Wednesday has us motoring out of our very quiet cove, and raising sails. Tailwinds again, which later shift to north. Other days the winds have been very steady, but they're fickle today. Our challenge is to get through Hell's Gate. This involves reading the tide tables for three different locations, and trying to ascertain the speed and direction of the current. Easier said than done, and we fail. We wind up wasting about four hours ghosting in and out of the entrance of Flushing Bay. The tide carries us one way, the very gentle wind another, and when a barge comes by we fire up the motor to get out of his way.
Eventually the tides turn, and away we go into the East River and Manhattan. Lots of barges with tugs, way too many police boats going way too fast, and a few private motorboats and sailboats. Motoring through downtown, we have the river mostly to ourselves, while looking out at congested traffic and pedestrians, bicycles and joggers.
Toward lower Manhattan we encounter ferry boats either crossing the river or carrying people up or down river. Some throw a big wake, and we are challenged to maneuver in, around, and between them all the way to Staten Island. There are more barges here, and the straight concrete walls of the river reflect the waves back, making for a confused jumble of waves going every which way. The current is stronger at this end of the river and that adds to the energy.
Finally, East River delivers us to the mighty Hudson River, adding its currents and traffic and waves to the mix. At times waves splash over our bow. We round Staten Island for a close view of Lady Liberty between tour boats and a security zodiac boat. On the far side is a NJ state park with boat launch and anchorage in quiet waters. Phew!
We tie up at the float for the port-a-potty, and notice a diner nearby. Dinner solved! We buy reubens with french fries and a pickle.
 |
| Gateway to New York City: Throgs Neck Bridge and the East River begins beyond... |
 |
| Throgs Neck Seagull! |
 |
| Escape From New York: Giant Jenga Block Barge? No! It's a floating prison! |
 |
| The East River forks left and right at Roosevelt Island in Manhattan. We bear right! |
 |
| The United Nations building and the Empire State building come into view. |
 |
| The oddest building I have seen yet.... framing the Empire State Building no less. |
 |
| The Brooklyn Bridge. Would you like to buy it? I'll cut you a good deal. |
 |
| World Trade Center - Tower One |
 |
| Lady Liberty as seen from Eclipse |
 |
| The New York City skyline as seen from near our anchorage for the night in Bayone, New Jersey |
Exhilarating - is the word that comes to mind. At once both exciting and rather stressful?
ReplyDelete