I can always find a reason to go somewhere. That was the case with our recent visit to the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge in New York.
We were going to be 10 minutes away from it on our trip to JFK airport to pick up a family member. The reasoning here was to take advantage of the same tank of gas. So we did. From our place to the refuge is about 114 miles and about 2 and a half hour (give or take).
It seemed longer and I am sure it was as traffic on the Saturday we headed to New York was heavy and unnerving. And, it was a very hot day.
Though we could not stay for too long at the site, the payoff was worth our stop there. We only walked part of a trail and were treated to the sight of a young osprey standing on its nest. That was neat to watch. We saw plenty of seagulls and took a nice, long view across the bay.
According to www.nyharborparks.org the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge (which is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area ) “is the only wildlife refuge in the National Park system and it's in Queens and Brooklyn … It is the largest bird sanctuary in the Northeastern United States.”
It is a good spot for bird watching and hiking. There’s a visitors center where you can get a map of the trail and information about the parks. On your first visit the park rangers will give you a card to sign with all the park’s rules and regulations. There are picnic tables near the parking lot. No food is allowed on the trails. For more information, call (718) 318-4340.
*************************TRAVEL NOTES********************************

GETTING THERE: Plan for a full day. Study your route, check the weather and perhaps traffic conditions, before heading out. We took I 95 north, then Exit 13 on to I 278 east. Then took the Brooklyn Belt Parkway east to Exit 17/Crossbay Blvd. Cross North Channel Bridge. From there the refuge is 1 1/2 miles on the right. Be prepared for lots of traffic. Check the Internet for maps and travel directions.
GEAR: Good walking or hiking shoes. Dress according to the weather. A hat comes in handy as does sunblock.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Pack plenty of water. There are eateries on Crossbay Boulevard. But you could pack a lunch or snacks and make use of the picnic tables.
DATE POTENTIAL: A lot of love goes into this one. The drive alone can make anything fizzle. But, hey, gives you lots time to talk and a lot to talk about on the way back.

-- Aixa (with photos by Aixa)