I really love living in New England and seeing all that there is to see.  I also like driving down to New Jersey and seeing my wonderful daughter and her husband. This weekend we visited Autumn and Jim for a day, went out to eat, watched some movies, and headed home. The day was extremely foggy and wet.  As we approached NYC, we thought it might be fun to hop over to Staten Island and cross the Verrazano Narrows Bridge, and drive the Brooklyn Bridge. All was going fine till I took the tunnel before the Brooklyn bridge. We ended up in downtown and both of us felt the need for a bathroom break. Sunday morning in Manhattan isn’t the easiest place to find a public restroom, but I thought if any place might have one, it might be Central Park. We found a decent parking place on Madison Ave and headed over to the park. At first I thought it might clear up, but as fate would have it, the rain became more steady and I decided to run back for some protection before proceeding any further.

Umbrellas in hand, our quest for a restroom began.  We checked the park map, but could not not locate the one marked closest to us. I dared to ask the man at the information kiosk. Turned out he wouldn’t tell us without buying his map for $10…..pass. We were starting to see yellow when we finally found one on the other side of the park.

Once our bladders had been relieved we were able to actually enjoy this gem of the city. Janet had never walked through the park so I was eager to show her around. One of the places that she wanted to see most was the boat house. 27 Dresses is a great little movie we both love. The boat house is featured as the desired wedding venue for the two sisters. It’s beautiful in the movie, but even more picturesque in person. I’d taken a selfie back in March when I was here with Dan, and she was really jealous. I think our day here was better than the spring and our picture turned out much better.

One of my favorite parts of the park is the sail boat pond featured in E.B. Whites children’s novel, Stuart Little. We were not disappointed today as the clouds cleared and the boats shined in the sun.  I really love how the pond acts as a reflection pool. It’s really a special place.

I’ve remarked before that some of my best adventures are free. Discounting the tolls to cross the bridges into Manhattan, this adventure was spectacularly free. We walked around for about an hour or so, and were back out on the road, proving that great adventures don’t have to be expensive or last forever.

 

 

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” – Helen Keller