We woke up this morning with a full schedule of activities ahead of us. As we ventured out on deck, the dense fog only added to the feeling of adventure. Soon, however, the fog started to dissipate, and Rondout Lighthouse came into view. It somehow seemed fitting that the lighthouse would be our guide through the mist, leading us into the harbor at Kingston. We spent the day visiting the Maritime Museum, exploring town, and watching the craftsmen at the boat building school. To cap off our day, we visited the sailing vessel Apollonia, a step back into time as the cargo ship is powered only by wind. The purpose of this ship is to offer a carbon free alternative to shipping up and down the Hudson. Another great day exploring the Hudson Valley here in New York.
11/2/2022
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National Geographic Sea Lion
Popolopen Creek & Sleepy Hollow
Sun broke through the early morning near Bear Mountain Bridge in the Lower Hudson Valley. A large group of adventurous hikers took to the trail for scenic photographs and to take a few steps on the Appalachian Trail over the bridge. The morning light shown on a cloudless sky and allowed for beautiful view down upon the Hudson River that has been at the core of our journey. On the way back to the landing site, an osprey was sighted and photographed. Zodiacs offered a scenic cruise and a couple paddlers made their way up Popolopen Creek. After brunch we boarded the Zodiacs as transit to the shore and went to a poetry reading at the Hudson Valley Writers Center. Several poets read selections from their work and then many of us took a walking tour to the Old Dutch Church. The Headless Horseman Bridge and Sleepy Hollow Cemetery provided the perfect atmosphere and setting for a spirited one-man performance of the Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Washington Irving spent time among the hills that became the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery and his final resting place. We returned to National Geographic Sea Lion , had a wonderful dinner, and got to see the world premiere of the Guest Slideshow that will help everyone recall this amazing trip for years to come.
