Days Events:

Wx - forecast is 88/65, partially cloudy; should be good travel wx.

Travel - left Newburgh at 09:10, with wind pushing us downriver and into dock and current pushing upriver; a boating neighbor assisted by throwing the spring line to us and we had no trouble backing upstream against the wind and pivoting away from the marina. Traveled 32 miles in 3.5hrs in comfortable weather and arrived at Kingston at 12:35.

Lots to see enroute. At Poughkeepsie - the Culinary Institute of America campus, most impressive on the East bank; Marist College; Vassar College [not visible]; FDR's home and museum [not visible]. Saw the roof of the Vanderbuilt Mansion Historic Site.

Further upstream came to Esopus I., the highest point in the river for seawater to reach. Then, 'Dinsmore Point' - for those folks from Saskatchewan who might wonder if there's a link to the town outside of Saskatoon [see photo].

Just as we were passing Poughkeepsie, location for the 'liberal arts' Vassar College [initially only for women, now men have broken the sex barrier and represent 45% of student body of 2400], we came upon a small open bow rider boat with two definite attractions of the opposite sex, who were possibly members of that wonderful College sorority; there were some interesting anatomical attributes possibly visible to this observant captain, but on command of the Admiral, all leering and photography was forbidden as she did not want to cause possible coronaries for friends Ernie and Simpson! [so sorry fellows, no evidence of what I did not see - the Admiral believes that the upper body clothing was relocated to proper position just as we came close to them anyway!]

Marina - Rondout Yacht Basin has 150 slips with 20 transients, and is on the Rondout Creek, next to Kingston, NY. Nice spot, floating docks with tides of 4ft. Dockhands excellent at helping to guide us in and tie up. Good power and water hookup. We are on the long outside face dock [see photo] again, which is typical for most transient traffic. A 72 ft cruiser pulled in tightly behind us and we are 'cheek-to-cheek' with the boat in front already, so will be interesting to see how we depart on Sunday. Several restaurants in town offer take-out.

Photos - a couple of lighthouses - one which reminds all boats not to stray into a huge patch of water hyacinths in shallow water; and one at the entry to Rondout Creek where our marina/Kingston is. Several shots of the above sites noted. The marina shows the office and weeping willows - the office is left of the red roofed building; a nice spot. There is not one of any females in boats.

Admirals Desk:

Another pleasant trip. It's a good thing there was little traffic/navigation to contend with. We were very busy keeping track of the sights. And also researching them. History and architecture everywhere. This leg of our journey is becoming our favorite.

We are definitely bow to stern/dinghy with the boat in front of us. About 1ft away from our anchor poking a big hole in their dinghy! The dock hands positioned us to make room for the 72' behind us. Our swim platforms are about 1ft. apart. Very tight docking. Hope we, who are in the middle, aren't the first to leave!!! Serious springline departure will be required.!!

There is always something! Today the deep freeze. At some point during our power difficulties the GFCI at the plug tripped. Just needed to be reset, but first we had to notice. Everything still seemed adequately frozen, but we're having the salmon that was at the top for dinner.

That's it for now.

Maintenance:

Electrical - no further problems since I fixed the power cord. Batteries remain charged appropriately now. However, as the Admiral notes, the problems yesterday likely tripped the GFCI for the freezer but fortunately she noticed it today. Always something to watch out for.

Holding tank update - the new, external sensor appears to be accurate - 'Empty' was the reading yesterday after the pumpout. The 'old' one is still bummed out at 62% - and useless.

Steering Hydraulic Ram - noticed small amount of hydraulic oil by the steering/Autopilot ram cylinder in the port-side lazarette again; obviously now a small leak, likely from an O-ring that needs replacing. Will have the mechanic at Shady Harbor look at it. [the steering system is another hydraulic one, using oil as a pressure to turn the rudders; the fluid is in a 'ram' piston with a long rod attached to each rudder; it is important for the autopilot]

That's all today.

Covid - staff at the marina are wearing face masks faithfully. Some boaters are also.

Tomorrow - is tomorrow and will see what becomes a priority.

Stay safe.

Comments:

Ann - 15 Aug 2020: What lovely scenery, even without the co-eds. ( Some photos remind me of N AL!) You guys are moving out smartly now. Stay safe & well. We are missing y’all.

Ernie R - 15 Aug 2020: Rob, with all your experience a foot of clearance on either end should be no big deal! Marg, we rely on you to report the day’s events (and photograph too!) as they unfold on your great adventure. Especially like the midnight skulking photos AND photos of other boats and their occupants! Please continue to report (and photograph!) daily events and let us worry about the coronaries! Be safe.