While I have done overnights dozen’s of times over the years, Brenda hasn’t yet done an overnight of any consequence, and certainly not on the ocean. The weather router, or should I say “weather hand holder” Chris Parker has been in touch for the last few days giving us updates as to what day will be the best to head down the coast. As of now, we sit behind the breakwater at Atlantic Highlands, after moving from inside of Sandy Hook to find a more sheltered anchorage early this morning. We should have realized that the fast ferries from NYC that run till 23:30 hours kick up quite a swell that kept things interesting until late last night.
The weather forecast suggests that a weak cold front will come through tonight and will shift the winds from the south to the west/northwest at 10-15kts with higher gusts for all of Saturday and into Sunday. This will allow ample time for us to get to Cape May (100 miles) and prepare for a run up the Delaware River, an additional 55 miles up from Cape May. They key will be for us to be in a safe place as of Tuesday as the winds are supposed to blow near gale force at that time so we certainly don’t want to be in unprotected waters when that happens.
The forecasted winds seem to suggest a departure shortly after dawn so that we can catch the ebb tide and favorable winds at Sandy Hook. Id all goes well we will likely end up at Atlantic City or Cape May prior to when we are supposed to be there, ie: in the dark, but I’d rather slow down than to have to motor sail to catch up. That’s about all that I know for now so stay tuned for more. I expect that we will be underway shortly after first light. Early bird captures the worm.
Also, we ran into some of our sailing buddies, here in Atlantic Highlands, Lynn and Russel of Blue Highway a great sailing couple from Naples Fl who we met in Maine a few summers ago. They have made this run many times and I expect to be keeping in touch with them along the way.
We will continue to post our location as we move down the coast but before I break, I have to post some photos that our son Christopher took of us yesterday when we were making our way through NYC yesterday. What a treat to have a shutter bug in the family.
Nothing like a shot as we came through Hell’s Gate. As Brenda spied Christopher for the first time she teared up. I have to say that I was a bit teary as well. What a thrill.
As we headed down the East River. 
So, are you tired of so many photos of Pandora? Tough. It’s my blog and I can put as many on of her as I want. Here’s one where Pandora is more of a bit player, a panorama as we head down the East River. This one is surely a keeper and I will have to blow it up for display at home when we return. What a view. 
More to come as we make our way down the coast on Saturday. Wish us luck and fair winds.