Day 61 Anchored part 2

We were surprised at what an impressive fortress West Point is. It rises high above the river. However, since 9/11, it is no longer open for touring. Right around the corner from WP, there were steps cut into the stone of the mountain that headed all the way down to the water.  I'm not sure of their significance nor can I imagine how they were created (Pic 2).  One strange thing happened today, as we were boating along, some mutant-looking, strange creature leaped straight up out of the water right next to the boat. John and I both saw it.  It was brownish and the size of a small dog with tiny arms. Creepy. As the day waned, we hailed a fellow trawler traveler and asked him about anchoring in the river. He lead us to a gorgeous setting in front of the Vanderbilt Summer Mansion. They have daily tours and for a little extra, you can go back in time and spend the day  as a "Vanderbilt servant". The brochure says to wear comfortable shoes and "be prepared to go up and down lots of stairs". Now that's what I call fun. The fragrance of summer flowers from the estate filled the air as we ate dinner. The silence is blissful and so welcome after the constant city noise. The last two pictures are taken from either side of the boat. The last one reminded us that this is still a thorofare for ships. Hang on, Jack! Tomorrow we are heading to the city docks of Troy which is a quarter of a mile from the first lock of the Erie Canal. Our future plans for the next couple months are to boat across the Erie Canal to the Oswego Canal. We will then be in Lake Ontario. After crossing the lake, we are on to Kingston, Canada. Ay! We will then take the Trenton Severn Canal to the northern end of the Georgian Bay. The next step will be taking the North Channel into Lake Michigan. At this point, we wil skip down the eastern coast of Lake Michigan and land in Chicago.