7/15/2010 POUGHKEEPSIE TO KINGSTON (RONDOUT)

                                                    HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALEXIS!!!

Ok, so the new marina is trying but they haven’t quite got it right just yet. By about 8:30 this morning they wanted to untie us so they could have a big, fast boat create wakes to test the floating dock. Good idea, bad timing. We made a quick getaway, passing under the newly restored Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad (now pedestrian) Bridge, the train station and the crew house for all the rowers. We finally found an adequate anchorage and continued on with our festive birthday breakfast.

POUGHKEEPSIE HIGHLAND BRIDGE

"ALL ABOARD"

BIRTHDAY BREAKFAST IN THE SALON

Today’s journey brought us past FDR’s home, Hyde Park, the Vanderbilt Mansion and Mills Mansion. We motored by the historic Esopus Meadows Lighthouse, the only remaining Hudson River Lighthouse built with a wood frame and clapboard exterior, and the Rondout Lighthouse, built in 1913 and the newest of these Hudson River Lighthouses.

?? THIS WAS ON THE WEST SHORE OF THE HUDSON

SOUTH CROSS??

MAYBE THE VANDERBILT ESTATE??

1871 ESOPUS LIGHTHOUSE

1913 RONDOUT LIGHTHOUSE

As we passed the lighthouse and entered the Rondout Creek we were presented with the sight of this majestic sight. It took our breath away.

FLY LIKE AN EAGLE

After docking, Chris Porter met us at the Kingston City Marina right there on the banks of Rondout Creek; bringing Craig his much needed camera and IPad. Thanks Chris.

After visiting the dock master and paying our night’s dockage fees (thank you Porters), Craig and Alexis found the local “hot dog” stand and brought back lunch. Birthday Cake Time!! Notice we had to improvise a candle with the BBQ lighter.

CRAIG AND ALEXIS OFF TO BRING BACK LUNCH

"PUT ANOTHER CANDLE ON HER BIRTHDAY CAKE"

After lunch we all headed in different directions. Alexis and I checked out the nearby shops and the guys sauntered in the blazing heat until Craig gave up and headed back to the cool Quest. Dan and Charles ended up exploring the Hudson River Maritime Museum before inviting us to join them in the Steel House Bar for great drinks and super hot wings. We watched the 164’ Lady M II creep into the creek and dock. It was a beautiful sight!

These ducks “came a calling” in the late afternoon but, unfortunately, Charles snagged one while fishing off the deck. All ended well when Dan was able to “un-hook” the unhappy catch from the line.

WELCOME TO OUR HOOD!

DUCK FIGHT? IT'S A ROUGH SEA.

We wound up our day at the Ship to Shore Restaurant for a delightful dinner with great service and good food.

BIRTHDAY FOOD MASSAGE, NICE!