The kids were excited to see Manhattan just across the river:
We were on the Hudson early as New Yorkers typically get started a little later in the morning. Ellis Island was a poignant reminder of how many of our friends' families likely came to America at that time. Between 1890 and 1924, it saw 12 million new Americans processed through its doors. It was neat to stand where they stood. For years now, it has been a museum, and we certainly enjoyed walking around - it felt a little like going back in time.
After a brief tour at Ellis Island, we were back on the boat to the Statue of Liberty. The kids were really looking forward to this, and we had many great photo ops. The Pedestal is more than half way up the stairs to the crown, so it was little strenuous when carrying a 5 year old. The views from the pedestal were incredible, but once outside, there was very narrow standing room with a lot of people circling the base. Given that there was just a thin wall separating a 4 foot passage from a very long fall, I was relieved to get my family back inside and heading back down the stairs.
the original torch
As we got back to our car, Donna and I commented how cool it was to see the NYC skyline and how we could move on toward our northward destination now, but the kids would have none of it. They must go into the city. After a brief detour into Jersey City for ice cream, we were back at Liberty State Park as we realized the water taxi was very likely the quickest and most economical way to Manhattan.
We arrived at a port not too far from the World Trade Center area, so our first stop was to walk past the new building. It's still hard to fathom what happened here on 911.
After walking around a little aimlessly in several directions, we finally found a subway stop and took it all the way to . . . oops . . . past Central Park. After walking about 15 blocks, we finally made it back to the southernmost end of the park and slumped into a restaurant to eat a late lunch and revive ourselves. After significantly jettisoning some weight from my wallet, we were back on our feet and walking another mile plus to find Dylan's Candy Bar - a 3 story candy shop. One small detail I thought I would mention is that most of the walking was done with Francey on my shoulders. One positive thing about this jaunt is that we got to walk through a corner of Central Park . . . what a treasure in the middle of a crowded city.
supposedly the world's largest gum ball machine
The final thing to cross off our list was Times Square . . about another mile of walking. We got our pictures to prove we were there. This is also the most crowded area we visited. Donna and I were doing a lot of rubbernecking to make sure our children were always in sight and accounted for in the midst of crammed sidewalks.
We found the subway and intended to take it within a few blocks of our ferry, but after messages being broadcast on the ride that the route was altered and that we may or may not end up in Brooklyn if we didn't get off soon, we got off a good mile and a half or so from the ferry location, and the rains started. It was a little soothing at the end of a long day, but with Francey on my shoulders, my feet were feeling the effects of our journeys as were everyone else's . . . did I mention that we did a lot of walking?
We finally made it back to the ferry and then to the tranquility on the other side of the Hudson for one last pic of NYC in twilight.
It was then about 5 hours of white knuckle driving in dark, foggy, and blindingly rainy conditions for the three hour drive to our hotel in Rhode Island. Considering I was just one of the gazillions of drivers that pay about $20 in tolls just to do a 270 degree loop around Manhattan, one would have thought that the streets would be in much better condition and wouldn't have standing water in the tunnels. Time for a realignment when we get home.
Honestly though, it was a very fun and memorable day - we're ready for some rest and relaxation.
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