Oct 8

On Monday the 8th, we left NY,NY for Sandy Hook, or more properly the Highlands, just east of the foot of Sandy Hook. This was meant to stage us for a passage to Barnegat Inlet the next day.

As may be seen the skyline is pretty impressive, and how could I pass through without taking pictures of the pretty lady. Oh, of course, you also have to take pictures of the Statue of Liberty.

We did have a couple of minor events. The first was when wandering into a shipping channel while under sail. Some of these guys move fast and it is not always easy to guess exactly where they are going to go as they manoeuver. The second (that could have turned into a major event) was when we inadvertently wandered into a restricted zone. We were excorted out by a police boat. Fortunately they did not have guns drawn. We were later told at the Highlands Marina while gassing up, that sometimes they are nice and just escort you out, and sometimes they just give you a $5,000.00 fine!!! The latter definately would not have helped our cruising finances.

At the end of the day, we were rewarded by a beautiful and calm sunset. Little did we know what was in store for us the next day.