New York here we come!

We had the perfect plan to leave from the Manasquan Inlet at 5:15AM for the run to NYC on the ocean. This was important since the forecast called for calmer waters in the morning. We enthusiastically rose at 4:45AM but found ourselves socked in by dense fog. Fog finally lifted by 9AM and we had an uneventful ride to NYC harbor.
Entering NY harbor from the ocean was an experience to remember: it is not just the breathtaking Manhattan skyline, but Lady Liberty stands right in the middle with all the tall buildings as a backdrop, and she is surrounded by container ships coming and going, or simply waiting. We toured a bit before following a small channel taking us to the Liberty State Park anchorage basin. This was not easy to find, especially as we had to cross the main channel as well as negotiate our way with the numerous ferries who run around like they are the only ones on the water...

Michael's daughter and grand-daughter will stop by tomorrow. Our friends Vickey and Fran are arriving Friday to join us on our journey up the Hudson and the barge canal in NYS. Oh, and I am pr
oudly flying my French flag on the bow in front of Lady Liberty ...

Wish I could attach a few pictures, but again no internet here.
Until next time,
Annick and Michael on Sirocco

Brielle, NJ (North end of Barnegat Bay - near Manasquan Inlet)

We left the southern end of Barnegat Bay on Monday morning and headed to Toms River about 15 miles North, still off the bay. Dropped anchor in a nicely protected cove there for one overnight.

We drove this morning further North on the bay to get positioned to get out via the Manasquan Inlet at the crack of dawn Wednesday morning. We are at a marina in Brielle since this end of the bay has no anchoring option. It certainly is not as pretty as the southern portion (around Barnegat Light)and very built up. We know we are getting closer to NYC!

We saw lots of sea creature carcasses on the white sandy beach on the southern end of the bay. Crabs like I had not seen before: delicately spotted, small and elegant. And blue crab claws of course, so very blue it was almost blinding in the sun.This area is known for its scallops fishing industry. There are also zillions of very small mussels. In the 48 hours time we were anchored, the anchor chain was covered with these tenacious little creatures.

The ocean has been rough since we took refuge on the bay last Saturday. Tomorrow morning looks like the best bet. So it will be a very early ride into NYC harbor. We plan on anchoring at the Liberty State Park (on the Jersey side) just South West of the Statue. This should be quite a sight, with the Manhattan skyline. Hope it works out and the winds are not too stiff, as they have been here for the past 3 days; gusts up to 25 knots.

Since we are at a marina, laundry is going full blast, AC is ON, Michael is washing the boat with fresh water (Sirocco has seen only salt water since we left a month ago), and LONG showers are on the schedule this evening.

By the way, I got a promotion...(long overdue if you ask me). Michael maintains his Captain title!

Cheers to all,
Annick & Michael cruising on Sirocco