadian Boat Club

John got us all settled in..

which was a challenge

for a stern-docked 26 foot boat

on a 20 foot floating finger.

winds and currents notwithstanding…

We have all the low down on the area,

best restaurants – upscale and as-you-are,

and have been offered a ride into the city if we need provisioning,

or instructions on taking the train/ferry.