Night Photos :: New York City

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In order to transit the Hudson River I had to pass New York City.  Once coming and once going.  New York City viewing by ship - I felt too cool for school. To add to the coolness I anchored on the Fourth of July and watched the Macy's fireworks show from the Harbor prior to transiting the river.  With Lady Liberty on one side and the New York City skyline on the other.

As I departed the River I hit New York at dawn.  There were parts in the clouds which provided some of the coolest photos - blue streaks behind a night photo.

You all know how much I love night photos!  The wobblier the better!

(I will admit that I'm kicking myself for not knocking bokeh off my 30x30 list!  Heart shaped NYC lights?!  Awwwww!)

 

There are more!

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Nautie Books :: Wild by Cheryl Strayed

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I'm pleased to announce Nautie Books first book selection!

 

Wild by Cheryl Strayed

Since the first three comments were in favor of Wild - and since I'm currently thinking about Wild all day long - I figured it would be a great first pick.  Especially since Historiauntie mentioned that my Grandma did part of the trail in the 50's.  Sold.

My friend, the Sea Wife, has requested a completion date of August 15th; considering she has two small beautiful babies I thought this was a realistic finish date.

So there you have it Nautie Friends, Read Wild by August 15th!  

Confession, I actually devoured Wild and finished it last night.  I'm still majorly up for talking about it though, and will be doing so on the blog for the next few weeks.  Sharing my favorite quotes and writing about how the translated so well to my own life.

In the meantime I'll be reading Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed.

Have you ever heard of The Rumpus?  No?  Me neither.  I learned about it over at my favorite blog.  Apparently, Cheryl Strayed was an anonymous advice giver there under the psuedonym Sugar.  I'll be sporadically re-reading Wild and digging into Tiny Beautiful Things.  If you're a quick reader feel free to do the same!

Read away Nautie Friends!  I can't wait to hear your thoughts!

 

Disclaimer:  I feel it is important to note that Wild isn't just a story about being on the trail.  It's about grief and love and making poor choices.  It's about finding yourself, making friends, and the serendipity of the universe.  I wouldn't describe it as a light read.  Read more about it (or pick it up) over here.  Please remember, this is a non-judgey book zone.  If you don't like it....just stop reading.  Easy Peasey!

 

Fresh Off The Press :: Nautie Books!

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Remember the 30x30 list (if you need a refresher feel free to check it out!)?  It's beginning to weigh heavily.  30 is right around the corner. Want to know which task I'm finding particularly daunting?  9.  Read Anna Karenina

Maybe it's because this one is seemingly 'easy'.  It confronts me everytime I open my e-book reader.  I read often so this constant confrontation is becoming a bit of a bummer!

I started thinking about my list pretty hard while I was on watch today.  I pulled it out and started beating myself up over the fact that I've only completed three of my assigned tasks!  Then I started beating myself up for beating myself up.

Then I saw number 21.  Join a book club.

Reading is something that I love.  Truly love.  I have always been into books - reportedly, I was even into books as a baby and, I know for certain that I was potty trained with the help of books - my parents would lure me to the john with my favorite book 'the bird book' (which I still have by the way).

The more I thought about books the less I began to beat myself up.

I started thinking about the book I'm currently reading:  Wild By Cheryl Strayed.  (If you'd like to read it you can find it here.)  This women hiked the Pacific Crest Trail solo (hello number 3).  Shes 'effin rugged and I think she may know a thing or two about beating up of ones self and how much a waste of time it is.   For the record, this is hands down one of the best books I've read in awhile - everything she says I think, 'ohmygodmetoooooo!!!!'.

I decided I'm going to quit wasting time.  Why join a book club when I could start a book club?

Nautie Friends!  I'm pleased to invite you to join Nautie Books - the Nautie Mermate's official book club!

Here are the rules:

anyone can join.  any book may be selected (although, i hope we can choose books by consensus).  the book must be available in electronic format.  the book doesn't have to be nautical. 

Hopefully we'll be able to reach a consensus in the comments section.  Here are some of my selection ideas:  Open City by Teju Cole; Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson; The Paris Wife by Puala Mclain; Room by Emma Donoghue.

Does anyone have a selection idea?  Would anyone like to suggest a finish date?  Does anyone have any book club rule suggestions?

(note - I currently don't have a 'Nautie Books' page - in the meantime I'll categorize all related posts as Nautie Books to track our progress and make posts easier to find.  If you have any questions feel free to email me at nautiemermate@gmail.com)

Hudson River, NY :: Gorgeous

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I wasn't too excited about a 12 hour river transit.  Mostly just because it means less sleep and more time on the bridge in pilotage waters (for me and my gang).  Let me just say, if you ever get to transit the the Hudson River:  Get Excited. It's gorgeous.  Absolutely gorgeous.

Not only is it gorgeous but, there is alot to look at along the way.  Tons of historical landmarks, gorgeous homes on hills, FDR's birthplace, schools for monks, and brick factories.  (I think the Pilot said that at one time there were over 200 brick factories along the river some of which have been beautifully preserved.) 

One of my favorite parts was looking at the lighthouses.  It was very easy to imagine living in one although, I imagine in the winter it might become sa drag.  Some of them have been converted in to B&B's (which I think would make for a delightful getaway).

I also throughouly enjoyed going under some of the bridges.  Definitely fun to take photos of.

I created an album....because I couldn't choose 'just a few'....

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A Whale Tale

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I was treated to a lovely sight a few days ago.  Standing a routine bridge watch I saw signs of a whale up ahead.  Of course I ran to get Big Bertha. Now, I must admit that Big Bertha is fairly well accessorized however; knowing that she was going to be taking a trip that required more work clothes than normal she opted to leave her chunkier jewels at home (meaning, I left her big lens behind and brought one for daily use).  I think Big Bertha is missing her chunky gems - especially when she sees a whale up ahead!

I waited patiently on the bridge wing for the whale to pass by.  This kind whale waited on the surface for me the entire time I was approaching and then, flipped up its tail in a friendly little wave.

And now for the rest of the story: when I say 'that I saw signs of a whale up ahead' what I mean is that I saw 'em blow.  I struggled with exactly how to write this out....so of course I turned to google and got me some learnin'.  If you'd like to read about Blowhole's try this from Wikipedia.  I'm not exactly sure that I knew that it was only air coming out....I think I thought there might have been some water involved.  Then I saw a link involving whales and rainbows.  Whales and rainbows?  Yes please!  Sadly, my web filter did not condone video feeds but, this sounds delightful and I think you should watch it and tell me about it:  Whale shoots rainbow out of blowhole.