Arctic Songbird Adventures

Today was a photographer's paradise! We cruised the final southbound leg of our journey and took hundreds of pictures of this stunning background of human ingenuity and achievement! There were thousands of people attending a polo event with outdoor concert right in Liberty park. We met some very nice local folks and Gracie made many new friends with her kisses for every person that wanted to pet her. The weather was near 80F with a light breeze so another perfect day for ice cream. New York and it's many suburbs was a sight to behold! We also got to cruise right up to the security zone around the Statue of Liberty. A true gift from France that every American should see. She stands guard and just as importantly, welcomes those arriving to the greatest country on earth. There is a lot to do and with only one week, we will have to prioritize what to do each day.

Another great cruising day and we made about 50 miles. Some of the highlights were: the Culinary Institute of America, West Point, Indian Point nuclear power plant, and some more impressive bridges. The afternoon breeze kicked up some very rough waves inside our marina and we had to leave the boatand stay on land awhile. We walked over eight miles, getting supplies and going out to eat at a local greasy spoon diner. After noticing a red spot with a dark object in the middle, I dug out an apparent tick head 1/2 inch from my eye. Carrie found the rest of him in my sleeping bag. She also woke up screaming last night after finding one crawling up her leg. We did a thorough cleaning of the boat and dogs and hope we don't find anymore. The weather was hot and humid today but felt nice. It feels like the wind is picking up again and the boat is a rocking tonight! Tomorrow is the big day when we cruise into the Big Apple!

Another beautiful day cruising on the Hudson. We saw several old lighthouses, magnificent castles, and only a few boats. Arriving at Norrie SP marina, we inquired about the local area. After a quick lunch, we were off on a 7 mile hike to the Mills Mansion. We walked through the woods and along the coast until it majestically appeared on a beautiful grassy hill. Along the trail we saw some huge centipedes and our first snake. "We ain't in Alaska anymore!" The mansion was built in 1895 during the "gilded" years when some very wealthy men were making and spending millions. Everything was great until we got back to the boat and I found a tick on Gibson. That is when the real yucky fun began. Eventually I pulled about 20 off both dogs. After that it was doggy shower time, and then I pulled out the scissors and gave them both a buzz.  It was a long evening!

We departed Waterford and cruised down the Hudson to the unique town of Catskill, NY. We passed many mansions, amazing estates, huge bridges, and fantastic architecture along the way. The sun finally came out and the temperature climbed to 80F which automatically activated a mandatory stop to the ice cream stand. We walked around the town and found many historical buildings typical of this area. After our walk and ice cream it was back to the boat for some relaxation.  When dinner time came, we ordered pizza and walked back to the other end of town to pick it up. By early evening a few thunderstorms rolled through but did not get closer than one mile to us. We did some necessary domestic chores like laundry, organizing items, and cleaning up the boat after it calmed down. We all had well deserved (and needed) hot showers and feel renewed for tomorrow's adventure.

Day two in Waterford with heavy rain showers until late afternoon. We spent most of the day relaxing inside with the heater chugging away as we read and napped. After awhile I decided to practice on my new Ukulele, to the disenchantment of the crew! With the confined quarters we were stuck in today, I decided not to test my (lack of) musical skills any longer than necessary, and probably prevented a mutiny.  I was continuously watching the Doppler radar for a break and when I gave the signal, we ran up to the store and stocked up on more groceries. When we got back to the dock a few other boats had arrived for the night. We had another great dinner, met some new boater friends from Canada, went for an after dinner walk, and made it back before more rain. I finally broke Frazier's winning streak at Skip-Bo, of which he wasn't too happy about. Another blessed day aboard Arctic Songbird!

Day 8 and we have completed the Erie Canal and are touching the Hudson River! The weather was cold and wet most of the day and I guess the strong evening wind finally blew the rain away. We started out this morning at lock 15 and attemped to stop in several places. The towns that appeared interesting had not installed their docks yet, so we just kept going. It was a marathon today with 14 locks we went through. In Waterford we walked into town, bought some juicy steaks, came back and grilled them to perfection. Now that we are tired and our bellies are full, it is night night time!

What a wonderful blessed day we had today. We walked into town and attended First Baptist Church where we were welcomed by everyone. Our new bicycle trekker friend, Robert, followed us to church on his bike.  The church building is approaching 200 years old and it was magnificent! Stained glass, a pipe organ, wooden pews, and real hymnal books to sing from! We quickly became known as the "Boat People" and after the service we met the Frasier family. Their teenage daughter Connie, was interested in a boat ride so we brought her along down the canal through two locks into St Johnsville. Her parents met up with us and treated us to ice cream which was delicious on this beautiful hot day. These are dairy farmers that are true hard working folks and supply us with the milk and cheese we consume at a tremendous rate....well, at least my family does! These folks enjoying hunting, guns, ATV's, snowmobiles, and being outdoors! I could fit right into this slice of heaven in NY. ...