The Half Moon

A replica of Henry Hudson's ship unfurled its sails near the Corning Preserve yesterday as part of "Early Albany - A Hudson River Festival."  It was an excellent event featuring Dutch Colonial and Native American culture, including blacksmiths, a drum circle, dancing, and other exhibits.  Attendance was very good and it proves that local history and heritage can indeed be an attraction.

Moon Over Leonard Place

It's not as famous or grand as the golden fish or the other Half Moon, but this wonderful weather vane at the corner of Delaware Avenue and Leonard Place has a charm all its own.  The folksy moon is perched atop a sprawling old house now divided into apartments.

Half Moon In The Wind

I've lived in Albany for my entire life and spent a good amount of time downtown.  So the fantastic weather vane atop SUNY Plaza is a very familiar sight.  But I had never seen it actually pivot in the wind.  Until yesterday when I looked up and finally saw it move.  The large weather vane is, of course, a replica of Henry Hudson's Haelve Maen and was included in the design of the building because local legend says he dropped anchor at almost this exact spot.