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Tagged With "Central Park"

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Re: View of the Flatirons, near Boulder, Colorado.

Travel Rob ·
Thanks for sharing my favorite part of Boulder! I loved Chautauqua Park at the base of the Flatirons The hiking trails can be pretty challenging but they are great. Summer is a great time to visit https://bouldercolorado.gov/parks-rec/chautauqua-park
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Re: Assiniboine Park, Winnipeg, Canada. Where Gumbo Was #36

GarryRF ·
You must be civilised in Canada too - cricket ! The original design for Central Park NY was made here - near Liverpool UK Birkenhead Park. Same guy did both. Just a bit smaller. We're a bit pushed for space over here !
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Re: Assiniboine Park, Winnipeg, Canada. Where Gumbo Was #36

Paul Heymont ·
Close but no cigar on Central Park's designer (who also did my backyard, Brooklyn's Prospect Park). Birkenhead was the work of Joseph Paxton, while the other two were done by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. Olmsted visited Birkenhead in 1850, three years after it opened, and while he was already thinking about Central Park, which opened in 1858. In his book "Walks and Talks of an American Farmer in England, Olmsted wrote about Birkenhead: "five minutes of admiration, and a few more...
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Re: Assiniboine Park, Winnipeg, Canada. Where Gumbo Was #36

GarryRF ·
In 1858, Frederick Law Olmsted won a design competition to improve and expand Central Park with a plan he entitled the Greensward Plan . 8 years AFTER Olmsted visited the Peoples Garden - Birkenhead Park England. He said "that in democratic America there was nothing to be thought of as comparable with this People’s Garden" So he took the plans back to New York. Entered the Central Park competition 8 years later. And won using Paxton plans from the Peoples Garden in England as a guide.
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Re: Assiniboine Park, Winnipeg, Canada. Where Gumbo Was #36

GarryRF ·
Apr 13, 2013 The boss of New York’s Central Park hailed his first visit to Birkenhead Park which inspired its design as “a dream come true” Doug Blonsky, president and chief executive of the New York Central Park said: “You drive around Birkenhead Park and there is no question that the physical similarities between here and Central Park are there" “To come here and take a look at it is a dream come true for me."
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#67)

DrFumblefinger ·
Looks like a park of some kind. That bridge on the cliff looks more decorative than functional.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#67)

Paul Heymont ·
Sunday evening, and time to post the e-mail responses. This week, there has been one, from PortMoresby, and her guess was correct. Gumbo was in the Parc des Buttes Chaumont in Paris, looking at the Ile du Belvedere. For more about the park, see tomorrow's "reveal" blog. A new puzzle will appear on Tuesday. And again, congrats to PortMoresby!
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Re: Route 66 - Pasadena to Needles

PortMoresby ·
I n the mid-90s the National Park Service sent a team of professionals to do a survey of surviving road and features of the entire route, Chicago to the Santa Monica Pier, with my husband as illustrator for the report. I don't know if it's generally available but it might be interesting reading for someone with more than a casual interest.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo, #60

Paul Heymont ·
Hmmm, I thought Scotland, Ireland...definitely NOT in a forest; trees too spaced, road too visible. In a park, perhaps? How clever of the puzzlemaster to find a picture with the flag furled to prevent an easy guess...
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo, #60

DrFumblefinger ·
After a busy day at the Vail Jazz Festival yesterday, I was surprised this morning to log on and see that this puzzle is already solved. Lynn Millar, you are correct, this is the fountain in front of the Wawona Hotel in Yosemite National Park. I'll have a discussion of the Wawona tomorrow. PHeymont will have a new puzzle for you tomorrow as well!
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Oct. 12, 2014: Sunday in the Park with Dog

Travel Rob ·
Great photos that shows why parks in Paris are so special! Hands down my favorite park experiences are in Paris. Parisians enjoy their parks and gardens so much, it's contagious!
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Re: Finding Your Hike in Prospect Park

Paul Heymont ·
Garry, it’s right in Central Brooklyn, surrounded by residential neighborhoods that range from quite poor to distressingly wealthy. Unlike Brooklyn Bridge Park, born in an age when it somehow seems acceptable to people to make condos part of a park, there would be huge opposition to messing with Prospect Park; in fact, even small changes can generate lots of discussion. But let’s not think parks are always safe; a few years ago, the Yankees were allowed to swap park land parcels for their...
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Re: Finding Your Hike in Prospect Park

