In which even Sid might agree there is such a thing as enough bridges.
Stonington is at the north-east end of Long Island Sound, and today’s target is to go all the way down the Sound, along the East River and round the tip of Manhattan into the Liberty Landing Marina.
Sid’s five o’clock alarm is the sound of two large Caterpillar diesels starting up just the other side of the bulkhead. All we need to do is re-attach the buoys to the lines and throw them off. Wes backs away and we turn out into not quite dawn. This is a good time on a boat.
Old sailor Bill tells tales of each rock we pass. Joe spots Dumpling Island, home of Dean Kamen, the hermit inventor of the Segway, a man so alone that his nine-seater jet is not insured for any but him. The Segway may be in some way cursed. British inventor and investor Jimi Hesleden bought Segway in 2009. In 2010 he died from injuries from driving one off a cliff.
Meanwhile back at the journey we are looking out at vairy big houses ($40m big) from which people can commute by powerboat to New York. [Impressive to look at but difficult to make interesting photographs, sorry, so here is a photo of their commute instead – D.]
Less comfortable is Rikers Island in the East River which was 100 acres when claimed by Abraham Ryker in 1664. It was established as a prison in 1932 and enlarged with prison labour spreading ash and landfill to enlarge the estate. At its peak it held about 10,000 prisoners most of whom are pre-trial. The place has a terrible reputation and is due for closure in 2026. But in the meantime there is an overflow facility on this barge. Meanwhile, back at the hulks…
And on to the fun of bridge counting as we trickle past the city that is awake, down towards Ellis Island.
We photograph bridges, buildings and boats. New York is used to being photograped.
Some buildings have been modified after being built.
Some are just originally interesting.
And some seem to be entries in an Ugly Building competition, although this might be just a local round in a wider global contest.
There is surprisingly little commercial traffic.
We finish with a couple of Iconic Manhattan shots from the boat and from the marina.
Sid and Doris are leaving Nereus tomorrow, but Nereus will be on show to Joe’s work colleagues. We do finally persuade Betka and Wes to stop and enjoy the view.
