10/14/2009, Atlantic City, NJ
Below are several pictures from the many days that we didn't have internet. Actually we had internet but we are having trouble with the alternator charging our house batteries.
We left Haverstraw on Sunday morning. We stayed for two days trying to get caught up on a few things before we headed toward the Atlantic Ocean. The marina in Haverstraw had a big party on Saturday night and so we were a bit late leaving because nobody showed up for work and we couldn't get any ice. We also realized just how close we were to New Jersey. Saturday night Ben heard a lot of yelling and weird noises and then in the morning we woke up to find the finger dock beside Ishmael was covered in blood. But no it wasn't the mafia and they were not investigating a crime scene, it was just a couple of brothers, about 12 and 15 who had got a little boisterous. (The yelling was the father telling them what's what.)
When we left Haverstraw, heading for New York, we started traveling with a very nice couple that we met. They have a dog too and hop down the New Jersey coast instead of running all the way to the Delaware Bay. They showed us a great little anchorage by Liberty Park Landing on the New Jersey side of the river and it was within sight of the back of the Statue of Liberty. However, when we pulled anchor we were more than a little grossed out by whatever was on the anchor. It wasn't sand. It was both black and greasy. But it provided for great holding and we were close to a launch ramp that was next to a park that was great for the dogs to walk.
Since we started this trip there have been a few things that have concerned us while planning. One was the locking process, another was getting through New York Harbor. Well the Erie was easy and on Sunday and Monday the New York Harbor was not much of a challenge either. Of course it helped that we had somebody with experience leading the way. But the harbor was no rougher, wave wise, than Benton Harbor on a weekend when the wind is blowing in between the jetties and the river is moving the other way. And as far and marine traffic, we've been to Grand Haven on a long weekend and that was way scarier than the traffic in New York Harbor. Not only that the captains in NYH follow the proper rules of navigation.
Monday night we arrived in Manasquan. It is a beautiful fishing town. Not at all of what you think of when you think of New Jersey. The bay we anchored in was about 100 feet off a beach that the dogs could run free. The live on the beach, besides the many dogs been exercised, kept Ben intrigued as well. We stayed two nights there because of a small craft warning on Tuesday. So we spent a lot of time on the beach and in Manasquan. For a good part of the day there was a science class doing research and collecting marine life for their classroom aquarium. I tried to get Ben to join them, but no way would he even consider joining.
Wednesday we left Manasquan in front of a gale warning that had been issued for the area. The call was for an infamous nor'easter and we know enough to know that our perfect little anchorage had one big draw back. No protection from a strong wind from the northeast. So off to Atlantic City we headed were we could find a marina that was actually protected from the coming winds.
On our way to Atlantic City we were joined by several little birds just as we left Manasquan. One of them, pictured above, spent the whole day with us. He covered every inch of Ishmael. Our little hitchhiker was in and out of the cockpit and he even ventured below into the saloon. A couple of times I spotted him in the cockpit combings. He rode in the dinghy for a while and he stood on the bowsprit a few times. We started to suspect that he might have a gambling problem and sure enough when we headed in at Atlantic City he completely lost control and couldn't get to shore fast enough.
We also spotted a pod of dolphins while we passed Little Egg Inlet and earlier George saw a small whale broach. That combined with the crabs, flying fish, clams and jellyfish at Manasquan have got Ben really excited about what else he'll find on this trip. He really is a kid that loves the beach and the water.
Well the nor'easter is still coming and it looks like we won't be moving until Monday at the earliest. At that point George has to go on a training session. Ben and I are not sure if we'll go home or stay with the boat. If the storms are to continue I think we'll stay so we can keep an eye on the lines.
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Comments [4]
For those of you who were wondering how Kooper got on and off the boat when we are at anchor, here's the answer. When we have our dinghy pulled all the way up on the davits it is level enough with the stern of Ishmael that Kooper can simly jump into the dinghy. We than lower the dinghy with Kooper in it and when the dinghy reaches the water we all climb down the ladder and join him. When we return we just reverse the operation.
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This is just one of many post card views available in Manasquan. Of all the places we've been so far we agree that this is easily our favorite. A beach on the ocean for people, another one on the inlet for dogs, fresh seafood readily available (we had the flounder) and to top it all off the people were unbelievably friendly, both on the beach and in the town itself. If you ever get a chance stop by for a visit and you'll see what we mean.
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This is a great place to spend a day or two. The scenary is beautiful and the people are unbelievably friendly.
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