Thursday, May 28, 2009

Today was the day Flat Ninja had to be shipped back to Kevin in Aurora, Illinois. He had a really nice trip on the boat, but he will be very glad to get back home and to visit everyone at school.

Thanks for coming with us, Flat Ninja!!

Gale and Maureen

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

We left New York City this morning and began our journey up the Hudson River. Interesting sights along the river included Pallisades State Park, West Point Academy and the ruins of an old full size castle, Bannerman Castle, on Pollepel Island.
For the first day, we made it halfway to the Erie Canal and stopped at what appeared to be a really small town, Hyde Park Landing. The signs along the riverbank announced that there were two buoys offered for transient boaters, such as ourselves. We hooked on to one of these and spent a very comfortable evening here.

Monday, May 25, 2009

This morning Flat Ninja had his photo taken from the boat as we ate breakfast on the Manhattan waterfront in the 79th Street Marina. This afternoon, we walked to Central Park and met Gale's nephew, Chris, and his wife, Lindsay, there. Chris & Lindsay showed us alk around the Park! Flat Ninja really enjoyed the big fountain we walked by! We also saw a couple of small lakes, open fields, woods, bike trails, heard lots of different kinds of music and saw many different people relaxing and enjoying their beautiful park and lovely weather.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

We got to see the Statue of Liberty again today because we anchored in the park next to her last night. We took a few more pictures at the Statue before heading out into the harbor. Flat Ninja had his photo taken with the Empire State Building in the background.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

We spent the last two days enjoying the warm and sunny weather at the Atlantic Highlands marina. Today we headed to New York Harbor to see the Statue of Liberty. She was very beautiful!

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

The big day has finally arrived! After four years at the US Coast Guard Academy, it was time to celebrate and acknowledge Casey’s accomplishments. The weather was ideal: clear skies, calm winds and warm temperatures which made the outdoor graduation setting perfect, or as Gale always says, “It was a Bluebird Day.” The scene from the grandstands was beautiful with two Coast Guard cutters (very big boats) anchored on the Thames River, the colorful flags, the decorated stage, and the white chairs set out for the cadets – it was all so inspirational and patriotic. Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, was the commencement speaker and she gave a very emotional and uplifting address. To see the 300 graduating cadets – now Ensigns - all dressed in their “whites” throw their hats in the air as a US Coast Guard jet and helicopter flew overhead was very moving.

At 6:30 pm we met Casey and Teresa at their hotel in Mystic, Connecticut, and walked across the street to the S&P Oyster Factory for a wonderful seafood dinner.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

This photo is supposed to be of Flat Ninja against the New York City skyline; however, the smog obscured the view. We will give it another try in the next few days. Today we drove to Hartford, Connecticut, to pick Kelle up at the airport. The drive took 4 hours since we found ourselves in the heart of New York City during the evening rush hour. If driving through during the day or at night, it should only take between 2 and 3 hours.