New York City

On Wednesday, May 31, Missy, Bobby, Tom and I left Manasquan, N.J. and headed to New York City.  The day was overcast, but the ocean swells were not bad.  We arrived in New York around 2 p.m.  Seeing the New York skyline appear out of the mist was impressive.

New York skyline

We had missed Fleet Day over the Memorial Day week-end, but some of the tall ships and several Navy ships passed us as we came into the harbor.

Bobby greeting tall ship in NY harbor

Navy destroyer leaving the harbor
with sailors lining the deck.

Impressive tall ship with full sails.

Going under the Verrazano Bridge
brings us into NY Harbor.

And then suddenly there she was.  Lady Liberty was waving at us.  What a feeling to be going past the Statue of Liberty on our boat!

First view of Lady Liberty 

Since Rich's plans had changed due to weather, he stationed himself at Battery Park and watched us arrive. We were all disappointed that he couldn't be on the boat with us, but he said seeing us come in was very special also.

Missy and Bobby watching Rich (in orange shirt) at Battery Park

The ferry boats are a constant in the harbor and they really keep the water stirred up.

Staten Island ferry going by the Statue of  Liberty

We had been forewarned about the wakes in the harbor and chose to stay at Liberty Landing as it was recommended for calmest water.  We were not disappointed.  It was located directly across from Manhattan and the ferry was just a short walk away.  Rich hopped the ferry and joined us at the marina in no time.  We all took the ferry across to Manhattan for dinner.  Haley joined us there. 

Raydiance at Liberty Landing

Night view from Raydiance's front deck
.  

The next day, Haley's boyfriend, Gian Carlo, came aboard and the whole crew enjoyed Captain Tom's special omelets (thank you, Micheners!).  After breakfast we cast off for a four hour cruise of the harbor, the East River and the Lower Hudson.  The weather was perfect and the cruise was a delight.

Brooklyn Bridge with Empire State Building
in the background

On the East River, the Chrysler Building
to the left.

Ellis Island

The Intrepid aircraft carrier--open for tours

Would you believe,  a golf driving range?
It has four levels! 

Lady Liberty on a clear day!

A carousel on the shores of the Hudson

The new World Trade Center building.
We had dinner just outside the
arched glass building in the foreground.

Every now and then someone spells Tom so that he can come out and enjoy the view.

Captain Tom 

The e-Rays
Haley, Missy, Richie, Gian Carlo, and Bobby
(Gian Carlo is going to have to work on the e thing.)

Haley and Gian Carlo at the helm.

That evening, John Cali joined us for dinner.  We were sorry Amanda could not come for the tour or dinner, but we certainly understood.  Guess we're just going to have to go around a second time!

dinner with Cali

The next day the E's left, but only after
the new Charlie's Angels posed in their
matching  souvenir shirts.