Aug 31-Sept 2, Troy, NY

We're back in the Hudson River heading south toward NYC.

Spillway next to Lock 1 as we head down the Hudson river.

We moved from Waterford south through the Troy Lock (lock #1 of the NY Canal System) and are watching three hurricanes move north in the Atlantic. The first hurricane is 'Earl' with winds of 135 mph and expected to pass offshore of NYC on Friday. So we plan to stay a few more days in the Hudson River well upstream from NYC to let the hurricane(s) pass us by.

Approaching Troy and the downtown wall.

We are docked at Troy, NY, 150 miles north of NYC, at the Troy Municipal Docks right at the foot of downtown with power and internet.

Downtown Troy, NY.

1900's stone house in Troy is now a Phi Kappa Pi fraternity house.

A chair made from oars, paddles and waterskis.

Interesting bench also made from nautical gear.

Uncle Sam Wilson is a local character from the 1800's.
Sure looks like our USA's 'Uncle Sam'.

There is a business district within walking distance including a used bookstore, several shops selling antiques and collectables and several restaurants. El Porto (Italian) is our favorite restaurant.

There are several interesting boats here in Troy.

Brand new PDQ power catamaran being delivered from Wisconsin to South Carolina. Cruises at 20 mph and burns 10 gph. Two miles per gallon. Very efficient at 20 mph.

Tug MV BEAR heading to the 'Tug Rendezvous'.

65 foot Marlow Explorer HOLIDAY is from Aspen, Colorado.
Note the hard top now lowered as she returns from the Erie Canal.

We have decided to wait out Hurricane Earl here in Troy, NY. This location seems sheltered and we are further away from the storm track here than we would be if we move south on the Hudson. We will rent a car and see some sights. Hyde Park, NY, is about 50 miles south of us and our AAA tour book says there are three 'GEMS' to see there.

Frederick W. Vanderbilt Mansion (1898) from the driveway. Home of one of Cornelius Vanderbilt grandsons. Represents the 'Gilded Age' in America (1865-1925).
Rated a 'GEM' by AAA.

Vanderbilt Mansion from the rear.
We think that is a proper back porch.

Our marina manager, Joe Berlino, also recommends the NY Culinary Institute as a great spot. We agree.

NY Culinary Institute was established in 1949.

We had a great lunch in the Medici (Italian) dining room. There are over 1000 students here in a college atmosphere learning all aspects of the food service industry. We were happy to be 'guinea pigs' while they are learing.

Class room instruction.

Students working in the baking center.

Hyde Park is the Roosevelt ancestral home. Franklin Roosevelt grew up here and returned over 100 times during his presidency.
Rated a 'GEM' by AAA.

Franklin Roosevelt Presidential Library. The first Presidential Library was estblished by Roosevelt in 1941 while he was still in office.
Rated a 'GEM' by AAA.

We rate all three as very worthwhile spots. Nice way to spend the day as we wait for Hurricane Earl to pass by.