A Party on the Hudson River

Of course, as you all know, the Hudson River is being especially celebrated this year. But last Wednesday I and many friends helped our friend Alison celebrate her birthday on the river - on Pier 66, the Frying Pan barge on the Hudson. (The Frying Pan - the red hulled boat above, next to the barge - was a lightship off of Cape Fear in North Carolina and is now with us on the Hudson.)

The entry way to the Pan is on what must have been a trestle, which still reaks of creosote. We four had been on the same cross town bus, as luck would have it, and could make the march down the trestle-way together. Alison's in the black, and behind Janet as Annie leads the way.

I arranged for us to get there at about 5:30 so that we would have plenty of time to get enough room for our gathering on the top deck - the poop, as it were - of the barge. We had plenty of space!

What could be more inviting? And we were the first ones there, and able to arrange tables and chairs to our convenience. Ah, the luxury!

Janet exults! What a glorious evening!

It was a beautiful evening, and Alison welcome us all to her river and her city! What better place, she seems to be saying.

No, none better!

We weren't the only ones on the river that night, of course. We could look over the railing and see - a kayaker! Who says the water can't be fun?

But, one of the sights in the river seemed out of place - a waterwheel?!

Finally others came, and in fact two had come on time but had taken Alison's directions a little too literally and had been since 5:30 on the top deck of the actual Frying Pan itself! No problem, no matter. They are fully arrived - and as you can see enjoying themselves immensely!

Now, it may seem that I'm completely outnumbered by women at this gala affair. So, it may seem - but my male cohort was reinforced by two convivial chaps to my right, who seem in quite animated conversation.

Yet ...

On closer examination, there just may be the presence of ... a woman in this small colloquoy.

No problem! There seems to be such a perfect acceptance occurring that who could question the clear affection of all parties involved! Cheers!

Soon, and perhaps all too soon, it came time for us to depart, and leave the convivial maritime seats of the "Pan" for a jaunt to the High Line. After all, Alison hasn't seen it, and a few others of our group were also "High Line Virgins."

We marched out to our destiny.

This community, of both the High Line and the new Hudson River Park, with the glorious venue of the Frying Pan, have become quite vibrant venues. Certainly better than the dirty streets and corner lots of thirty years ago! Bah!

Annie seems the first to arrive at the High Line - and let's wonder: how long before the developers find Tenth Avenue and this sight disappears? Let's gaze toward the Empire State.

I know many of you have and seen my earlier blogs on the High Line, so there may only be a few pictures this time - but even your intrepid blogger learns something new each time he comes! Look, I'm advised: there's the High Line Singer!

I beg your pardon?

Yes, indeed, and we look. She's getting her "act" ready - too bad we have a dinner reservation!

Will wonders ever cease? No, but sometimes we do have to walk on, we have blocks to go, and a dinner to eat ....

Still, a glorious spot. A place to savor, and, frankly, a wonder to behold.

And you know what? It's just a small part of New York! There's more! Just you wait - for the next blog!