A beautiful January Sunday and the perfect time to walk the recently opened extension of the HighLine on Manhattan's West Side.
In some areas the train tracks have been incorporated in the landscaping. There are benches and alcoves all incorporated artfully into the landscape design. There are even public restrooms.
Access is by stairs at many cross street and there are several elevator. It's a popular place for the stroller set.
High Line History At one time in the mid-1800's, the railroads carried the bulk of trade out of NYC, and the west side was an immense train yard. In the 1930's for the sake of public safety these tracks were elevated.
Later as truck transport replaced the trains the elevated tracks were abandoned. When we lived in the city in the 1970's Mitch would run there. A controversial project to construct a major elevated West Way highway was defeated and with the recent prosperity of the city the elevated tracks have been turned into a wonderful elevated and beautifully landscaped strip park.
And needless to say what was once a gritty meat market and warehouse area is now becoming one of the most trendy areas of the city filled with art galleries, new apartment buildings and restaurants. And the High Line has become a real tourist attraction for the city.
I overheard one tour leader say that the elevated park was modeled on the elevated park in Paris - the one that Cathy, Fdo and I didn't get to see as it was closed for some reason or another that day.
That's the tour group and that the Frank Geary designed IAC building on the left.
I was walking south and got hungry just above Chelsea Market on Tenth Ave near 15/16th streets. The market is an enclosed foodcourt in what was a National Biscuit Company plant where Oreos were invented and produced.
I had a sandwich at SaraBeth's Bakery, but I was fascinated by what looked like Japanese tourists eating lobster as fast food a little farther down the complex.
And there are a few shopping opportunities - a kitchen shop, imported Italian food displayed in the packing cartons so it looks inexpensive, but it wasn't and lots of bakeries - cupcakes, bread.
The HighLine walk was delightful and I was almost fooled that winter is over when it hasn't begun yet.
There were a number of plants in bloom, and some pretty little yellow crocuses peeking out.
And there is public art and lots of people watching. It's a lovely walk in a bit of sunshine.
And now I've had enough of trying to figure out Blogsy so let's try to publish this.
