It was finally time to head up the Hudson. We left Half Moon Bay Marina at about 10 AM to take advantage of the rising tide. Our slip was only about 5.5 feet at low tide and we wanted the current in our favor. The wind was calm and we had a clean exit from our slip.

We went a short 4 miles across Half Moon Bay to the Panco fuel dock. Transients at the marina get a $0.10/gallon discount and Panco had a lower price than the other nearby fuel docks. When we approached, it was difficult to see the fuel dock with a huge red fire boat in the way. I called them on the phone and they instructed me to go around the backside of the of the boat for the dock. Easy enough.

Once we rounded the boat, we could see the fuel dock. Unfortunately, there was a lot of debris in the way. So be it. We pushed forward and coasted through the debris to keep the props clear. No problem.

A great young man came out and helped us tie up. He was tremendously helpful and friendly as we fueled and pumped out. When we were done, we cast off with our bank account a little lighter.

The trip up the Hudson was beautiful. The terrain turned to stark cliffs and wooded mountains with the larger Catskills looming in the distance. We passed by West Point and could really see the fortifications. We continued passed mansions and buildings age from the Gilded Age. This is the area where the wealthy New Yorkers from previous centuries built their summer homes.

We marked another milestone as we passed by Esopus Island. This is where the salt water ends for good and we will be in fresh water for the duration of the Loop. No more dolphins… no more sharks…

When we got to Kingston, we turned into Rondout Creek to stop for the night. This is a wide creek that is navigable about three miles in when it gets to a waterfall. There are a couple of marinas and a commercial barge operation. We passed by several Loopers as we made our way almost to the back to drop the hook in 11 feet of water. The hook set easily and we enjoyed a quiet night with a slight current keeping us out of the channel.