I listened to 8 minutes of droning and had to stop. Oof. I would have hated being her neighbor. Thank you for sacrificing your feet so we could get a good story. That whole "almost there but actually a 4 mile walk away" is one of the worst feelings when you're exploring. One time I forded a river in my underpants because I didn't feel like walking back around.
Lived in Bayside from age 5 to 40...and walked that Tulip Tree Trail from end to end countless times over the years and have yet to see it - need to go next time in town visiting my mom!!
I wonder how much it's grown since you first passed it. The only reason I spotted it was because of a well worn but unofficial path through the foliage that led to a lookout. Since its in a ravine its hard to differentiate it from the trees around it, at least when there are leaves.
When I was a kid that trail was not used much at all - it’s only in the last 15+ years or so that the city really reclaimed all those paths and the public started using them. It was where the ‘teenagers’ would hang out at night, complete with fire pits.
This issue was made out of blood, sweat, and tears! Hope the next issues will be a more pleasant adventure and not as physically arduous as this one. Still, a big Thank You for being out there for all of us and for all the trees too, specially the Queens Giant. Always love them and save them all😍🙏
Well, the Rodeo Drive comparison may have been a bit of a stretch. It's really nice though. Full of nice looking restaurants and almost no vape shops. It kind of feels like Austin Street in Forest Hills to me.
Another winner, Rob! And more evocation of fond memories. When I was a small child we lived in an apartment building off Bell Boulevard across from P.S. 205. We moved when I was in third grade. I loved it there and didn't want to move. I have fond memories of picnics and fall walks among the leaves in Alley Pond Park. I am <bleep> years old and have not been back there in <bleep> decades so I'm sure I would no longer recognize any of it.
Thanks Laurie! It's definitely one of those I can't believe we are in NYC neighborhoods. As much as the neighborhood has changed,I bet your fall walks and picnics would feel the same
Seems to me Queensborough Community College being in Bayside deserved a mention. Never knew about the old tulip tree which to me would merit a visit. For what seemed like years flyers for Our Lady of the Roses were all over. I went to the event at the former Vatican site in Flushing Meadows Park. Felt nothing, saw nothing, heard nothing, I was out of there.
Beverly Hills of the East Coast...I had no clue! Thank you for sharing the Tulip Tree, I truly hope it will live another 300 years! Some interesting architectural goodies ...the one with the arches and the tower on the right ...I have no words. I would like to meet the architect. And also ..what is happing with staircase? So many questions, but I guess after you and Macho Man made it through the thick of the "trail", no further questions were asked :) In any event, I am glad you two made it to live and tell the tale
For your next exploration I was going to suggest a small backpack with a water bottle, snacks, insect repellent and, maybe, a flare gun in it. But my daughter just reminded me of our family’s running joke about how useful a jetpack would be. Wonderful writing. I felt I was there.
came for a Seinfeld reference and I wasn't disappointed
“They drove my family out of Bayside, sir."
I listened to 8 minutes of droning and had to stop. Oof. I would have hated being her neighbor. Thank you for sacrificing your feet so we could get a good story. That whole "almost there but actually a 4 mile walk away" is one of the worst feelings when you're exploring. One time I forded a river in my underpants because I didn't feel like walking back around.
I can’t believe you made it that long! I respect the river crossing. I thought about attempting something similar on the parkway, but I’m no Frogger.
Lived in Bayside from age 5 to 40...and walked that Tulip Tree Trail from end to end countless times over the years and have yet to see it - need to go next time in town visiting my mom!!
I wonder how much it's grown since you first passed it. The only reason I spotted it was because of a well worn but unofficial path through the foliage that led to a lookout. Since its in a ravine its hard to differentiate it from the trees around it, at least when there are leaves.
When I was a kid that trail was not used much at all - it’s only in the last 15+ years or so that the city really reclaimed all those paths and the public started using them. It was where the ‘teenagers’ would hang out at night, complete with fire pits.
This issue was made out of blood, sweat, and tears! Hope the next issues will be a more pleasant adventure and not as physically arduous as this one. Still, a big Thank You for being out there for all of us and for all the trees too, specially the Queens Giant. Always love them and save them all😍🙏
The Queens Giant sighting made it all worth it. Thanks Raquel!
What a harrowing conclusion! I'm glad you made it out to tell the tale. I would think having Macho Man along would be reassuring, though.
I'm not sure I would have made it without him.
I also enjoyed the mythic crossroads you faced: Risk being lost in the dark -- or endure a pickleball rant? A fraught choice.
Death before pickleball rants!
Is Bell Blvd actually fancy? I’ve got to check it out!
Well, the Rodeo Drive comparison may have been a bit of a stretch. It's really nice though. Full of nice looking restaurants and almost no vape shops. It kind of feels like Austin Street in Forest Hills to me.
I remember Bret!
Never forget The Montreal Screwjob!
“I felt that familiar mix of revulsion and gratitude that always accompanies visits to park restrooms.” Yes!
We've all been there
That stop sign!
Another winner, Rob! And more evocation of fond memories. When I was a small child we lived in an apartment building off Bell Boulevard across from P.S. 205. We moved when I was in third grade. I loved it there and didn't want to move. I have fond memories of picnics and fall walks among the leaves in Alley Pond Park. I am <bleep> years old and have not been back there in <bleep> decades so I'm sure I would no longer recognize any of it.
Thanks Laurie! It's definitely one of those I can't believe we are in NYC neighborhoods. As much as the neighborhood has changed,I bet your fall walks and picnics would feel the same
Seems to me Queensborough Community College being in Bayside deserved a mention. Never knew about the old tulip tree which to me would merit a visit. For what seemed like years flyers for Our Lady of the Roses were all over. I went to the event at the former Vatican site in Flushing Meadows Park. Felt nothing, saw nothing, heard nothing, I was out of there.
Beverly Hills of the East Coast...I had no clue! Thank you for sharing the Tulip Tree, I truly hope it will live another 300 years! Some interesting architectural goodies ...the one with the arches and the tower on the right ...I have no words. I would like to meet the architect. And also ..what is happing with staircase? So many questions, but I guess after you and Macho Man made it through the thick of the "trail", no further questions were asked :) In any event, I am glad you two made it to live and tell the tale
Thanks Nat! I too I am glad I made this harrowing ordeal and I give all credit to Macho Man for my survival. He hasn’t left my side since.
For your next exploration I was going to suggest a small backpack with a water bottle, snacks, insect repellent and, maybe, a flare gun in it. But my daughter just reminded me of our family’s running joke about how useful a jetpack would be. Wonderful writing. I felt I was there.
That would have taken too long! Still, a couple of seconds of the audio and you won’t be able to read the passage in any other voice.