Alas, time for our first encounter with the US Version of
Health and Safety. Prior to the display the US Coastguard had decided to
be a real pain and were moving some boats on, even those at anchor. They
made several passes past Nimue, but said nothing. However, just 20 minutes
before the start of the display, 5 officials in a RIB decided to come up
alongside and made us move. Naturally we were not best pleased, but we had
no option but to lift anchor. By this time there was no room to anchor
elsewhere, so we ended up ‘jilling’ around in the middle of the Hudson, trying
to dodge everyone else! We also encountered a large coastguard vessel,
which seemed to be very, very slowly edging everyone backwards away from the
area. We observed that the vessel was only displaying an anchor light, which
Michael just happened to mention to one of the coastguard vessels after they
berated us for not having a working starboard bow light! We had to make
the repair immediately, otherwise we were threatened with an escort into the
‘sin bin’(sounds a typical Americanism), but a few expletives later, Michael
made the repair. Funnily, a few minutes later a correct steaming light
appeared on the large coastguard vessel and soon after, a message was sent
through to us from them to say “enjoy your stay and the fireworks”!
We did just that and they were in two words:- ABSOLUTELY
FANTASTIC!
Opposite Nimue where the crowds are lining the
riverbanks
The latest NYFD fire boat showing off it’s
wares
Roads cordoned off before the
display
One of the sightseeing boats (US$100 per
person)
One of the many private boats arriving
What a lovely view from Nimue
Police launch
Large US Coastguard
vessel
Getting busier on the river
So at last, the firework display
.................
A magnificent display and one we will always
remember!
