May 26: Tourists in NY

May 26:  Although we officially completed the Great Loop, we still have more time on the water as we make our way home to Westport and our slip in Padanaran. John wanted to take advantage of our being in New York by visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island on the Statute City Cruise ferry which will be a very different experience than seeing Lady Liberty from our own boat. We will have to share the ride with hundreds of others but feel it's worth it. 

Yesterday I booked tickets for 1:00, the earliest available slot. With time in the morning available, we decided to visit Grant's Tomb, a National Monument. With confidence, we set out on a walk to the train station early in the morning. Despite the fact that we have just navigated close to 7000 miles on the waterways, we were not able to find the right station. After walking for about 1/2 hour we decided to call an Uber. 

We arrived at the mausoleum before it opened so were able to have our picture snapped by someone standing nearby. At 10:00 we visited the welcome center where we watched a 20 minute film about General/President Ulysses S. Grant. It was very informative, describing his role in fighting slavery and supporting civil rights. 

The mausoleum was quite impressive inside and out. Its gold domed ceiling created a sense of respect and honor. On the basement level, the General and his wife Julia have been laid to rest in a twin sarcophagus. Bronze busts of other generals surround the caskets. Antique flags from a number of Civil War regiments are encased in two show cases, reminders of the various states' participation in the war.  

Across the street from the mausoleum a church that reached to the sky caught my eye. Riverside Church, an interdenominational, interracial, international, open and welcoming church encourages all to come as they are, "Whoever you are, You are safe here. You are loved here. You are invited into full participation in our life together". The magnificent building coaxed me to cross the street and enter to admire its glory!

We easily found the train to South Ferry where Battery Park is located. There were at least 1000 people, milling around and queuing up, waiting for their turn to board a ferry to Liberty Landing. The General Admission line stretched from one end of the park to the other; resulting in a 1 1/2 hour wait for us. 

Once through security, we boarded Lady Liberty, one of the many ferries run by Statue City Cruises, the official cruise line for visiting the Statue and Ellies Island. 

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the island. The museum is terrific; its many exhibits telling the story of how the Lady came to be!. Protesting political repression in their own country, a group of French intellectuals led by Edouard de Laboulaye decided to honor the ideals of freedom and liberty with a symbolic gift to the United States. Sculptor Auguste Bartholdi, brought the idea to life, creating a modern-day Colossus. Twenty years later, "Liberty Enlightening the World" as she is officially known, took her place in New York harbor; she was dedicated in 1886. 

The original torch is housed in the museum. Having suffered damage and corrosion, it was removed from its perch and replaced in 1986. Also in the museum is a replica of one of the Lady's feet as well as her face. 

We boarded the ferry again for a quick stop to Ellis Island. From 1892 to 1924, the island was America's largest and most active immigration station. For a vast majority of immigrants, it became an "island of hope". A visit to both attractions produces a myriad of emotions about freedom and liberty. 
 

After a long day we made it back to the train station, passing by Wall Street and of course the Bull. We also spotted a cemetery, serene and peaceful under the shade of beautiful trees, situated on the grounds of an Episcopal Church. 

Looper friends Mark and Mel on Paradise were also moored at Dyckman's so we met up with them for dinner! They are still on their loop and will continue up the Hudson tomorrow. It was fun catching up and sharing stories of our travels.