Brief look at the city

We found a better place to chain up the dinghy, a spot that ended up eluding the sharp eyes of the authorities here. So Johannah and I set off to explore. Our hope was to walk to the subway station, 3 miles away, but there were just too many obstacles. No sidewalks, broken glass and smashed buildings, and scary traffic were contributing factors. So we caved in and Johannah downloaded the Lyft app. The driver dropped us off at the Grove Street station and we began learning about the subway system. We were surprised to find there were no maps or diagrams showing where it went. Johannah managed to download one and we investigated buying a ticket. Once again, there was no indication whatsoever as to what a ride might cost, so we took a wild guess and purchased a ticket with a value of 10 bucks. Then, the trick was to figure out how to get it to operate the turnstile. Johannah eventually got through, but I was unable. I finally said the heck with it, and jumped the turnstile. We enjoyed a long subway ride and were eventually deposited at 33rd St. It occurred to me that we could have probably rowed the dinghy to the Battery in less time, but we would surely have been run over by one of the insane boat operators in the harbor.

The city is just amazing, as always. It is stunning that people actually live there, willingly, but they do. I always feel like the complete bumpkin there, but Johannah is very comfortable and able to navigate those shoals. We walked around, visited Bryant Park, ate some street food which didn't kill us, and eventually headed back. And the dinghy was waiting upon our return.

Later, we enjoyed a visit from my friend Ron Rost, fellow sailor and musician extraordinaire. He brought his mountain dulcimer and played some really exquisite music. We talked about his spending some time aboard during this trip. He might join me tomorrow for a sail down to Atlantic Highlands, although it is now looking like the wind is going to be right on the nose. As they say, gentlemen don't beat to windward, and the idea of beating in a channel is less than appealing. I'll see what tomorrow brings. Johannah did get a reservation for Amtrak, so she will be heading out, sadly.

Good night, Charlie