Hudson Bound.

On a foggy morning, Anna and I pushed off from NJ and steamed our way to the mouth of the Hudson River. As we made our way under the Highlands bridge I spotted my Mom waving to us as we passed underneath. I joked to Anna, "You think she is going to jump?" All jokes aside, it was a great thing to do, Mom you are the BEST! Feeling as if the doctor had just cut the umbilical cord, we motored on. There were about fifty clam fisherman out on the water that morning, and it became a bit of a challenge to stay out of their way with the fog rolling through. They gave us the expected nod as we passed. You have to hand it to these guys, they know, if you don't fish you don't get paid. It is a hard life, it is a wonder but when it is in your blood it would be easier to give up breathing. Soon we found ourselves all alone and I would say a good hour went by without Anna or I saying a word, it was one of the most peaceful moments we had had on the boat since we left Nantucket. The Narrows and New York Harbor soon came into view and the fog seemed to lift like a curtain on Broadway. Once again we found ourselves overwhelmed with the magnificence of NYC. The trip up the Hudson to Tarrytown was filled with memorable sights. The view from the water into the city is filled with unbelievable photo opportunities. I had to ask Anna to take the helm as I snapped as many shots as I could. As we passed the GW bridge, the landscape changed and the beauty of the Palisades became apparent. It is so cool how the bank of the Hudson climbs out of the water revealing these wonderful clusters of rocks and trees. Some of the churches and old factories seemed to tell a tale of power and importance that must have existed on this river years ago. The architecture of many of the buildings was just awesome. Finally after seven hours, we pulled into Tarrytown and tied the boat up. After a spaghetti dinner, something never before attempted by us on the boat, we find ourselves totally drained. It will be an early night tonight, what tomorrow will bring is always a mystery. I do know this though, if it is better than today this is sure to be the best year of our lives This Guy was using a tarp to help him pull his rake. I give him a A+ what a great idea.

Anna and I both thought this name was appropriate to be anchored in front of Lady Liberty


The Staten Island Ferry was quite a sight emerging from the fog.

Truly a sight I will never forget.

The architecture of the Building is something I could look at for hours.

It is hard to believe but I am looking at my old office. Saatchi & Saatchi Advertising. Sometimes everything you think you want isn't what you want at all. I guess life is a bit strange that way.

This looks like it should be in Washington.

I once tried to recreate this with an erector set.

I think I can. I think I can.

The Light at Tarrytown. Wonder if we will see Rip Van Winkle?

A Crab Fisherman in training

One of the best things about going home to NJ was being able to spend some time with my nephew Will. Living on Nantucket, we don't get to see family as much as we would like. Anna and I often say that we had might as well live in California. Getting to and from the Island is always an adventure. Seeing an opportunity to get in some good bonding time, Anna and I invited Will to stay with us on the boat for two nights. We had a great time, he is a wonderful kid and I think will grow up to be an accomplished boater.

It has been a long time since I sat through a little league game. Thanks Will for the invitation.

Anna had fun teaching Will how to be cool.

Will Lets go for a boat ride!



OK, we want to avoid the boats, not head right at them.

Watching Will take the helm, Priceless!

Anna I'm not responsible for anything I do with my dad and Uncle.

Buckle your seat belts the Dynamic Duo is inbound, my Dad and my Uncle, two of my best buddys. What a blast it is to have them on the boat with us. Early on Wed Morning my Mom drove these two guys up to Liberty State Park to make the run to my hometown, Red Bank NJ. Leaving the port in Hoboken, we where once again given a great view of the Statue of Liberty. As the boat turned south, we could see through the Narrows and the Verizano bridge. Off in the distance I could see the highlands of NJ. My Grandfather grew up in Highlands, many a night was spent listening to his wonderful stories of gangsters and bootleggers. When I was a boy I used to think that the stories were all made up, later in life I discovered that they were all true. His life was right out of a movie. Splitting bottles of booze in his basement after school while his father sold thier catch of fish was a regular activity. The Liquor was often gained through a trade with the men anchored three miles off Sandy Hook in international waters. These boats where filled with liquor, and a fisherman could trade for some with a catch of fish and supplies from the mainland. It is hard to believe but most everyone was involved in those days. My Grandfather told me that one of his friends was the son of the local Coast Guard Commander on Sandy Hook, and he made a ton of money riding on the fishing boats. If your boat had that kid on board, the coasties would turn a blind eye. When Anna and I lived in NJ we got our first apartment right below the Twin Lights of Highlands. It was a great old fishing town filled with little clam shacks and bait stands. As our boat passed Earl Naval Base, we both were filled with fond memories of this cool little town. Our trip down the Navesink River was also a trip down memory lane. The river is lined with some of the most affluent estates outside of the city, home to Bon Jovi, Geraldo, Bruce Springsteen, and at one time the Penskes. The lawns are perfect and the homes are right out of House and Garden. At the end of the river lies Red Bank. We slid into the Monmouth Boat Club and were greeted with warm smiles and open arms. When I was a kid I would sit in Monmouth Park and watch the ice boats run out of the club. Monmouth Boat Club has one of the impressive ice boating fleets I have ever seen. It is truly a sight to see these boats moving at 50 miles per hour across the river. Our stay at Monmouth was great, only made better when I was told that there was a keg of beer on the second floor that is all you can drink for a 50 dollars a season if you are a member. Anna quickly lay down the law and advised me that just because you can have all you want doesn't mean you should. Once again, I saw how lucky I am to have such a wise wife.

I will never get tired of this sight.

The view of downtown. I don't think I will ever get used to the Towers not being there.

The new attraction at Disney Land, "The Lifeboat Express". It has got to be a two story drop.

The Verizano Bridge

The Lighthouse as you round Sandy Hook and leave the Ambrose Channel.

