We are the first to arrive at the Boat Basin at Riverside Park.......

Riverside Park is miles long along the Hudson with lots of leafy trees and interesting statues and fountains and even Grant's Tomb.................

The esplanade is filled with walkers, joggers, strollers, bicycles and skateboards....................

Dwight has given our names to the Hostess--it will be about an hour's wait for a table outside with a river view...............

The sun is out now and it's heating up............

There are some citizens of New York City that reside in houseboats anchored here at the basin with a view of the New Jersey Palisades................

It's so pretty and warm today that it is amazing to realize that this is where that miracle airplane landing on the Hudson happened last winter................

It's a peaceful refuge within the city......................

Dwight checks out some of the nooks and crannies in the cavernous stone Basin Building with the beautiful vaulted ceilings..............

There are lots of dogs being walked here because there is a wonderful dog park really close by--right next to a bronze statue of Elanor Roosevelt. (No disrespect to Mrs. Roosevelt meant in coupling those two ideas.)....................................

A view of the marina.................

Finally, Chiara and Isa arrive--and some little gremlin in the background...............

Isa, who is an elementary school teacher in Albuquerque, is visiting Kiki on her summer vacation............

It's always a thrill to see Miss Chiara.......................

Even when she is engrossed in deep thoughts.................

Francesca is set to spend the entire day with us--Keeks will be taking off after lunch....................

Kiki whistles at attractive young men passing by. She learned how to do this in New York...............

Have you ever smiled so hard that your face hurt?.........................

The Restaurant side of our table......................

The river side of our table...........................

Frannie looks so beautiful with her hair loose.....................

Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your long hair............................

Dwight with that cute little smirk we have come to love so much...........................

A well received hug.......................

And the girls are off...........Frannie, Dwight and I will be continuing our exploration along the Hudson...................