NYC & Half Moon Bay

 Next Chapter Takes A Bite Out Of The Big Apple

We weighed anchor at 9:45am on Tuesday and headed for NY harbor which was only about 12 miles from Great Kills. It was a post card day for weather. As we passed under the Veranzano bridge we both got goose bumps. The excitement only grew as we saw the Manhattan skyline get closer. And then Lady Liberty was there to greet us as she had done for millions of immigrants that passed thru Ellis Island. Sue and I both agreed that entering NY Harbor rates as one of the top ten things we have ever done. 

It is hard to describe the sensation of being in your own boat in the shadows of the NY skyline. For all it’s problems NYC is still probably the greatest city in the world. We stayed at Liberty Landing right next to Jersey City. The view from our boat was spectacular. The marina happens to be in Liberty Park which has a 5 mile bike/walking path along the Hudson. We got right on our bikes and rode the whole thing. We had a bit of a thunder storm come in late in the evening but it really didn’t impact too much. Sue did her usual magic in the galley and served an awesome dinner. The next day we did the tourist thing and jumped on the ferry and did the Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty tour. Yes very touristy but we both agreed it was worth the time. So much history. We spent the entire day doing both parts. 

The next day we took the ferry over to Manhattan and just winged it. We walked around the 911 park and down to Battery park. We then hoofed it to China Town and had Dim Sun for lunch. Such a unique experience. All these Chinese ladies coming around with carts that have all kinds of tasty small plates, most of which you have no idea what they are. 

From there we rolled the dice and got on the Subway and made our way to Chelsea Market. The market is full of restaurants, shops and groceries. Chelsea Market used to be where all the meat came into NYC and then distributed to parts near and far. We then went on another walkabout and stumbled across the Highline Park. The park is built on and abandon elevated small rail line that was used to bring meat to and from the market. Someone had the brilliant idea to turn it into an elevated park complete with trees, shrubs and plants. It stretches over 3 miles and passes by some of the most incredible modern architecture that you will ever see. It ends at a hard to describe piece of art that you really heave to experience to get it. 

We then decided to get real touristy and go up to the world’s highest open air observation platform. Complete with a section of plexiglass floor that you can a stand on and look down over 1200’. Yes it does give you butterflies. Even the glass walls are tilted out so you can lean out and look down. Holy vertigo! Well you can’t go to the highest outdoor platform and not have the highest price beer to match. As we sat at the bar a storm came across and gave us a show. It was really cool watching it approach and then encompass the building. Well that meant we had to make our way back into the subway system in the rain. We came out in the World Trade Center rail hub. Wow what an incredible complex. It is called the Oculus. Again just amazing architecture. Once back to the marina we meet a couple of other Loopers one of which was traveling with a 10 month old Newfoundland. Sweet dog but huge. They have far more intestinal fortitude than we do. Overall we found the parts of NYC that we were in to be clean, safe and fun. You could spend a year in the city and never see it all. 

Half Moon Bay Marina

Half Moon Bay is in a sleepy NY town of Croton. It’s about 40 miles from Liberty Landing Marina up the Hudson. We passed buy the entire NY skyline past Queens and points north. Not a whole lot there but we had a lot of fun with visitors. My niece Ann came in from Clifton, New York and spent Friday night and part of Saturday with us.  We enjoyed sitting by the pool enjoying the view, cocktails and great conversation.  Off to a Greek restaurant and continued fun conversation.  In the morning we went to a diner in town and then a 4 mile bike ride to the “other side” of the Harbor.  Ann is such a fine young woman and we are super proud of her!!!!!  Come back soon!!

So here we have a roommate from college days!!!  nothing like reminiscing about the college days with Geri.  We picked up where we left off, mixing cocktails, adding ingredients, switching to another cocktail.  We lived in the upstairs of a law firm in town that had a ancient claw foot bathtub with a hose attached to the faucet.  Most morning began with a scream as the hose detached from the faucet spraying water everywhere.  Geri organized a rack in the living room which held clothing we all borrowed for student teaching.  Three of us benefited from the shared rack of cloths and kept us dressed for success!!  Come Friday night, the rack was pushed into the bedroom to make room for any partying that ensued.  Geri thanks for the best college memories and I look forward to seeing you and Alex in Texas!!!

So it is hard to believe we have been gone for over a month. We have passed thru four states, covered 650 miles to date and spent and had more fun than the law allows. We both feel like our souls are being recharged. Doing the Great Loop, at least so far, has far exceeded our wildest hopes and dreams. It is easy to see why some do it over and over. 

As we are both new at this please let us know if you are enjoying the blogs or they are boring you to death or if you have constructive advise on how we can make it better. Below is a link I hope works to see the travel log from NEBO. 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uEgHuuTxCjwLPkTyjz-56cHH5Zw9GNHq/view?usp=drivesdk