The Hudson River Northbound

June 02, 2024

Once we passed under the George Washington Bridge, we left the hustle and bustle of the city behind and the Hudson River displayed its many splendors.

Firstly, we encountered the Pallisades, 800’ plus cliffs of granite on each bank. The lower portion of the Hudson is up to three miles wide.

Our next stop was 3 nights at Half Moon Bay Marina in Croton on the Hudson. Like most cruisers, we opted to be off the water for the Memorial Day weekend. Having a rental car allowed us to catch up on laundry, re-provision and do some boat chores.

We did take a drive out to view the “New” Croton Dam. An impressive sight, considering construction started in the late 1800’s and was completed in early 1900’s. At the time, this was the largest concrete structure in the world.

We stopped in at The Tavern for a happy hour beverage and enjoyed the bar ambience and friendly, welcoming staff, so after a local telling us about the great lobster sliders, we went back for dinner the next night, and as advertised, the sliders were overflowing with fresh claw and lobster chunks. Well worth the visit.

West Point Military Academy

On Sunday, we drove 45 minutes north to West Point Military Academy. The afternoon was hot and humid, certainly not hot like Texas but hot for New York.

Steeped in history and tradition, dating as far back as the American Revolution. Over 12,000 applications are received each year, with only 1100 accepted, The students have a grueling day, starting at 6am and ending close to midnight. They must be, and maintain a high level of physical fitness, play a team sport and maintain a very high academic average. Only the very best graduate. Today, 25% of the admissions are female.

The tour included a narrated walk through the cemetery, a memorial honoring those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for country and freedom. West Point Cemetery is America's oldest military post cemetery and a national historic Landmark.

There was a notable air of tranquility in this beautifully manicured final resting place, complete with a US flag at every grave.

Grave marker of Margaret Corbin: Heroine of American Revolution. When her husband fell in battle, she took his position at the cannon during the defense of Fort Washington.

LTG Winfield Scott: USMA cadet gray uniforms come from his Battle of Chippewa victory

Gen. Norman Schwatzkopf, "Stormin Norman", Commander in-Chief

Led coalition forces in Persian Gulf War.

This is not a national cemetery and as such, grave markers do not have to be uniform. To be interred here, one must be West Point graduate or have made significant contribution to West Point. The interred include distinguished Soldiers, Medal of Honor recipients, astronauts, athletes and family members.

In 2014, a columbarium wall was built containing 5832 cremation niches, doubling the capacity to hold and honor the remains of the deceased.

Trophy Monument

West Point from the Hudson River

That evening, we were fortunate to get a reservation at the Culinary Institute Of America.

We dined at the American Bounty restaurant. Service was impeccable, and the food so delicious, I forgot to take a photo. At least I remembered to get a pic of dessert.

A wonderful experience and well worth the visit.

That night, we spent at Shadows Marina on the Hudson.

Nice new docks, reasonable protection from river traffic and close proximity to Franklin Roosevelt's home in Hyde Park, which we planned to visit next morning.

Springfield, Home of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Hyde Park NY

The living Room

Dining Room

King George VI and Queen Elizabeth stayed at Springfield during a visit to the US.

Franklin Roosevelt believed and promoted the four freedoms during his term of office, as depicted in the photo below. This is actually a piece of the Berlin Wall, including the barbed wire.
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