Plane, Trains, and Automobiles

After two weeks living on my own, the time had finally arrived for me to fly out to see my boys!

 I spent the early morning hours on Saturday moving off of Tribeca, Lincoln and Anna's Hunter that they very generously allowed me to live aboard for the two weeks since the guys left on this grand adventure.  Then I started my journey on the ferry, then the streetcar, arriving at the airport almost two hours ahead of my flight time. I skipped the airport ferry and walked the new underwater tunnel to the terminal. I don't know what I was expecting, but for the $82.5 million price tag I found it extremely underwhelming.

Security and check in took about ten minutes, so I had lots of time to sit and read my book while I awaited boarding time. Finally we were called to board. I have only flown on two trips in my life, the last was our Honeymoon to Florida 16 years ago. Both trips were out of Pearson Airport on what I remember being large jets. I was a wee bit worried when I boarded the plane for this trip and it felt about the size of your average city bus!! Ah well, I couldn't do a thing about the size of the plane, so I took my seat and eagerly awaited the complimentary glass of wine!

The weather was overcast, and rain was reported in Newark, so I anticipated a bumpy ride. There was enough turbulence that the seat belt sign never went off. Being a sailor, I managed to keep my balance to and from the loo. When we arrived in Newark I was quite happy to be on solid ground again! 

The next step, which my friends Sandy and Karen walked me through over the phone, was to take the Air Train to Newark Train station, then the New Jersey Transit Train to Penn Station in New York City. Sandy booked me a train ticket online from Penn Station to Albany (the closest station to Castleton-on-the-Hudson where Andy and Henry were docked). I saved $40 by booking a train later in the day, and so I had a couple of hours to kill in Manhattan. After walking the wrong way up Eighth Ave in the rain for about 20 minutes, I called Sandy, found my bearings, and eventually found the diner Karen recommended for me to grab some lunch. I enjoyed an omelet and hash-browns before heading out to see the sights. I walked past Macy's to Broadway, then down Broadway to Times Square before looping back to the Train Station. New York didn't feel all that much different than downtown Toronto. A little more crowded, but all in all the same big city feel.

Penn Station was picturesque. 

Ar 5:15 I boarded my high speed commuter train to Albany. It travels at speeds of up to 103 miles per hour. I watched the Hudson River speed past in a blur for awhile before closing my eyes for a quick cat nap in the hopes that I wouldn't crash for the night as soon as I arrived on the boat! Andy asked me if I would be able to grab a few groceries on my way, so after my two and a half hour train ride I downloaded the Uber App and booked my first Uber! I went to Market 63 which was on route to Castleton-on-the-Hudson, and did a quick grocery shop while Andy texted me, Are you here yet?  texts. 

Uber ride number two from the grocery store to the boat was lovely as I bantered with the very friendly driver, Michael. He was fascinated by my story of living aboard and the boys great adventure to Cuba! Michael helped us to unload our groceries onto the boat, and I was at long last re-united with my family! 

Living alone has been peaceful and very quiet, which can be quite lovely, but there is nothing like being in the arms of those you love! 

Sunday was spent putting our three sails back on Island Eclipse and readying her for travel down the Hudson. Henry was in his element, climbing up the mast, down the forestay, and generally hanging around in his climbing harness. It's great to see him so happy!

We finished our work for the day around 5:00pm, and didn't want to pay for a fourth night at the dock, so we fueled up and headed about a mile down river, dropping the hook in a quiet spot a quarter mile up Schodack Creek. I couldn't help but think back to our previous cruises, when we had to drop the dinghy and take the dogs ashore at every stop. It was nice to be able to stay on the boat at anchor and not go anywhere, but I sure do miss those pups.

With very poor reception for data on our phones, we spent Sunday evening chatting and catching up. It was perfect. We went to bed fairly early in anticipation of further travel down the Hudson on Monday. We hope to be in Manhattan by Wednesday or Thursday.