New York City

The National September 11 Memorial

The Memorial mural plaque honoring the firefighters killed in the 9/11 attacks

We're up in North Jersey now, staying with our Friends Joni and Tim and their sons Noah and Nate. I told them that I wanted to see the memorial at Ground Zero which was less than half an hour away from their home. Erin and I had been there a few months after the terrorist attacks while in town for her step-brother's wedding in Manhattan and it had made quite an impression on me. So yesterday morning we crossed the Hudson on the George Washington Bridge and headed down to Battery Park (thanks for driving Tim -- he sped and weaved through the city like a fearless New Yorker).

The George Washington Bridge

Driving down the West Side Highway with the as yet completed Freedom Tower looming in the distance

One of the most inspiring elements of the memorial are the two reflecting pools that are situated at the footprints of the Twin Towers:

A placard describing the layout of the memorial

One of the awe-inspiring reflecting pools, which are completely surrounded by a cascading waterfall

At the rim of south tower reflecting pool

A short video of the north tower pool:

A few other random pictures from New York City:

A view across the Hudson River of the Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty memorial, covered with 9/11 artifacts

George Washington's pew in St. Paul's Chapel, next to September 11th memorial

We also had some quality time with Joni and family at their home across the Hudson. Two nights of energetic Reverse Charades, some tasty meals and a visit to the stables where both Noah and Nate ride. I myself know nothing of horses and I was impressed to see Noah handling his horse with apparent ease.

Noah on George

Nate holding George for his brother

George stabled and relaxing after a good workout

Bonus Picture:

Joni and Tim: Interpretive Dance or Reverse Charades? -- you decide.

Bonus bonus picture. I find it interesting that the only two states in the U.S. where you can't pump your own gas are our home state of Oregon and out east here in New Jersey. I ask you -- what's the connection?