Getting out of New Jersey

Friday, June 3 We seem to be stuck in Atlantic Heights NJ. I knew we couldn't get by it as easy as it was going. We pulled in here to avoid a front coming through on Wednesday. That did happen on Wednesday evening with thunderstorms and tornado warnings. The winds picked up during the night and blew up to 35 knots on Thursday. Nothing changed last night (it was one of those mooring ball banging against the hull, line lifting the anchor and anchor crashing down nights). Today more of the same. However, we are supposed to calm down tonight and tomorrow. If so, we hope to be able to get to the fuel dock tomorrow and prepare to leave on Sunday through the Narrows, by the Battery, through Hell Gate and into Long Island Sound - all planned around the tides. I am looking forward to sailing past the Statute of Liberty again. This morning was a good clean up the cabin, galley, head day. Bill is splicing some dock lines. We do have a launch available, so we can get to shore without getting very wet. We will do that this afternoon for a good walk and showers.

Sunday, June 5th We left the Atlantic Highlands mooring at 6:08 AM bound for New York Harbor. We flew the jib, fought the tide, but arrived at the Battery in time to catch the incoming tide thru Hell Gate. What a ride! Snow Goose set a record of 11.4 knots--unbelievable! We ran the tide out of New York Harbor into Long Island Sound and then hit the wall--between the 15 knot wind and the tide against us we were lucky to be moving. We went 50 plus miles into Oyster Bay and are anchored here. Repeat performance of two years ago, however then we picked up a mooring ball and bought new batteries. This year it is free, and feels really good!

Simply outstanding!

Ferry boat traffic

Empire State Building

Note the top speed--yes, we were flying!

Wooden boats in Oyster Bay

Monday, June 6th We did another long day, leaving Oyster Bay and sailing 51 miles to Duck Island. The anchorage was rolling and it was a long night.

Tuesday, June 7th We sailed on to the Thames River this morning. The tide was with us. We called Sandy and Jerry Bishop and Jerry met us in the river. We are on their mooring and visiting with them. The weather has turned very warm.