New York

A story of New York, gathered while aboard a boat, must begin with a photo of the skyline.  Lower Manhattan on a gray day.

Last Dance berthed at the Great Kills Yacht Club on Staten Island.  There are only a couple marinas on Manhattan, rocked with ferry and commercial boat wakes, priced to match their rarity. So, the crew became knowledgeable in public transportation.  It took a train, ferry, and subway to reach desired destinations.  Of course, a ride on any boat is usually a good experience.

Walking the streets of the City is a study in architecture, both old and new.  The crew believes the old has more character.

All is not concrete.  Some green spaces have been preserved and are well landscaped and maintained.  Brooklyn Bridge Park is in lower Manhattan.

The best known, of course, is Central Park, 843 acres in the middle of Manhattan Island.  The need for green is demonstrated by the throngs of people who congregate in the park on a weekend day.

The experiences in Central Park extends further than the experiences with the flora and fauna.  This instrument created a very different, sweet sound.

Friends and family reunions continued in New York City.  Mark Gordon, a colleague from St. Johns River State College, is now at a private boys school in the City.  Conversation was shared over a wonderful Italian dinner, with his wife, Angie.

The crew spent two days with Jon Onyiriuka.  The first concluded with an amazing meal at Rosa Mexicana, a restaurant unlike any other Mexican.  The final course was a Tres Leches cake with a fruit sauce that was truly mouthwatering. Jon is auditioning to become our son, dating the youngest, Brittany.

After food shopping at the Chelsea Market, a picnic was enjoyed at the High Line Park, constructed on an old elevated railroad bed.  Spending time with Jon, his positive attitude reflected in his ever-present smile, was a joy.  Jon already addresses us as Second Parents.















The High Line does provide a different view of things in the city.  A creative rendition of Eisenstaedt's The Kiss adorns one side of a building.

Continuing the journey into Long Island Sound involved a trip through New York Harbor on a foggy Monday morning.

The waters were shared with many ferries, tugs, freighters, and even a float plane landing.  Made for an exciting time.