Coney Island: Sunset and Fireworks

The Friday fireworks start this weekend!

Join me on a leisurely three mile walk along the shore to see the sunset, and then back to the Luna Park area to see the fireworks. The sun sets at 8:30 PM, but the effects are visible much earlier, so we will start walking westward at 7:30. After sunset, we will walk back along the shoreline to the starting point, look for a spot to sit and watch the fireworks that start at 9:45. We will be walking along the shore, and not on the boardwalk. Leader sets the pace.

Meeting time and place: Meet at 7:15 PM in the outdoor dining area, next to Nathan's. The walk starts at 7:30 PM. If you are late, walk toward the shore and then westward in the direction of the setting sun.

Getting there: Take the D, F, N, or Q to the last stop, Coney Island/Stillwell Avenue. Cross Surf Avenue, turn right, and walk past Nathan's. The outdoor seating area is alongside Nathan's to the left of the building. If you are facing the ocean from the street, the restrooms will be on your left, in the Nathan's building; the seating area will be in front of you.

Bring food, drinks, and a towel or blanket to sit on to watch the fireworks. Bring a light jacket as the temperatures tend to drop after sunset. If you need to purchase dinner or snacks, please come early as we will be starting on time. You can also pick up dinner once we get back to the starting point after watching the sunset.

Footwear: Wear shoes appropriate for walking on the sand. If the water is warm enough, you can also walk barefoot along the shoreline.

Coney Island: I will talk briefly about the geology and history of Coney Island before we start walking, and then give you an overview of Seagate when we stop to look at the sunset.

Leave No Trace Behind: You are probably familiar with the Leave No Trace Behind principles of outdoors hiking. The ones that apply to our event, in addition to the “Pack it in, pack it out” and “Visit in small groups when possible.” are:

• Respect Wildlife
• Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
• Never feed animals (this includes the gulls that we'll see on our route). Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors (habituates them to humans), and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
• Be Considerate of Other Visitors
• Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
• Be courteous.
• Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.

Note: If you'd like to come earlier to enjoy the rides and restaurants, the Luna Park website has the necessary information.

Guests are welcome; please make sure that they sign the waiver and release through this link.

Rain cancels

Leader: Prathima Christdas, christdasp@yahoo.com