July 4                          Jersey City, New Jersey/New York, New York

A haze continued to blur the view of the city, but patches of blue sky were evident when we gathered on the aft deck for a late breakfast.  There was a definite change in the activity level on the boats around us—people were rapidly coming into the marina and boarding, coolers and grills were assembled on the dock, and preparations were made to enjoy a lovely day.

We departed from the dock, with Dave again at the helm, and followed the Statue Cruise ferry past Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.  The photographers on board were eager to get some close pictures of both landmarks.  The Hudson was churning with many boats and ferries, all crowded with people..  We stayed briefly in that area before turning to enter the East River and head northward.

Suddenly, the haze disappeared, a brilliant, cloudless blue sky emerged, a slight breeze dissipated the humidity, and the weather was perfect.  With unabashed excitement, we cruised beneath the Brooklyn Bridge, the Manhattan Bridge, the Triborough Bridge, and the Staten Island Tram, noting famed and familiar sights along the way.  The monolithic United Nations Building appeared to be in the process of restoration with most of the windows covered and scaffolding surrounding some of the exterior.  A large white party tent was on the lawn of Gracie Mansion, the traditional home of the Mayor of New York City (although Bloomberg, a multi-billionaire declined to live there).  Lining both sides of the East River were small green spaces where people were gathered, sunning on the grass, playing games, and setting up grills for cookouts.  It was truly an American holiday sight and very affirming that this country retains values and traditions that continue to unite us as a nation.

Leaving the main branch of the East River, we passed through Hell's Gate to Flushing Bay for a view of Rikers Island.  As all of us are avid Law and Order fans, this was a highlight!  Rikers figures prominently in many episodes of that TV show (which was being shown in marathon format throughout the Fourth of July holiday).  Long, white buses were parked near the huge, gray jail facility and Blake was excited to see one actually transporting prisoners. 

Returning to the dock shortly before 4:00 PM, we had a light lunch of cold boiled shrimp, showered, and completed decorating the boat with flags and garland. Suzanne and Gloria joined many other bicyclists in the park.  We had a great “people-watching” position as the trail next to the dock was a scene of constant activity with walkers, bikers, dogs, and strollers.  Everyone seemed to be in a happy, celebratory mood.  The large open green space between the marina and the Hudson was rapidly filling with people claiming places for viewing the fireworks.  Elaborate picnics and family groups were everywhere.  Both restaurants on the property were hosting weddings.  Tuxedos and formal gowns were mingling with shorts and flip-flops along the trail as everyone wanted to see the many boats entering and leaving the marina harbor.

Dinner was All-American fare, hamburgers and hot dogs cooked on the grill, accompanied by  corn on the cob, dripping with butter. The fireworks began at 9:20 and the kids opted to walk down to the Hudson for a better view.  David and I were happy to sit quietly on the bridge and enjoy the largest displays of color, clearly visible over the tops of the buildings.  It was a special time of contentment and gratitude.

The kids returned with praise for the spectacular fireworks display, made even more so by the added  illumination of the water and the glass buildings on both shores. We all gathered on the bridge to enjoy warm apricot and cherry cobbler as we watched the lines of cars leaving the area and the flotilla of boats returning to the marina.  The last boat to come back was a large yacht, probably more than 100 feet in length, rocking with a DJ playing loud, raucous music, a group of teenagers dancing on the upper deck, and an assortment of adults (hopefully parents) on the lower decks.  The music continued until midnight when some of the guests departed in a very long, white limousine.  We were impressed but all agreed to keep this information secret from Kennedy who will probably insist on emulating the entire affair for a future birthday bash!  The evening concluded after 1:00 AM when we reluctantly left the bridge for bed.