Nipping at Our Nose

As I worked on planning the three days from Connecticut to Maryland I was careful to study the wind and wave forecasts, the tidal current down the East River through Hell Gate, and especially the offshore run down the New Jersey coastline. The one thing I didn't really pay much attention to was the forecasted outside temperatures. Big mistake!

Yesterday, New England weather took an abrupt turn as temperatures dropped and the winds started to howl. We went from wearing light-weight sweaters to full-on fleece and gloves in a matter of 24 hours. This morning when we woke up it was 38 degrees with the wind decidedly nipping at our nose! It was definitely time to head south!

We said out final goodbyes to the great folks at Brewer Essex Island Marina and pointed Endless Summer down the Connecticut River toward Long Island Sound. The forecast was for diminishing winds out of the north and the seas were reasonably calm. As the sun brightened in the clear blue sky we got to enjoy some last "peeps" of the beautiful Fall colors along the river and sound. A perfect ending to our time in New England.

The run into New York has become one of my favorites. Seeing the city come into view from the water with its towering skyline is quite a treat. While passing through Hell Gate (a narrow confluence of fast running and turbulent water in the East River) is always a bit intimidating, we managed without incident and proceeded along the river along city edge to lower Manhattan. As we made our final turn passing under the Brooklyn Bridge the Statue of Liberty came into view, and as always, a site to behold.

Tonight we are docked at Liberty Landing Marina looking back across the Hudson River to the "city that never sleeps". The view at night is nothing short of spectacular, punctuated by Freedom Tower standing tall and proud.