New York City



After we started traveling, we began looking for a place to park AIROSMITH in or near New York city.  We knew that we would visit one day, and wanted to stay as close as possible.




The only RV Park that we found that was in the City was on Floyd Bennet Field in Brooklyn.  It is a part of the Gateway National Recreation Area.

While the idea, and the location is great, the amenities, not so much.  It is about 9 spaces on a concrete pad with no hookups.  The price, at about $30 a night is great!  It is also close to a bus line and the subway, so access to the city is easy.  Once you are there.


Instead, we found the Liberty Harbor Marina and RV Park in Jersey City.  The place is fantastic.  Even though it is in the middle of the city, it offers one of the best views of the Manhattan skyline that you could want.  Transportation, either by ferry or by train is within walking distance.  As are restaurants and shopping.





We had five days here, and had much that we wanted to do.  Primary to our travel is seeing friends and family, and we had people to see in New York.


















Our first excursion was to Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty National Monument.  One is the symbol of Liberty and the other of Hope.  Over 12 million people came through looking for a batter life in America.






The New Jersey Central Rail Road




The first stop was at the New Jersey Central Rail Road Station.  This is where you purchase your ferry tickets to Ellis and Liberty Islands.  This is also where nearly two thirds of the arriving immigrants, then travelled on to their finial destinations throughout America.






Empty Sky Memorial












The Empty Sky Memorial remembers New Jersey citizens who died in the attacks of the world trade center.  It is located on Liberty Island State Park, across the harbor from Manhattan.

















Ellis Island Immigrant Station

Registry Hall


Nearly 12 million Immigrant, and their way to a new life in America, came through Ellis Island between 1892 and 1954.  They arrived on the first floor of this large building where their baggage was sorted (they could bring only what they could carry).  They then moved to the second floor to Registry Hall to begin the process to live in America.

Throughout the process, each person was assessed for suitability to enter America.  Some were passed through directly.  Others were selected for further medical, and legal assessment.  Only about 2% were denied entry.  These men, women and children provided the character to develop America.




This was a copy of the registration of arrivals on a particular day.



Upon closer examination, it recorded the arrivals on an interesting date for me.

Lady Liberty from the windows of the Registry Building



The Promise of Liberty and Freedom

Liberty's Original Flame 







This is a copper reproduction of Liberty's face.  Made from copper, about as thick as two pennies, it is an exact replica of the state.









One of the places I wanted to visit was the High Line a mile and a half long greenway park in the Chelsea Neighborhood on the west side of Manhattan.  This is a section of the abandoned, elevated spur of the New York Central Railway.  It is an outdoor park where you can walk between high-rise buildings and past art and performance spaces.  I think it is as unique as New York's Central Park.  We enjoyed a nice fall walk along this park.








Under the High Line




A Narrow View to the Hudson










The Empire State Building from the High Line.

Manhattan Roof Lines



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Saint John the Divine



About a month before arriving in the Big Apple, we got reservations for the Halloween Extravaganza staged at the Cathedral of St. John the Devine, located on the upper west side.  The cathedral, while primarily a house of worship, also serves as a venue for music and theater.



















The Extravaganza is held close to Halloween and features a screening of a vintage, silent horror film, with the original musical score performed on the massive pipe organ.  The movie this year was 1922's  Nosferatu, based upon Bram Stokers Dracula.




























Following the movie, there is a parade of ghouls, spirits, goblins and monsters that walk down the center aisle and through the great nave.  These characters are crafted by professional theatrical professionals and are quite animated and impressive.

We attended the event with our good friend, and New York native Jim Orlando and his girlfriend Lee.  









Start Line on the Grand Concourse



Jim talked me into riding the Tour de Bronx on Sunday morning.  It is a free community event that allows you to enjoy the borough from a bicycle seat.  We rode the 40 mile route.  It is an amazing way to see this part of the city.

I recalled runs that Jim lead me on during past visits.  Among them were the two New York City Marathons I ran with the NYPD's running team.






Jim Orlando




Riding the Subway to the Start





















Orchard Beach Aid Station
Jim makes a friend!








We moved around the City by walking and riding the Subway.  We saw many wonderful things like high performance cars being driven on the sidewalk.










I love the street art in the cities we visit.









 The subway is the quintessential way to travel in the city.  We were able to take the train, after a short walk, to most everywhere we wanted to go.  Easy to navigate and helps foster a pedestrian life style.  Ride the train and then walk.



Our visit here was made so much better by visits with some of our very best friends who live in the city, and know it well.  They were all excellent hosts.

The Peace Fountain at Saint John the Divine

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