We traveled this segment between June 7-12. Distance traveled was 147 miles. Our plan was to continue traveling quickly to Waterford.
Figure 1: New York City to Waterford, NY
The Hudson River runs through the Hudson Valley between the Adirondack Mountains and New York Harbor. We were looking forward to the spectacular scenery we remembered from bringing Penguin to her new home in Maryland. We started the day in Atlantic Highlands and then traveled through New York City. Exiting the Harlem River and turning north quickly had us passing under the new Tappan Zee Bridge. We’ve traveled over the bridge many times visiting family in Connecticut. It was fun to see it from the other side!
Figure 2: Tappan Zee Bridge
We stopped to anchor overnight in Croton Bay near Crotonville and Ossinng. The village of Ossinng, formerly Sing Sing, changed its name to avoid begin associated with the legendary Sing Sing prison.
Figure 3: Sunset at Croton Bay
In the morning, We launched the kayaks—their maiden voyage for the trip—and rowed to Crotonville to walk and shop. The smoke we noticed in New York City cleared up with over night rain.
Figure 4: Kayaking on Croton Bay
With kayaks stowed, we continued up the Hudson to Bear Mountain State Park and anchored in Doodletown Bight.
Figure 5: Round Island, Hudson River Valley
Figure 6: Penguin and Bear Mountain Bridge
Once anchored, we dinghied to the park’s dock and explored: walking across Bear Mountain Bridge and around the park.
Figure 7: Penguin in Doodletown Bight from Bear Mountain Bridge
Figure 8: Amtrak running down the Hudson Valley from Bear Mountain Bridge
Figure 9: Mountain Laurel Blossoms in Bear Mountain State Park
Figure 10: Bear Mountain Lodge
Figure 11: Dining Room of Bear Mountain Lodge
Figure 12: Hudson River from Bear Mountain State Park Dock
We got an early start, bound for Kingston NY.
Figure 13: Sunrise on the Hudson River near Bear Mountain State Park
West Point looks like an imposing fortress on a sharp corner of the river.
Figure 14: West Point, West Point NY
The Bannerman Castle ruins speak to Hudson Valley’s industrial heritage and the immense wealth it generated.
Figure 15: Bannerman Castle Ruins, Pollepel Island
Several of the Hudson’s lighthouses are along this section of the river.
Figure 16: Esopus Lighthouse, Esopus NY
Figure 17: Rondout Lighthouse, Kingston NY
An early arrival in Kingston earned us a spot at the dock of Ole Savannah Southern table, ‘free’ for the cost of a meal. We took a long walk around town and out to Kingston Point. A light fog greeted us on our early departure, bound for Waterford
Figure 18: Morning fog on the Hudson, Kingston NY
Figure 19: Morning fog on the Hudson, Kingston NY
The Federal Lock in Troy NY marks the end of the Hudson’s tidal range and was our first lock of the trip.
Figure 20: Federal Lock, Troy NY
Figure 21: Tugboats, Troy NY
Waterford is where the Hudson River meets the Erie Canal and Champlain Canal – it was busy. We arrived early enough to get a coveted spot at the town dock. We spent two days here, walking around Waterford and Cohoes, an adjacent town. Of course, we stopped at the Angry Penguin, a Penguin tradition.
Figure 22: Happy Penguin, Waterford NY
Figure 23: Angry Penguin, Waterford NY