Pier C Revisited

I ventured back to pier C and took the photo above. You can see how much work is being done. The wood features look great. It is scheduled to open in Spetember, hopefully while the weather is still pleasant.

Rain Delay

Storms and rain have kept my sea legs planted firmly on land both yesterday and today. Fortunately it has also given me sufficient time to plan my big excursion. Mrs. Paddler and myself take a big trip each summer and this one is no exception. This year, we are traveling further than we ever have- to the other side of the world. We are going to New Zealand. August will be New Zealand's winter, but no worries- Hoboken Paddler is also Hoboken skier! I look forward to bringing my reader(s) pics and stories from the land of the long white cloud. We will be visiting our Kiwi friend Anna and her british husband Rob in their hometown of Aukland for the first of hopefully many trips.

If, like me, you are also stuck inside due to rain, feel free to peruse my links. I especially like the blogs written by my friends. Luke Sidewalker's quest to find millions the hard way might also bring you the financial insights you've been looking for. And, if you are male, in a relationship, or both, the newly created NagsforNorway is required reading. Both blogs are written in the vicinity of the mile square city. Enjoy.

From the Inside Looking Out

How quickly perspectives change. Yesterday I was on a ferry looking at kayakers, today I'll be a kayaker looking out for ferries.

Yesterday I took the ferry from 14th street to Wall Street to see friends who recently transplanted from Jersey to the financial district. My wife and I had a beautiful 30 minute trip traveling around southern Manhattan on a perfect evening. On the trip, we saw a group of kayakers crossing the Hudson. It is great seeing fellow boaters taking advantage of our underused waterfront.

Peter Cammarano has learned a thing or two about perspective changes as well. Just a few days ago, he was Hoboken's new young mayor. This morning, I walked past a hundred or so protesters in front of his Bloomfield Street home carrying signs demanding his resignation. Although I personally think these protests should be taking place at city hall, I cannot blame the citizens of our city for being angry and disappointed. For the record, he has stated he will not step down as mayor. How can he? He would be walking away from a six figure income- which will help pay much needed lawyer fees- and benefits for himself, his wife, and young daughter. What a mess.

I am waiting for the tides to shift before I head out again. I would suggest our mayor do the same.

Ho-broken

Today's weather forecast called for storms. Unable to paddle, I turned on the TV to some disheartening news.

It was only days ago I congratulated my new mayor, our city's youngest, on this site. And although it usually takes years before Hoboken mayors are caught for corruption, it took Peter Cammarano less than two months. Sadly, our mayor has been charged with taking bribes from a government witness posing as a real estate developer. Pathetic.

Hopefully, tomorrow's weather, and our next mayor, will be brighter.

One Reason I Kayak

There are numerous reasons I come home from work and take to the water. One of them is the peace and quiet that the river offers. As I type this now, I can hear through my home's open windows horns honking, sirens, and people talking loudly on their cell phones. On the river, you can't hear any of it. Nothing. The only sounds you hear are the wind, the water, an occasional bird, and... unfortunately, jet skis.

A Bigger Boat

Whenever I think a 15 foot kayak is large, I am continuously reminded by freighters and cruise ships just how small I am. Above is a picture of a cruise ship making its way out of New York harbor.

Hoboken is the Birthplace of Baseball

Although this fact is often disputed, it doesn't stop me from telling non-Hobokenite friends and relatives that Hoboken IS the birthplace of baseball. And it isn't stopping Hoboken councilwoman Beth Mason from trying to bring baseball back to the mile square city. Recently, she hired architects to re-imagine the northwest corner of Hoboken and envisioned, among other things, a minor league baseball field and greater park space (the above picture is what it currently looks like). Although I am not sure if all of her plans seem realistic in the current economy, I applaud her thinking outside the box. Or in this case, thinking outside the boxes that make up blocks and blocks of square condos to the south of this site.

While I am on the issue of local politics, I want to wish Peter Cammarano, Hoboken's youngest mayor in history, and Dawn Zimmer, our new Council President, all the best. I hope they all can put politics aside and do what is best for our waterfront and the residents of our great town.

Toll Brothers Should Take Note

You can use materials other than concrete to build piers for parks. For proof, I paddled over to Pier C this afternoon. When completed (probably September) it is going to be beautiful. Though the picture is difficult to see, the pier has a grassy hill, a park for kids, and attractive wooden features. Unlike Maxwell Place's concrete slab, Hobokenites will flock to this park.

The Schooner Adirondack

I took the above picture of this beautiful ship on a gorgeous afternoon paddle. I have seen this ship many times, but was unable to find out more about it until I got closer. This is the Schooner Adirondack. According to its website, this ship is an 80 foot, 1890's style pilot schooner. It is a tourist boat that started sailing in 1999. This would be a great way to spend the day with family. The boat sails from "the other side of the Hudson" from Chelsea Piers through early October.

Erie Lackawanna Revisited

It was another beautiful day on the river. I took a few more shots of Erie lackawanna ferry terminal- this time with a few close-ups of the inside.

Welcome Hobokennow Readers

Thank you to Carly for putting my blog on nj.com/hobokennow. I hope you enjoy checking out my site.

Erie Lackawanna Ferry Terminal

The Erie Lackawanna Ferry and Train Terminal is nearing completion. They have been restoring the structure as long as I've been living here. Ferry service will begin using this structure again in about two years- which is amazing if you would've seen this place ten years ago. I am really pleased Hoboken has gone to such lengths to restore the old structure. It looks great from the waterfront. Today I saw rowers (yes, rowers) using the facility for protection from choppy waters. I took a picture of them, but unfortunately, my camera is giving me fits lately and would not allow me to upload the shot.

Below is a pic. I found from the library of congress. You can see ferry service in use at the bottom.

For more details on the ferry terminal project, check out nj.com.

The best view of New York...

Is from Jersey. Happy Fourth of July!

Weather or Not?

The coldest June in 27 years kept me on dry land more than I care to remember. I was hoping for a warm dry start to July, but so far, showers have dampened my spirits and allowed fewer days on the water. On Wednesday I headed out with dark clouds looming. Fortunately, the rain pushed north and I had a beautiful paddle. Took the shot above. Anyone know the name of the ship in the photo (not the circle line)?