It’s been a while since I’ve gone anywhere exploring. I’m not sure where all the time has gone. My weekends and weekdays seem chock full of things to do. Add to it, all the language classes I’m taking. Italian and Spanish, 🙄. I don’t know what I was thinking when I signed up, but it’s exhausting.
So one weekend just as the weather was turning, I decided to walk the High Line. My friend, Lea suggested it was a great walk and something unusual. After one class, impulsively, I got off at 14th street and started walking. It’s not hard to spot, since you’ll find tourists all flocking to this area in Chelsea.
Walking the High Line
This used to be an old subway line. When it became defunct and was about to be scrapped, the residents fought to preserve it. It was then converted. All of it. It has 1.45 miles of greenery. And I’m not talking about potted plants. There are trees and grass. It’s like a forest up there.
Noon Walk
I started a little after noon. That’s why my pictures are all in shadow. The walking space feels cramped. Here, your pace depends on the people in front of you. Overall, there’s not a lot to see. If you don’t like walking, this may not be for you. If you have company, it’s even better.
Ruth Ewan created the industrial clock which reads, “What time is it? It’s time to organize.” Basically, it represents the fight for an eight hour work day and a five day work week for all.
High Line View
While walking, you walk maybe ten blocks. It doesn’t feel too long. The view from up is wonderful. You get a view of the Chelsea market on the right and the harbor on the left. The buildings are really built close. There’s even an Arabic slogan on one of the buildings. Someone, even pointed out Ariana Grande’s apartment in one of these buildings. Apparently, she’s not at home a lot. 😉
Food and Drink
While walking the High Line, there’s plenty to eat and drink. There are a number or pop-up cafes. From churros to waffles and hot dogs. There’s something for every appetite. There’a musician who plays classical music. And there are souvenir shops.
Hudson Yards
When you finally get to the end of the High Line, you see the Cube. This is a theater that opens up. I overheard someone who explained that it becomes an open air concert place. He explained about the wheels at the base of the cube. Cool stuff.
And then you see the Hudson Yards vessel. It’s pretty spectacular up close. It’s an amazing piece of architecture and very high. I wanted to go all the way to the top, but I was tired. And climbing all the way made me feel sick. My insides were churning just staring up. I’m not usually scared of heights. I took the Ferris wheel in Montreal. So, it shouldn’t have been a problem. Just the thought of walking up made me nauseous and I slid out of the queue.
Anyway, I wanted to see this structure for months. Ever since it opened, I’ve been asking people to go there with me. And no one seemed interested. When I finally saw it at the end of my walk, imagine my shock. It was worth seeing. Just for the architecture.
When you go Walking the High Line
I suggest going when the sun is up. You feel it at your back and get all warmed up. I loved the walk here. The train tracks are still there. It’s not as calm as prospect park but still lots of fun and a good time for reflection. What do you think? Will you be going any time soon? Me? I’m back to working on In Other Words and the trailer. It’s back to everything else. ☺️