Monday morning, took off with John and Gina who rented a car. Drove down the East side of the Hudson where we had stunning views. Took a brief hike to a vista.

Continued driving through to West Point on the West side of the Hudson. Took an absolutely incredible 2 hour bus tour of the campus. These visits have just made us that more proud of our young men and women who serve our country. So very grateful to them.

We elected for the extended tour which included going through the cemetery. It was stunning.

We were at West Point for just under 4 hours, and could have spent days there. It truly was incredible.

Upon returning to our boat, we were treated to a beautiful sunset, and joined by Parker and Leslie on Scaliwag, an American Tug 41.

Took off the next morning to cloudy skies and calm seas. Passed by some gorgeous lighthouses.

Tucked off the Hudson into the small town of Catskills, NY. Beautiful little town. Did some laundry, had dinner on the boat, and ventured out in the dinghy during sunset.

Took off on foot the next morning in search for breakfast. Found a fabulous joint on main street where we had an epic breakfast (which was $28 for 4 of us). The town had a bunch of cats painted by local artists which were super cool.

Headed back to our boats, pumped out and headed north up the Hudson to New Baltimore where we dropped the hook in a fantastic anchorage with Alysana. Scaliwag joined us later. Hopped in our dinghies and rendezvoused with Doug and Dana from Misty Pearl at Shady Harbor Marina. Was great seeing them again!

Headed out the following morning en route to Waterford, NY. Went through our first lock since the Dismal Swamp without incident.

Pulled up to the free wall at Waterford, NY. Walked to a local restaurant for a fabulous lunch. Then, walked around the lovely little town.

Did some minor provisioning, and back to the boat. The wall where we were was about 300 feet from our first lock on the Erie Canal! Bought stuff to make peanut butter cookies. Made 4 batches this night and put into Ziplocks to hand out to the lockmasters.

Took off yesterday around 7:00am and went through our first lock on the Erie.

Views were stunning.

We went through 9 locks yesterday. Only went about 33 nautical miles, but with the locks took us about 9 and 1/2 hours. Had stunning views through our trip.

Landed in Amsterdam, NY and tied up to their city wall. Had a fabulous dinner with Alysana and Scaliwag. We were pooped!

Today, there was a water ski show in front of where we were.

Went to Shakespeare in the park today. The local theater did A Midsummer Night’s Dream which I love. (Mike took a walk.) It was great.

Leslie (from Scaliwag) and I took a walk across a beautiful foot bridge across the water into town. Was gorgeous.

Hosted dinner tonight on FF. The people you meet and cruise with on this trip are truly truly the most memorable part of it. We are so blessed.

Shout out to our oldest Christopher who turned 30 on the 26th!

Happy weekend all! Cheers! M&M