Adventures on Slàinte Mhath

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 someon...

Day 223: May 25:   Today is the day we cross our wake. This means we arrive back to the point where we started the official loop. Although we left Westport on July 13th, our loop started at the Statue of Liberty on July 18th and will be completed today on May 25th.  We left the anchorage in Coney Island Creek onto Gravesend Bay and headed under the Varrazzano Bridge. Boats were already on the water, creating wakes and requiring us to dodge those under sail. Being a clear day, the recognizable NY skyline was the gift that kept on giving; adding to the excitement we were feeling.  As usual the harbor was abuzz with vessels; private boats racing by with no regard for wakes being thrown, ferries of all sizes filled to capacity with tourists snapping pictures of Lady Liberty and Ellis Island and amongst all the hullabaloo, small sailboats not afraid to tack back and forth in front of monster boats bearing down. In the midst of it all, Lady Liberty stood among the chaos, a...

Day 221: May 23:  With repairs having been made, we left the dock at Farley's Marina and headed across the bay into Brigantine Bay to anchor for the night. There was quite a strong current running but it died off when we entered the narrow inlet just before the Brigantine Bridge. We rode in at mid tide and did not see less then 6 feet. Once inside the large basin, depths shifted to 8 to 10. We dropped the anchor; it grabbed quickly. There was no current and no wind. It will be a pleasant night. Three other boats are here, including two loopers. What Not, a sailboat we have seen a number of times starting back on Alligator River is also here.  As dusk fell, the colors and reflection in the water became even more vibrant. Despite a cloud cover, the sunset still delighted with hues of red, orange and pink. Lights flashed on across the bay, illuminating the water and everything around.  Day 222: May 24: Just as predicted, it was an incredible travel day. We got underway at 5:...