SHOREWALKERS CALENDAR

Saturday, May 9, 2009 (Three Hikes)

(Hike 1) Statues & Outdoor Monuments—Midtown West & East (34th to 59th Sts). Child friendly/stroller friendly. Relaxed walking, level ground, about three hours. MEET: 11:00AM, at the subway exit at 34th St. & Herald Square (use the “F” or “V” subway line or the “1,2, 3 “ lines). Bring lunch, water, binoculars or a camera with optical zoom lens. Heavy rain cancels. Call Friday evening (home) until 9:00PM, if weather is a question.

Leader: Tom McBreen, (516) 812-0156 (home). Day of walk use cell (516) 238-8073.

(Hike 2) THE BRIDGES & WATERWAYS OF NEW YORK’S CENTRAL PARK This moderately paced adventure will take you under, over, around and through many of the architectural wonders of Central Park (arches, bridges and waterways). We begin our journey at the s.w. tip of Central Park South and zigzag our way up the eastern half to The Harlem Meer at 110^th St. Then we circle back along the western half of the park and finish at Sheep’s Meadow. Bring water and lunch or snack for this fascinating 5-hour trek of approx. 8 miles. MEET: 9 AM at the Atrium entrance to the Time Warner Towers Complex at 59^th St. & Columbus Circle. Rain or Shine! Take the A, D or 1 train to 59^th St. Leader: Matthew Brozyna, (917) 912-9533.

Saturday, May 9, 2009 (continued)

(Hike 3) Protectors’ 40th Annual Spring 10 Mile Walk of the SI Greenbelt 10 miles, about 6 hours. See rich green woodlands, wonderful distant ocean vistas and the blooming of Staten Island's azalea. Park and meet at 9:45 AM at the start of the Blue Line Trail at the end of Staten Island Blvd, off Ocean Terrace by the Sunnyside campus of Petrides complex. (Take ferry to Staten Island, then take any bus #61 thru #69 and get off at Reawick Ave., walk about ¼ mile underneath expressway and up Ocean Terrace to Staten Island Blvd.) Bring lunch, beverage, as well as camera, binoculars and field guides. We go in all but rough weather; walk is shortened if high air pollution levels occur.

Coordinator: Dick Buegler, 718-761-7496. Joint hike with Protectors of Pine Oak Woods

Sunday, May 10, 2009 (Two hikes)

(Hike 1) Brighton Beach & Beyond We'll walk the boardwalk, savor an exhilarating international community, enjoy a Russian lunch, & then explore Manhattan Beach & areas of Sheepshead Bay (including its Holocaust Memorial) before heading home. MEET: 10:30AM in front of Nathan's. Bring water & snack. Take the D/F or Q to Coney Island-Stillwell Ave. (exit the front side of the station & you will spot Nathan's to the right across the street).Leader: Devra Zetlan (917)526-3908. Rain cancels.

(Hike 2) Meisner Pond Wetland Wildflower Walk Child friendly, about 2 miles, 2 hours. Join Naturalist/Photographer Sandra Mechanic for a botanical tour around the pond and nearby trails to discover butterflies, frogs and many insects and birds. We will also see many types of local fauna. Meet 11 AM at the intersection of Manor Rd. and Rockland Ave. (Take ferry to Staten Island, and then take any bus numbered #61 to #69 and transfer to take bus #57 or #54 to Manor Rd.)

Coordinator: Dick Buegler, 718-761-7496. Joint hike.

Monday, May 11,2009

COBBLE HILL AND CARROLL GARDENS Easy to moderate pace, about 5 miles, 4 to 5 hours. Meet 10:30 AM on Steps of Brooklyn Borough Hall. Directions:take A,C,F to Jay St/Boro Hall, or take 2,3,4,5, M,R to Borough Hall. We'll walk through Cobble Hill, touch the tip of Red Hook, and into Carroll Gardens. Stops include the street where "Donnie Brasco" was filmed, canoe launching site on the Gowanus Canal, a rare retractile bridge, and a visit to "The Old Stone House" where 400 colonial troops held off 2500 British and Hessians allowing G. Washington to retreat to safety in Brooklyn Hts.($5 suggested donation). Bring lunch to eat in a park.

