On the Road Again with Merle

[Nature Boy]

When we got home, Merle helped welcome some new arrivals…

…who turned out to be a couple of old timers…

 

[Nature Boy]

Warriors, come out to plaayaay!

Next I thought I’d take Merle to Coney Island. Walk along the boardwalk, eat a Nathan’s Famous hot dog, ride the Cyclone…

No, wait. Not that Coney Island. This one, on Lake Waconia.

I got you, Barrett…


Coney Island isn’t exactly on my way home from work, but it’s not really out of the way either, so it seemed like a stop was in order.

It’s a little out of season on the boardwalk, with all of the rides and stores closed, so Merle and I were able to take in the sites through the construction netting at our own pace.

We were able to grab a hotdog at Nathan’s.

I am almost embarrassed to show a picture of the hotdog. It definitely doesn’t look like something with world class appeal, but it is a Coney Island staple and so we had to stop. All in all it was pretty delicious, but how somebody can eat more than one or two of these, let alone 60, is beyond me! Merle thought that maybe he could do 5 on a good day.

As I mentioned, Luna park and the other rides open on April 2, so merle and I didn’t get to go on any rides. I’m not sure that Merle would’ve met the height requirements anyways. But we got to see the Cyclone and some other classics, as well as the testing out of the rides before the big opening this weekend.

Cyclone

Steeplechase

Wonder Wheel

 

[Nature Boy]

Off season is a great time for a walk on the boardwalk, but Merle will have to come back when we can belly up to one of the bars along the way!

New York Aquarium

 

[JohnDF]

It reminds me so much of Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk... I'm sure we copied you guys.

 

[Nature Boy]

It reminds me so much of Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk... I'm sure we copied you guys.

I think at one time, amusement rides and boardwalks kind of went hand in hand.

Even Staten Island’s boardwalk and beaches were once a tourist draw with lots of rides. The rides are long gone now.

The Cyclone has been here since 1927, and is the second steepest wooden roller coaster in the world!They sure packed a lot of action into a tight space!



P.S. I think you probably win, weather-wise…

 

[Peregrin]

Nature Boy
Great pics, Mike! Looks like Merle is having a wonderful time!

 

[Nature Boy]

Thanks, Gary!
It’s mutual, as Merle has gotten me out and about a bit more than the usual work and rush home for the second job running around with the kids...

 

[btb01]

Excellent photos from (the real) Coney Island, Mike! The “Follow the Crowd” sign at Nathan’s seems pretty funny in the off season.

 

[Nature Boy]

Excellent photos from (the real) Coney Island, Mike! The “Follow the Crowd” sign at Nathan’s seems pretty funny in the off season.

I think the eateries along Surf Ave do pretty well year round with the locals. (I didn’t get a picture of said eateries, but took a picture of the end of the line train station for several of the subway lines.)


While I was there, it seemed like Nathan’s had a pretty solid online order and pickup thing going - like most places now, I suppose.

They were ready for a crowd, though, with the amusement park style corrals set up. Maybe for the lunch crowd? (Didn’t get a good pic of said corrals, either…)

 

[Nature Boy]

Though I’ve lived in Staten Island for what, I guess, can be considered a while now, I spent most of my life in less urban places around New York State. I never really planned, or wanted, to move to the big city, but, as these things go, with marriage and children, we moved closer to my wife’s family.

Anyways, luckily for me, Staten Island has a lot more green space than NYC’s other boroughs. And while you’re never too far from any major roadway, there are some fairly extensive hiking trails that take you through varied terrain and ecosystems.

We even have deer that swam over from New Jersey! (And a waaaay over budget vasectomy program to get rid of them.)


(Old photos)

And turkeys…


I figured I’d take Merle on one of my kids’ favorite hikes, which climbs a site known as Moses’ Mountain. It is so named from a debris pile left from the excavation for a never-completed Robert Moses parkway. So while it’s just a pile of rubble, it gives some good views, and a little climbing excitement for the little ones.

