This morning the six of us rented a van and took off at 8:30 for a day of touring. We drove several miles to Highland Falls, NY where West Point is located. We were a little early for the 10:30 tour so we stopped for a quick breakfast at Dunkin Donuts.
We got to the academy at 10 a.m. so we walked around the visitor center where the following pictures were taken
Our tour guide was a retired officer who had graduated from the academy in 1972 and retired in 2000. There are approx 4,400 cadets attending the academy and has a graduation rate of around 90%.
 |
| Football Stadium |
 |
| Inside Chapel |
 |
| Pipe Organ Console |
 |
| The Chapel |
 |
| The Chapel |
The chapel can hold 1,500 cadets. Our guide told us that there are over 30,000 pipes for the organ and has seen over 1,000 weddings.
 |
| Eisenhower |
Statues of many successful graduates are around the grounds.
 |
| Cannons captured in wars |
 |
| Cannon fired twice a day - flag raising & lowering |
 |
View over the Hudson River
|
During the British invasion, a large chain was placed across the river under water to deter passage.
 |
| One wing of Mess Hall |
All 4,400 cadets eat at the same time.
 |
| Links of the Chain across the River |
 |
| Don't know about this |
 |
| FDR & Eleanor |
After leaving the academy we drove to Hyde Park to see the Roosevelt Mansion & Library. Unfortunately the library was undergoing the first renovation since opening in the early 1940's and we elected not to pay the admission to just see photos so we just walked around the estate instead.
 |
| Grave Site in the Rose Garden |
 |
| Carriage House |
We had a reservation for a 4 p.m. tour at the Culinary Institute of America which is next door to the FDR Library.
 |
| Lunch |
 |
| Smoked Trout |
 |
| Mac & Cheese |
 |
| Apple Pie |
 |
| Kayla - our Guide |
This was the highlight of our day and a most interesting place. No photos are allowed inside since we could actually look through large windows throughout the place and see the students in action. This place was originally a Jesuit Seminary and has been transformed into the college. Two different career paths are available, either culinary or pastries and the tuition is between $34,000 and $36,000 per year for the 3 1/2 year degree.
We returned to the boats at 7:30 and Ricki & Barb went to a laundromat while we captains settled our dock bill and did engine checks. Carried Away & Quest will be leaving tomorrow morning for Kingston while Moor $tuff is staying another day to go back into NYC.
No comments:
Post a Comment