Leader: Dan Abatelli, scrapfe88@aol..com 917-620-9626(C), 212-249-7610(H)

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Norman Levy Preserve Five miles at an easy pace, about 4 hours. former landfill; views of NYC skyline and Jones Beach. MEET: 9:50 AM at the Freeport RR Station, at east end of platform. Get there by taking the 9:06 AM Long Island RR train from Penn Station to Freeport; round trip $14. Bring lunch and water. Leader: Robert Kess, 631 225 0297

Saturday, May 16, 2009 (Four hikes)

(Hike 1) GARRISON, NY 11 miles, moderate pace with climbs. Sugarloaf Hill South, the Appalachian Trail, e Curry Pond traverse and a return from the West Point lookout at Arden Point. Forested, rolling hills along good trails. Bring lunch & water. MEET: Grand Central Terminal information booth before 8:20 AM. Depart at 8:50 AM to Garrison, NY (round-trip). Total fares: $20.50/$13.50 seniors. Leader: Marvin Malater (718) 376-3608 for hike status, schedule. Joint hike.

(Hike 2) BRIARCLIFF-PEEKSKILL TRAIL AND OLD CROTON AQUEDUCT 14 miles, moderate pace, about 9+ hours. Enjoy a woods walk in the Blue Mountain Reservation. Lunch over-looking the Hudson River. The last five miles will be on the Old Croton Aqueduct. MEET: 8:30AM in Grand Central Terminal, information booth (main level). (Return to Grand Central 7 PM to 8 PM.) Bring lunch, water. Phone for additional information.

Leader: Mayer Wiesen 516 671 2095

(Hike 3) THE JERSEY / HUDSON RIVER SAUNTER - PART 2 Moderate pace, 14+ miles, 7+hours. If you’ve been searching for a journey with spectacular views of the Big Apple, but from a different perspective, join us on this amazing walk. First, we walk across the GW Bridge from Manhattan; then we spiral south along The Palisades, The Cliffs and The Shores of New Jersey. Later we pass through Historic Hoboken, and finally end our adventure at the newly rebuilt pier near the tip of Jersey(Liberty)City, N.J. Bring plenty of water, fresh fruit & nuts for energy, and/or lunch. We return to Manhattan by PATH($1.50 fare). MEET: 9:15 AM at the Information Booth in the GW Bridge Port Authority Bus Terminal (178^th St./Broadway). (Get there by A train to 175^th St. Station. Rain cancels! Leader: Matthew Brozyna, (917) 912-9533.

(Hike 4) FLUSHING BAY TO EAST RIVER Pass La Guardia Airport. Lunch on Astoria Blvd. Meet:10 AM at Roosevelt Ave. and Main St. in Flushing (last stop #7 line).

Leader: Minor Bishop, 212 686-5095 Rain cancels.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

POCANTICO RIVER PATH, ROCKEFELLER PRESERVE 8 moderate miles. Walk from Philipse Manor station via Sleepy Hollow Cemetery to the Rockefeller Preserve. Through pleasant woods along the Pocantico River, then thru rolling hills to visit Swan Lake & Stone Farms, returning same way. Wear sturdy shoes. Joint with AMC. MEET: Grand Central Terminal, 9AM to take 9:20 Metro North Hudson Line train to Philipse Manor, arr. 10:12 AM.

Leader: Dorothy Lourdou 212-685-6443

Saturday, May 23, 2009 (Two hikes)

(Hike 1) Conference House Beach and Woods Easy pace, about 2 hours. Walk on beach at low tide; stroll through the woodlands. Examine evidence of the long term history of the area; study the geology of the beach as well as the flotsam and jetsam at the high tide lines to see what nature's debris has to tell us. Meet at 1 PM at the parking lot at the end of Hylan Blvd. on the left. (Take ferry to Staten Island, then #78 bus to end of line, at Conf. House Park.)

