The first day of astronomical winter is December 21, but the first day of meteorological winter is December 1 and it is beginning to feel a lot like winter this week. The skies cleared Thursday, but temperatures dropped. Winds remained elevated for the morning after Wednesday’s gale, with a small craft advisory in effect, before things settled down in the afternoon. The North River anchorages remained full, which may have more to do with a lull in cargo activity than the weather. A pair of bald eagles cruised down the banks of the River early in the day at low altitude.

A pair of Kirby ATBs, along with Patrice McAlister, Kimberly Poling, Vane’s Charleston, and Franklin Reinauer were all at anchor south of the bridge at sunrise Thursday, and were soon joined by a third Kirby combination. By the end of the day, the three Kirby boats remained, while the others were on their way, but replaced by Kristy Ann and Dean Reinauer. Dann Marine’s East Coast made a sunrise departure from Yonkers with a sugar barge heading back to Florida. Carnival’s Joy made its last departure of the season from Pier 88, heading for Florida and then on to the West Coast for winter.