Sauntering Through the Slope

April 26 PM Walk
After three previous days of rather paltry walks, I promised Chester that we would check out Prospect Park and some of Park Slope. We knew that uncomissioned street art would be largely unavailable. But we were pleasantly surprised to end up walking down Garfield Place and stumbled upon the bubblegum brownstone. Having read about this Park Slope curiosity months ago, Chester and I felt a sense of pride in having found the location of note. Check out a brief excerpt here http://www.gothamist.com/2006/09/22/park_slope_brow.php

I suggested, and Chester agreed, that this indeed qualified as Street Art rather than Graffiti. Although I'm not so sure that this guy's neighbors (and property owners) feel it's art rather than a travesty to property value. However you label it, it was a nice surprise for us on this walk, and a nice shot of personality to a sometimes uptight and pretentous neighborhood.

Prospect Park, BKLYN

Park Slope, BKLYN

Che Fought the Law, and Won

April 25 PM Walk

We've done this walk several times as it serves as our "stand by" walk when we have an hour to kill and we want to chance the possibility of meeting up with a couple of dogs at the dog run in Carroll Gardens. But today, unlike the previous days, was fraught with rain and dreariness. Chester hates the rain, but a little coaxing from yours truly and the promise of the possibility of more graffiti vs. street art challenges, Chester made the trip with me. While we approached a warehouse on the southeast corner of 3rd and Bond Streets, we noticed a piece of street art that had been torn halfway off, leaving only the top remaining. Chester was a bit apprehensive about climbing the skinny ladder to the former loading dock to pose in front of where the art was located. However, during his indecisiveness, New York's finest approached and interrogated us about our association with the "installation", our interest in graffiti and whether or not we were the ones who had defaced the building. I merely produced our photographic evidence of art searches and walks around Brooklyn contained on a Sony Cybershot memory stick. He was less than impressed and after taking down our address and name, sent us on your merry way. Happy to be rid of Johnny Law, Chester decided to take care of business right where the police van (not even a cruiser!) had parked. Sweet justice...

Street Art vs. Graffiti? Che says "street art". 9th and Court Sts. BKLYN

Street Art Vs. Graffiti? Che says "street art". Carroll Gardens, BKLYN

Graffiti vs. Street Art, Part II

April 24 PM Walk

As luck would have it, for the second time in as many days, we ran in to Chester's Rottie pal, Gracie while walking down the street. After a few minutes of romping on the street corner, we set out on nearly the exact same walking route as we had done the previous day. You may think that this might be a monotonous activity for the Che, but rest assured, there was very little monotony this day. Gracie, who is still without a permanent and loving home, has proven herself a worthy companion for Chester and is frequently the initiator of a calorie burning romp.

But being a cerebral dog, with a knack for distinguishing the difference between graffiti and street art, Chester was more interested in seeking out urban decorations. The above artistry (both black dogs and yellow pant wearing female excluded), he determined, was merely graffiti, with minimal aesthetic appeal. Is was however, worthy of being peed upon-- I think that counts for something.

Che's Play Pal

April 23 PM Walk
As this was really only the 3rd day of stupendously warm weather, Chester let me know that he wasn't into a long walk. So it was fortunate when, while walking down the street, we ran into one of Chester's doggie pals. Gracie is a Rottweiler guard dog who lives at Greg's Rubbish Removal, just 3 blocks north of us on 3rd ave. A kind woman has taken it upon herself to walk Gracie twice daily and to covertly try and find her a new home. Living in a junkyard is a pretty dirty job for anyone, but especially for a puppy with as sweet of a disposition as Gracie's. The really sad part of this whole situation is, as gentrification and development takes hold of Gowanus, that Greg's Rubbish Removal (Gracie's home) is slated for demolition in just 8 days-- meaning a very uncertain future for tail-having Gracie. She could really use a couple of things-- a new home, regular walks, and a bath (rolling in motor oil doesn't do much for a healthy coat). With such a great personality and spirit, it would be a shame for Gracie to have to be put in an unfamiliar situation. She is up for adoption should you, or anyone care to take her in. If she were adopted, Chester would lose a play mate, but Gracie would gain a real home. That's a trade off Chester certainly understands.

