Statue of Liberty

Thursday was our day to tour the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Our internet research of these National Park Units really paid off in terms of being able to plan our day. We were able to purchase tickets online saving us from having to stand in the very long line at the ticket office. The earliest ticket for both islands on that day was 10:30 AM. Earlier tours were already sold out. We were very glad to have that piece of information in advance and 10:30 worked out well. We didn’t have to get up with the chickens and we had plenty of time to have breakfast, visit with Scott, walk the 10 or so blocks to the subway, ride downtown, and find Battery Park. Since we had prepaid tickets, all we had to do was pick up a boarding pass. We did encounter a line through security (airport style), but it moved quickly. We had to go through security again to enter the pedestal.

Also located at Battery Park is Castle Clinton. Before we got on the ferry we wandered around a bit. Sitting on the southern tip of Manhattan, this round sandstone structure was originally built to ward of the British in 1812. Now, as a National Park unit it is the gateway to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Around the periphery, street vendors of all descriptions are out selling their wares. This is where we saw the snake handler. Now that I am safe in my Montana some 70 miles away, I wish I had touched those snakes.

Back side of Castle Clinton

The ferry was typical of tours like this—three decks packed full with everybody wanting to be on top. I found myself a nice spot by the rail on the second deck and, as luck would have it, was on the correct side of the boat to have a full view of the statue during the entire ride. More good luck—the sun was to my back.

The Statue resides on Liberty Island (originally Bedloe’s Island) and was a gift from the people of France in 1886 to commemorate the centennial of the Declaration of Independence. She was restored to her former glory for her 100th birthday in 1986. Over time this statue has come to symbolize freedom and democracy.

The Statue was not the work of just one man or even one nation. The sculptor Bartholdi was the designer, but several others helped to create a structure that would withstand the rigors of wind and time. Even Eiffel, of the famed Eiffel Tower, was asked to throw in his expertise. France was creating the Statue, but it needed a pedestal to rest upon. That became the responsibility of the American people. All types of fund-raising methods were employed to get the money needed for this ambitious project. Today Lady Liberty stands atop a 10-story high granite pedestal which sits atop the star-shaped Fort Wood (used in the War of 1812).

Actual size model of the face

The original torch

It was inspiring to see this landmark from a boat deck and imagine how so many people have felt as they came in search of a new homeland. It is impossible for me to relate those feelings—the sense of awe at the mere size of the Statue, the pride in my country, the blessings of living in “the land of the free”. Perhaps the pictures can speak to your heart as the Statue spoke to mine.

The Manhatten Skyline

New York City

Inside Poughkeepsie Station

Poughkeepsie Station

All of the images, smells, sounds, and emotions of our short visit to the big city are whirling around in my head. There is so much to see and do in a city of this magnitude that it is impossible to even come close to capturing its flavor in a month, much less in a few short days. I’ll try to relate, the best I can, our experiences of Wednesday and Thursday. It may take multiple installments.

Waiting for our train

Our primary purpose for coming to New York City was to visit with family. Gene has two nephews who live on Manhattan--one in Greenwich Village and the other on the Upper East Side. We were spending the night with Scott and Para and the whole gang was meeting for dinner. Our main sightseeing objectives were Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Anything else would be icing on the cake. That was the plan. This is how it played out.

Because I did not want to leave little deaf Peanut for more than one night alone, we planned to go into the city late in the afternoon on Wednesday. We learned from our scouting on Tuesday that late in the afternoon would be our best hope of finding a parking space at the Poughkeepsie Station, so our decision to leave late in the day worked out great. We got to the station about 5 minutes before the arriving train so the garage was still full when we got there, but the very nice attendant allowed us to pull in and wait for someone to leave. Once parked, we only had about 30 minutes to wait for our train. I spent that time taking pictures of the Poughkeepsie Station. It is small, but beautiful in an old sort of way.

A snake handler in Battery Park

Memorial at Battery Park

Poughkeepsie is about 70 miles from New York City so we had an hour and a half ride to Grand Central Station. Poughkeepsie is at the northern end and Grand Central at the southern end for the East of Hudson Metro North train. I was a small child the last time I rode a train (well, except for the Durango-Silverton cog railroad and I don’t think that counts). We got on like we knew what we were doing and made ourselves comfortable. I got to sit by the window. As it turned out we had chosen seats that were facing the opposite direction we would be traveling. It wasn’t unpleasant, though, and I was content to watch the passing scenery. I nearly jumped out of my skin, however, the first time a northbound train passed. I had no warning whatsoever and it seemed like it was only an inch from my nose. I never did get accustomed to another train approaching suddenly just inches from my seat.

Sculpture damaged on 9/11

Arriving at Grand Central Station was a rush. A rush emotionally and psychologically of, not only being in “The City”, but also at the hub of the city. A rush literally as thousands of people darted in every direction trying to make train connections in the afternoon “rush” hour. Gene’s nephew, Tom, met us at the old clock in the main concourse. From the internet we know basically where our subway was located, (plus there is an information desk for the uninitiated) but it was very helpful and reassuring to have someone there to hold our hands. We rushed off to our subway all the while receiving a lesson on the dos and don’ts, ins and outs, and rules of subway riding. We had a wonderful evening catching up on all the news and family gossip. Having not seen any family since April, it was a real treat just to be together.

Metro North

Bright and early Thursday morning Scott walked us back to the subway and sent us on our way to Battery Park to catch the ferry to Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty. We came out of the subway right at Battery Park; now that was easy. In the park was a memorial to those who died on 9/11. The damaged sculpture at the head of the memorial had been between the twin towers. We were also just in time for a skydiving program which was part of the 9/11 anniversary activities. We were waiting for our ferry to leave so we had a prime viewing spot. The skydivers carrying American flags landed on the New Jersey riverfront. That was pretty special.

Up next—Statue of Liberty.