July 2-July 3                Jersey City, New Jersey/New York, New York

As usual, Suzanne announced her presence with full expectation of being the center of attention!  We were expecting her arrival sometime before nine.  She was at the door of the boat at 7:00 AM. and showing no fatigue from her long “red-eye” flight from San Francisco.  Gloria was less exuberant.  Everyone had arrived safely and we were ready to begin the holiday festivities.

The weather was sunny and pleasant.  We would cruise up the Hudson River and I would accomplish another “bucket list” item:  sailing beneath the George Washington Bridge on my own boat. David had promised that someday we would do this and today would be the day.

After leaving the dock, Dave, who was once certified to captain 100 ton vessels, took the helm and expertly took us out of the harbor, into the channel, and up the river.  Cruising between the west side of Manhattan and the eastern shore of New Jersey, we tried to identify famed and familiar places.  Blake was delighted to be traveling through the same place where the US Airways plane landed in the water several years ago and the passengers were saved by the heroic efforts of the crew and others.  We admired the beauty of Grant’s Tomb, the majesty of Riverside Church, and the serenity of The Cloisters, overlooking the Palisades on the opposite shore. 

David honked our horn and I posed on the bow for a commemorative photograph as we passed under the George Washington Bridge.  I pointed out the small red lighthouse beneath the bridge, the subject of a classic children’s book detailing its history from pre-bridge days when it served as an important beacon, to abandonment, and finally, restoration.  Today, it is pristine and a popular place for schoolchildren visits.

Using the grill on our bridge, David cooked steaks, brought from Costco in Fort Worth.  They were outstanding and we stayed on the aft deck until well past midnight enjoying the happy experience of being together.

On Sunday morning, we were awakened by heavy rain (always welcome because it thoroughly washes the salt from the boat).  The fog was heavy.  Everyone slept late and then finally gathered on the aft deck for a special breakfast of egg casserole, fresh fruit, bacon, and pork scallopine.  Dave, Blake, Gloria, and Amanda decided to visit Brooklyn, a place none had been before, to find the Surf Bar and Restaurant, highly recommended by Stephanie.  David, Suzanne, and I enjoyed the coziness of the boat and watching old movies on television.  Napping was also a great rainy day option.

After 6:00 PM, the adventurers returned with stories of the Surf Bar, Coney Island, and Whole Foods Market. To maximize their time, they had traveled by ferry, subway, and cab.  The Whole Foods Market was apparently as popular in Manhattan as it is in Austin (and as well-stocked).  This one, however, had a large delivery service that processed orders from residents who preferred the convenience of shopping by telephone.

Dinner was at Marineparc, the casually sophisticated restaurant at the marina.  Its contemporary décor was perfect for our group and the service was exceptional.  Amanda was so delighted with her raw oyster appetizer that she ordered another and everyone gave their food high praise for taste and presentation.