Wednesday, September 9, 2009

A view from a bench, among other things

Dear readers, I promise this will be my last post about my walk in Central Park this past weekend. If you’d like to read the previous posts about the Conservatory Gardens, they are below.

One thing I noticed while walking was the ample supply of benches upon which to sit and rest. And looking closer, I saw that most were inscribed. I was to find out later that there is an Adopt-a-Bench program that began in 1986 as a permanent fund to maintain and care for the park’s benches and the surrounding landscapes. Of the 9,000 benches the park offers, more than 2,000 of them have been adopted so far.

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Some are inscribed as memorials to loved ones, while others are proclaiming their love for each other, for the park, for life itself.

One even reads, “Michelle, will you marry me? Love, John.”

After the Burnett Memorial fountain, I found a little shady spot to sit on one such bench. It was donated by a husband and wife who enjoyed coming to the park. Above is the scene I saw looking ahead.

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Looking to the left, the paved walkway which leads to the fountain.

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And looking up, a beautiful tree. Looks like a sycamore from here.

It’s getting to be the time to head back to where we’re planning on meeting my son, who’s taking the subway Uptown.

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Along the way, we pass ball fields full of people playing.

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We figured we’d go see The Reservoir and crossed this beautiful little bridge to get there. The Reservoir is a favorite of joggers, bird watchers and tourists who want to see a beautiful view of the skyline.

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This photo doesn’t do it justice. But it’s all I have to offer. The Reservoir is one of four sections that make up the park and covers a large area, from 86th to 96th Street. The 106-acre body of water is 40-feet deep and was officially named The Jacqueline Onassis Kennedy Reservoir in 1994.

I hope you’re taking notes. There’s a test tomorrow.

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Not really.

We turned around and headed to 86th Street, where we were to meet my son. On the way, we passed a birthday party going on. I love how the tall buildings peek out from behind the trees.

I didn’t take photos of our lunch at Momoya on Amsterdam. This is the same sushi place that we visited when I first met Daryl, Lauren and Annie back in May [link to photo].

I just didn’t want to be shoving my camera in my son’s face, and into my food (which was delicious, by the way . . . as were the peach sangrias!) After lunch, we lingered and talked. The day was beautiful and it was so good to see my son and to visit with my friend, Daryl.

Until tomorrow, my friends . . .

Hope you’re not bored to tears yet!

26 comments:

Michelle said...

Bored? With your lovely photos and narrative? Never!

Betty said...

I love the iron work on the bridge,and the view of the city across the reservior and the paths that you walked and the tall buildings. Oh heck I loved them all. I felt like I was there.

tj said...

...Ditto on what Michelle said up there! :o)

...As always, great stuff!

...Blessings... :o)

Hilary said...

Sometimes it is easy to forget how beautiful NYC can be.....good job.

Cloudia said...

Was that Daryl crossing the bridge with the big pink bag?

The Dakota poking up over the trees!

Great post; I love going to the park with you...only thing missing: George.

Aloha-

Comfort Spiral

Deb said...

tree canopy shots are one of my favorites....and no, I am not bored by Central Park!

Driftwood and Pumpkin said...

Peach sangrias! Yummo!

I would never get sick of your Central Park pics. They are delicious ;0)

Unknown said...

You could go on for another month and I would never tire of seeing the photos and haring about the walk...

and that has to be D...I'd recognize those legs anywhere!!

My favorite photo was the random birthday party with the buildings peaking out.

Jeanne Walker said...

Love going on trips with you, especially this journey through Central Park. I had never been there until I 'went' there with you! I love iron gates, iron fencing and fountains! I'm with Cloudia...where's George (and the backside of your hubbie too!)
Good evening and great day tomorrow, Jeanne

Molly said...

These have been beautiful pictures, thanks for sharing~I wondered as you showed us around if you were near the part of Central Park shown in the Movie "You've Got Mail", where she is waiting to meet her email beau, and Brinkley the golden comes bounding into view...it looked so lovely in the movie.

Country Girl said...

Oh, thanks so much all. And yes, Cloudia, that's Daryl with her big pink bag!

Molly, the scene where Joe Fox and his dog Brinkley meet Kathleen Kelley at the end of You've Got Mail was at Riverside Park, at the 91st Street Garden. Frederick Law Olmstead actually designed both Riverside and Central Parks, so I can see why you got it turned around. I loved that movie.

~ C.G.

ELK said...

you should never be bored with Kate in Central Park~such amazing slices o the area!

My name is Riet said...

don't think I can get bored looking at these beautiful pictures. Have a nice day

Russell said...

Most interesting to see this side of New York City. I always imagine the city as so crowded and fast moving. This relaxing walk through the park is truly another side of the city.

I kept thinking of Home Alone 2 as I went through these images! I think that is the only other time I have really thought of NYC in a park like setting!

Anonymous said...

as a country kid who has never been to a big city other than atlanta which is no where as big.. i am amazed and thrilled to get to go to central park with you...
hugs Laura peach
who google hates today and wont allow to sign in :|

Kerri Farley said...

Sounds like a FABULOUS time, Kate! always LOVE your pics!

Tess Kincaid said...

More lovely pics. Loved this.

Daryl said...

We met Matt on 81st St ...

That little bridge spans a bridle path .... horses used to be rented for a ride through the park at The Claremont Riding Academy, the last riding stable in Manhattan, was located at 175 West 89th Street between Columbus and Amsterdam .. now its closed ...

Anonymous said...

I love these photos! New York just fascinates me. So much energy.

Mental P Mama said...

beautiful! And I cannot wait to entertain you all in CT!

Cowgirl in the City said...

No, not bored at all. I love visiting Central Park whenever I visit NY, and your pictures are gorgeous!

noble pig said...

That is some great you had there.

GailO said...

Bored?...NO!...Love those buildings peeking up from the trees too...Thanks for sharing your lovely day out with us!

Sharon said...

I am loving the photos. It's been so long since I spent a cold and rainy and workshop filled week there (in 1985!) and I didn't do much site seeing at all.

Lew said...

Beautiful set of posts on Central Park!

Egghead said...

Well I have really loved coming along on your visit to Central Park. I feel like I could recognize bits and pieces if I were to visit in the future. As usual it all was lovely.