GarryRF ·
Sounds very familiar! Old money, big houses and the park becomes a buffer zone. But for now it's a great place to fill your lungs and for the kids to run wild - like kids need to !
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, February 22, 2015: Machu Picchu

DrFumblefinger ·
Beautiful photos, Grand Escapes! I'm especially fond of the one of the llama roaming the streets of Machu Picchu. They are the official "lawn mowers" of the park. Machu Picchu after the tourist train leaves and before it arrives is a totally different experience than during the peak of the day. If there's one travel spot you'll want to spend a night or two so that you can enjoy some tranquility before it gets overwhelmed with people, then I'd say this is the one.
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Re: Old San Juan: Beautiful...and not all old

Jonathan L ·
Plaza de Armas is NOT the premier pigeon feeding spot in San Juan. The honor goes to the near by Plaza de las Palomas (Plaza of the Doves). This park has a wall with literal Pigeon holes and is the home to hundreds of the birds. There are machine to buy food and if you stand real still they will land on your hands and arms to eat.
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Re: Bones Recreated Using 3D Printer, What Would Richard Have Thought?

DrFumblefinger ·
Think Jurassic Park, except with only skeletons running around!
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Re: Bones Recreated Using 3D Printer, What Would Richard Have Thought?

PortMoresby ·
I guess this is where our interests diverge, DrF. I was thinking the article was awfully interesting as is, without theme park elements to heighten the impact. Silly me.
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Re: Bones Recreated Using 3D Printer, What Would Richard Have Thought?

Paul Heymont ·
I think this kind of took a turn for me, with Jurassic Park on one side, along with displaying a replica of a king's skeleton, and on the other side a technique for better producing museum exhibits that would otherwise be more difficult to create.
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Re: More WiFi in NYC Subway...soon...maybe.

Travel Rob ·
This is supposed to be the current list of stations with wireless and Wi-Fi service. http://www.nycsubwaywireless.com/ What I don't understand is if this a free service ,how exactly does Transit Wireless, make money ? Are the phone carriers paying for them? http://www.transitwireless.com...or-transit-agencies/
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Re: More WiFi in NYC Subway...soon...maybe.

Paul Heymont ·
Transit Wireless is a company formed for this project; it's owned by the phone and data carriers, which have paid part of the costs. The other revenue stream is the potential for advertising, and also sponsorships ("WiFi at this station is sponsored by...") Everything here seems to be a big to-do; we've been on lots of European systems that have had full service, including tunnels, for quite a while. We're also way behind on "train will arrive" signs, because the NYCTA way is to design from...
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Re: Why you should visit Borneo

Go Live Explore ·
Originally Posted by DrFumblefinger: Some GREAT photos. I presume you saw lots of animals on your travels in Borneo? Is there a specific park or place you'd recommend? Thanks very much! Yeah, we saw so many animals it was incredible. I'd highly recommend Sepilock in the North of Borneo, which is great for spotting wild Orangutans, Sun Bears and Proboscis Monkeys. Kuching, in the South, is a great base too if you want to visit Bako National Park, which is a great place for spotting Snakes,...
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Re: Why you should visit Borneo

DrFumblefinger ·
Some GREAT photos. I presume you saw lots of animals on your travels in Borneo? Is there a specific park or place you'd recommend?
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Apr. 20, 2014: Spring Comes to the Botanic Garden

PortMoresby ·
Another view of spring, in your almost-neighbor right across the pond, London's St. James Park. I couldn't resist it (from Londonist today).
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Re: Gallery: Bicycles, Lucca, Italy

PortMoresby ·
I hadn't thought about that but, you're right, even as narrow a view as the width of a bicycle conveys a good sense of place. And my preference for towns and villages, rather than cities. I have picture of a ferry bicycle parking lot on Lantau Island, Hong Kong and, even though it's a rural place, it appears that every person on the island must be represented by a bike in the lot, there are so many. But, though crowded, I remember it as park-like compared to yours above and still gives an...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day: April 15th, 2014. Deck Chairs in Hyde Park

DrFumblefinger ·
I, too, am tempted to stretch out and take a nap. Fond memories of Hyde Park. My wife and I stayed within a block of this great park during our honeymoon some years ago.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day: April 15th, 2014. Deck Chairs in Hyde Park

