Party Weekend @Shady Harbor
After a 35-mile cruise in classic NY baby blue skies on Friday, June 10th, we pulled into Donovan’s Shady Harbor Marina in New Baltimore, New York, on the Hudson River. This was a highly anticipated “Boater Appreciation weekend” to meet up for a 3-day party hosted by Brian and Kathy Donovan, owners of the marina.
There were at least 45 boats of Looper cruisers, adding 100 plus people to the already well-attended party. The marina complex has a restaurant called The Boathouse Grill that has daily live music and pretty views of the river. There is “The Twisted Prop Container Bar,”which is a shipping container turned into the perfect dockside bar complete with picnic tables and umbrellas. If I couldn’t find Mike, I knew if I walked over to “The Twisted Prop,” I would see him deep in a conversation about boat engines. They had a stage set up for a band, two tents for folks to hang out under, and a poolside area as well as a fire pit.
A highlight of the weekend was the Flag Raising and the Blessing of the Fleet. The tradition started many centuries ago in fishing villages along the Mediterranean to bless the sailors as they began a new fishing season. That morning, we all gathered around the flagpole for the ceremony.
The National Anthem was played, and the flag slowly rose to the top of the pole, waving over the Hudson River. A Catholic Bishop in a purple cassock robe and mitre beanie strolled the docks, stopping at each Looper boat. Using water blessed from the Hudson, the Bishop dipped a branch and sprinkled water on each boat, saying a prayer to keep us safe while on the water.
The day continued with tastings of rum, vodka, and mimosas at “The Twisted Prop”.
The ladies on the loop had a meeting where we each introduced ourselves and had time together. There was an organized house and garden tour that some Loopers attended. At night, there was Prime Rib night at the restaurant followed by a big bonfire down by the water. For lunch on Saturday, the owners grilled hamburgers and hot dogs. Sunday was the Pig Roast where we were joined by boaters that use the marina all summer. Fellow Loopers each brought a side dish to add to the BBQ. The band played some really fun sets and the ladies got dancing feet!!!
The crowd was so enthusiastic that we convinced the band to play multiple encores. By the time the last table was stored away and the tents taken down,it was a pretty quiet evening. With full stomachs, ringing ears, and tired feet, we all strolled down the docks to tuck in safely for the night. Boater Appreciation Weekend was one for the history books.
It’s really bad when we have to start putting dates in our blog. I know it is crazy, but there doesn’t ever seem to be any downtime. In fact, the time seems to be flying by way too fast. We would like to promise we will keep the blog more current, but that would be a promise we likely will never keep. However, we will try.
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