Hike #531 12/19/10
12/19/10 Manhattan Loop with Amanda Rosenblatt, Jim "Mr. Buckett" Mathews, "Major Tom" Conroy, Jack Lowry, Susan Duncan, Chris "Cupcake" Kroschinski, Chris Herbig, Christina Manley, Jason Itell, Jason Kumpas, Amanda Murphy, Chris Metaxas, Russ "Lord Byron" Rapp, Jim "Uncle Soup" Campbell,
Group shot in NY Penn Station
My next hike would again be the holiday Manhattan trip I had done many years now. Each year I would strive to create an all new hike covering some of the best as well as new and different places around NYC.
This time, I put my focus on walking from NY Penn Station to the northern tip of Central Park, then back down the other side covering it's perimeter, then continue down the East River Greenway and visit sites such as the World Trade Center still under construction.
Group, NY Penn Station
I took the train in from Summit as I'd done the past two years, to NY Penn Station. Amanda, Mr. Buckett, Major Tom, Commando Tom, and Laura all went in with me from there. The train ride was long, but when we got to Penn Station it was very easy to find the Christmas Tree where I'd instructed everyone to meet as always. We of course got a late start, we always do for this hike, because everyone is trying to get together.
Display at Macy's 24th Street, NYC
I won't try to name all of the streets we walked this time, because I might not get it right. Look at a map if you want to figure it out, I'm just describing it! We headed slightly north and walked by the famous Macy's display. This year the theme was "Miracle on 34th Street", the movie that put that particular store on the map. Still, may favorite display they ever had was the trippy one from about four years before. Totally weird.
It really didn't take long for people to start getting lost, not paying attention to where I was going. We continued beyond Macy's and walked a bit of Broadway. It was a test earlier on to close off Broadway and make it pedestrian only, an obsurd sounding idea one would think would never work, but apparently it was decided to keep it that way. It's actually pretty cool.
Broadway, now a pedestrian thoroughfare.
Walking from Macy's to Grand Central, NYC
We continued on from here. Eric fell behind because he wanted to try out a weird looking Burger King. He called me and said he'd meet up, he knew the way to our next point, Grand Central Station. We walked several blocks, and it seems like I lost the group several times as well.
I had worn my black North Face Jacket that had once been my friend Kyle's in the city because it was in style, and Jillane liked it. The problem was, about 75% of the men in NYC were ALL wearing North Face Jackets the same or very similar to mine. No one knew which one was me. Part of the group ended up following some other guy past Macy's.
Grand Central, Manhattan
We soon reached Grand Central Station, and I told everyone about how the tunnel just before it was once for railroads, but converted to vehicular traffic. We approached right from the front and went inside for a break in the middle. Some used this as an opportunity uto use the restrooms. I think Jason Itell went all the way around the building in the cooridoors starting at he opposite side the restrooms were on.
Inside Grand Central Station
Inside Grand Central Station
Rockafeller Center and the famous tree
We continued from here northbound and slightly west. Our next destination was Rockafeller Center. I had seen something on television when I was staying at Jillane's mom's house about the tree this year, and the story behind it. It was a giant Norway Spruce that was a danger to someone's house. It was huge, and the family loved the tree, but it needed to come down because it was apparently some immediate danger. It was then decided it would be a perfect candidate for this year's tree at Rockafeller Center.
When we reached the site, the entire walkway leading on to the tree was a huge crowd of people. It was going to be tough to get through without losing anyone in the group, but we would try.
The tree at Rockafeller Plaza
Of course we failed, by the time I got out the far end of the area, more than half of the group was missing. I crossed the street to the north of the plaza just beyond the ice skating rink, which no doubt was something that distracted everyone, and waited for them to catch up. The value of cell phones on these hikes is incredible.
Ice Skating Rink at Rockafeller Plaza
Some of the group navigating the crowd from Rockafeller Plaza
We continued to the north toward Central Park from here. Along the way, we stopped at a little eatery, I think it was a Dunkin Donuts or something. With all of us loitering on already crowded streets, the lady who ran the business right next to this one everyone stopped at was angry we were out front. She told us we had to move along or she was calling the police. We waited for a while, and when I went in some of the group had decided to sit down to eat. I had to urge them to come out since everyone else had to move and we really didn't have the time to be taking individual breaks (keeping a group moving together, taking breaks together, in NY is incredibly difficult).
Entering Central Park from the southeast.
We soon reached Central Park. We entered from the southeast and moved along one of the paths parallel to the south side but within sight from the road. The rest of the group walked to join up with us and could see us easily from the sidewalk below.
We all walked to the southwest corner where there was some sort of a craft fair going on. We didn't try to go through too much of the craft fair because it would take so much time, and continued on a path to West Drive, then to the left of that. We pretty much stayed on the trails to the far west end of Central Park until we reached the very north side.
We also passed by "Tavern on the Green", which was now closed surprisingly. This was an expensive restaurant, one of the most expensive in NYC. It made me somewhat happy to have eaten there once before.
The Dakota, formerly the home of John Lennon.
We soon reached The Dakota, formerly the home of John Lennon, and still the home of his widow, Yoko Ono. This site was also where Lennon was fatally shot on December 8th 1980. I did not bring the group to the actual site of the shooting out of respect. Instead, we moved from here only to his nearby memorial site, Strawberry Fields where there is an "Imagine" obelisk in the pathway.
Strawberry Fields, John Lennon's Memorial
Imagine obelisk in Strawberry Fields, Central Park
Pathway in western Central Park, Manhattan
We continued from here back out to the west end and along pathways from there. I had brought with me a Four Loco drink, which was at this time banned. I had it left over from Decemberween when one of the guys there gave me one. I poured it into a McDonalds cup I had been saving just for that purpose.
West end of Central Park, Manhattan
After Strawberry Fields we went under the bridge section because there was a road access at Central Park West, and then up onto a bit of a knoll area via some steps. The top of this knoll had some sort of a playground that appeared to be closes and some really interesting trees. I always love seeing also the natural rock outcroppings in central park, something many think are placed there for ambiance.
Weird tree in Central Park, Manhattan
That's a lot of shitters.
We headed back down here along more pathways and came to another part of West Drive where there was a guy selling hot dogs. A guy came by and picked up the portajohn that was sitting there while we ate. Very pleasant. I had myself a pretty good hot dog here as well.
The group stopping for hot dogs in Central Park near The Lake
We continued from this point back onto the trail near "The Lake" to the north.
Central Park near "The Lake"
In Central Park, NY
The next point we came to in our travels was a little recreation area to the left of the trail where there were lots of fake hippos, looking like they're coming out of water, actually oddly surfaced stuff that felt like finely ground rubber tires or something. We goofed off for quite a while here, pretending to ride hippos and take group shots.
Hippo Statue in Central Park
Hippos in Central Park
Hippos in Central Park
Hippo Group Shot in Central Park
Hippo Group Shot in Central Park
Hippo area in Central Park
Hippos...in Central Park
Onassis Reservoir, Central Park
We continued north from here, and passed by Onassis Reservoir part way up Central Park. I ran over close to it to have a look, but then we all continued along the west side up onto another hill section.
Northwest side of Central Park, NY
View from the northwest side of Central Park at the Museum of Natural History
In Central Park, northwest side
"The Pool" in Central Park, northwest side
The Pool, Central Park
Near Great Hill, Central Park
We walked past "The Pool", a small body of water to the right of us and neared the very northwest side of Central Park near the Museum of Natural History. We continued from here and soon came to a regular unsurfaced pathway ascending to the top of "Great Hill". This was the most normal trail work we'd see on the entire hike, with a few water bars in place and all.
Great Hill, Central Park
On Great Hill, Central Park
On Great Hill, Central Park
We came off of Great Hill, and somewhere in this vicinity we stopped to goof off at some boards where you stick your face into them.
Descending from Great Hill, Central Park NY
Mr. Buckett!
Central park
Central Park
Central Park
We continued on the north side and descended slowly closer to the street. There was then a big deep ditch type of area where the path went below street level. Some of it was closed for construction but we paid no attention to that. We continued under an underpass to northern tip and headed east.
The northwest end of Central Park, NY
The northern tip of the park wasn't exactly as I had pictured it. It was much nicer. I had figured it would have been just a wooded section. People had told me in the Harlem area that they didn't really do much with it and there were shady characters, but it was very nice. There were also a lot more prominent rock outcroppings.
North end of Central Park
Rock outcropping in Central Park, north end.
The path led us east to the Harlem Meer, a lovely pond on the northeast side of the park. It was only somewhat frozen, and I dared only to step on it briefly.
Harlem Meer, Central Park
Harlem Meer, Central Park
Harlem Meer, Central Park
Walking along Harlem Meer, Central Park
In the visitor's center next to Harlem Meer
We continued on from here on paths along the Meer to a visitor's center and some restrooms. We made use of the facilities (and I sang some Boz Scaggs inside) and continued into the visitor's center. It was very nice inside, but I don't think they really had any area maps to pass out, strangely. Jack and Susie decided to cut out here for a little while, to go and grab a bite to eat, while the rest of us threw rocks and chunks of ice out onto Harlem Meer.
Along Harlem Meer
Along Harlem Meer
NYC
After our break we continued on to the east side of the park, then started heading south parallel with Fifth Avenue along the edge of Harlem Meer. Just south of here we came to an area that had all sorts of lovely little gardens. The first section was a circular one, followed by many sections of paver paths through planted beds.
Garden on northeast side of Central Park
Northeast side of Central Park
Northeast Central Park
Northeast Central Park
Eastern Central Park
East side, Central Park
East side, Central Park gardens
We passed by the Onassis Reservoir again, and were pretty much along one of the park roads at that time. We then descended a bit and the pathway took us behind the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I remembered walking this section once before many years prior during the Gates of Christo and Jean Claude.
East side of Central Park
After passing by the Met, we went by a place called Conservatory Water, a pond with some statues around it which was pretty cool we regrouped again here, but of course that didn't last long.
Statue at Conservatory Water, Central Park NY
Conservatory Water, Central Park
We came to a point where the trail we were following went up onto a shelf above the main level of the park, which was pretty cool. We stopped at a little pavilion atop the thing to wait for the rest of the group who had fallen behind yet again.
Nearing the southeast side of Central Park
Central Park Zoo
We continued on the paths which next took us into part of the Central Park Zoo. There wasn't too much going on. I think I recall seeing some sea lions or something to the right of the trail a bit. We made our way to the south end and were rejoined by Jack and Susie again.
Southeast side of Central Park
Southeast Central Park
At the southeast side, we regrouped again, and I had to look at the maps for a bit to try to figure out where we would be going next. I believe Amanda Murphy joined us right here as well. We also climbed around on a statue, and Jack played guitar as we sang some Christmas Carols. He had a whole folder of the music of holiday tunes ready to be played.
Statue at the southeast side of Central Park, NY
Singing John Lennon tunes at the southeast side of Central Park
Hiking in NY in the 59th Street Vicinity
We walked down 59th Street heading east for a bit singing songs. I don't know why we didn't do "59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)". Oh well, next time.
We ended up shifting by a couple of blocks along the way parallel with 59th for some reason, which was good because we happened across a wine store that was doing a tasting!
The whole group piled into this store full of people who most certainly were wine snobs, and we were tasting everything not knowing the difference between it or a cheap bottle of Boone's Farm probably. Still, we did buy a couple of bottles of the cheapest stuff they had, $9.99 Manachevitz wine, and then were on our way.
iFELIZ NAVIDAD! on the streets of NY near the Queensboro Bridge.
We continued walking eastbound toward the East River. I remember singing "Feliz Navidad" by Jose Feliciano as we walked down the streets.
We continued on to East River Drive I guess it was, and we crossed to a dead end street that went right out to an overlook onto the East River and the Queensboro Bridge.
Queensboro Bridge
View of the East River
Unfortunately, we couldn't follow along the East River Greenway here because it wasn't yet complete, or even in existence yet as it looked. We went to another street that reached the water, that also offered some superb views, but weren't able to get through.
Queensboro Bridge, NY
View of Queens across the East River, NY
Near East River Drive.
Chris Metaxas joined us at this point as well, and told us he knew it was us because he had heard the singing! We all walked the nearest streets south from here and were eventually able to pick up the East River Greenway, a lovely walkway along the waterfront I had been wanting to do.
East River Greenway looking south
It was at this point that DJ Ray decided to leave the group to go find something to eat or drink or something. Too bad too, because this was one of the most incredible sections of the hike. He wanted to bring some of the group with him because they relied on him for transportation.
Cupcake didn't want to accept this so he picked up Christina in an effort to make her stay with us, but that didn't work.
Cupcake trying to get Christina to stay with us
East River Greenway where the group split
We continued south along the greenway which was incredibly beautiful at night. The sun went down and the ambiance of the walkway changed entirely. Although I'd like to go back to walk it during the day, I am glad I got to experience it at night.
East River
View from East River Greenway, NY, north.
East River at dusk
Along East River Greenway
Along East River Greenway
Along East River Greenway
View from East River Greenway
Along East River Greenway
We continued south sipping wine and feeling really good. This was one of the best NY hikes ever; certainly in the top three (I rank the 2008 and 2007 ones among the best otherwise). The group got separated on this section, and we had a complication.
The police had seen Mr. Buckett with his wine and stopped him. Even though he had put it down, he was still cited for an open container. It's not really a big deal in the city and a tiny fine, but it required an appearance. Cupcake reassured us that he'd been through it already and it was really nothing.
I think this is Williamsburg Bridge from East River Greenway
I think Williamsburg Bridge
Williamsburg Bridge I think
Under Williamsburg Bridge I think
Williamsburg Bridge I think
As we walked south, we passed beneath the Williamsburg Bridge which was absolutely incredible at night. I tried to take pictures at all angles of it.
The pathway now separated us a bit more from the roads, and we really saw no one else on it besides our own group.
Jason and Amanda along East River Greenway
Jason and Amanda along East River Greenway
We continued south and soon came into view of the Manhattan Bridge, also quite stunning this time of night.
Manhattan Bridge from East River Greenway
Manhattan Bridge from East River Greenway
As we neared the Brooklyn Bridge, the one furthest south, we had to start looking for ways to exit the East River Greenway and head toward the World Trade Center site.
Along East River Greenway near Manhattan Bridge
Before we turned off, we had an excellent view of the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges crossing the East River.
Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridge from East River Greenway
I really don't know what route we took heading east, but we wandered a lot of streets for a while.
Walking streets toward WTC
Tree in the road on the way to WTC from near Brooklyn Bridge
Edison marker, NY
While we walked, we were all getting pretty hungry, so of all places we stopped at a McDonalds. This one was a bit more expensive than the ones back home, but not by all that much. I believe I had pies or something, and I certainly had the cheap ice cream cone. I don't remember if I was the one to get it first, but everyone seemed to follow suit, and soon most of the group was standing around eating vanilla ice cream cones.
We moved on from here to the east to the WTC site. I was amazed at how much work had been done in the past year.
WTC construction
Steps going up to the enclosed bridge at the World Financial Center
Like on all of the past trips, we walked up the steps into the tube walkway that went across the street into the World Financial Center. I'd wished we could have seen the WTC construction during the day since it was certainly so much different than it had been in previous years, but we could see a lot, and several stories had been built.
World Trade Center under construction
We continued on to the giant marble room of the World Financial Center and sat down for a break. DJ Ray and the others were already at McSorelys Tavern further north and calling us trying to get us to meet up.
Inside the World Financial Center.
Inside the World Financial Center
I told everyone we had to get going a couple times, but no one moved, so I just walked on down the escalator and to the lower level out to the doors I wanted to exit through. No one followed me, so I waited at the door, and took a call from my former boss John Trontis about work.
I had recently received notice that it was possible I'd be laid off on February 16th, so we were discussing job opportunities with the state and elsewhere. While talking I missed a couple calls, but soon returned them and gave the others directions.
Taking a break in the World Financial Center
They still didn't show up. i was told them came looking for me but then turned back when they didn't see me. I eventually had to go back and find them to get them moving the correct direction. At this time, most of the group had already left and headed either to the train station to go home or to McSorely's to pull an all nighter or something.
I really didn't feel like going to McSorely's this time. It'd been a long day, certainly over twenty miles, and the next trail left at 9:33 I think. If I missed that train, I would have to wait another hour to get home. The train ride was an hour, and then it was over another hour to drive back to my new home in Hardwick. I certainly wouldn't be in bed till well after midnight, and I missed Jillane, so I decided I had to move on.
I said goodbye to the others remaining, Cupcake, Jack, Susie, and probably a couple more, and Uncle Soup and I hurried off north. We were practically running trying to get to the station. Soon, Uncle Soup told me he couldn't make it on time, but I stood a chance. I said goodbye and dashed off through the city.
I ran across every crosswalk as fast as I could, fortunately not getting hit by some crazy taxi driver.
I was sweating like crazy and running as hard as I could, gaining a small amount of satisfaction that I still had the ability.
Thirty six blocks later, I ran into the station and just barely made the train before it took off. Amanda, Commando Tom, and Laura had already made it there by taking a taxi.
I was knocked out, but glad I made it out in time. It would be tough getting up for work the next day, but the hike was well worth this inconvenience.
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