Glen Cove, NY to Tarrytown, NY

Day                  3
Depart              Glen Cove, NY 8:45 am
Arrive               Tarrytown, NY 3:00 pm
Distance            51 Miles
Cumulative   155.1 Miles

NOTE: to view larger pictures, simply click on the picture
 
Our voyage today was spectacular.  Smooth seas, clear blue sky with hardly a cloud and comfortable, dry temperature.  Who could ask for more!!  We traveled through Hell Gate and down the East River with almost a two knot gain in the current.  The last time we visited New York, we weren't allowed to go down the Manhattan side of Roosevelt Island.  This time we were able to and got "up close" to the city.  It is unbelievable the amount and different types of traffic on the water.  We encountered everything from small boats to large siteseeing cruisers to different types of Coast Guard patrols.  There were also helicopters coming and going and even a sea plane landed and taxied across the river in front of us!

The Big Apple!

Chrysler Building

Maintenance on the UN Building and the Upper East Side

Brooklyn Bridge going into the city

Construction of the Freedom Tower

Lady Liberty

We rounded the end of Manhattan and began our trip up the Hudson River.  We went past Pier 88, where just three years ago my family boarded the Norwegian Dawn and cruised to Bermuda for a combination family vacation and my brother Dave's wedding.  Happy 3rd Anniversary Dave and Deb!!  This year, the Queen Mary II was docked next to where we departed from.

Queen Mary II

We enjoyed scenery along the Hudson River and the river traffic was minimal once we got outside of the city.  We arrived at our destination for the night, Tarrytown Marina.  To our surprise and delight, the marina was having a barbecue for any boat owner in the marina.  Hooray, no cooking and it's free!  After enjoying the barbecue, we enjoyed a cocktail on the aft deck and enjoyed the sunset.

Afternoon cocktails

Sunset across the Hudson from our 'back porch'

Branford, CT to Glen Cove, NY

Day                  2
Depart              Branford, CT 8:15 am
Arrive               Glen Cove, NY 1:30 pm
Distance            49.1 Miles
Cummulative   104.1 Miles

The journey across Long Island Sound today was very pleasant.  The sun was shining but it was not too hot and the water was fairly calm.  Pretty uneventful day!  When we arrived, we washed the salt off, relaxed, and just hung out!  Tomorrow we head to and through New York City (not sure yet how far).  We had visited New York a few years ago, so we won't be stopping to visit this trip.

And We're Off!! - Days on the Loop-1

Travel                   Portland, CT to Branford CT
Date                     June 29, 2011
Miles                    55
Time                     7 Hours
Cumulative Miles   55

Finally, the day has come.  At 9:45 am we cast off our lines at Petzold's Marina in Portland, CT and began our Great Loop Adventure!  Recently, with all the rainy weather, there has been an excessive amount of debris floating down the Connecticut River, however, it must be our lucky day, as the debris was minimal today. 

            Here we are leaving Petzold's Marina

Below are some photos of the scenery that can be found on the trip down the Connecticut River to Long Island Sound.

Haddam Swing Bridge

Goodspeed Opera House

Gillette Castle

Chester-Hadlyme Ferry

The Becky Thatcher

Osprey Townhouse (1st and 2nd floor!)

Old Lyme Draw Bridge

Saybrook Pointe Light

Tucker and Willow have already found their favorite spot!

Arriving at Branford Harbor

Celebrating our first day!

OMG - We Start Tomorrow!! 0 Days To Go

We have finally moved aboard.  Everything has been wrapped up at home, closets and bureaus have been emptied to make room for Justin and Meghan. Hopefully we have remembered everything we wanted to bring aboard, it may not be stowed away yet, but it's here!  So after a relaxing moment on the flybridge to watch the sun set with cocktail in hand, it will be off to bed to get a good night's sleep in anticipation of our first day of our great adventure!!

We're Floating!! Only 3 Days To Go

On Friday, June 17th, Erika Lin was launched, she looks great back in the water!!  We are almost ready.

 

Lynda's family arranged a Bon Voyage party on Saturday, June 18th for friends and family.  Here is a picture of a sign Lynda's sister, Nancy, made.  Do you know what the flags say?

           (Erika Lin, Bob Lynda Krueger, Tucker Willow)

We have had a busy week.  We sold and delivered Bob's car to it's new owner (we sold Lynda's car earlier this month).  Doctor, dentist, veterinarian visits, check!!  Our house has been turned upside down as we empty closets and bureaus to make room for our house sitters, Justin and Meghan.  We took advantage of all the sorting and packing to make a large donation to Good Will.  Clothing has been brought aboard the boat and stowed away; provisioning will be next and then I think we will be almost ready to cast off our lines on Tuesday morning, June 28th.

Celebration Times 2!! 13 Days To Go

June 14, 2011

June 14th was not only Lynda's birthday, but also the day she retired from Webster Bank after 42 years!!!

Lynda's desk

Joan Haid, Julie Buckmiller, Joanne J'Anthony, Lisa McPhee, Linda Ciupa, Jared, Lisa Desaulniers, Jenn Collins and Lynda

Her co-workers surprised her last week with a retirement party and then again today with a combo birthday/ good-bye celebration.  OMG, after 42 years of working everyday, Bob and I are sooo excited to be able to begin our Looping adventure very soon!!

Nasty Jobs/Someone Has To Do Them! 22 Days To Go

Bob keeps the bottom clean and Lynda does the topsides!  Time is drawing to a close to get all the "get ready" maintenance items done.  Even closer now as we have changed the departure date from July 1st to June 27th.  Yikes, only 22 days left !!!!

Wax on - Wax Off!

Getting Ready to Paint