After spending three nights anchored near Atlantic City, on Friday, April 25th at 4:00 AM we hauled anchor, under the cover of darkness and the blinding lights of the city (not allowing nighttime vision for viewing unlit buoys, etc.), yet with a spectacular sliver of a crescent moon and the nearby viewable planet so bright that when it was aligned over another boat's navigation lights we thought it was a mast light. Motor-sailing with the mainsail for most of the passage, and additionally the genoa for some of it, at 7:30 PM we pulled up along side the Statue of Liberty (when the above shot was captured) and anchored within sight of her.

At 7:30 AM on Saturday we headed out past Manhattan and all of the spectacular sights, motoring mostly against the current, except for the first couple of hours and the last one, plus some light rain showers during the last few hours, at 7:15 PM we anchored near Beacon Sloop Club, where we were promptly greeted by the welcoming committee of a pair of mallard ducks who hung out near Grace for a long time.

On Sunday at 7:45 AM, we picked up a favorable current to motor with, except for the last few hours until 6:15 PM, when we anchored near Houghtaling Island, and we removed the sails, stowing them away in their bags.

Monday shortly before 9:00 AM we headed to Castleton Boat Club, where upon our arrival at 10:45 AM, we had to wait to fuel up and get checked in before using their do-it-yourself crane to unstep Grace's mast. Alas, all that was completed and we were underway again at 1:30 PM, headed back to anchor near Houghtaling Island at 3:00 PM.

Another three nights later, on Thursday the Troy Federal Lock opened, and at 8:15 AM we headed that way, tying up to the free wall at Waterford, New York at 1:45 PM. It did not take long for our good friends Rob and Sue of s/v Mandate (who live locally) to join us in Grace's cockpit for happy hour, followed by dinner together at the local pizzeria; thanks Rob and Sue, it was great to spend time with you!

Last night was the third night so far at Waterford...awaiting the opening of the Champlain Canal System locks...originally tentatively scheduled for May 1st, then delayed to May 3rd, now with an anticipated opening of May 7th...

Thanks to Debbie's Mom and Alan for coming to spend time with us today, and bringing Kevin's truck to us!

During these passages we have gotten to see dolphins, canada geese, snow geese, ducks, herons, and bald eagles.