The photo sure flattens the mound…
The first half of the pile is visible here.


Half way point.


There are several ways up, gradual and meandering, or just the right amount of a scrambling challenge for the little ones.


But the view isn’t too bad for the eastern seaboard…

 

[paulhilborn]

I thought for sometime about posting this, because I didn't want to distract from this wonderful thread. I feel in a way it's in step with the porch and touches on Merles travels.
I'm carrying my forum knife today because my boys and I are going to my sister in laws wake. Sad in a sense but really a celebration of my wife Nancy's sister's life.
We are having a wake today to celebrate Betty's life as Betty didn't have a religious denomination.

Merle had just arrived when Nanc got the word her sister Betty was admitted to the hospital, not the first time, as this has been more frequent in the last two years. Betty was a good person who loved life, she was kind, funny and sarcastic (as her obituary points out) Nanc has been gone most of two weeks now as I ran our furniture store while she's been gone. We're blessed at this stage in life that we can leave on a moments notice if needed.

My son and I have been trying to do all the things that Nanc does at work and home on a daily basis and my son commented "Wow, Mom's a superhero"

I've carried a pocket knife since I was very young and now reflecting back they do more than just cut, they mark time in a way, I can look at a certain knife and recall a specific day or occasion. Merle's travels will create these memories as well, a page in the book of Merle and what a tale to tell. Merle hit the road only after a day with me in ND but it's neat to see where he's been and what he's done. It's a fun thread but a real thread also.

So in a sense when I see Merle, it will make me think of that day when Nanc left to be with her sister in the hospital, one that Nanc is thankful for because those days with Betty were filled with fond memories of childhood and laughter, so a celebration with good memories and a life well lived

 

[Modoc ED]

I thought for sometime about posting this, because I didn't want to distract from this wonderful thread. I feel in a way it's in step with the porch and touches on Merles travels.
I'm carrying my forum knife today because my boys and I are going to my sister in laws wake. Sad in a sense but really a celebration of my wife Nancy's sister's life.
We are having a wake today to celebrate Betty's life as Betty didn't have a religious denomination.

Merle had just arrived when Nanc got the word her sister Betty was admitted to the hospital, not the first time, as this has been more frequent in the last two years. Betty was a good person who loved life, she was kind, funny and sarcastic (as her obituary points out) Nanc has been gone most of two weeks now as I ran our furniture store while she's been gone. We're blessed at this stage in life that we can leave on a moments notice if needed.

My son and I have been trying to do all the things that Nanc does at work and home on a daily basis and my son commented "Wow, Mom's a superhero"

I've carried a pocket knife since I was very young and now reflecting back they do more than just cut, they mark time in a way, I can look at a certain knife and recall a specific day or occasion. Merle's travels will create these memories as well, a page in the book of Merle and what a tale to tell. Merle hit the road only after a day with me in ND but it's neat to see where he's been and what he's done. It's a fun thread but a real thread also.

So in a sense when I see Merle, it will make me think of that day when Nanc left to be with her sister in the hospital, one that Nanc is thankful for because those days with Betty were filled with fond memories of childhood and laughter, so a celebration with good memories and a life well lived

Very nice heartfelt post Paul. Condolences to you, Nanc, your son, and the rest of y'all's family and friends.

 

[paulhilborn]

Very nice heartfelt post Paul. Condolences to you, Nanc, your son, and the rest of y'all's family and friends.

Thank you Ed, a day of reflection and celebration as well. Food, family and friends. It’ll be a good day

 

[btb01]

Though I’ve lived in Staten Island for what, I guess, can be considered a while now, I spent most of my life in less urban places around New York State. I never really planned, or wanted, to move to the big city, but, as these things go, with marriage and children, we moved closer to my wife’s family.

