Tuesday, September 26, 2017

New York City July 4th Fireworks from Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City

This year, the Macy's Fireworks were located only on the East River along Mid-town instead of in both Mid-town and Downtown.

Most of the area between Vernon Blvd and Center Blvd was roped off. The only way to access Gantry Plaza State Park was through Vernon Blvd & 48th Ave. There was a bag check entering, but no other security checks.

At Gantry Plaza State Park at 4pm. By then it was already pretty full, so if you want a good spot, definitely arrive before 4pm.

crowd at the end of the pier at Gantry Plaza State Park


It was a long, boring wait on a hot day, but at least clouds provided cover from the summer sun.
fireworks barge moving in place

NYPD boat

NYPD helicopters on a fly-by


sunset


NYFD boat

After 5.5 hours the fireworks finally started.

fireworks reflecting off an apartment buildilng









skyline after the fireworks

large crowd moving towards the subway

After the fireworks, lines to enter the subway at Vernon Blvd Station were over 45 minutes long. In the end, it was easier to walk 15 minutes to Court Sq Station.

Monday, September 25, 2017

9/11 Tribute in Light

view from Jersey City

lights going up

The lights are projected from the top floor of Battery Parking Garage. The top floor is open to the public for free, though the area immediately around the lights is limited to members of the Audubon Society. The Audubon is there to monitor how many migrating birds get caught in the lights. The lights confuse birds and have to be turned off occasionally to allow the birds to fly off.

7th floor of Battery Parking Garage

Each beam is made of 44 xenon spotlights placed in a square

close up of the lights as they were being turned off

view from Battery Parking Garage, overlooking Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel

view from DUMBO