Well, after more great times with great friends we flew NYC together again. Hazier today, with thin high clouds, so the light was diffused with different color and less shadow than yesterday evening. We had intended to fly the Hudson to Lady Lib, then turn left up the East River to go up and back the shorter corridor there. Yankees had a different plan, that first required us to divert to the right beyond the Hudson into Jersey around the restricted airspace near the stadium. That gave us unusual and unexpected views like this one across the Hudson with the whole city in context. Remember you can click on nearly any of our pix on this blog to see at least slightly larger and sharper versions.
8767 Across Hudson
We got a good look at the Brooklyn Bridge in today’s light, and it reinforced our desire to walk or bike it.
8800 Bridge For Sale
The game’s restricted area completely prevented us flying the East River at all though, so we just circled the Lady and changed plan.
8824 Welcome to America
That circling also gave us a great look at Ellis Island, and we all imagined immigrants having endured a long sea voyage that was the first time at sea for most. This beacon of hope greeted them just before they stepped ashore on the bustling and probably terrifying, intimidating, humiliating or overwhelming Ellis Island.
8828 Ellis Island
We decided to head for Montauk on the tip of Long Island, and I got clearance to fly low just offshore below the busy JFK airspace. Looking back as we passed the Verrazano Bridge, Manhattan was already fading into the distance.
8852 Verrazano
That brought us a great view of Coney Island, and we imagined how different it would look on a hot weekend in just a few weeks.
8864 Coney
Climbing higher along the island we saw some remarkable mansions in the Hamptons.
8967 Hamptons Manses
We also enjoyed some spectacular vistas nearing the end of the island.
8988 L.I. Sound Scene
We landed in gusty direct crosswinds that changed dramatically just before touchdown due to the dunes and tall scrub (fun for the pilot, yet smooth for my passengers). You can see the runway on the left edge of the pic below. After a tasty light dinner (left of the harbor entrance below) with a ride provided by the sweet lady managing the airport, we made a leisurely 40 minute flight back to White Plains.
8990 Montauk
Another day that feels like a week of precious memories.
John & Anne Wiley 
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