Anyways, luckily for me, Staten Island has a lot more green space than NYC’s other boroughs. And while you’re never too far from any major roadway, there are some fairly extensive hiking trails that take you through varied terrain and ecosystems.

We even have deer that swam over from New Jersey! (And a waaaay over budget vasectomy program to get rid of them.)
View attachment 1782582
View attachment 1782583
(Old photos)

And turkeys…
View attachment 1782588

I figured I’d take Merle on one of my kids’ favorite hikes, which climbs a site known as Moses’ Mountain. It is so named from a debris pile left from the excavation for a never-completed Robert Moses parkway. So while it’s just a pile of rubble, it gives some good views, and a little climbing excitement for the little ones.
View attachment 1782590View attachment 1782591
The photo sure flattens the mound…
The first half of the pile is visible here.

View attachment 1782595View attachment 1782596
Half way point.
View attachment 1782597

There are several ways up, gradual and meandering, or just the right amount of a scrambling challenge for the little ones.
View attachment 1782602

But the view isn’t too bad for the eastern seaboard…

Very nice photos, Mike. I had no idea there was that much nature in NYC! Looks like a lot of fun for the kids, too.

I thought for sometime about posting this, because I didn't want to distract from this wonderful thread. I feel in a way it's in step with the porch and touches on Merles travels.
I'm carrying my forum knife today because my boys and I are going to my sister in laws wake. Sad in a sense but really a celebration of my wife Nancy's sister's life.
We are having a wake today to celebrate Betty's life as Betty didn't have a religious denomination.

Merle had just arrived when Nanc got the word her sister Betty was admitted to the hospital, not the first time, as this has been more frequent in the last two years. Betty was a good person who loved life, she was kind, funny and sarcastic (as her obituary points out) Nanc has been gone most of two weeks now as I ran our furniture store while she's been gone. We're blessed at this stage in life that we can leave on a moments notice if needed.

My son and I have been trying to do all the things that Nanc does at work and home on a daily basis and my son commented "Wow, Mom's a superhero"

I've carried a pocket knife since I was very young and now reflecting back they do more than just cut, they mark time in a way, I can look at a certain knife and recall a specific day or occasion. Merle's travels will create these memories as well, a page in the book of Merle and what a tale to tell. Merle hit the road only after a day with me in ND but it's neat to see where he's been and what he's done. It's a fun thread but a real thread also.

So in a sense when I see Merle, it will make me think of that day when Nanc left to be with her sister in the hospital, one that Nanc is thankful for because those days with Betty were filled with fond memories of childhood and laughter, so a celebration with good memories and a life well lived

Thanks for sharing, Paul. I’m sorry to hear about Nancy’s sister, but I’m glad she was able to be there with her. My thoughts are with you and your family.

 

[JohnDF]

I respect your positive outlook on a terrible situation.

 

[bigfish64]

I thought for sometime about posting this, because I didn't want to distract from this wonderful thread. I feel in a way it's in step with the porch and touches on Merles travels.
I'm carrying my forum knife today because my boys and I are going to my sister in laws wake. Sad in a sense but really a celebration of my wife Nancy's sister's life.
We are having a wake today to celebrate Betty's life as Betty didn't have a religious denomination.

Merle had just arrived when Nanc got the word her sister Betty was admitted to the hospital, not the first time, as this has been more frequent in the last two years. Betty was a good person who loved life, she was kind, funny and sarcastic (as her obituary points out) Nanc has been gone most of two weeks now as I ran our furniture store while she's been gone. We're blessed at this stage in life that we can leave on a moments notice if needed.

My son and I have been trying to do all the things that Nanc does at work and home on a daily basis and my son commented "Wow, Mom's a superhero"

I've carried a pocket knife since I was very young and now reflecting back they do more than just cut, they mark time in a way, I can look at a certain knife and recall a specific day or occasion. Merle's travels will create these memories as well, a page in the book of Merle and what a tale to tell. Merle hit the road only after a day with me in ND but it's neat to see where he's been and what he's done. It's a fun thread but a real thread also.

