Our First Meetup: A Discover Long Island Walk

The beauty of life is in each precious moment! Always take time to stop and smell the flowers 🌺 💐

Welcome to our new group! For our very first Meetup let’s get outside and head to Long Island and take a leisurely exploratory walk at Bayard Cutting Arboretum for fresh air, fitness and camaraderie with new friends and … smell the flowers 😂 walk is reachable on Long Island Railroad to Great River station.

About the Arboretum: The Bayard Cutting Arboretum is a New York State park that was donated to the Long Island State Park Region by [Bayard Family] “to provide an oasis of beauty and quiet for the pleasure, rest and refreshment of those who delight in outdoor beauty; and to bring about a greater appreciation and understanding of the value and importance of informal planting.”

Read more about it -------> HERE and HERE

From their website: we are an arboretum, think of us as a “museum of trees”, not a park. Activities such as biking, picnicking, sports, pets of any type, and games are not permitted.

NOTE: This is my first time doing this hike hence exploratory. Come with an open mind for adventure and flexibility for whatever the day might bring.

GETTING THERE: LIRR to Great River Station then 12-min walk over to the arboretum.

TRAIN SCHEDULE:

• IF YOU ARE TAKING LIRR FROM PENN STATION: LIRR train leaves at 9:16am, transfer at Jamaica Station at 9:42am, and arrive at Great River station at 10:37am
• IF YOU ARE TAKING LIRR FROM JAMAICA STATION IN QUEENS: LIRR train leaves at 9:11am, and arrive at Great River station at 10:06am
• For LIRR from other stations, check MTA Schedule
• We all all meet at Great River station at 10:06AM. From the station, it's a 10-minute walk to the Arboretum.
• Drivers: you can meet us at the Arboretum at 10:30AM. Please note on weekends there is a parking fee of $8.00.

AGENDA: we will explore the Arboretum at LEISURELY PACE, with frequent stops to enjoy the magnificent gardens, and frequent stops and plenty of time for photos. We will walk approximately 4 miles through the Arboretum. Trails are on gravel or easy dirt paths.

THE IMPORTANT STUFF:

• Dress in non-cotton layers.
• Wear appropriate shoes suitable for hiking -
• Bring lunch, snack and at least 3 liters of liquid to stay hydrated.
• Bring sunscreen, bug spray, head cover
• Bring a sense of adventure and a positive attitude. A smile also goes a long way. Please leave the drama and crankiness at home.

DURATION: We'll explore for several hours. I cannot guarantee finishing time. But you can leave on your own at any time. We won't judge. Much.

WEATHER: Rain cancels

LIABILITY WAIVER: Come prepared. Participate at your own risks. Hold no one liable, etc, etc.