Coordinators: Dick Buegler 718-761-7496 and Clay Wollney at 718-869-6327. Joint hike.

(Hike 2) BROOKLYN BOTANIC GARDEN Stroller-child friendly! 1+ miles, slow pace, as long as you want to linger. Meet 10 AM in front of Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Admission: Free! Get there by 2/3 train to Eastern Parkway/Brooklyn Museum, exit stairs on right. We'll stroll down walkways lined with wisteria and azalea, through the Cherry Esplanade where any children can run around and roll in the grass, through the Japanese Hill and Pond garden with its large carp and many turtles to amuse the kids, through the Shakespeare and Fragrance Gardens, and on to the children's Discovery Garden. Eat in excellent outdoor cafeteria. Note: No pets, food or drinks allowed in the Garden (except baby food). Heavy rain cancels. Leaders: Ariel, age 1 1/2, Grandma Leslie and Grandpa Walt; 917 783 6540

Monday, May 25, 2009 (Memorial Day)

JONES BEACH 4-6 mile walk on boardwalk and some trails. Bring bathing suit for possible swimming. Also bring lunch, water, and suntan lotion. Old shoes or slippers are a good idea because we will be walking on the beach. MEET: noon at Freeport LIRR Station Waiting Room. Take the LIRR train arriving Freeport at 11:46 AM (leaving Penn Station at 11:02 AM or Jamaica Station at 11:24 AM – check LIRR schedule for changes and for fare. Cost: LIRR fare, plus bring Metrocard for bus. Rain cancels.

Leader: John Socolick 516 791-6453. Call between 6 PM and 10 PM.

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Museum Walk About 5 miles, moderate pace. We stroll by museums along Fifth Ave., detour around the reservoir in Central Park, stop at the Conservatory Garden for lunch. Afterwards, we walk back to visit one of the museums. MEET: 9:30 AM at the Atrium entrance to the Shops at Columbus Circle at 59^th St. Bring lunch, water, and snacks. Rain cancels.Leader: Z. Baez, loves2walk@gmail.com

Sunday, May 31, 2009

George’s Island, Montrose 4 miles, easy pace; 5 hours total, including car ride. After some post-winter trail maintenance we can picnic while enjoying river traffic and the Hudson’s spring awakening. Work gloves helpful, not needed. Bring snacks to share if you wish. Rain postpones. Meet 9:30 AM at parking lot at North White Plains Train station for car pooling. Donate $3 to the driver. You must call leader in advance to ensure ride. Joint walk. Leader: Helen Wu, 914 686 2855; wpny44@yahoo.com

Saturday, June 6, 2009 (Three walks)

(Hike 1) GREAT MANHATTAN BRIDGE WALK 27 miles, moderate pace, 12 hours. Start at Brooklyn Bridge, end at GW Bridge. We’ll walk over all of the bridges on which one can leave Manhattan Island by foot. Bring Metrocard for 2 or 3 bus/subway rides (in addition to the 27 miles of walking). Bring plenty of water & lunch. Heavy rain at start cancels. MEET: 8:45 AM at the Municipal Office Building just north of the Brooklyn Bridge, in Manhattan. (Take 4/5/6/J/M/Z train to City Hall/Brooklyn Bridge.)

Leader: Walt Wright, (917) 783-6540 (cell); waltercwright@yahoo.com

(Hike 2) Central Park West & Vicinity 3+ miles at easy but steady pace. A walk on Upper West Side, looking at buildings along Central Park West, as well as a few choice spots within Central Park on its western edge & a sampling of selected park side blocks. We'll end up somewhere around W.110^th Street. Bring lunch, beverage, snacks, sunscreen, etc. Meet 11AM in lobby of Time Warner Center, Columbus Circle, 59th St. & Broadway. Take A, D, #1,#2,#5 trains to 59th St.-Columbus Circle. Steady rain cancels. For confirmation & details, call leader.

