July 14 - Sandy Hook to Port Washington

We're off!

After several trips back to get forgotten items (including the oars for the dingy, and Roger, our cruise mascot), we're away from the dock and on our way. The weather forecast was for clouds, but no rain. We could only wonder what all that wet stuff was that drenched us while finishing loading up.

Heading up the river, towards the Highlands Bridge (now on restricted openings even during the week), it begins to sprinkle. Well, it does more than that, with some rather nasty looking clouds and a bit of lightening, we talk about whether departure today is the right thing to do. Still, with a schedule to try to keep, people to visit, and mooring reservations in Nantucket, we're sure that if we don't leave, we'll just wait around in great weather while the weathermen talk about how bad it might have been.

Finally under the bridge, the clouds look bad off in the distance, but I can see NY, and things look pretty good ahead, except for one small spot. I've got my rain jacket on, so a little drizzle won't stop me.

The downpour which follows leaves my top part dry enough, but soaks my jeans and shoes. By the time I get Marion's attention down below, it's too late, but I go below to dry off and put my foul weather gear on. Marion has been smart enough to dress for the weather from the start. Just as well, by the time I return, the rain is gone, not to be seen again for the entire trip. I leave the gear on just to be sure.

The traffic through NY harbor is busy, with most of the tugs and ships trying to be in our path. The tide is with us, so we have a quick and uneventful transit of the east river and, passing La Guardia airport, manage to set sail for the rest of the trip under the bridges and into Port Washington.

We couldn't raise the yacht club launch to see if there was a mooring for the night, but were able to be one of the first boats to use the new town moorings. Port Washington Water Taxi brought us over to Louie's for dinner. We hadn't been there for over 15 years, but nothing had changed. All in all, a fine stopover.