Gracie (available for adoption)

Che and Gracie, J.J. Byrne Dog Park, Park Slope, BKLYN

Really Nice Red Hook

April 22 PM Walk
We were again blessed with a day filled with warmth and sunshine, although this day had a crisp feeling to it-- sorta like that feeling you get when you slide into a freshly made bed and its all cold and warm at the same time. That's the kind of day it was-- clear, with a gentle breeze and but the comforting sun on our cheeks.
We decided to head out to Red Hook once again for an evening 4 miler. The impending dusk was just the right temperature for Chester as he tends to get considerably uncomfortable when the temperature gets above 80 degrees. We checked on the progress of the IKEA building near the Red Hook Recreation Area. Unless one could piece together the blue plywood surrounding the job site with the famous blue and yellow of IKEA, you'd think that this was just another condo development (except this one is a really, really large creation). The piers at the end of Van Brundt street offered some terrific views of the Statue of Liberty and the setting sun. And having had a high calorie night last night, 4 miles was a nice little trek.

Red Hook, BKLYN

Red Hook, BKLYN (and lady liberty)

Old Brooklyn Street cars, Red Hook Fairway Supermarket, BKLYN

Talk your kids to the park Saturday

April 21 PM walk
Today was the absolute first day of the spring/ summer continuum, where there was nothing but abundant warmth and sunshine all around us. And after such a thorough soaking this past week, the change from cold and wet to blue skies and sun was a stark contrast.
Chester decided he wanted to visit the dog beach in Prospect park so we headed up to the urban oasis. I unfortunately had to be the bearer of bad news for him as we are under strict instructions from Chester's vet not so swim anymore in the stagnant and parasite infested waters of Prospect Park. So instead, we wandered around the park, smelling the flowers, and checking out all the kids, adults and other dogs who were either basking in the sun, playing soccer, baseball, or Frisbee, or enjoying an afternoon BBQ. It has been such a blessing to have such a gorgeous place for recreation, literally steps (albeit big, long steps, but steps nonetheless) from our door. Ah spring time.....

Prospect Park, BKLYN

Street Art vs. Grafitti

April 20 PM Walk
When you combine a sparse population with lots of vacant wall space and plenty of artist's lofts, there tends to be a lot of graffiti. But not all graffiti is graffiti-- some has got to be defined as public art. Far too much time and intent goes into these projects-- with the artist knowing all too well that the project may be stripped from the walls the next day, may be sandblasted to oblivion, or may never be seen by anyone else but the artist, and maybe a dog walker. Chester and I ventured to our normal spot, the dog park in Carroll Gardens for some dog time. But along the way, we wandered down Bond St. and came across some pretty neat art. Chester insisted that he pose in front of the naked girl. Who was I to argue with a 114 lb. dog with inch long canines?!

Spring has finally Sprung! 4th Pl., Carroll Gardens, BKLYN

Chester's favorite. Bond St., Gowanus, BKLYN

Can you spot the art installation? (Hint, it's not black and brown with a red collar).

Ramblin' through Red Hook

April 19 PM Walk
In commemoration of Sludgie, the Baleen whale who unfortunately wandered into the Gowanus Bay and never made it out, Chester decided he might like to see the area where Sludgie spent her final few hours. While the nation mourned the tragedy in Lynchburg, seeing a whale in Brooklyn was a welcome distraction. It is sad that she never made it back to her pod.
Relics of Gowanus' role in old industrial Brooklyn were all around us as we wandered through the Red Hook Recreation area and down the public waterfront on Columbia Street. Several old, steel-shuttered warehouses, graving docks, dry docks, propeller repair facilities, and industrial-looking buildings lined the waterfront before we got to the open public area. But once we arrived splendid views of Park Slope, Sunset Park and Green-Wood Cemetery were on display. Catching south Brooklyn at sunset was a dazzling site, and a fitting way to say good-bye- wish you could have made it back to your family.

Looking West to the New York Harbor

Che and the Gowanus Bay

Gowanus Bay, Brooklyn

Red Hook Recreation Area, Brooklyn

Ms. walksBKLYN walks Chester

April 18 PM Walk
Due to a previous engagement, walksBKLYN handed the reigns to Ms. walksBKLYN for this evening's walk. Not quite sure where they went. Not to sure what they saw. Don't really know their mileage. But with Che's liquid poo, I'm sure things were a bit, you know, shitty. Will return tomorrow with a good long walk, weather and stomach conditions provided.