Andre Pur ·
It will be very nice to see those chairs in our central park in my county, maybe someday.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#126)

HistoryDigger ·
My best guess is a US Park lodge somewhere out west.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, August 27, 2015: Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Red Rocks Park, Colorado

DrFumblefinger ·
It's a great summary of a fun place to visit. Besides the amphitheater, there's a drive through the park which takes you by other red rock formations. The park isn't that large, but it is memorable. If you're looking for a place to eat, the amphitheater offers an outdoor terrace restaurant with great views of the Red Rock.
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Re: Dismaland - the new 'post-apocalyptic' bemusement park in England

Travel Rob ·
Mac, Thank you for taking us there with you! This is absolutely the best descriptive piece that I've seen about any amusement park! I can see why people are willing to wait in those long lines. After seeing such talent and creativity by people though, such as displayed there, it's hard for me to share Banksy's bleak world view.
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Re: Dismaland - the new 'post-apocalyptic' bemusement park in England

DrFumblefinger ·
That's a terrific report, Mac -- I feel like I've been there! So this is what Disneyland is like to someone who's on a "bad trip". There's satire, and then there's a rip off of intellectual copyrights that supposedly the western world has agreed to abid with. I can't see Disney not going after these guys. Unless you didn't have to pay anything to get in, there's quite a few pounds switching hands and Disney definitely wants it share. And PHeymont, I'm surprised an adult who likes Las Vegas...
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Re: Dismaland - the new 'post-apocalyptic' bemusement park in England

Paul Heymont ·
I've called Las Vegas an "adult Disneyland," and I like it...just not the other! As far as a lawsuit here, I think it is so obviously parody and satire, and this protected, that Disney won't waste a dime on lawyers...especially since it will be gone soon, leaving Disney with a lot of free publicity in the process. And by the way, charging money for a performance does not change the protected character of the performance. It's when you open your own competing non-parody park that the hammer ...
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Re: Banff National Park: Hiking to Boom Lake

DrFumblefinger ·
Thanks, GarryRF. Bear attacks are about as common as lightening hitting folks, but it does happen. I've never encountered a bear while hiking except at a distance (could see them across a valley for instance). Here's what you do to be bear safe 1) Follow the park rules. They're very good about placing warnings (eg. trail closed, bear hovering over a carcass) 2) Hike in tight groups of four or more. Bears have never attacked a group of people this large 3) Avoid baby bears. If you see one,...
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Re: Thinking Cuba? Tickets not so easy yet!

GarryRF ·
Most city centres have been laid out in the Spanish style with an open park. This is lunchtime when all the school children and workers eat their packed lunches. No radio - music - skateboards - headphones - just peace and tranquillity !
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo? (#105)

DrFumblefinger ·
Let me try to get the ball rolling. While they look like owl eyes at first glance, I think it's an aerial photo of a garden or park....or perhaps of a model of a garden or park. Where???? I don't have a clue at the moment.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo? (#105)

Paul Heymont ·
And so the ball rolls…but it is neither garden nor park. But the sharp-eyed doctor is correct: it is not viewed from ground level. And that’s the first day’s hint.
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Re: Yellowstone National Park in Winter

DrFumblefinger ·
Thanks so very much for making us a part of your fascinating road-trip by sharing your visit to this unique place at such a special time. It's so rare to actually talk to someone who visited Yellowstone in the winter, much less to read such a wonderfully written report and to share in your experience through your beautiful photos. I'm sorry you didn't get to see wolves in the wild, but in this you are not alone. As many times as I've been in the wilderness, I've yet to see them (though I was...
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Re: Why You should visit Nevada's Valley of Fire

DrFumblefinger ·
You are correct, GarryRF. There have been a number of movies filmed in the park. Lifted straight from Wikipedia , here is a listing of these: Film History : Valley of Fire is a popular location for shooting automobile commercials and other commercial photography. It has provided a setting for the following films and television shows: The Professionals with Burt Lancaster , Lee Marvin , and Claudia Cardinale was filmed in 1966. As of November 2012 a piece of the movie set is still up for...
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Re: Places where nature has taken over

Paul Heymont ·
Walking through wooded areas in rural New England (including in park land), it's not uncommon to come on foundations or other evidence of human occupation, and we're not talking paleolithic! Industrialization, urbanization and westward expansion lowered population levels in rural New England in the later 1800s, and today more of New England is covered in forest than at the time of the American Revolution! Old farmsteads, mills, even villages just disappeared.
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Re: Places where nature has taken over

DrFumblefinger ·
Excellent observation, PHeymont. I notice the same when hiking through the forests in the west. Log cabins, old mines -- mostly all gone and taken over by nature.
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Re: Canada protects arctic area; new national park soon

DrFumblefinger ·
I like the idea of trying to keep some of this ecosystem prestine. But I suspect it will be the least visited national park in the world. And maybe that's for the best,
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Re: How do you use the internet while traveling?

