Recharge….

After a few days of solid climbing the body needed to take a break.  Another reason for the rest was we got some more snow!  Today is all about recharging, napping, eating and trying to enjoy other things besides exercise.

One of the things I meant to do and haven’t was share my thoughts on NYC.  My first thought was: "Whoa, this city is huge!".  I know you see it on TV and it looks big but when the sky is just windows and concrete, block after block, it is quite amazing!  I got to walk around and see some of the cool sites but you would need days if not weeks to get to everything.

This is one of the downsides about how this trip was planned.  It was more to get a feel for different places than to explore everything.  For this to happen I do not have the time (if I want to see everything I’d like to see) or the money (NYC hostel was charging 70 bucks a night!).  I’m happy to just see some of the highlights.

I found the people in NYC to be incredibly friendly.  There were a few times when I bumped into someone expecting to hear "Watch it!" or "Foreigner!" but all I got was a "Sorry!"  Anytime I needed directions, nobody hesitated to help.  The city was also really clean!  I mean Bridgewater could take some lessons!

If you hate people though and I mean in big bunches, avoid this city.  From the time I got there, from around lunch till we left at 8pm, I was surrounded by people.  In fact the only time I had any place to myself was when I was in the washroom.  Even in Central Park, people were everywhere.

Central Park I thought was a little disapointing.  I feel bad for the people in New York because this is really the only serenity they get from all the traffic.  Most of the park is paved which is great for cycling and roller blading but it would kill your legs to run there everyday!  Boredom of cycling around the same circles I think would also take its toll.  Although cycling in the roadway with the crazy amounts of traffic could be an adventure too!

So far my favorite place has been the state of New Hampshire.  It has everything!  Lots of good roads, parks, health-conscious super markets, and within a couple hours drive you’re in Boston or New York!  If you’re an outdoors enthusiast definately check it out.  I know it is a hotspot for the cities I mentioned because as I was leaving (Friday at 5pm) there were a constant line of cars coming in.  Ski hills apparently the big draw now.

I know this trip is about siteseeing but today I am pooped!  Hopefully the weather will cooperate and will be back riding tomorrow!  Only a couple more days till the sunshine of Florida hits our backs!  Later!  Happy (Weekend!) Trainin!  Live Free or Die!

Cliff