Rush Hour

Although the weather guessers  are calling for thunderstorms and/or rain all day today, we thought it looked clear enough to make our run from New Jersey through New York into Long Island Sound.  Timing is critical because of the very strong currents, especially through the East River and the area called Hell Gate.  We did our calculations to time the tide and current and determined that an early start was in order.  Going up the East River we hit 11.4  knots, our usual speed is 6 knots.  It was very busy in the  harbor (harbour for our Canadian friends).  I cant imagine the traffic on a Saturday.    Since the day was gloomy I decided to take pictures of some of the traffic we encountered. 

Fog

We sayed an extra night at Atlantic City to avoid the big thunderstorms that were predicted.  We heard on our VHF radio of hit and miss storms all around us but we never even had a drop of rain.  Our plan was to head out the next morning in the dark to get a jump on the long day ahead and take advantage of the tidal currents.  We got up in time but decided to wait till first light, we saw some light fog rolling over the city.  Good decision, there was active dredging going on in the inlet channel, we needed daylight to avoid the barrels and hoses associated with the dredge.  The fog did roll in, light at first then heavier.  We had a long day.  On and off fog in the morning and direct downwind motor sailing until about an hour outside of Sandy Hook, NJ.  We quickly got anchor down in Atlantic Highlands to prepare for another storm that hit just north of us.  We did get a little rain over night but are wondering if our luck can hold out.

Curious Clouds

We decided to stay anchored in Atlantic City an extra day to wait out predicted storms. Well, we didn't get any rain all day although tonight may be another story, ya never know. But a squall line did pass through with some curious looking clouds.

No, we did not go ashore and gamble away our savings!

Cape May

We spent the 4th of July holiday in Cape May, New Jersey.   Huge crowds, we were glad to be riding our bikes and not trying to get around town in a car.  We loved all the old victorian houses.  The beaches were wall to wall people!  We had dinner at the raw bar at the Lobster House.  This restaurant has a fish market attached and was always busy, you can eat inside or order take out and find a table outside to eat.  We made sure we picked up some fresh fish and lobster salad to take back to Freedom...yum.