Around in Autumn

Sometimes, you can forget simple things — like how the 7 train runs express.

On a cloudy October evening, I made this mistake myself, and ended up in Woodside, Queens, rather than the intended Sunnyside, where, en route of my unintentional backtracking transfer, caught glimpse of the Long Island Railroad Tracks. While waiting the arrival of a Manhattan-bound local train, I witnessed below a separate commuter rail network that was transporting passengers greater distances than my meager cross-Queens journey.

IMG_0876[1]And because of the Woodside stop’s proximity to LaGuardia Airport, I was also able to view another vessel overhead, transporting passengers much longer distances than around the immediate New York area, from wherever that may be.

IMG_0880[1]The following day, while exploring the wetlands of Staten Island, I caught a fuzzy view of the Goethals Bridge into New Jersey, packed with slowly-moving automobiles, perhaps en course of courageous journeys, or, most likely, en route of some usual stroke of life or commercial activity.

IMG_0883[1]Beyond those Staten Island wetlands, did not embark on any serious journeys that day, and eventually returned to my neighborhood, where, the only unusual thing I noticed was the discarded sushi on the sidewalk.

IMG_0887[1]Out at the Greenwood Cemetery in Brooklyn, you can observe graves, tombs, hills, paths, trees, and, depending on location, local water bodies or semi-distant skylines.

IMG_0888[1]Up and away from the city’s upwardly stacking financial, commercial and residential skylines exists a far more peaceful place, Harriman State Park, where plant life is far more abundant.

IMG_0892[1]To take yourself upward (without any constructed stairs or engineered elevators) you can scramble through the rock formations littered with crunchy, fallen leaves.

IMG_0896[1]After climbing to top heights of the hill to an open-air clearing, you can see further beyond, off into the other highlands and lowlands of deciduous plant life, a sight, which, in mid-October, offers a fine collage of shades.

IMG_0898[1]Closer into the accessible entities of the regional plant life, you can gauge your environmental education to estimate whether a designated specimen is a shrub start or wilted flower — but then realize how you lack substantial knowledge on the surrounding flora whose aesthetic pleases you so.

IMG_0904[1]As autumn will ultimately turn winter, and you prepare to hibernate, you must make sure to stock up on as much seasonal offering that is at hand. For instance, as many gallons of apple cider as your trunk can fit (adjacent to its resident furniture and linens).

 

 

 

 

Harriman Hike

Yesterday, I appeased my urge to get out of the city. As much as I like it here, I do need time to appreciate breathing in fresh air and observing a view free of humans and buildings.

The determined destination was Harriman State Park. I purchased a trail map at a local hiking store in Park Slope, Brooklyn. The man who worked there said that these maps are turning into something of the past, but I think they are still quite helpful. The paper will not easily fall apart, plus I’d feel like a jerk if I pulled my phone out in the middle of the woods to figure out directions.

Driving out of New York City to head upstate through the usual route brought back memories of driving that same set of roads in that same car on many occasions. Though I’d been absent from New York State for some time, the Bear Mountain Bridge, Palisades Parkway and Route 6 will forever remind me of the downstate-to-upstate haul of journeying to and from Binghamton, the Carousel Capital of America, where I attended university.

On such roads, I know where to slow down for the traffic circles, stop at the annoying yield signs and go about the sketchy lane merges in order to ride efficiently.

Past all that, focusing on the present, right now is a fine time to travel to Harriman State Park. But reflecting back on yesterday, it was a cloudless day, and a perfect occasion to view foliage, making such a hike even more pleasant than usual.

Having lived on the West Coast, I cannot help but constantly compare the mind-blowing nature of places like Oregon and Northern California to wherever I go.

But that was another episode, and this is the nature I can access at this point. Even if there are no impressively grandiose rock formations, ancient Redwoods or snow-capped peaks in these woods, one can still greatly appreciate the subtle, deciduous beauty that is offered.

Although there are no intensely challenging climbs up dangerous peaks, there are several satisfying hills that work to elevate the perspective.

The rocks also serve as a nice clearing deck to take breaks from the trek.

During this adventure, I did have to cross some streams, which involved engaging my mind and feet in executing effective rock-hopping techniques.

So far, I’ve always made it to the other side!