18 Years Ago Tomorrow; A trip down the Hudson for what became a last look at WTC1 and WTC2

[Dennis Donovan]

August 28, 2001 - Das Billig Boot II, my 1982 Sea Ray 270 at World's Fair Marina, Queens, NY

Two weeks before 9/11, I sailed my boat down the Hudson River from Albany to the World's Fair Marina in Flushing Bay, Queens, NY. Fortunate to have fair weather throughout. I pointed my camera at the World Trade Center more than any other landmark on that trip (for whatever reason; it's escaped me since then):


Leaving Albany on 8/27/01


A blimp overhead, north of the George Washington Bridge, 8/28/01


My friend, Don, likely baked , with the George Washington Bridge behind


Passing the World Ship Terminal in midtown, aka the site where the SS Normandie burned and capsized 59 years previously


Close-up of the fantail of the USS Intrepid


I stopped the boat at this spot, packed a bowl and took a big hit. I said to my friend, "Dude! That's the fucking World Trade Center!" I passed the bowl to him, he took a hit, and grinned.


We headed south to the Narrows, snapping another pic of lower Manhattan.


After a quick trip into the Atlantic Ocean (just to say we did), we headed back towards the Verrazano Narrows Bridge.


Back into the harbor, the skyline in the distance.


Slipping under the Brooklyn Bridge on our way to the World's Fair Marina (a fair that hadn't been open for 36 years )


Moored at the World's Fair Marina with late, great Shea Stadium in the background.


August 29, 2001 - going home. One last look at a skyline that will change dramatically 13 days later.

[tblue37]

1. K&R for visibility. nt

[SharonAnn]

2. On Sunday about midnight, 9-9-01, I drove from Connecticut across the GW bridge.

Beautiful evening, clear, great views of the skyline, admired WTC1 and WTC2 and thought how beautiful it all was.

In Middletown, NJ on Tuesday morning of 9-11-01 I watched them on TV as they were on fire and came down. Can't begin to explain the horror and despair I felt.

Had to drive back to Connecticut that afternoon, swinging North to the Tappan Zee bridge to get back. Crying much of the time. Watched the smoke billowing out to sea for several days, from my view in Stamford, CT until I could get home to Tennessee. Never will forget those days. Never!

[virgogal]

3. Awesome pics.I love NYC.

[hibbing]

4. Fantastic post n/t

[sueh]

5. Thanks for sharing your pictures and memories.

[Niagara]

6. Thank you for sharing your photos and experience with us

It is appreciated.

[Harker]

7. Your historical posts are a treat.

The personal touch with this one adds another layer of goodness.

Thanks!

[3Hotdogs]

8. I was a teacher in Jersey City. The school has a 2nd floor corridor with a view of

NYC skyline. View included W.T.C. I passed it three or four times a day, always beautiful.

On the day, I walked to the corridor. Both buildings were standing and with smoke coming out the sides.

An hour or so later, nothing but smoke.

Kids were dismissed and teachers and staff were gathered in "the audi." Principal let us in prayer -- we held hands. I am an atheist and would normally not have tolerated being led in prayer in school. This time, it was different for me. It was good.

My home town is partly on a ridge that overlooks NYC skyline. Townspeople went to the overlook, day after day, until the smoke ended.

The lookout is still there and the view is still spectacular, especially in evenings. I always thought W.T.C. was an ugly set of buildings -- still do. But I miss them.

[FakeNoose]

9. Thanks for sharing your story and pics

By 2001 I was no longer working in Manhattan, I'd moved back to Pittsburgh several years previously. However my son and daughter-in-law were still there, and both working in lower Manhattan. My son worked at the Village Voice at the time, and he was the first to see photos of the WTC tower collapsing, as the paper's photographer came running in to post his pix on the Voice's website. They literally scooped the NY Times that day by posting the first still photos online before any other news outlet.

All in all it was a horrifyingly memorable day, especially for New Yorkers.

[SCantiGOP]

10. I went up to Windows on the World in 1985

Restaurant on the top floor of one of the buildings. Very impressive, and obviously unbelievable views. Stood at the windows for probably 19 minutes jus taking it in.
Glad I got to see it but never expected its ending.