Day 269-270, Hyde Park/Poughkeepsie - NY

Light house we passed today going up the Hudson River






Another unique light house on the Hudson River






U.S Coast Guard vessel on the Hudson River, today







Our good friend from our old Rock Island nieghborhood, Mark Riley






Us, during our tour, in front of the Culinary Art Institure "Roth Hall". Absolutely stunning campus, on the bluff, overlooking the Hudson River.






"Roth Hall" Culinary Art Institure, Hyde Park, New York








Inside "Roth Hall" first floor adjacent to the Apple Pie Cafe, open to the public and operated by the students. Fantastic aromas and taste with a great presentation.







View of fountain in front of Roth Hall






We left our anchorage at Pollepel Island, mile marker (MM)96.5 and traveled to Hyde Park Marina. While this marina is small without amenities, it does offer Boat US discount and it is 1 ½ miles from the CIA (Culinary Institute of America). You could bike or walk to the CIA but it would be a challenge to bike up hills. There are taxis available at only $7.50 one way.

Mark Riley, a friend of the family and a South Rock Island neighbor from many years ago came to the marina for a visit and offered to drive us for groceries (which we badly needed). Mark lives in Connecticut with his wife and made a concentrated effort to connect with us. The 3 of us then took a 4:00 PM tour of the CIA which we all found very interesting to say nothing of the bakery aroma following us down the halls. The spectacular campus sits on a bluff overlooking the Hudson River. Thank you Mark for your gracious hospitality. It was a fun afternoon.

The Culinary Institute of America is the world's premier culinary college. CIA offers an accelerated bachelor's or associate degree in culinary arts or baking and pastry. There are five restaurants choices: American, French, Italian, St Andrews (American & European) culinary using local sourced ingredients and The Bakery, all operated by the students. We dined at St Andrews which was the only restaurant open that night. The food and presentation was spectacular.

The weather has deteriorated to a cloudy drizzly day. This morning, Wed 6/9, we motored up the Hudson to MM 24.5 to a Skipper Bob recommended anchorage behind Houghtaling Island. It is a very quiet, pleasant and cozy little anchorage. The wind is about zip, the water flat, about 13’ deep and not a sole in sight. We will swing on the anchor every 6 hours with the tidal effect; however we look forward to reaching fresh water and out of tidal/salt water in a couple of days. Our next leg hopefully will be north on the NY canal system up to Lake Champlain. We might have a 15’ fixed bridge clearance issue but we are working on that.