The following are just some of the highlights of my walk which was completed in three outings and is presented in the sequence of completion. This effort was also a learning experience for me as was my 26-mile walk. Some examples: 1) the use of inverted syphons to compensate for elevation changes was genius; 2) how Gunter’s chain determined the 66’ width of the OCA; 3) and the incredible mansions and the people who occupied them along the 41-mile route. I began the first of three segments on Easter Sunday starting at 122nd Street stopping for breakfast at the Hungarian Pastry Shop (110th and Amsterdam Avenue).
My journey continued through the streets of Manhattan and Central Park where I was treated to an array of musicians along with many park visitors enjoying the Easter Sunday weather.
While the park musicians were a treat discovering the 1866 Old Croton Aqueduct manhole cover was special indeed.
The day ended at the 42nd Street Library where the distribution reservoir, a.k.a., Murray Hill Reservoir, once was. I understand the old reservoir was a favorite walking place of Edgar Allan Poe.
A quick stop at Bryant Park to see the statue of William Cullen Bryant (one-time editor of the Saturday Evening Post) completed the day.
The second segment of my quest for the 41-mile honors began May 6, 2021, at Van Cortlandt Park. Vault Hill was interesting as was the Van Cortlandt House Museum (pic of one of the rooms). Note: A second trip was made as they were too far off the trail.
But the attraction I enjoyed most was the Thirteen Stone Pillars. Placed in 1905 these “sentinels of time" were placed there to test the effects of weather with only two being selected for the curtain wall of Grand Central Terminal. I had a long-time awareness of the existence of these stones but never had sufficient reason to seek them out. One more item off life’s checklist.
Stopped by two mounted NYPD officers for a quick chat (wish I had taken a picture) before checking out the Jerome Park Reservoir.
The Kingsbridge Armory, by some accounts, the largest armory in the world - nine floors, six below ground. Yes, I walked around the entire building!
Before stopping for a slice of pizza (my favorite food), I took a slight detour of about 1/2 mile to see the Poe Cottage, built 1812 (needs work).
The third and final segment (May 12, 2021) of my walk started at University Avenue (Bronx, NY) of the High Bridge.
While I was disappointed with the tower being wrapped for renovation, I was pleasantly surprised at the natural beauty of Highbridge Park (Manhattan).
Morris-Jumel Mansion was a nice stop too bad it was closed today. I misread the website.
Trinity Church and Cemetery, the burial place of John James Audubon, among others.
The Hamilton Grange - closed although the website says otherwise. I wasn’t the only one there.
Some wonderful street art along the way, more so on Broadway (part of the Audubon Mural Project).
Harlem Thrive Collection
NYC diverse architecture is often missed.
Columbia University - always a pleasure to see the work of architects McKim, Mead and White
St. John the Devine Cathedral (12th Street and Amsterdam Avenue) - the world’s sixth largest church by area.
My journey ended as it had stated on Easter Sunday with a coffee and danish at the Hungarian Pastry Shop.
