3DPK: Hell Gate + Bronx Kill
If I had a nickel for every time I’ve circumnavigated Manhattan in my 3d printed kayak, I’d have 10 cents! But seriously though, there are so many interesting areas around here to explore it’s hard to decide where to go next. On this latest trip, I opted for the Hell Gate region of the East River and a small stream separating Randalls Island from the Bronx known as Bronx Kill. Topography in this area has produced a lengthy history of shipwrecks and other unfortunate events, but through a fairly extensive effort has been substantially tamed. It does also feature one of the better looking bridges…
MILE: 0.6 - Every time I pass VIA 57 I think: is it actually good looking or is it yet another modernest eyesore? Maybe it was the soft morning light or the mile of distance separating us, but I thought it looked alright.
MILE: 4.1 - Because of the tides this time, I was actually out on a Wednesday. I feel bad for the versions of me out there in the multiverse who didn't take the day off and were probably stuck in morning standup when I took this picture.
MILE: 8.2 - Going wide this time, I traced along the Brooklyn waterfront as I made my way up the East River. There was noticeably more ferry traffic on this side, but I was pleasantly surprised when the ferries would actually slow down as they passed by! I know the economics of slowing down a ferry full of people for a single kayaker makes no sense, but it's little things like this that remind me how great this city is. Now if only car drivers could figure out how to be decent people, we might be onto something...
MILE: 13.9 - As I passed between Roosevelt Island and Astoria, I slowly started making my way across the East River towards Randalls Island. This area is a bit of a pinch point and so the currents were fast and fun.
MILE: 15.4 - After passing through Hell Gate, I hugged the eastern edge of Randalls Island until I was at the mouth of Bronx Kill. Although Bronx Kill is only about a half mile long, it was a nice break from the East River. The water was a little on the stagnant side and I had to get out and carry my kayak twice, but I'm glad I passed through.
MILE: 22.6 - Last time around, I spotted this small beach right after passing under the Henry Hudson Bridge. At the time, I was in a rush to make it back before sunset but made a mental note of its existence. Glad I did! I spent about an hour here relaxing on the beach and watching boat traffic pass by as I waited for slightly more favorable currents on the Hudson.
I just finished reading Sphereland, which is the "sequel" to Flatland and being out on the water had me thinking about it. It's funny how I can be both in one of the densest cities on Earth and simultaneously relaxing on my own private beach. The kayak is the sphere and it allows me to access areas of my world not usually accessible. It's a strange and wonderful experience.
MILE: 24.1 - Both times around the island, this by far has been the most annoying portion. One would think that after leaving the Harlem River (I guess technically the Spuyten Duyvil Creek) and merging back with the Hudson that it would be smooth sailing back to 69th street? Nope! Impatience always seems to get the best of me, and I end up fighting the currents most of the way back. But what really makes it a grind is the colossal size of the George Washington Bridge which despite the effort, never seems to get any closer! It's only about two miles from the top of Manhattan until I'm under the George Washington, but it consistently takes about two hours. This time around there was a pretty strong headwind so I got to experience some wind-against-current which was “interesting” but mostly exhausting. Despite the slow progress, I know that once I get to about mile 27 (130th st.) the currents begin to noticeably change and the remaining three or so miles back to 69th takes less than an hour.