So in a sense when I see Merle, it will make me think of that day when Nanc left to be with her sister in the hospital, one that Nanc is thankful for because those days with Betty were filled with fond memories of childhood and laughter, so a celebration with good memories and a life well lived

Sorry to hear the news. Your post was beautiful Paul. I’m sure you’re family has many wonderful memories to help you get through the tough days ahead.

 

[paulhilborn]

Very nice photos, Mike. I had no idea there was that much nature in NYC! Looks like a lot of fun for the kids, too.



Thanks for sharing, Paul. I’m sorry to hear about Nancy’s sister, but I’m glad she was able to be there with her. My thoughts are with you and your family.

I respect your positive outlook on a terrible situation.

Sorry to hear the news. Your post was beautiful Paul. I’m sure you’re family has many wonderful memories to help you get through the tough days ahead.

Thank you Barrett, John and Todd. I didn't mean to put a somber note on a fun thread and the atmosphere today was truly one of celebration. I just remember the day Merle arrived and Nanc after receiving the news left to be with her sister. It was a fun get together today. I kid you not, the wake was held at the "Sin Bin Bar and Casino" This was so Betty

 

[RLB0414]

I thought for sometime about posting this, because I didn't want to distract from this wonderful thread. I feel in a way it's in step with the porch and touches on Merles travels.
I'm carrying my forum knife today because my boys and I are going to my sister in laws wake. Sad in a sense but really a celebration of my wife Nancy's sister's life.
We are having a wake today to celebrate Betty's life as Betty didn't have a religious denomination.

Merle had just arrived when Nanc got the word her sister Betty was admitted to the hospital, not the first time, as this has been more frequent in the last two years. Betty was a good person who loved life, she was kind, funny and sarcastic (as her obituary points out) Nanc has been gone most of two weeks now as I ran our furniture store while she's been gone. We're blessed at this stage in life that we can leave on a moments notice if needed.

My son and I have been trying to do all the things that Nanc does at work and home on a daily basis and my son commented "Wow, Mom's a superhero"

I've carried a pocket knife since I was very young and now reflecting back they do more than just cut, they mark time in a way, I can look at a certain knife and recall a specific day or occasion. Merle's travels will create these memories as well, a page in the book of Merle and what a tale to tell. Merle hit the road only after a day with me in ND but it's neat to see where he's been and what he's done. It's a fun thread but a real thread also.

So in a sense when I see Merle, it will make me think of that day when Nanc left to be with her sister in the hospital, one that Nanc is thankful for because those days with Betty were filled with fond memories of childhood and laughter, so a celebration with good memories and a life well lived

Sorry for your family's loss. Very inspiring way of looking at it.

 

[Nature Boy]

I thought for sometime about posting this, because I didn't want to distract from this wonderful thread. I feel in a way it's in step with the porch and touches on Merles travels.
I'm carrying my forum knife today because my boys and I are going to my sister in laws wake. Sad in a sense but really a celebration of my wife Nancy's sister's life.
We are having a wake today to celebrate Betty's life as Betty didn't have a religious denomination.

Merle had just arrived when Nanc got the word her sister Betty was admitted to the hospital, not the first time, as this has been more frequent in the last two years. Betty was a good person who loved life, she was kind, funny and sarcastic (as her obituary points out) Nanc has been gone most of two weeks now as I ran our furniture store while she's been gone. We're blessed at this stage in life that we can leave on a moments notice if needed.

My son and I have been trying to do all the things that Nanc does at work and home on a daily basis and my son commented "Wow, Mom's a superhero"

I've carried a pocket knife since I was very young and now reflecting back they do more than just cut, they mark time in a way, I can look at a certain knife and recall a specific day or occasion. Merle's travels will create these memories as well, a page in the book of Merle and what a tale to tell. Merle hit the road only after a day with me in ND but it's neat to see where he's been and what he's done. It's a fun thread but a real thread also.