Holy Smokes there is an aircraft carrier at Earl. I got to take a picture.

I don't think these guys will mind.

OK. OK. We get it, don't come any closer.

Could it be President Obama? There were three of them.

Anna and my first apartment right on the Sea Bright inlet in Highlands.

Barnacle Bills. If you stay in Atlantic Highlands or the rivers, you must eat at this restaurant. Get a spot at the bar and get a handful of peanuts from the barrel next to the door. Order a Long Island Ice Tee and a Cheddar Burger. Peel the Peanuts and throw the shells on the floor as you wait. This is by far the best burger in NJ. As a matter of fact, it is the best Burger I have ever had. Anna and I love to eat here and look out at the river. ITS THE BEST!

Bon Jovi's House on the River.

"Sayerville!"

The Monmouth Boat Club in Downtown Red Bank.

Good times were had on Blues top deck.

Will and Grace, my niece and nephew. How big are you guys going to be when we get back?

Blue safe in her slip on the river.

Anna give me those quarters we been lugging around.

A NJ Tradition!

Bruce Springsteen's Driveway.

Why did I take a picture?

1. I know where it is.

2. He is the Boss right?

Excuse me can you direct me to the A Train?

New York City, what a cool city! Anna and I were so looking forward to this day. I had worked in the city for four years, but had never really taken the time to enjoy any of the cultural aspects of this awesome city. We got up early and took the water taxi to down town. We were sad that it was raining, but were determined to have a great day. In the end it was spectacular. There is something so cool about NYC, it is truly a wonder of the world.

The Bodies Exhibit was out of this world. Thankfully we saw it before lunch.

Visiting Ground Zero was something that I had been avoiding for many years. It was hard for Anna and I not to think that if we had not moved to Nantucket the year before 9/11, I would have been getting off the Path train right as the first plane hit the towers. We knew a few people that lost there lives that day, it was nice to see that the memorial planned for the sight is truly going to be a testament to their spirits.

Anna and I saw FDR's model ship collection at the south st seaport museum.

What's up with the Rain?

One of the main things I wanted to see in NYC. This museum was so cool. A sub, the concord, and the chance to walk through a real aircraft carrier.

To bad most of the museum is out side. It is no longer raining, it is pouring.

The planes on the flight deck were totally cool.

Holy Prop Batman!

Lets hope this scenario never plays out.

Can you believe my arms are almost wider than this Mercury Capsule? I thought our boat was small. Can you say claustrophobia?

Cool Sub. What's the old joke, 60 men go down 30 couples come up. 60 guys, only three heads, not my idea of a good time.

What a view from our slip! Anna and I had to play a little of Franks classics.

This place had the best showers. Anna asked if they would all be like this. I pretended not to hear her.

The Family showes up tomorrow to make the run to our old home town in NJ. I can't wait to come around Sandy Hook, it will be nice to show Blue our old home port on the Navesink River.

Why do they call it Hell Gate?

Late on Sunday night Anna and I made a decision to take advantage of the weather and make a run for NYC in one day. Having checked the forecast throughout the day it seemed that we would have a clear day with no wind. I could not have asked for better conditions to head down the East River. Getting up around 6 we made a dash for the wash rooms, fired up the engine and tossed the line. As I ran the boat out of Branford I saw that the harbor had taken on a whole new dimension in the early hours. Yesterday upon our arrival the harbor was filled with people all having enjoyed one of their first summer days on their boats. Let's just say by the time we got docked it seemed that the party had been in full swing for some time and the drinks were in no danger of running out. This next morning the harbor had a quiet calm to it. As we made our way past the Mermaids, two rocks that mark the channel, I sat and took it all in. Suddenly my senses were turned to a more powerful sensation, BACON! Anna decided to take advantage of this calm morning and cook us a full breakfast while underway. What a treat! Our passage down Long Island Sound took seven hours. Not once in that time did a wave break over the bow. It was for a lack of a better word majestic. A few hours into the trip the skyline of NYC appeared over the horizon. The feelings of excitement and tension filled our bodies. I have all my life wanted to take a boat down the East River. To see New York from the water I was sure would be a top ten memorable moment. Their is one hurdle that must be passed in order to achieve this sight, we would have to navigate our way through Hell Gate. Hell Gate is a fork in the river where the Sound, East River and Harlem River all meet. I had been told that boats had been know to spin in a circle as the currents converge. In the end Blue did great. The best way to describe the sensation on moving through the gate would be operating your boat right behind the Steamship in its prop cavitation, or driving a motorcycle on grooved pavement. Sometimes the boat just goes where it wants, demanding a quick correction of the wheel to get back on track. Once through the gate and south of Governors Island the views were as expected. We put the boat up for the night at Liberty Landing Marina. Being Part of Liberty State park Anna and I were able to pull the bikes off the boat and get an unbelievable view of Lady Liberty. It was truly a day I will never forget.

Leaving Branford, "Is that Bacon?"

Check out this Monster Heading into New Haven. The name was fitting.

' This is now my Chair!'

These Cruisers gave us a big wave and a toot of the horn as we passed.

I think I can see the City.

Wow!

They Call this Execution Rock.

Another ominous sing before the gate.

This abandoned prison gave us the answer.

These Bridges are just to cool.

"Honey I have been through the gate hundreds of times just get me a new beer. Anyway we got the autopilot what could go wrong?"

Good luck guys.

There she is Lady Liberty!

Once again I marveled at the construction of these bridges.

South St Seaport. Anna and I will hit this place tomorrow.

The Staten Island Ferry. Can you believe it, it didn't crash.

The Battery.

What a great end to a long day.

And what a view from the Marina

Enjoy this video of our trip through Hell Gate and the East River.