Chester vs. Rapid Poo

April 17 PM Walk
Much like our apartment building after this most recent nor'easter, Chester too has had faulty plumbing. He has been battling RBM, or rapid bowel movement for those lay persons, for the past 5 days or so. We thought the cause was attributable to either a recent shift in food or having drank from the stagnant water in the Prospect Park Dog Beach. We thought it best to get it checked out by a professional, so Ms. walksBKLYN made an appointment at Park Slope Veterinary Care. However, in order to get a complete check up, a stool sample was required. Normally, I have no problem retrieving a recent emission because it is so readily disposable. But to cruise around with a bag of poo with the intent of handing it over to a vet tech so he can look at it under a microscope, kinda sucks. Chester had a bit of a rough time, and we had to wait an hour to be seen despite a 6 pm appointment, but all in all, they were quite good with him. And despite our worryings, Chester had no Giardia and no parasite in his intestines. The vet did say he is about 10 lbs. overweight, which we will have to work on. Seems like everyone is overweight these days.

floodsBKLYN

April 16 PM Walk
A break in the weather allowed unobstructed walking for the Che and I. But an informal condo meeting in the hallway of our building after several weather related issues made themselves known, the viewing of a 72-hour-old new-neighbor baby, and a John Lindlay concert at the world famous Blue Note, preempted our walk. But with that said, we were able to check out the mighty Gowanus Canal post soaking. The mighty G was about 1.5 feet from overflowing it's banks around Carroll Street. Boats that are docked in the water were precariously balanced between just making it, and maybe being land bound. We looked for evidence of any of the "legendary raw sewage" (AKA poo canoes) that is supposed enter the canal after a complete soaking, but were disappointed. We really just trekked to poo and rolled back home. A bit less than a 2 miler today, but certain to be made up once the weather clears.

Che and the Big G, Brooklyn

The Mighty Mighty, mighty close to it's banks.

Sunday, Not My "Fun" day

April 15 PM Walk
With the Northeast experiencing a nor'easter, Sunday AM walking consisted of Ms. walksBKLYN taking the Che to JJ Byrne dog park for a couple of poos, in torrential downpours and 25 mph winds. Luckily, the rain eased up enough, once evening arrived, that the Che and I could go out without getting completely drenched. Unfortunately, once we made it to the halfway point, the heavens poured right on our heads.
We did, however, get to see some of the less desirable parts of South Brooklyn, from 9th st., down to 30th street, while on 3rd Ave. Most of the walk has us in the shadow of the elevated Gowanus expressway, which often makes me wonder just how many carcinogens hover around that area. We did get to see a two 24-hour "video" shops, several auto body shops, and some fantastic graffiti (see below). 2.5 miles, but it seemed like an eternity because of the monsoon.

3rd Ave and 24th St, Brooklyn

not so super Saturday

April 14 PM Walk
The good thing about Brooklyn, particularly living in Gowanus are that amenities that are so near, without being right in your 'hood. I mean, I'm all for a cool bar right on 3rd avenue. but with Park Slope just a quick jaunt away, I just haven't found good enough reason to have those things that are so unique to Park Slope, in Gowanus. One has to walk, but only a few blocks, in order to enjoy those things that are specifically Park Slope-- here's to property value!
One of the benefits of living near Park Slope's civic activism, has been the creation of dog parks. One of which, J.J.Byrne's is long enough, less inhabited enough and close enough, that we have become regular visitors. Because of a Jell-o wrestling party that we were in deep commitment to, all that the Che got were 2 quick treks to J.J. Byrne. Don't be fooled, there were plenty of scents to activate the Che's old olfactory senses. So even though a simple walk to JJ Byrne didn't burn too many calories, he was stimulated enough to piss something ike 16 times.

Carroll Gardens, BKLYN

Friday Night "high"lights

April 13 PM Walk

Tonight's walk was, unfortunately, the shortest and least interesting walk that the Che and I have been on in at least a week. We had early dinner reservations so a quick rectangle was all we could really muster. One would think that when trouncing through industrial Gowanus for a 30 minute walk, there wouldn't be much to see, and honestly, that's about right. But what's crazy about Brooklyn, is that if one looks hard enough, every corner, on in this case, every wall, holds a bit of history.

Chester begged me to get his picture taken in front of the oldest remaining baseball related structures in the US- left field wall of the very first home of the Brooklyn Superbas, later known as the Dodgers, Washington Park. Until I read an online NY Times article, I thought that Ebbetts field was the one and only home for the BKLYN Dodgers (read this blurb for more info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Park)

It is an inconspicuous a structure as you have ever seen, and unless you knew what you were looking for, you'd never even know it was there. All that's left of some semblance of the wall's previous use, are some bricked-over window openings. It now serves as a wall for a ConEd warehouse. Who woulda thunk it...

