Poughkeepsie

 Poughkeepsie

On Sunday, we had a beautiful cruise day to Poughkeepsie, where we stayed at Shadows Marina right on the Hudson. We chose the marina due to its proximity to a number of sights we wanted to see. On the way, we passed through Bear Mountain and West Point. Incredible history surrounding the Garrison. I know, I know, go Navy! 

The Hudson is flanked by pretty high bluffs and hills in that section. It was a 40-mile cruise to the marina. The next morning, we robbed a rental car and headed off to West Point for the campus tour. The campus is pretty remarkable with its citadel-like architecture. The one tidbit we found interesting was that during the Revolution, George Washington knew that whoever controlled NY would win the war. So one of the things they did was to stretch a large chain across the Hudson to block the Brits from coming down the Hudson to get to NY. Each chain link weighed over 120 lbs. Well, we all know the outcome. 

We then went to the Vanderbilt Mansion, which was in Hyde Park, only 4 miles from the Marina. The opulence, even in today’s standards, is really remarkable. What was interesting was that FDR had his summer home just a couple of miles down the road. As you could imagine, Vanderbilt and FDR were not drinking buddies. The story is told that when Vanderbilt came into town, he made his driver go inland to avoid driving past FDR’s property. Workers’ rights and social programs were like oil and water in the world of the corporate tycoons of the 1800s. Not being one of those, we also went to FDR’s home and enjoyed the tour there. 

FDR Mansion  

Vanderbilt Mansion

Wednesday, we did a bike ride with some of our looper friends. They have a great rails-to-trails right next to the marina. Just north of the Mid Hudson Bridge is an abandoned railroad trestle bridge that they converted to a walking/bike way connecting to the rail trails. What was neat is they had an elevator that took you and your bikes up over 100 feet to the top of the bridge. That night, we went to the CIA, which stands for Culinary Institute of America. It is a college campus where students train to become chefs and food service industry leaders. Tuition costs over $35K per year! This is where Anthony Bourdain went to school. They now have a wing named after him. The hope was for a spectacular meal and great service. Unfortunately, the food fell a bit short. It was still a neat experience nonetheless. 

Kingston

Thursday morning, we had a leisurely departure to time the currents to Kingston, which was only 17 miles upriver. We stayed at Rondout Yacht Basin, where Sue went to work to get caught up on laundry. We did get some time to ride bikes into town. We were starting to learn that staying on the Hudson means a significant uphill ride to get anywhere. We needed the exercise anyway. When we got back, we were invited onto Mountain Mermaid for happy hour. The crew was from Colorado. I had to believe those people actually know how to drive a boat, and they had a big one. 

We have really been blessed with incredible weather here in NY. As some of you may know, the early summers here in NY are spectacular with bluebird skies, puffy white clouds, and some of the best open-window sleeping you can get. Mornings are still a little crisp but great for exercising. We continue to meet so many great people. Being on the loop is like one big fraternity of such like-minded people. Time is already flying by.