Coolish day on the Hudson

Mid Hudson Bridge

The temperatures for the past week and a half (i.e., ever since we got here) have been in the 90s EVERY day.  Finally, today (July 9), we had a run up the Hudson from Croton to Poughkeepsie with temperatures in the mid 80s and a light wind from the north.  This made for a pleasant 39 mile four hour run at our usual trawler speed.

Adding to the enjoyment and fuel econonmy was that we departed Croton around noon on a rising tide, which pushed us up the river at an average speed of 10 MPH (at 1070 RPM - 5.0 GPH).

The river narrows immediately after Croton but remains very scenic with high hills on either side of the river.  The most spectacular sight was West Point. 

West Point classroom buildings as viewed from the Hudson

When we were on tour at West Point last Saturday, we passed by the buildings in the photo above on the bus, which does not afford the perspective that you get from the river.

We arrived at the Shadow Marina at approximately 4:00 PM.  What had been a perfectly easy trip all of a sudden became very challenging.  Recall the wonderful push we got from the rising tide.  Well that push turned into a 3 MPH current that had a profound impact on docking.  The last 2 minutes, which involved entering the south side of the marina, turning left, putting the current on the beam, and then a hard right turn.  This was not a maneuver for amatures.  The chances of being pushed into the boats on the starboard side was very real.  I was required to use differential engines with significant throttle to make the turns. 

Guided Discovery at the Shadows

Good news.  Shadows) is a nice facility with a first class restaurant on the premises (also valled Shadows).  We had a lovely dinner in the shade on their porch.  The marina derives its name from the fact that it sits to the south and east of the Mid Hudson Bridge.

Mid Hudson Bridge

A late evening walk with Diana and the Furry Kid afforded us a romantic view of the Mid Hudson Bridge lit up at night.  It was spectacular and to a spectacular day. (Unfortunately, the photo does not do it justice.)



 Written by Les.