City Grit

April 12 PM Walk

Without much thought for adventure, Chester and I headed out to our "stand-by" destination of Carroll Garden's Dog Park. I think it's called DiMatta Park, but I could be wrong. At any rate, we decided to take a few streets that we don't often travel on. Since our 'hood has a ton of industrial buildings, there seem to be factories, warehouses, junkyards and processing plants around every corner. But what is interesting is how quickly this area changes from industry to residential. And not just regular residential, but brownstone residential-- million dollar residential-- right against a grimy subway track, or a toxic and heavily polluted lot. And with the population increases slated for NYC, and specifically Brooklyn, there is little doubt that that factory will soon be luxury lofts and those carcinogenic lots will be public parks. For now, they are fitting reminders of Brooklyn's once vibrant, and diminishing industry, and nice backdrops for the Che. Forgot the total mileage, but probably only 2.5 miles or so.

Ms. walksBKLYN walks BKLYN too

April 11 PM Walk

This evening, Chester and I were graced with the presence of literally hundreds of red breasted robins, as well as Ms. walksBKLYN herself. Unlike most of our walks, we made a couple of pitstops. First, at Gothic Cabinet shop for an attempt at furniture issue reslolution, and then for a toasty beverage from a neat coffee, tea and wine spot on 7th Ave. and 3rd St. (maybe?) Our usual pace was slowed somewhat as Ms. walksBKLYN is more used to walks heavy into sniffing and peeing priveleges. But the trade off was great company.

Although the weather was brisk and cloudy, signs of spring were all around us. Blossoming trees, green fields, robins, squirrels, everything seemed to be anticipating the arrival of spring. No one more than Chester, who, once he got a notion that we might be headed to the dog beach, literally dragged us to the water's edge. It is borderline addiction for Chester.

Nearly a 3 mile walk for us 3, which is like we walked 9 miles, if we pooled all of our miles together. Not too shabby...

Celestial Walking

April 10, PM Walk
Got a late start on our evening walk due to a diversion I made to Staten Island to purchase a little summertime entertainment-- a 70's style Ross Eurotour single speed, coaster- primo condition and a stylin' ride from the SI ferry, over the Brooklyn Bridge to home. Looking forward to summer evenings cruising the Canal.
Our walk found us heading to the Carroll Gardens dog park where, while little leaguers had aspirations of becoming major league stars, Chester met a lab, named Star and a collie named Comet. Although they didn't seem all that interested in the Che, we did learn about a rather large Dog park in Brooklyn heights, which is supposedly a little under 2 acres of open space. No doubt a trek for another evening. Our walk was a bit over 2.25 miles, up at least 45 minutes of quality dog time.

swims BKLYN

April 9 PM walk:

Let it be known that Chester hates East Harlem garbage men, roasted green beans, and rain in his eyes. He hates little yappy dogs, chow-chows and being smacked on the nose. But all those things are but a minor issue when he swims.

We ventured to Prospect Park's Dog beach an a rather cold and breezy evening. The park was burgeoning with dogs, mostly larger, but a few footballs with legs. After a quick poo, we headed straight for the lake where Che proceeded to swim 45 minutes in freezing cold water, stopping only to pee (right into the pond, ata boy). In that time, at least 20 different dogs meandered by but only one had the courage to swim with the Che. In fact, two chows came by, a couple of little yappers barked at him, and several loud little kids jumped up and down and screamed at him. But nothing could deter Chester from getting his swim on. I had to keep a long lead on him, otherwise he honestly would have never left the water. About a 2.5 mile walk in total, but several hundred, maybe even thousand, calories burned swimming.

Monday Morn

Monday April 9, AM walk:
Ahh, Monday morning after Easter Sunday. Cold and chilly but the sun promising a day warmer than the flurries from yesterday. This seems to be our regular route when I substitute for Ms. walksBKLYN in the AM. I did take a detour up to 7th avenue because I had seen some shoes yesterday that were there for the taking. I retrieved them, only to find out that they are too small for me. Nice shoes though, and in good condition. I'm thinking they are size 8's or so. Holler if you want 'em.At home, Ms. walksBKLYN greeted us with a warm cup of joe for me, and morning dog chow for Chester. All in all, a pretty meager 1.7 mile walk, but just enough after our trek yesterday.