New York City

With fog enveloping the boat James, his friend Heather and I woke slowly and began to prepare the boat for the journey through the Big Apple. While still in Greenwich, Conn. we topped off the fuel tanks and filled our water jugs. We ducked in to the Allen house to say thank you and good bye and ended up leaving loaded down with fresh baked cookies, additional warm weather gear, and the comfort of unparalleled generosity.



The fog was lifting and we quickly finished a few last minute chores and headed out with the sun now shining and the morale high. As the new crew became comfy with the tiller, James jumped below to fry up some peanut butter, banana and honey sandwiches. The current in our favor, the voyage through the city was nothing short of spectacular. Arriving just before sunset the buildings burned orange with the reflection of the sun. It was time for Heather’s departure and little did we know our adventures were just about to begin. Finding a float in NYC in the dark turned out to be easier said than done. In the reflection of the South Street Seaport lights, a large steel floating dock was open. Coming close enough for Heather to jump off, we were out of there before any damage could be done. Kicking it in reverse, the entire boat immediately began to rattle. The line to the dingy was wrapped around the propeller and pulling the dingy under. “Cut the line!” James yelled. With one quick motion I grabbed his knife and sliced the line near the cleat. I grabbed James’ legs as he dangled overboard freeing the dingy. Looking around I realized we were quickly drifting towards the steel float. Popping the engine into forward and quickly back to reverse freeing the line we avoided the first danger of the evening.
“MOVE OUT OF THE WAY, SAILBOAT,” echoed from a huge ferry. Sitting directly between the ferry and the dock I surged our engine forward as I raised my hand. It was at this point that I realized the beauty of mittens. Regardless of what my fingers may have been gesturing, the raising of my mitten covered fingers simply came across as an acknowledgement or friendly hello, provoking a “THANK YOU,” in response by the ferry captain.
James, having passed his initiation, took the helm and continued on towards Sandy Hook, NJ. We passed the Statue of Liberty and underneath the Verrazano Bridge, dodging huge barges and tankers blending in with the surrounding city lights. On the approach to Sandy Hook the well lit Navy Pier guided us towards the protected shores. Unfortunately neither of us knew just how protected they were. The flashing blue and green lights came out of no where. This unlit patrol boat was ordering us to turn around and head away. Turning towards port, the silhouette of the sniper poised ready at the bow had us both thinking the worst. The waves were rolling through and it wouldn’t take much for a slight stumble or finger twitch to set us back another few days. Making our way to the edge of the security zone this stealth vessel had vanished back in to the darkness as quickly as it had appeared.
We threw the anchor and prepared a quick meal before getting some sleep. As the hiss of the tea kettle eased we both heard the sound of running water. Upon further inspection we witnessed the terrible sight of water rushing in around the propeller shaft. Had we ripped a hole in the hull? With the thought of sleep now hours away we threw back on our foul weather gear and opened the tool box. Climbing down below with the plumbers wrench it became apparent this would be a simple fix. A large nut had come undone, presumably when we caught the line in the prop. A few turns and we were back to having a dry boat (did I really just call this a dry boat! What a joke.)
Long past our bedtimes we snuggled ourselves in our sleeping bags laughing of the day’s adventures in hopes of what tomorrow will bring. Merry Christmas to All, and to All a Good Night!
Be Safe and Warm because We are Not,
Sean and James