Leader: Devra Zetlan (212)662-8922; cell on day of walk only (917) 526-3908.

(Hike 3) BARD'S WALK 4-5 miles, medium pace. Visit sites that offer Shakespeare for FREE during the summer. Meet 9:30 a.m. at the Atrium entrance to the Shops at Columbus Circle at 59th St. Take A, D, or 1 to 59th St. Bring lunch, water, and snacks. Rain cancels. Leader: Z. Baez, loves2walk@gmail.com

Sunday, June 7, 2009 (two walks)

(Hike 1) GARRISON CIRCULAR 9 - 12 miles at a moderate pace, with several climbs. White Rock East, carriage trail into the Appalachian Trail traverse, and a return from the West Point lookout at Arden Point. Views of Hook Mountain and the Bear Mountain Bridge. Forrested, rolling hills on varied terrain. Bring lunch and water. Meet at Grand Central Terminal information booth, in the ticketing area, before 8:20 AM for an 8:50 AM departure to Garrison, NY. Purchase round-trip ticket. Joint with other group(s). Leader: Marvin Malater Call 718 376-3608 for hike status and schedule.

(Hike 2) END OF THE LINE (Part 6). About 12 miles, moderate pace, 4 to 5 hours. In this series of walks we explore life at the end of the subway lines. In this walk we begin at Coney Island, walk along New York Harbor (where we can feed the overly zealous seagulls), and end at 9^th and Smith Streets (G & F trains) in Brooklyn. Bring lunch (or can be purchased along the route). Take the D,F,N or Q train to Coney Island/Stillwell Avenue . MEET: 9:30 AM at SW corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues (across from Nathan’s Hot Dog). Rain cancels. Leaders: Jack and Elizabeth (718) 478-2430, jgmwolf@hotmail.com

Thursday, June 11, 2009

MASSAPEQUA CREEK 6 miles, 4 hours, moderate pace. Fresh water wetlands, Nassau-Suffolk Greenway Trail. Bring lunch and water. Meet 10 AM Massapequa RR Stn. Take 9:05 AM LIRR train from Penn Station to Massapequa. Round trip @ $9.50. Leader: Robert Kess, 621 225 0297

Saturday, June 13, 2009 (Two hikes)

(Hike 1) THE UNION SQUARE SHUFFLE Visit sites that offer FREE entertainment during the summer while we shuffle through parts of the East Village and Greenwich Village. We'll walk south along the East River to the tip of Manhattan. We'll take a lunch break on Governor's Island and then continue up the Hudson back to Union Square. MEET: 9:30 a.m. in front of Whole Foods Market on 14th St. at the southern end of Union Square Park. Bring water & lunch. Subways: N,R,Q,4,5,6 & L trains to 14th St./ Union Sq. Rain cancels! Leader: Z. Baez; loves2walk@gmail.com

(Hike 2) Long Pond Wildlife and Wildflowers Easy-paced nature walk, 1 ½ miles, about 2 hours. We’ll be looking for evidence of animal life, especially reptiles and amphibians in the woodlands surrounding Long Pond. We’ll also identify wildflowers and examine the geology of the area during this unhurried stroll. Meet at 10 AM at PS 6, on Page Ave. and Academy Ave. about 3 blocks NW of Hylan Blvd. (Take ferry to Staten Island, then take #78 bus to Page Ave., and walk to right of bus direction, three blocks.) Coordinators: Dick Buegler, 718-761-7496 and Clay Wollney, 718-869-6327. Joint walk.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

CONEY ISLAND TO MANHATTAN BEACH Easy walk along boardwalk from Coney Island through Brighton Beach to Manhattan Beach. Bring bathing suit for a quick swim at Manhattan/Brighton Beach. Convenient drop-out points. Bring lunch and water. MEET: 11:00 AM at Nathanʼs on Stillwell Ave., across street from F/N/Q/D subway station. Must call or email to confirm. Leader: Ed Leibowitz, 201-332-1709, edwardleibowitz@yahoo.com Rain cancels.

