Onward to the Tappan Zee

 Hi Folks,

Underway at 0600. Had to clear a huge mat of weeds that had drifted down on the boat overnight and caught on the anchor and the bow. I managed to get them loose but it turned out that a bunch got caught on the rudder and the propellor. The boat was just not moving as per usual. So, I shut the engine off, donned a swim mask, and went over the side. Johannah kept a close eye on me as I cleared the weeds, first by hand, then finally with a knife. It took 4 dives and all was clear. Water was delightfully warm. Had I done this in October I would be singing a different tune. This took place in front of Franklin Roosevelts house at Hyde Park. 

We continued as a motorboat. No wind, though at times there was a light breeze from dead ahead. Sunny, and hot at first, but gradually clouding up. Passed a large northbound ship just south of Poughkeepsie. Usual amount of smaller barge and tug traffic. Passing West Point and World's End was spectacular as always. Johannah feels the river has lived up to my advance billing, which makes me happy. We just missed a thunderstorm by the Indian Point Nuclear station. We turned the corner onto the Tappan Zee and were slapped with a stiff southerly breeze of about 20-25 mph which was quite a surprise. I thought about sailing and beating to windward, but at that point we only had about 4 miles to go so we just powered into it. The anchorage at Nyack was grim, with tide opposing the wind and boats rolling wildly, while surging back and forth on their anchors. Shortly after arrival, we joined the club, pitching and yawing wildly. Eventually the tide relented and the wind has died, so it is now quite pleasant. However, there is a thunderstorm bearing down on us, so I am reluctant to go ashore. I can sense that Johannah, given the proximity of the shore, would love to explore, but alas, concerns about weather and the safety of the boat will keep us here for the immediate future.

One tragic bit of news that I just discovered, is that the 79th street boat basin on Manhattan is shut down for several years, for a complete rebuilding. This iconic spot has been around since the 1930's, and really was the only  place where folks of average means could afford to stay. So, with that option no longer available, we may land at Coney Island, where there is a supposedly secure anchorage. From there, we could get Johannah into Manhattan for her train ride home on Sunday. And tomorrows forecast calls for light northerly winds, so there may finally be some sailing in the offing!

Cheers everyone, Charlie