Spring Has Sprung Pizza Brunch then Walk from Long Island to Queens

After a brutal winter we've made it through to SPRING! Huzzah!

On the first day of the Vernal Equinox, with spring temps and longer daylight hours, let's get outside and walk the walk from Long Beach, Long Island, the City by the Sea ... and make our way ... all the way ... to Rockaway Beach in Queens, breathing in some fresh air, get fitness, and partake in camaraderie with new friends

Before we start walk, we'll have lunch at Gino's Long Beach Pizzeria right outside the Long Beach LIRR station.

Total mileage will be about 10-12 miles, ALL FLAT ! We can do this!

ABOUT LONG BEACH: If you’re looking for saltwater vibes, Long Beach offers the ambiance of a seaside resort, just minutes away from the LIRR train station. Visit its vibrant 2-mile long boardwalk and pristine Atlantic Ocean beach, ideal for swimming, walking, biking, or watching surfers catch waves. Grab a bite to eat or a drink along the way or visit one of the town’s unique shops.

ABOUT ROCKAWAY BEACH: From surfers to swimmers to the Ramones, everyone wants to "hitch a ride to Rockaway Beach." Rockaway Beach is a year-round resource for residents all along the Rockaway peninsula, and it comes alive each summer with millions of visitors. Beach goers can enjoy the sand and water, the variety of concessions, and the city's only legal surfing beaches. Rockaway Beach is also home to a variety of playgrounds and other outdoor activities. Rockaway Beach was hard hit by Superstorm Sandy, which struck in October 2012. Since then Rockaway Beach has also become a testament to New York's resilience, and a model for sustainable rebuilding.

GETTING THERE: Pick up Long Island Railroad (LIRR) from any LIRR station to LONG BEACH STATION. At the end of the day we'll be in Rockaway Beach where you can pick up MTA Subway A train, Q53 Bus and ferry back to where you need to get back to.

LIRR TRAIN SCHEDULE:

• If you are leaving from PENN STATION in Manhattan: Take the LIRR train leaving at 10:06AM, arrriving at LONG BEACH STATION at 11:02AM.
• If you are leaving from JAMAICA STATION in QUEENS: Take the LIRR train leaving at 10:28AM, arriving at LONG BEACH STATION at 11:02am.
• For trains from other LIRR stations go ---------> HERE

AGENDA: Once all trains arrive at Long Beach station by 11:02AM, we'll have pizza brunch at Gino's Long Beach Pizzeria right across the street from the train station. After lunch, we'll pick up the boardwalk and proceed to make our way to Queens.

PACE: Walk will be at LEISURELY PACE AND NO ONE WILL BE LEFT BEHIND. NO SPEED DEMONS PLEASE!

MILEAGE: about 10 miles on combination of boardwalk and city streets

THE IMPORTANT STUFF:

• Dress for the weather
• Wear appropriate shoes suitable for hiking/walking
• Bring water to stay hydrated
• Bring sunscreen and bugspray and 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: I cannot guarantee finishing time. But you can leave ON YOUR OWN at any time. WE WON'T JUDGE. MUCH.

POST-WALK: we will end by Rockaway Beach 116th Street station where you can pick up the A train back to Manhattan and all points west. For those interested we will also do an optional celebratory sit-down dinner before heading home.

WEATHER: Heavy Rain cancels

MEETUP FEE: A $2.00 Meetup fee will be collected to help defray the cost of keeping this group going.

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