DrFumblefinger ·
I have not been to Japan, but generally my travel experience with internet access has been much more positive than yours. I've generally had good luck with getting on line in Europe, South America and even Southern Africa. Once in a while the internet might be down at a place I'm staying at, but usually it's quickly repaired. Exceptions to this are very rural areas, like in Patagonia and where I'm heading next week, Yellowstone National Park. There is really not internet available at most...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, May 28, 2015: Logan Pass, Glacier National Park, Montana

DrFumblefinger ·
Brings back some wonderful memories! The Going to the Sun Road is one of North America's most spectacular drives. But it does get very crowded in the summer, so take your time and drink in that beautiful scenery! Glacier NP joins Waterton NP in Canada to form an International Peace Park and these two parks together are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, May 28, 2015: Logan Pass, Glacier National Park, Montana

TravelingCanuck ·
Awesome pictures. I was in Waterton Park in the early 80s with work in early May before the season opened. The town site had dozens of mountain sheep everywhere. It was so beautiful and peaceful. We were about the only people other then residents there. Must certainly do another trip down that way and go across into Glacier Park as well. Thanks.
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Re: National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta (Where Gumbo Was #109)

Travel Rob ·
I took my photos that i posted for WITW 109 from Centennial Olympic Park Dr. What amazed me is where they placed the front of the building.Below is a photo from the Center.
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Re: Nov. 8, 2018: Milano Centrale railway station

Paul Heymont ·
Actually, in passenger traffic, it's listed here as #8 in passenger traffic. Perhaps it's #1 in mainline traffic? Certainly #1 Gare du Nord and Gare de Chatelet, both in Paris, have heavy concentrations of commuter and regional passengers.
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Re: Great Falls of the Potomac

Paul Heymont ·
Actually, there were a fair few others around, but not crowded. But that's pretty normal spring runoff; the picture below, taken exactly 10 years before on March 15, 2010, shows what happened when there was a snowier winter, and the one below that is from 1996, when there was a January blizzard followed immediately by enough temperature to melt it in one or two days. Photos: National Park Service
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Re: Air and cruise lines: Out of parking space?

PortMoresby ·
Along with end to end as shown in the photo, ships could also park side to side & instantly expand capacity. In Egypt the cruise boats do just that every day as there are lots of cruises & little dock space at stops along the Nile. Passengers walk through adjacent boats' lobbies to get on & off. With no passengers, crew could certainly find a way.
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Re: May 5, 2016: Liverpool Homes That Were "Saved" by World War II

GarryRF ·
In May 1941 - during WWII - Liverpool and its docklands area was bombed for 8 consecutive days. 61,000 homes were damaged or destroyed. When the truckloads of bricks and rubble were removed they were placed between the houses in danger of disappearing and the mighty ocean. Eventually it was possible to reclaim 1000 feet of land back from the water. The tide covered it with sand. And Marren grass was planted along this 2 miles of reclaimed coastline. So today we have a boating lake, kids...
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Re: Liverpool Pilot House

GarryRF ·
The first ever US. Submarine to see action was built 3 miles behind your photo on the other side of the River Mersey. In Birkenhead Docks in 1884. Nearby you will also find the prototype for New Yorks' Central Park. Birkenhead Park. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-e...-merseyside-22112363 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/new...sink-enemy-ship.html
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Re: Apr. 7, 2016: Budget Vacation in France

DrFumblefinger ·
There are places that will rent you a set-up tent -- often this is upscale camping (Glamping) and the tents have most of the amenities of a room. Most people around here have their own camping gear and set up their tent where they want. With modern tents and a little experience, that rarely takes more than 10 minutes to do. If people want a vacation with a pool, they generally don't go to a national park. For these purposes there are inexpensive budget hotels of all types around. But I like...
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