Sunday, August 26, 2007

Squid On Wheels -- Circumnavigating Manhattan in the Fog

Yesterday we set out in the fog and damp to circumnavigate Manhattan. While we did not get as close to the true perimeter as we might have, it was an interesting journey.

Leaving home before 8 a.m. we quickly rode up the green way along the Hudson River to Fairway to pick up some breakfast.

Provisions obtained we continued through the fog to the George Washington Bridge and the Little Red Lighthouse.
Can you see them up ahead?
No? How about now?
Now?
Is this a little better?
The tiny structure on the left is the Little Red Lighthouse. Yes, it was that foggy. Usually we can see the Bridge from almost every point on the northbound green way. The Lighthouse usually pops in and out of view as the trees permit. Yesterday? We were practically on top of the bridge (or rather, right beneath it) before we saw it. The George Washington Bridge is not a small structure. It was thatfoggy.

Having successfully ridden up the hill below the bridge (parental Squid riding the whole hill, Squidlings, the bottom 3/4 of the hill), we continued uptown, passing the newly reconstructed Riverside Drive retaining wall.

This wall collapsed roughly two years ago, burying cars and closing a lane of the highway. No one was injured.
A different retaining wall further north.
Exiting the green way at Dykeman Street, we turned into Inwood Park in an attempt to stay as close to the river as possible. Following directions from a park worker we quickly found ourselves on hiking trails. Hiking trails that, from the other end, were closed. May I note that both Squidlings performed admirably as they dragged their bikes through the mud and yanked them over tree trunks.

For your viewing pleasure, I give you the greenery of Inwood Park, after we regained the paved pathways.

Our route then took us on a path similar to the one that Mike and I took when we circumnavigated a few weeks ago.
Townhouses in Inwood.
The Big Red Schoolhouse.
Swindlers Cove, where we paused for a breakfast shared with bee type creatures and endured a few bug bites.
Continuing south, we passed Highbridge Tower and pedaled southwards.

Somewhere along the way Mike stopped taking photos until he and Squidette stopped to wait for me and Little Squid. Then he snapped this lovely structure.
The ferry slip for Governor's Island -- site of the famous Squid face-plant (last slip opening to the left).

Our journey home from here was the same old, standard Squid ride with the inclusion of stops for sandwiches (for dinner) and ice cream / frozen hot chocolate (for lunch).

38 miles.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow! I never knew Manhattan was that "green". You show beautiful pictures.

The only part of Manhattan I ever saw was 31st St @ 7th and the area right around that. I worked in that area briefly years and years ago.

Sarah said...

I'm always so amazed by how much nature you find in the city! Those parklands are so pretty. Sounds like a wonderful day out and ice cream is the best after a summer bike ride!

Penny said...

What a great ride despite the grey!

Anonymous said...

Wow, I'd like the Inwood house on the left, please. Great architectural details.