I lit out a little early today. I wanted to grab some extra footage for some YouTube videos between 23rd and 44th. So I grabbed the subway and walked back. It’s a glorious Saturday morning as I walk the 20 blocks. Foot traffic on weekends, unless it’s a holiday weekend, is very different to weekdays. The streets are pretty quiet

I get back about an hour later and we decide to head up to Central Park. Today we decide to circumnavigate the Zjackie Onassis Reservoir. An oasis within an oasis surrounded by the mayhem that is New York.

It’s 2.5 kilometres to complete a lap. We kick off at what could be considered its main entrance, near 86th Street. Interestingly this is where we first visited Central Park 14 years ago. The two photos below are taken from the exact same spot. They are of Mardi.

The reservoir is a 106-acre body of water that covers about one-eighth of Central Park. It’s known for its 1.58-mile running track, which is a popular spot for runners, walkers, and birdwatchers.The track is made of crushed gravel and offers great views of the city skyline. 

The reservoir was built between 1858 and 1862 and was once a vital part of the city’s water system. It was decommissioned in 1993 after a new water tunnel opened. Today, the reservoir distributes water to other parts of Central Park, including the Pool, the Loch, and the Harlem Meer.

I do a full lap, Mardi does about two thirds of a lap and waits for me, which means I do almost two laps. I’m shooting some film for a video. We sit and enjoy the afternoon sunshine.

We then head over to an afternoon tea place we know of on 3rd and 82nd. Damn. He’s fully booked. We decide to call it a day. We are pretty hungry, so call into the whole foods store before heading home. We grab some snacks, bread, water, breakfast cereal. We make sandwiches for dinner and take it easy. I’ve walked 20,000 steps today and am exhausted.