Saturday, June 20, 2009 (Four hikes)

(Hike 1) Sunnyside Gardens, Strolling Queens 3-5 miles, moderate pace, flat terrain. We'll tour the historic planned community, Sunnyside Gardens & then move on into Long Island City or Astoria to an arts center as yet undetermined. Bring water, snacks. Possible option for early dinner. Meet 1PM outside subway station on Queens Boulevard (Gardens side); take #7 rain (or shuttle bus if weekend track work underway) to 46th-Bliss. For confirmation & details, call leader. Leader: Devra Zetlan, (212)662-8922; cell on day of walk only, (917)526-3908. Rain cancels.

(Hike 2) Brooklyn: Statues & Outdoor Monuments—Williamsburg, Brklyn Hts, Prospect Park Moderate pace, 4-5 hours. Meet at 10 AM, “F” train Delancy & Essex Sts exit, in front of McDonald’s. We’ll walk into Brooklyn. Bring lunch, water, binoculars or a camera with optical zoom lens. Heavy rain cancels. Call Friday evening until 9:00PM, if weather’s a question. Leader: Tom McBreen (516) 812-0156(home). Day of walk call (516) 238-8073(cell)

(Hike 3) Orchard Beach and City Island An easy-moderate walk through Pelham Bay Park, along the Suzanne Reid Trail, on the boardwalk at Orchard Beach, and to City Island. Some wooded trails. See the sights in the maritime village of City Island. Take the #6 train to Pelham Bay Park (last stop), and meet 10:00 AM at street level across from coffee shop. Bring water and snack or have brunch at coffee shop. We'll stop for an early dinner at waterfront restaurant on City Island. Leaders: Matt Raship, 516-466-8673, Ted Gabay

(Hike 4) Poetry walk and reading. Easy walk in the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. Take 2,3, train to Eastern Parkway station. Meet 10:30 at the Eastern Parkway entrance to the Garden. Bring poetry to read. We can eat in the cafeteria. No go in rain. Leaders: Judy and Marty Mahler, 718-692-2854 Call the day before between 5 and 7 PM to confirm.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

NYACK TO HAVERSTRAW ON BATT-TO-BEAR TRAIL About 9.5 B-to-B miles along the Hudson River Shore. Walk past mansions in Upper Nyack, and then through Nyack State Park below Hook Mountain Palisades to Dutchtown. Tour changing Haverstraw. Dine on Broadway. You can check out the route on 4-color Batt- To- Bear map available at www.shorewalkers.org. Or you can peruse the book: WALKING THE HUDSON, BATT TO BEAR (www.greenagle.org). MEET: Upper Nyack, 10.30 AM. Take Red and Tan/Rockland Bus in Manhattan at 9.15 AM from 42st Street Port Authority Bus Station, or 9:40 AM from GW Bridge Bus Terminal (178^th St / Broadway) to Upper Nyack. Leader: Cy Adler, 212.330.7686

Saturday, June 27, 2009

HARLEM RIVER VALLEY RECREATION AREA-THE BRONX SIDE OF THE MIGHTY RIVER 5 to 7 miles. Meet 11AM in Manhattan at 207th St and 10th Ave under the #1 El train, southeast corner. Walk through several unique parks including Roberto Clemente, Washington Bridge and climb 300 steps to the High Bridge. Walk under and over historic bridges. Explore beautiful Harlem River Valley. Note: Shorewalkers’ created a descriptive 4-color

HRVRA map, which is available.
Leader: Cy Adler, 212-330-7686

Saturday July 11, 2009 (Two hikes)

Hike 1) JERSEY SHORE ON THE HUDSON 10-miles, moderate pace. Varied scenery along the rapidly changing NJ side of the Hudson River from Hoboken to the GW Bridge. Stop for lunch in a diner. Meet: 9:30 AM at restaurant opposite PATH terminal in Hoboken. Leader: Minor Bishop, 212 686-5095 Rain cancels.

