Statue of Liberty and the Staten Island Ferry Ride

When my great-nephew Gavin found out that I was to visit New York City, his first question to me was:  "Are you going to see the Statue of Liberty?"  I responded "sure, I will go see the statue", although it was not high on my things to do and see due to limited time.  Well, I did find time.  The evening before my departure from New York City, I went to the South Ferry area, where the Staten Island ferry may be boarded, to see the schedule and duration of the round trip to ensure I would have enough time to do it.  The following morning, after an early start with a visit to the "top of the Rock" (GE Building at 30 Rockefeller Plaza) to get a unique 360-degree panoramic view of New York City, I proceeded shortly thereafter to the southern tip of Manhattan to catch a round trip ride on a Staten Island ferry.

The Staten Island ferry is a free mode of transport between Manhattan and Staten Island.  Originally planned as a service to Staten Island residents to be able to get to Manhattan easily and free of charge, a majority of the ferry riders now are tourists trying to get a good glimpse of Lady Liberty in Liberty Island while aboard the boat.  Most of these tourists do not spend time in Staten Island.  As I did, most exit the ferry (which is required) after arrival to Staten Island, and then immediately reboard the returning boat to Manhattan.

A separate tour may be taken to Liberty Island.  Although entrance to the Statue of Liberty National Monument is free, the boat ride to the island is not.  Along with the ferry ticket, visitors intending to enter the statue's base and pedestal must obtain a complimentary museum/pedestal ticket.  Those wishing to climb the staircase within the statue to the crown must purchase a special ticket.  The special ticket may be reserved up to a year in advance. Only a total of 240 people per day are permitted to ascend:  ten per group, three groups per hour. Climbers may bring only medication and cameras -- lockers are provided to store other items.  Climbers must undergo additional security screening.  I did not have the time and did not want to go through the hassle to visit the monument.  The view of Lady Liberty from afar, while on board the Staten Island ferry was sufficient.

Anyway, to Gavin, yes I did see the Statue of Liberty on a gray, cloudy day, during my visit to New York City.  The following are photos of Lady Liberty and the ride on the Staten Island ferry.  Additional photos are posted in my flickr page: