September 21, 2010 Tuesday, Day 7 NYC, Central Park

Captain’s Blog

Nickerson Beach Campground, Long Island, NY

We have been talking about taking the train into NYC for the last few days and have decided that today is the day. We took the Long Island railroad into the city, approximately a one-hour trip with all the stops. Once in the city we had to decide if we wanted to walk to Central Park (1.5 miles one way) or take the subway. Since taking the subway is much like flying in a plane (can’t see much from up in the sky or underground) we opted to walk and take in the ambience of the city.

Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Park

We walked with the masses of people and couldn’t believe how readily people are willing to step in front of a two-ton vehicle to rush across the street. The cars don’t even slow down for the pedestrians even when the walk sign is flashing. We opted to play it safe and wait for the lights since we’re not as fast as we once were.

 

We stopped at a Brooklyn Diner in Times Square for lunch.

Ronnie had a delicious Ruben and I had a very different and tasty Chicken Club sandwich. We enjoyed the meal and the high-end atmosphere of the diner. It was clear the moment we walked in it was not a typical diner. There were lovely tablecloths on the tables and everyone was treated like royalty. They also were not bashful about the prices either. Two sandwiches and two ice teas - $60.00. Worth every penny and Ronnie didn’t even complain.!!!!!

 

JUST A SEA OF HUMANITY!

MANHATTAN

 

 

 

After our delicious lunch we proceeded on our walk to Central Park. Unfortunately for Ronnie his $129.00 sneakers did nothing to help his feet or legs. He developed pain right away but kept on pushing through. Here we are in this huge city with lots of stores but he didn’t want to try for another pair of sneakers that may have been better for him.

MY WEIRD TREE PICTURE FOR THE DAY

 

Although long, it was an interesting walk watching the throngs of people – all in a hurry – getting from point A to point B. This is quite different then what we usually do when away. We mostly spend time in the woods not the city.

Arriving at Central Park we were amazed that there are very few signs to direct you anywhere. We stopped at the Chess and Checkers House and received very good directions from a young enthusiastic employee who even showed us pictures she had taken of the stick art at the Museum of Fine Arts adjacent to the park.

As we walked through the park it struck us how amazing it is that this huge tract of land sits in the middle of a bustling city. The park forms a stark contrast when looking at the trees and fields against the backdrop of sky- scrapers.

 

We stopped at the Carousel, with over 250,000 riders a year the Carousel is one of Central Park’s most popular attractions. The original park carousel opened in 1871 and was powered by a blind mule and a horse which walked a treadmill in an underground pit. It immediately became the park’s most popular attraction and remains so today.

Then it was on to the Dairy. Erected in 1870 the dairy is a combination of styles that have been characterized as Gothic Victorian. It is used today as a visitor center and gift shop but in the early 1900’s when there was a milk ban due to contaminated milk it was used to house and distribute uncontaminated milk for the children of New York City.

Next we walked to the Mall, Central Park’s “Main Street” designed by Vaux and Olmstead as a “grand promenade.” The forty foot wide mall is flanked by majestic rows of American Elms providing great shade and I bet beautiful fall colors and sparkling rays when coated with ice in the winter. I can only imagine what it must have been like in the Victorian days with people dressed in their fancy attire strolling the mall. Today skate boards, bikes and runners are here in mass. Oh, I can’t forget to mention the many artisans playing their instruments and entertaining the passing crowds.

Next we visited the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain that overlooks the lake and the wooded shores of the rustic ramble.

This is where people come to relax at the “heart” of Central Park. And relax they were. Everywhere we looked people were laying on blankets or just the grass enjoying the beautiful day. This is a great place for people watching and sitting and resting your feet and legs.

Interestingly enough we once again ran into photographers snapping pictures of brides and grooms. I don’t think this was a coincidence and both Ron and I agreed that some type of documentary was being put together. Of course, I suppose that brides and grooms may have their photos done as a couple prior to the wedding but that is unusual.

As we continued to walk, Ronnie was in obvious discomfort and being as prepared as he is we did have some ibuprofen available. Despite taking them he didn’t get any real relief but refused to jump on a Buggy or bicycle pulled wagon. Instead he chose to continue to walk and suffer in silence.

After climbing the tower to the Belvedere Castle and viewing the park from a birds eye view we headed over to Strawberry Fields and checked out the John Lennon Memorial, By this time Ronnie didn’t think he could walk another step and couldn’t make it over to the Dakota , John Lennon ‘s home and unfortunately where he was shot and killed. We did get a picture of the Dakota from our seat on the bench by Strawberry Fields.

 

After sitting for a few minutes it was time to make a decision on getting a cab to take us back to Penn Station or to try to walk back. Ronnie is a stubborn sort so of course despite his sore legs and feet we walked.

Instead of taking the street route we walked a different route through the park and stopped to view the Obelisk and the back end of the Museum of Fine Arts with the stick art on the roof. We could see people climbing that stick art. Very, very interesting indeed!

We walked by the lake and watched people with there row boats, the pond and the reservoir that has a 2-mile walking /running track around it. Needless to say we didn’t attempt that walk.

Back outside the park I tried to convince Ronnie that a cab might be in order but no, we were  walking. At this point it was 5:45 PM and we had been walking for almost five hours – yes folks that is what I said. Now we had at least another 45 minutes to an hour to get back to Penn Station.

We decided to walk back via 5^th Avenue and along the way we stopped to check out the amazing window displays. Ron got a couple of pictures that we thought unusual. Like the dress made out of melted wax and the dog with the purse.

We stopped at a McDonald’s for a coffee and tea and for Ronnie to rest his legs and feet. We were looking for a Starbuck’s but as usual they were across the street and Ronnie was not planning to cross the street adding more steps to our destination.

The Long Island Railroad is adjacent to the Penn Station and we arrived just in time to catch the 7:10 train. Yeah, Ronnie could finally sit for an extended period of time. It was peak travel and the train was pretty full but we did manage to find a seat for him while I continued to stand until the next stop. Because we chose to return at peak travel time we had to pay an additional six dollars bringing the total for the round trip into NYC to $41.00.

We had to change trains to get back to Long Island and then we both got to sit for the 45 minute ride. It was a relief to have Ronnie off his feet and we both admitted we did too much today. We are very tired but had a great day anyway. We’ve made the decision that we will stay another day on Long Island but will hang around the campground tomorrow.