Saturday July 11, 2009 (Continued)

(Hike 2) HARRIMAN STATE PARK 7 miles at a moderate pace on varied trails alongside of running brooks and panoramic climbs. Here, we’re are on the PM, Blue Disc, and TMI trails crossing the Dater Mountain range. Return is from Claudius Smith Rock and Cave. Bring lunch and water. Meet before 8:30 AM at the Port Authority Bus Station, South Wing, by the white Commuter Statues in the ticketing area. Departure: buy one-way fare to Sloatsburg, NYat 9:10 AM (gate 312) arriving 10:07 AM. We'll return from Tuxedo, by bus or train. Approximate total fares: $25/$15 for seniors; or less. Joint hike. Leader: Marvin Malater Call 718 376-3608 for hike status or schedule.

Saturday, July 18, 2009 (Two events)

(Hike 1) BRKLYN BRIDGE TO GOVERNOR'S ISLAND Stroller/child friendly. 3 miles at a slow-medium pace. We'll meet at 10 AM in front of Long Island University, Flatbush and DeKalb Avenues in Brooklyn. (Get there via B, M, R, Q train to DeKalb.) We'll cross the Brooklyn Bridge and stroll down the East River to the Governor's Island Ferry Terminal, for a free ferry ride and all the festive activities. See CITY OF WATER DAY -- GOVERNOR'S ISLAND, below, for list of activities. Be sure to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the Island. Leader: Bob Lazzaro, rlazzaro4@aol.com; 718 502-4762 (cell). Heavy rain at time of start cancels.

(Hike/Event 2) CITY OF WATER DAY--GOVERNOR'S ISLAND Shorewalkers joins Metropolitan Water Association in their celebration of our coastlines. Child friendly -- pack a picnic for a family outing. Bring your camera. Wonderful chance to see historic Governor's Island. Lot's of activities: concerts, kayak lessons, tours, and recreational activities for children. Get there by our walk over the Brooklyn Bridge (see above), or go directly to the Governors Island Ferry Terminal, just east of the Staten Island Ferry Terminal. Ferry ride and events are free of charge. See http://www.cityofwaterday.org/ for more details. Note: As this Newsletter goes to press we are in the process of developing our participation in City of Water Day, so check online (www.shorewalkers.org), or our hotline (212 330-7686), or the Shorewalkers' calendar at Meetup.com to find out if we have any other activities scheduled in connection with this event.

Saturday, July 25, 2009 (Two hikes)

(Hike 1) Constitution Island Child friendly. Strolling,sightseeing, at a gentle pace. This legendary gem on the Hudson, opposite West Point, is open only 3 weekends per summer. Take Metro North (Hudson Line) from Grand Central to Cold Spring, and Meet* approximately 11 AM (time depends on what the new train schedule will show for train arrivals before or close to 11 AM) at the parking area on south side of train station, for transport to the island. Bring photo ID. Expect entrance fee of @ $10, covering free boat rides, guided walks, or independent exploration. Amenities include shaded picnic groves, public restrooms, a gift shop in historic Warner House, walking trails, and a hot dog vendor. Departure time is at your option. (*Alternatively, meet at 10 AM at parking lot at North White Plains Train station for car pooling. Donate $5 to the driver. For this option, you must call leader in advance.)

Leader: Stewart Manville, 914-582-1237. Joint walk with Westchester Trails Association.

