June 11-12

Leaving Hoffman’s Marina around 8:00 on Monday morning allowed the current to decrease, but still made for a rough ride out of the Manasquan Inlet, with the waves coming from the east, current pushing us from the west. The fishermen on the dock said they weren’t going out because the winds were 10-15 and waves choppy.  We were on a schedule to get to New York to meet Dennis’ brother Chet in the afternoon, and after our rough time getting into the marina yesterday plus a restless night we were more than willing to face the rough seas.  Sure enough when we got out waves were 2-4 foot, but wind from the southeast filled our sails and gave us a relatively smooth ride at 8-9 knots.  And we saw many brave fishing souls along the way.  Good to know there are “wimpy fishermen” too.

For most seeing the Statue of Liberty for the first time gives us feelings of awe and inspiration, for Dennis knowing his grandparents came on a ship from Italy through the same harbor, it was reliving the ship-weary immigrants first glimpse of “the land of the free.”  It is impossible to imagine their feelings after their long difficult journey, but at the very least must have been a great sense of relief to finally be “home.”  With the Genoa unfurled we sailed right past the first lady of New York, Ellis Island, and the New York skyline with the two new trade center buildings front and center.  The only word to describe our sail of a lifetime into the harbor on Monday morning is awesome.  It also owns first place for most memorable moments on the trip.  (deep sigh)

The plan to anchor while in New York was foiled when we discovered the day before we arrived that the dinghy dock had been removed. With no way to get ashore, we opted for a pricey marina on the Jersey shore.  Chet, his wife, Wendy, nephew, Matt and his girlfriend Julie came aboard in the evening to check out Aurora.  To celebrate Dennis’ birthday, they whisked us off to a fabulous dinner at a Portuguese Steakhouse, then to their house to spend the night.  After two months on the boat, the first night in a bed without movement was very relaxing.  Wendy graciously fixed breakfast for us while Chet went off to work for a short time.  We enjoyed visiting during the morning, then at their urging took a first-time visit to Trader Joes.  Tasty treats abound, and we bought a few to sample.

Back at the house Wendy prepared a delicious lunch of mushroom ravioli and salad before ushering us off to Ellis Island.  The rain was quite heavy with winds kicking up the harbor when we arrived.  With it too wet and rough to take the ferry ride it was pleasant just to take in the inside exhibits at Liberty Park, the station where many immigrants caught trains to their final destinations.  Dennis strolled through the station as he imagined his grandfather might have on his arrival there.    

Finally Chet chauffeured us off to Shop Rite a few blocks from the marina so we could pick up the bulky provisions to finish out our trip and then dropped us at the dock.  Saying our goodbyes in the rain we wheeled the groceries off to the boat.  Even in the rain, it had been a fantastic relaxed day of shore duty with our family.