More of the Same

Above are Satellite Images taken of the Hudson River in 2010 and 2011, respectively.

Get ready for more of the same. More rain and more snow are on their way to the northeast. You don't have to be a meteorologist to understand that global warming causes incredible increases in precipitation, especially in temperate climates - and leaves behind great drought in warmer areas (see Texas). Heat causes greater evaporation, and more precipitation, and this past summer, according to NOAA, was the second hottest summer on record in the U.S.

I was fortunate enough to catch one of the last flights out before Hurricane Irene (we flew out of Philly to France for holiday the day before the big storm hit - New York airports were already closed), so I wasn't here to see it. We were very luck that our Hoboken property stayed dry as well. But I can tell by the Hudson River that Irene, and the subsequent Tropical Storm Lee, caused great damage.

A week later, the Hudson still flows muddy brown. The Hudson River Valley has swelled to great heights. And run-off pollutants will continue to threaten our waterway for weeks to come.

I hope to get back in my boat before the cold weather kicks in - maybe this weekend. Of course, the approaching Tropical Storm Maria might change my minds. It's just more of the same.

France Vacation, 2011

Above are a few of the photos from my vacation with family and friends in Le Vernet, France. Baby Paddler loved it. Thank you to Ash, Brittany, and Andy for a great week.

Our River is Safe Again

After a Harlem fire dumped raw sewage into our Hudson River, the NJ DEP has stated the river has been cleared again for recreational use. Read more here. To read more about how the damage has already been done, read here.

I'll see you on the river. Happy Paddling!

Boaters Welcome. Tie Up Anywhere!

I am not sure what the laws are regarding mooring or tying up boats in Weehawken Cove, but lately, there seem to be many. Last year, there were only a few - all belonging to a New York boat club. This year, there are twice as many - most of which are in bad condition and have been poorly moored, anchored, or tied up. Above is a picture of one such boat that has been seen in the cove lately. The boat is haphazardly tied to a pole on the collapsing pier east of the Tea Building. Now take a look at the same boat below.



The above picture was taken only two days later. The boat, filled with personal belongings, is now sunk against the pier.



Worse yet, the boat's belongings are strewn across the Tea Building beach (below).



Now, I am all for the right to waterfront access. It is my opinion, the more people enjoy the Hudson River, the more people will protect it. But boats recklessly tied to collapsing docks or moored by homemade anchors only threaten our beautiful river. Further, we do not know if people are/were living on these watercrafts.

I am amazed that Hoboken and/or Weehawken authorities have allowed all of these boats to just tie up anywhere. (By the way, I have noticed that many of them have come along since the new construction of the waterfront walkway between the two river-front cities. Do the boats belong to the workers? I know the same boat, shown above, was tied up to the newly constructed walkway only weeks ago.) It is my hope that boats like the one above will not be allowed to stay in Weehawken Cove any longer.

Otherwise, I might just have to buy that sailboat I wanted. After all, I know the perfect place to put it.

Lackawanna Ferry Terminal

I love paddling down to the Lackawanna ferry terminal. Each time I do, I am amazed by the restoration of this historic building. You can now see awnings have been added, as well as shiny, round decorative mirrors hanging from the ceiling.

I'm curious, with the construction of, not one, but six terminals, is the city of Hoboken anticipating greater ferry usage by Hobokenites? Is NY Waterway going to be increasing their capacity? Or, is the city of Hoboken anticipating other private-use ferry services? Maybe they will, once again, sail the Yankee Clipper - the ferry from Hoboken to Yankee Stadium? Either way, things are looking great downtown.

More Pier Deterioration

These images were all taken below the sinkhole near Fouteenth Street Pier. I know this story has been discussed ad nauseum in the local press, but until you see for yourself just how much cement sits atop old wooden pylons, it is hard for the average Hobokenite to understand how bad the situation really is.

One Very Big Boat

Fleet week usually brings large military ships to New York's harbor, but this is not a Navy ship. This is simply the largest private boat I have seen in the Hudson. Check out the size of the craft and its three masts compared to the pleasure boat that is next to it. If anyone knows anything about this boat, please comment.

Visitors to Twelfth Street Pier

I paddled over to to the Twelfth Street Pier the other day. To my surprise, in addition to the historic Yankee Ferry that is always there, there were two other boats tied to the dock. One who is making a return visit and one that I had never seen before. The Anne is back (pictured in front). You remember this boat - its controversial Captain, Reid Stowe, spent a remarkable 1,152 days at sea. It left for winter , but has returned. Read more about this amazing ship here. The other boat was enormous! It flew flags from Denmark and had a large crew drinking wine and enjoying dinner when I paddled by. They all seemed very friendly and waved.

These ships add much needed character to our waterfront. I suggest you stop by to check them out before they sail off.