So in a sense when I see Merle, it will make me think of that day when Nanc left to be with her sister in the hospital, one that Nanc is thankful for because those days with Betty were filled with fond memories of childhood and laughter, so a celebration with good memories and a life well lived

My sincere condolences to you and your family for your loss, Paul.
Thank you for your post.
I have a similar connections to knives throughout my life. It’s nice to have a place to talk about them…

 

[Nature Boy]

Very nice photos, Mike. I had no idea there was that much nature in NYC! Looks like a lot of fun for the kids, too.

Even living in NYState my whole I didn’t realize until I lived in one of the boroughs that “the city” just refers to Manhattan - though the other boroughs would qualify as urban living, too.

Staten Island is a fairly unique locale. I describe it as having a suburban mindset with an urban density. And most of that population growth is in the last 50ish years since the construction of the Verrazano bridge - transforming what was mostly farmland, if you talk to any of the old timers.

It has the most amount of park space of the NYC boroughs, but with a population of, about, the state of Wyoming on an island not quite 14 miles long. I just haven’t shown Merle the densest parts, since I try to avoid them…

Today’s adventure with Merle is a culinary one.

Philadelphia has the cheesesteak, Chicago has deep dish pizza and Amarillo has a steak the size of your head, but in Minneapolis, it’s the Jucy Lucy, a burger stuffed with molten cheese.

Merle, Scout and I headed over to Matt’s Bar in Minneapolis for lunch, where they claim to serve the “original” Jucy Lucy.

Here’s some info from their website:

Matt’s Bar & Grill, now a Minneapolis landmark, began in 1954 as a neighborhood burger eatery. Shortly after we opened, founder Matt Bristol explains how the “Jucy Lucy” was created when a local customer asked for two hamburger patties with a slice of cheese in the middle. Upon biting into this new, molten hot burger, he exclaimed “that’s one juicy Lucy”, and a legend was born. Customer demand grew so quickly, we forgot to add the “i” and the “Jucy Lucy” has now become a local culinary hero. Remember, if it’s spelled correctly, you just might be eating a shameless ripoff!

I have to say, I really like the atmosphere inside Matt’s. It has just the right sort of dated-but-well-cared-for neighborhood bar feel to it.

I wasn’t able to get a photo of Merle outside of the building — that would have required standing in the middle of an intersection that, while not exactly busy, had enough regular traffic that doing so would have caused an issue — but he did get to join in on the pictures inside.

Now I will say, at first glance, the Jucy Lucy at Matt’s doesn’t look very exciting. It’s sort of… plain. Just a simple looking burger patty on a bed of grilled onions and a plain bun.

That said, it’s actually really good! A bit messy, definitely juicy, potentially hazardous (that cheese comes out HOT!) and it tastes great. (The grilled onions are a really nice touch.)

Scout had a grilled cheese, which she said was excellent, as well. (Ok, she doesn’t know the word “excellent,” but she seemed to like it just fine.)

Ever since you posted about Matt’s, I knew I had to take Merle to see our own “Juicy Lucy.”

Unfortunately, they are closed on Mondays…

Fortunately, Merle wasn’t really interested in trying a “Shameless Ripoff!”

The place has only been opened a few years, and I have only ate there once. I must say, the brisket was pretty fantastic!

They get a pretty good crowd most nights, but, for us, the place it replaced was one of our go tos, one of the “dated but well cared for neighborhood bars, and we never made the switch with new ownership.

A mural left on the deck area from the previous bar denotes the water level after hurricane sandy came through in 2012. Behind the restaurant, the land all drops below sea level, and was hit especially hard here. Most of the housing around the restaurant was bought back by the state, and is being returned to marshland. Hard to see, but I figured we’d post:


Merle was schedule for departure today, but it looks like his stay will have to extend for another day or two before he is on his way. We will keep y’all posted.