New York, New York

We Bid Farewell to Long Island Sound

Our last day on Long Island Sound was beautiful.  The sea was smooth and the sun shone brightly.  Timing was important for our arrival at the East River as the current flows strongly through the restricted opening that is Hell Gate.  Passing Stepping Stones light, we could see the Throgs Neck Bridge ahead and bid farewell to Long Island Sound.

 

Stepping Stones Light

Throgs Neck Bridge

This was exciting as we had never before entered New York Harbor from this direction.  Passing under the Throgs Neck and Bronx-Whitestone Bridges we could see the infamous Rikers Island ahead with its sprawling correctional facility.  

Rikers Island

Planes from La Guardia took off over our heads.  (Hali didn’t like that very much!)  Passing between the Brothers Islands we passed under two more bridges before arriving at Hell Gate.  

Passing Under the Triborough Bridge

The Swift Current of Hell Gate is Visible on the Water

Our timing was perfect, our normal 9 mph at our slow speed power setting accelerated to 15mph with the extra current generated through this narrow channel.  We thought of our friends Gerry and Georgette who had regaled us on several occasions with stories of their adventures boating in this area when they lived here many years ago.  The current carried us on past Roosevelt Island with its new monument to FDR and past the United Nations Building.  

Roosevelt Island

The FDR Memorial on Roosevelt Island

The United Nations

The Empire State Building

Soon we were passing under the last bridges and then were in front of the ferry buildings.  Here the harbor traffic increased dramatically.  As we passed, the Staten Island Ferry blasted its horn.  This meant that it was backing up and if anyone was back there, they needed to move, IMMEDIATELY!  We did and out came the ferry, very quickly!

One of the Ferry Buildings

Staten Island Ferry Beginning to Back Out

The Battery

We headed across the harbor to Liberty Landing Marina, a great place from which to visit the City.  A ferry departs Liberty Landing every 30 minutes to make the trip across the Hudson River to the foot of the financial district.  We spent the afternoon enjoying the sights and sounds of the “Big Apple.”

One of the Marina's Resident Swans

A view of Freedom Tower From Our Slip

The Big Apple

In the morning we departed at the turn of the tide, heading out toward Sandy Hook and the Atlantic Ocean beyond.   

Ellis Island

Lady Liberty

We had a particularly good weather report for this ocean run and we looked forward to it.  As we approached Staten Island the engine made an unusual racing sound.  After some diagnostic testing, Harry determined that we had a transmission problem.  Securing the problem engine, we began to weave our way back through all of the boat traffic.  There were tugs pushing barges and freighters loaded with goods heading toward the open ocean, sightseeing boats, ferry boats and an Army Corps of Engineers boat with red lights flashing.  It was moving in an unusual pattern in the center of the harbor, we radioed this boat to inquire about its direction and advising the Captain of our situation.  We were informed that a survey was being performed and that we would not be in the way.  Arriving back at Liberty Landing we were able to assess the situation further, we needed to replace the transmission cooler.  Of course, these things always happen on Friday, it would be into the next week before the part would arrive.  Additionally, there were storms in the forecast.  All we could do was to enjoy this wonderful area and wait.  

 

We Have Enjoyed Some Beautiful Sunsets

Not a Bad Place to Wait Out the Weather!

 At this writing, the repair has been completed and we are now waiting for the weather to improve and the ocean to calm down before proceeding on our trip.  Our next stop is Atlantic City.