Quadricentennial Hudson River Day

This past Sunday we celebrated the 400th anniversary of Captain Henry Hudson's discovery of the Hudson River. "River Day" was the name of the event, it featured a relay flotilla, which included a replica of Henry Hudson's ship the Half Moon along with the Onrust, the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, the Mystic Whaler and many other boats.
My husband and I decided to celebrate this wonderful day and gorgeous weather with a kayak tour on the river. We're very fortunate to have in our town, Storm King Adventure Tours http://www.stormkingadventuretours.com/. They offer a multitude of outdoor activities year round. From kayaking in the summer, hiking, mountain biking to snowshoeing in the winter.
It was the first time for me on a kayak, and I was quite nervous. We were given safety instructions and words of advise and then, we were off.

We decided on a double passenger kayak, since it was my first time, I wanted the safety of my husband near me. Once we got the hang of it, it was a lot of fun!
We traveled down river with our group looking for the flotilla, which was on it's way up from West Point.




Finally after all the anticipation, we saw them slowly coming towards us.

The Half Moon, a replica of the Dutch ship of exploration commanded by Henry Hudson in 1609.

Hudson River Sloop Clearwater and the FDNY Fireboat

TheMystic Whaler and the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater


The Onrust

The Onrust


The Hudson River Sloop Clearwater and the Mystic Whaler

The next day I drove to Newburgh to take a closer look at the Half Moon.

Spending an afternoon on the river, and admiring the natural beauty that surrounds us, really makes you realize how fortunate we are to live here.

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