(Hike 2) Manhattan: Statues & Outdoor Monuments—Central Park South and East Side Area ( 59^th St to 103^rd St). Moderate walking, level ground, child friendly/stroller friendly, slight incline, about four hours. Meet at 11:00AM, exit at Columbus Circle go to front of Time Warner Building (trains A, B, C,D & 9). Bring lunch, water, binoculars or a camera with zoom lens. Call Friday evening until 9:00PM, if weather is a question. Leader: Tom McBreen (516) 812-0156(home). Day of walk call (516) 238-8073(cell). Heavy rain cancels.

Saturday, August 8, 2009 (Two hikes)

(Hike 1) The International Express A 7 mile trek from Asia to the Americas with stops in India, the Philippines, Mexico, and China as we journey under the International Express --the Flushing local No. 7-- through the most ethnically diverse area in the world. Enjoy an early lunch at an ethnic restaurant; tour the Louis Armstrong Museum, observe the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival. Meet at 10am. Take no. 7 train to 40^th St. in Queens. Meet under el on Queens Blvd. and 40^th St. Leader: Nick DiNapoli, 212-600-1180. Cost $8.00 museum entrance.

(Hike 2) HARRIMAN; SLOATSBURG TO TUXEDO 7 1/2 miles at moderate pace on varied trails. The PM Trail parallels a running stream that we cross over on the boulders of the Cascade of Slid. Lunch is on a rock shelf, breaking water by Lake Sebage. Dutch Doc Trail Shelter, and Claudius Smith Rock and Cave add to interest on the return to Tuxedo. Bring lunch and water. Meet before 8:30 AM at the Port Authority Bus Station, South Wing, by the white Commuter Statues in the ticketing area. Depart: buy 1-way fare to Sloatsburg, NY at 9:10 AM (gate 312) arriving 10:07 AM. We'll return from Tuxedo, by bus or train. Approximate total fares: $25/$15 for seniors.
Leader: Marvin Malater Call 718 376-3608 for hike status and schedule. Joint walk.

Sunday, August 9, 2009

RIVERDALE-FIELDSTON STROLL 3 easy miles in the rural parts of Riverdale and Fieldston where the serfs live better than you do. Find out what the F.O.P.A is. Estates, woods by the Hudson River, + interesting architecture. Meet at 1:30 PM at NE corner of Broadway and 207th St. (last stop on A train). No smoking on hike. Leader: Mayer Wiesen, 516 671 2095 to 10:30 PM. Joint hike with NY Hiking Club & Outdoor Club.

Saturday August 15, 2009 (Two hikes)

(Hike 1) ROCKAWAY PARK BEACH HIKE AND SWIM Easy pace, 5-7 hours. Walk boardwalk from Beach 116th St. to end. Bring lunch, water, and bathing suit. MEET: 11:00 AM at subway station at Rockaway Beach Park at 116th St. Take JFK A-Train to Broad Channel, change to S-train at Broad Channel and exit last stop, Rockaway Park Beach at 116th St. station. Meet on just outside station. Leader: Edward Leibowitz, 201-332-1709 (H); must call or email to confirm. Rain cancels.

(Hike 2) HUDSON RIVER WALK and ELLIS ISLAND Easy-moderate walk along Hudson to Battery Park. A short ride to Ellis Island to visit the Immigration Museum and the American Family Immigration History Center, where you can search there or on-line for 25,000,000 immigrants, passengers and crew members who sailed into New York Harbor 1892-1924. Meet 10:00 AM at Chelsea Piers at West 23rd St. Take any west side train to 23rd St. and walk west or take the crosstown 23rd St. bus. Bring water and lunch. Cost of boat to Ellis Island is $12, $10 for seniors. Leaders Matt Raship, 516-466-8673 and Ted Gabay

Saturday August 22, 2009

Manhattan: Statues & Outdoor Monuments—Central Park West and West Side Area (59^th St to 106^th St) 5 miles, 3-4 hours moderate pace, some hills. Bring lunch, water, binoculars or a camera with optical zoom lens. Meet at 11:00AM, exit at Columbus Circle, go to front of Time Warner Building (trains A, B, C, D and 9). Heavy rain cancels. Call Friday evening until 9:00PM, if weather is question. Leader: Tom McBreen 516-812-0156(H). Day of walk use (516) 238-8073 (cell).

