Today was a big day in our complicated world of decision-making. As you have read, after our delay due to boat repairs, we had abandoned the idea of doing the Great Loop. The rule of thumb says you should be off the Great Lakes by Labor Day to ensure you don’t encounter rougher weather. And we felt we would be too rushed if we pushed the Loop idea. However, we have talked to so many people who are still doing the loop, and are in the proximity of where we are. Some are slightly ahead of us and some behind. After much deliberation, and the assurance of having friends nearby on the same route, we decided this morning to revert to Plan A, The Great Loop. A new sense of relief and excitement builds as we are looking forward again to the journey.
So we pulled out of Liberty Landing into the Hudson River and turned North.
The Empire State Building 
Planes straddling the Freedom Tower, from our view 
George Washington Bridge
How quickly the landscape changed as we left the city. A short distance North revealed high banks on the Hudson, covered in forestation. No more high rises. The structures turned to an industrial look, reflecting the history and culture of the working class from that of the busy city life. The boat traffic all but disappeared, providing a wandering, relaxed navigation on the river. With plenty of deep water and a relatively calm current most of the day, we soaked up the rays from the flybridge and mellowed out till we found our anchorage at Stony Point.
An old foundry 
Trains are almost a constant along the Hudson. 
From the bow on this glorious night
Wes & Amanda – It’s great to hear you decided to continue on the “Loop”. We’ll be watching your progress.
BTW – We did return your key at Utsch’s.
Steve & Debbie Lingsch