New York Harbor to Waterford, NY on the Hudson

New York City to Waterford, NY on the Hudson

New York City
We spent 3 days on anchor in NYC harbor. Actually, the anchoring basin is on the Jersey side, in Jersey City, immediately South West of the Lady. Although convenient, the basin is located in a rather industrial and seemingly impoverished area, with nothing of interest to walk to. We could see the Lady from the back, but not the Manhattan skyline.

As you all know, the heat wave reached this area by Thursday. And as you would have it, our main generator broke down Wednesday evening…this means we endured 2 full days and 3 nights of extreme heat without air conditioning. We have arranged to get it serviced in Brewerton, NY in a week. Our little backup Honda generator saved the day as we are able to keep the inverter batteries charged to keep the refrigerators and freezer going…all this frozen meat and wines. So we did enjoy cold water/ice tea, ice, and cold wine! Friday was particularly oppressing, as there was zero wind. We “slept” on the bow cushions 3 nights, as this was the only spot on the boat where we could get a faint breeze!

Now, to top this timing of events, the largest wastewater treatment plant in NY/Upside Manhattan experienced a serious fire on Wednesday afternoon, the day we arrived. By Thursday Noon, all the beaches and access to the river were closed, as raw sewage was discharged at the rate of about 140 million gallons a day. By Friday morning, with the extreme heat not helping the situation, the stench had reached us. Glad we left on Saturday as soon as we could. It was getting pretty bad.

Our friends Vicky and Fran arrived as planned later on Friday afternoon after a 5 hours train ride from Rochester, NY and multiple ferries/ rides to the Liberty Park basin (good experience that is – they even met folks who gave them free car rides in the heat, and a bus driver who took them around the World Trade center site!).

Picture the 4 of us, exhausted from the heat and travel, laying down on the bow for the night! We left at dawn Saturday to start our journey up the Hudson River. We all enjoyed the sights of Manhattan under the golden light of dawn from the water, including the 2 new World Trade Center towers being erected, more of Lady Liberty, and the George Washington Bridge. What an amazing experience it was to drive our own boat through these venues!

Up the Hudson to Kingston, NY
The ride up the Hudson was smooth, and temperature a bit more bearable. I did not know The Hudson was that picturesque: high banks with beautiful estates, some narrowing passages and bends. Passed by West Point too!

Overall quite scenic. However no good, or at least what we would consider safe, anchoring along the river.

After 10 hours travel we stopped in Kingston for the night, a little town of 30,000 right off the Hudson. There is a very nice public marina right off the historical downtown area which has been redeveloped. Nice restaurants/bars and nightlife.

After seriously washing the boat (from salt but mostly the sewage contaminated NYC water), we had a superb meal at a bistro ran by a graduate of the American Culinary Institute located just down the river (the ACU that is).

We docked right behind a beautiful Hinkley, which we found out was owned by no less than …the Expedia’s CEO! Did not meet him, as he was visiting a friend in town. Our dock master, a woman, seemed to know everything…

Service at this marina was so good that they even come and help get your garbage off the boat: I have never had this service!

With power and water, we all had long showers, ran loads of laundry, and slept like babies with A/C throughout the boat! YEH!

Up the Hudson to Waterford, NY
Left Kingston on Sunday morning. We definitely will stop by there once more on our way back down in a few years. Drove to Waterford, NY (just pass Troy) where the waterway takes you to either Lake Champlain up North or to the Erie Canal West. After morning rain showers, the sky opened up to a beautiful day. This part of the Hudson becomes gradually less scenic. However, Waterford is an interesting stop. FREE docks, with water AND power and Wi-Fii (fast too), BUT you have to get a space! It seems that the Quebecois (French Canadians) have made it their own … we could not find a spot when we arrived at 3PM. A very nice couple, Bob and Fran, from New Bern/Fairfield Harbor (figure it out), let us raft with them.

Another night with A/C and water privileges onboard: more laundry, regular showers (extra long for Annick), watering the herbs pots in total abandon, and 4-burner stove usage. YEH! Annick is could not be happier: A/C and internet, can't beat that.
Tomorrow, we are taking the first lock getting into the Erie Canal. We are sitting right in front of it.

To more (really) chilled wine! (and it is chilling)
Annick & Michael cruising aboard Sirocco