Monday, August 24, 2009

MAILING PARTY!

Spend a Pleasant Evening with

Refreshments and Good Company

Call 212 330-7686 for time and place

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Constitution Island Child friendly. Strolling, sightseeing, at a gentle pace. This legendary gem on the Hudson, opposite West Point, is open only 3 weekends per summer. Take Metro North (Hudson Line) from Grand Central to Cold Spring, and Meet* approximately 11 AM (time depends on what the new train schedule will show for train arrivals before or close to 11 AM) at the parking area on south side of train station, for transport to the island. Bring photo ID. Expect entrance fee of @ $10, covering free boat rides, guided walks, or independent exploration. Amenities include shaded picnic groves, public restrooms, a gift shop in historic Warner House, walking trails, and a hot dog vendor. Departure time is at your option. (*Alternatively, meet at 10 AM at parking lot at North White Plains Train station for car pooling. Donate $5 to the driver. For this option, you must call leader in advance.) Joint walk with Westchester Trails Association. Leader: Stewart Manville, 914-582-1237.

Sunday, August 30, 2009 (Three hikes)

(Hike 1) Constitution Island Child friendly. Strolling, sightseeing, at a gentle pace. See yesterday’s description.

(Hike 2) OVER AND UNDER THREE BRIDGES OF BROOKLYN Aproximately 7 miles, moderate pace. Over and under the Brooklyn Bridge, though new parks, then under the Manhattan Bridge into DUMBO. Skirt The Navy Yard. Climb Fort Greene Hill to newly-opened monument dedicated to soldiers who fought with George Washington. Lunch ethnically in Williamsburg. Over the Williamsburg Bridge to Delancy Street. MEET: 11 AM, south of the Manhattan Municipal Building across from City Hall. Leader: Cy Adler 212-330-7686.

(Hike 3) CENTRAL PARK FAST RAMBLE About 5 miles. Briskly-paced afternoon exploration of various parts of Central Park, such as Strawberry Fields, the Ramble, Shakespeare Garden, Belvedere Castle, Reservoir, the Loch, North Woods, Harlem Meer, & Conservatory Garden. Bring snack & water; wear sturdy shoes. Heavy rain will cancel, showers will not. MEET: 12 noon, 72nd St. (n.e. corner) and Central Park West. Leader: Dorothy Lourdou 212-685-6443

Saturday, September 12, 2009 (Two hikes)

(Hike 1) NYC MARATHON WALK About 24 miles, fast pace. Walk most of the route of the NYC Marathon, starting at 94th Street and 4th Avenue in Brooklyn and ending outside of Tavern on the Green in Central Park (Manhattan), including 4 boroughs and 4 bridges. There are countless drop-off points along the way. There may also be an optional "off-marathon" extension of the walk. Bring water and bring (or buy) lunch. Bad weather does not cancel, but may shorten. MEET: 9 AM in front of "Hot Bagels" at the corner of 5th Avenue and 94th Street, in Brooklyn. (Across the street from Staples.) Take R train to 95th Street Terminal, which is at 4th Avenue. Leader: Ian Hochstead, Email: ianhoch@hotmail.com

(Hike 2) Manhattan: Statues & Outdoor Monuments—Upper West Side area (96^th St to 160^th St). Moderate walking, some hills, about three to four hours. Meet at 11:00AM, exit at 96^th St & Broadway (No 1 train) at Rite Aid Pharmacy (southwest corner). Bring lunch, water, binoculars or a camera with optical zoom lens. Heavy rain cancels. Call Friday evening until 9:00PM, if weather is a question. Leader: Tom McBreen, (516) 812-0156 (home). Day of walk call (516) 238-8073(cell).