28 May, 2021. Cruising up the Hudson

 

38 SM; 5.7 hours

Not a bad sleep at the rocking anchorage last night; waters smoothed finally as the ferry traffic diminished.  NYC anchorage last night. Plan today was to ride the flood tidal currents up the Hudson for the first few hours of travel.  0800 departure planned, going at idle power and riding the current north as the flow increased and proceed up river.  Underway checklists complete, the little Yanmar diesel started and anchor up at 0800.  Watching out for ferry traffic in progress, we crossed the river west to east and hugged the eastern wall, paralleling the towering NYC skyline.  At idle power, moving at 4 mph speed over ground.  

City pier A

Our jaws hanging and marveling at the gigantic buildings, we proceed north dodging the early morning ferries crossing left and right across the Hudson.

Leaving NYC in our wake, traveling away from the urban canyons, we begin to notice the changing topography and the cliffs bordering both sides of the Hudson.

Has been a long journey since we last saw hills.

Riding the increasing current northward, our speed over the ground increased to almost six mph.  But at a price.  Approaching the George Washington bridge, there was a tremendous funneling effect and wind was strong and gusty from the north.  Exactly opposing the strengthening ebb.  Standing, short choppy waves, nearly 2-3 feet.  Bounce and bouncy Serenity went.  We were riding the current, so the motion really was not violent.  We eased closer to the eastern bank with better wind protection and it smoothed out some.

Windy and choppy

Passing the GW bridge and a slight alteration of course as the river swung more northerly, the winds were abated by the cliffs, shifted more easterly and decreased in velocity.  Remainder of the travel day riding the current north was smooth;  we pushed the RPM up to our cruise setting and made 10 MPH over ground all the way north.  We have made reservations at the Half Moon Bay marina for a few days.  We need a break, the boat needs a break and we are out of water, clean clothes and groceries.  We secured in a floating slip at 1330.  Rains and wind coming later today remaining for the next couple of days. Gale force winds forecast all along the NJ shore and Long Island sound.  So blessed we traveled safely when we did.

Kim (AKA POC) at the helm of Serenity while I hang on.

4058 Sm traveled; 1739.5 hours hobbs