Shorewalkers: Members Only Group

Though the body we move in nature, with our mind/consciousness we are part of nature.

MINDFULNESS - the practice of maintaining a nonjudgemental state of heighted or complete awareness of one's thoughts, emotions or experiences on a moment-to-moment basis.

MINDFUL WALKING - a practice that enhances mental clarity and reduces stress by fostering a deep connection with the present moment (the here and now) through awareness of each individual step and the Sight, Sound and Smell of the surrounding environment.

The nearest Subway Station to the meeting location is the 86th Street and Broadway Station of the 1 Train. The entrance to the Playground from Riverside Drive is at 83rd Street.

Please read the below information carefully and take the time to view the myriads of videos available that explain the concept of Mindful Walking.

Let me begin by thanking you for accompanying me on a work in progress to develop a methodology for teaching and leading a Mindful Walking workshop, my goal is to guide/lead the novice through an unfamiliar or complex procedure in a step-by-step process so that they can attain a basic level of skill and knowledge in the practice of Mindful Walking. Upon meeting at the River Run Playground for a brief introduction we will proceed to a nearby wooded pathway and commerce with a breathing and exercise session, followed by several training practice walks that will introduce the attendees to the techniques of Mindful Walking.

For the remainder of our Riverside Drive Park adventure, we will alternate long bouts of conversation flowing walking sessions with shorter bouts of silent guided Mindful Walking sessions (which will transverse the natural scenic beauty Riverside Walk and The Esplanade). Our adventure will conclude with a visit to the marvelous Nicholas Roerich Museum (319 West 107th Street), where the attendees can perform solo Mindful Walking while exploring the mystic atmosphere and focusing on the esoteric works of art.

Because of the workshop nature of this event, I will limit the number of attendees to ten (10) people. When you sign up, you will be placed on the Waiting List. Attendees will be manually moved from the Waiting List to the Going List. Am looking for First Timers to attend these training events. My future vision for this method of training is to present many workshops for first timers, mixed with separate events for those adepts with the Mindful Walking concept. Furthermore, I will expand the range of this event to scenic natural locations (including waterside venues) around the Greater New York area.

The closest Subway Station near the endpoint is the 1 Train Station at 110th Street and Broadway).

Will be walking at a moderate (not slow) pace. The walk will last three hours and will cover about 4 1/2 miles. There will be ample restrooms stops and a 20-minute snack break.

Heavy rain/snow or other forms of extreme weather will cancel the walk. Please check this site for updates.

LEADER: Bob Lazzaro email: rlazzaro4@aol.com.

I will use a voice amplification device to foster better understanding and clarity between myself and attendees.

• Read Before Signing Up: Please read the entire description carefully before registering.
• Terrain & Fitness: A 11 mile town and park walk featuring short road walks without sidewalks and a few brief, rugged sections requiring steady footing. There are no mid-route dropouts—if you are unsure of your ability to navigate these tricky spots, this hike is not recommended for you. Not suitable for slow or weak walkers.
• Sturdy hiking boots and insect repellent are strongly recommended for this trek. You may also bring trekking poles based on your personal preference.

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Join us for an immersive 11-mile loop trek blending industrial archaeology, ghost town history, scenic woodland trails, and historic downtown charm. We will start at Summit train station and immediately head onto the overgrown right-of-way of the abandoned Rahway Valley Railroad line into Watchung Reservation. Deep within the woods, we will explore the historic Deserted Village of Feltville, old flood-control dams, historic stone masonry, and century-old quarry ruins. After looping through the reservation's rugged trails back toward town, we will take time to explore Summit's vibrant historic district before boarding the return train.

Meeting point: Summit train station platform, Just wait on the platform after you get off the train.

From NYC by train: Take the 9:11 AM NJ Transit train from Penn Station → arrive Summit at 10:08 AM.
(return NJ Transit Morris & Essex Line trains to NYC PennStation run approximately hourly at 3:42 PM, 4:42 PM, etc.).

Please bring enough water, lunch, and sunscreen.
Sam Chen 732.447.3275
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Reminders

1. Read Before Signing Up: Hikes in New Jersey often involve detailed logistics and coordination. For safety and smooth operation, please read the entire hike description carefully. You will be prompted with a question during RSVP—please read it attentively and answer correctly to join.
2. Drop Early: If your plans change, cancel immediately. Do not wait until the day before or the morning of the hike.
3. Waitlist Policy: Priority is given to reliable hikers. Everyone remains on the waitlist until responses are confirmed. You may be passed over if you skip the sign-up questions, have a history of late cancellations and no-shows, or fail to demonstrate a commitment to group punctuality, maintaining the shared pace, and cooperating with team coordination.
4. Stay Updated: Weather and train/bus schedules are subject to unexpected changes. Please check the comments and pinned updates the night before and the morning of the hike.

This is a 10 mile loop, approx 4.5 hours walk, mainly flat, rather vigorous pace. Start and end Queensboro Plaza subway station in LIC. Several dropout points. And yes, this walk features a Polish bakery in Greenpoint!

MEET:

• 1pm in front of Starbucks on Queens Plaza South (25-14 Queens Plaza S). Nearest subway station: Queensboro Plaza (trains 7, N).
• We will start promptly at 1pm!
• Use bathroom at Starbucks (with purchase) or 5min into the walk at METTRA Food Court. 28-17 Jackson Ave, Long Island City
• METTRA Food Court is also the last option to join the group if you are running late.

WALK:
Our walk will start from METTRA Food Court and from where we head east into Sunnyside. First stop is Sunnyside Gardens, built in the 1920s as the first development in the United States patterned after the ideas of the garden city movement initiated in England.

From there we head south through Sunnyside and across the mighty Kosciuszko Bridge into Brooklyn's Greenpoint. The bridge was opened in 2017 and has breathtaking views of Manhattan and Long Island City (LIC).

Before heading back to Queens via the Pulaski Bridge, we walk through the Monsignor McGolrick Park and stop at the famous Polish "Syrena Bakery". Bring cash!

After crossing the Pulaski Bridge back into Queens, we continue our walk along the shores of Hunters Point South Park and LIC waterfront with great views of Manhattan.

Our walk will end where we started, at Queensboro Plaza subway station. Finback taproom visit afterwards optional.

Bring snacks and water (no lunch break planned).

We walk rain or shine.

Hike leaders:
Sigrid Stropnik 404-991-8229
Ivan Falla and Tiffany Mills