Hell Gate And The Hudson River

We were up and on our way out of Manhasset Bay by 5:45 in order to time our passing through Hell Gate on the East River of New York. The current runs fast here so we must pass through on an outgoing tide in order to benefit from the current. If done right, it will carry us through to Battery Park. We timed things perfectly, slipping past the turbulent Hell Gate around 8:15, dancing through the rushing water, dodging ferries, water taxis and float planes. 

5:45 am we're back at it, headed for Hell Gate

Stepping Stones Lighthouse off of City Island

Dodging an air taxi on the East River

South Street Seaport, NYC

Tower One

Statue of Liberty waving us by

Little Island park with raised gardens 

We rounded Manhattan and battery park at 10:00 just as we planned. When we turned north and headed up the Hudson River we were officially back on America's Great Loop! Excited? You betcha! The ferry traffic was constant but the captains courteous. Several sailboats meandered around us, enjoying a quiet morning floating on the Hudson. We passed under the George Washington Bridge and caught view of the Little Red Lighthouse tucked underneath. We've visited this darling gem on a bike ride while Dave was working in New York City. We passed the Sleepy Hollow Light just beyond the Tappan Zee Bridge. Trawler traffic increased. The captains seemed to enjoy coming close to us and plowing their huge wake at us. We were fighting a 1-2 mph current which slowed us to about 4.5 mph. We expected it to take 10 hours to get to Half Moon Bay Marina and we were right on time, racing thunderstorms all the way in.

Little Red Light under the George Washington Bridge

Sleepy Hollow Light - Tarrytown NY

As we turned to cross the long channel into Half Moon Bay Marina the sky darkened. The dock master, Steve, had sent us a welcome packet but had not given us a slip assignment. Each time we contacted him he'd tell us he'd meet us at the dock. We entered the first fairway behind the wooden wave break wall as directed but no Steve. The storm was bearing down on us so we decided to take an open slip. Fellow Looper, Jeremy off of the catamaran Panacea, grabbed our line and helped us tie off within moments of all hell breaking loose. Our marine radio's severe weather alarm blasted, adding to the chaos. We had 60 mph winds that caused the floating docks and boats to rock like bucking broncos. The noise was deafening. It was over quickly and mother nature delivered a magnificent sunset as a group of Loopers gathered on the dock and chatted. 

Sunset after the storm

We stayed at Half Moon Bay for two nights but only because we paid ahead of our arrival. Half Moon Bay advertises a 25% discount for Loopers but gave us ten cents off, charging us $2.85 per foot. This made our stop here the most expensive stop on the entire Loop. When we asked about it, Steve told us that his discount ends July 1st because "Looper season is over".  We suggested that he update his advertising but he just shrugged. Half Moon Bay is promoted as a luxury experience and promises well maintained docks and marina amenities that didn't pan out. We would not stop here again and heard the same from other Loopers who were there with us. Loopers beware! Listen to the negative reviews; they are spot on!

View of the Croton River on our bike ride

Mystic docked at Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay Condos and docks

Since we were stuck at Half Moon Bay for two days, we took advantage of a laundry mat in town. It was a very hot walk and we had to wear masks inside. We tried to bike to the Croton Gorge Falls and dam but the roads were too narrow and dangerous. We could have taken a taxi but chose to use the time to relax and give ourselves a break.

We were early to bed our second night at Croton-on-Hudson. Our plan was to cast off by 6:00 am hoping to make Shadows Marina in Poughkeepsie by late afternoon. We were very glad to wave goodbye to Half Moon Bay Marina!