JUNE 22: COMPLETING THE LOOP

June 22:  Well, today is a big day.  We will finally complete the Loop when we cross New York Harbor.  In preparation, we removed the old white American Great Loop Cruising Association (AGLCA) flag and installed the gold AGLCA flag.  We did not want to have to hoist it in the middle of New York harbor as it can be exceedingly rough there with all the maritime traffic.

A beautiful sunrise was a good omen for the day.

 A Sentinel guarding the approach to the channel.

 Veranzano Narrows Bridge which marks the entrance to New York Harbor.

 One of the "small" vessels we encountered as we approached the entrance.

 Our first view of Manhattan-rather hazy but still impressive.

As we enter the harbor proper, we have to be on the alert for passenger ferries, tankers and barges.

 And there she is!   The "Lady" saluting our gold flag as we cross our wake.

 Truly a magnificent sight.  Only the truly jaded cannot be moved by this symbol of freedom.

 Passing Ellis Island-the first stop for many immigrants in the past.

 View of the new World Trade Center.

 The journey began on June 4, 2011 and would have been done a year later except for a few unexpected interruptions.  It has been quite a ride.  We have traveled over 7,000 miles and been through over 100 Locks.  We have seen many different parts of the United States and Canada from small river towns to large cities like Chicago-all from the unique perspective of the water. 

There have been ups and downs and times when we have felt that it was an endurance test but overall it has been a wonderful experience.  We have great memories and have met the nicest people.  We have been on the receiving end of the kindness of strangers.  From the tow captain who pulled us out of the mud on the Illinois River to Wanda the owner of the Alligator marina in NC who drove the Captain to the emergency room and waited for four hours for him when he cracked his ribs. 

 We made our way back up the Hudson River to Halfmoon Bay Marina.  It felt strange coming back here after two years.  Sad also because the last time that we were here, we still had our four legged buddy with us.  For old times sake, we revisited the Ocean House restaurant where we had one of the best meals on the Loop.  It did not disappoint and we enjoyed a great meal and a bottle of champagne to celebrate finishing the Loop.

 

Dedicated to our Buddy: We wish he could have completed the journey with us.