Tim loves boats, all kinds of boats. There were going to be lots of boats and planes along the Hudson River for the 4th of July celebration. Tim planned to go. I was reluctant, I hate big crowds, there was a heatwave and who knows what hijinx the festivities would attract. First he planned an18 hour day trip I wanted no part of. Then he arranged a place to stay along the Hudson, with a balcony and air conditioning. This was more inviting so I booked an Amtrak ticket into Penn Station.

Turns out, a big wedding was going to take at place at Madison Square Garden right about when we arrived. Another wrinkle in the trip. Multiple exits and roads along the Garden were closed but we made it to the blocked off street, unscathed, and were greeted by a caravan of Black Cadillacs and Mercedes.

We made our way in the sweltering heat to the apartment where warships were already anchored in the river outside the balcony. Let the fun begin. First a wild thunderstorm rolled through with 70 mph winds that tossed boats and balcony furniture.

Followed by a stunning sunset.

The 4th began with numerous flyovers of all sorts of planes and bombers.

Then the tall ships, except for the Clearwater, which was kicked out for saying they wanted clean water, began to make their way north along the Hudson.

We had fun identifying international flags. If we were right, Ecuador, with a navy of nine ships, had two tall ships in the parade?
We watched from the balcony for a while but as it grew hotter, and we grew tired, we moved indoors. As the ships made their way back south, we knew the party was over and, like the ships, headed home.