Snapped: Spring in Central Park, New York

Life is a journey, not a destination. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

It’s not easy to plan a trip to Central Park with an endpoint in mind, especially if you are easily distracted. This isn’t a bad thing – just something to be conscious of if time is of the essence.

Yesterday, I had some time.

These past few days, it really feels as if winter has left the City, especially in Central Park. It’s as if Spring took a brush and brightened its expanse with a fresh coat of paint. New leaves grow into winter’s space, filling it in with shades of green; baby buds and blooms garner attention – their stems and branches reaching out, decorated in different shades of yellow and pink.

Along with the fruits of a new season, Central Park has come alive with people. New Yorkers once again embrace the lush foliage of their extended backyard; ducks welcome newcomers to the water – they happily float alongside row- and remote-controlled sailboats.

Just as I was sidetracked on my last trip to Central Park, I was distracted again yesterday. Sheer determination got me to the Jackie Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, a place I’d missed out on seeing a few weeks ago for its cherry blossoms. I made it; I saw the blooms surrounding it. Yet, I was happier for having captured so many lovely moments along the way.

Life really is about collecting moments, isn’t it? I hope you’ll enjoy these.

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Central Park – Enter and be greeted with a vibrant pop of yellow. A sunburst, at ground level.

Spot bristly looking blooms, reaching for the sun.

How could you not be sidetracked by this skyline? A model view of Manhattan.

Midtown’s panorama: it looks so peaceful, standing on the sidelines at Sheep Meadow. Reason enough to love New York.

Whilst Sheep Meadow is still gathering strength before it opens its gates to sunbakers and frisbee throwers, there are plenty of other spots to retreat into. Millions of perfect settings in which to linger over a cup of coffee and indulge in an afternoon nap.

Open-air shopping at The Mall. It’s good to see its lined-up elms awake – the green leaves are such a contrast against those dark trunks.

In the background, an absolute delight to hear the sounds of the Australian Chamber Orchestra from the Bandshell. A reminder of home…

… worthy of a crowd. What a treat to stumble upon.

Road traffic against the Boathouse

Lunch: at The Loeb Boathouse.

The Conservatory Water, seen from uphill.

At the water’s edge, remote controlled wind-driven sailboats glide…

… and ducks float alongside; a couple take a breather on the rectangular buoys. Poised, one looks ready to dive.

This is a different kind of buzz taking place in the midst of the most bustling city in the US. A subdued atmosphere with a positive energy behind it.

Later… From water activity to a pink blossom sighting.

Bustle Alert. From above: a view of the ubiquitous yellow cabs. New York City symbolism.

Shadows on The Metropolitan Museum of Art – it sits in the grounds of Central Park.

More blossoms along the way. A divine fragrance, begging to be bottled. A few sprigs plucked; their sweetness saved for memory.

Green against amber against white against pink. Spring’s best offering – a palette of amazing colours.

The undeniable beauty of the magnolia bloom; so pretty yet so stoic.

Steps away… the Jackie Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. At its circumference, The Guggenheim can be seen through the tree branches – to the right…

… water – to the left, and a cherry blossom directly ahead. Another happy snapper in the midst.

Musings, under the shade of the cherry blossom tree….Maybe I should give jogging another try…?

West Side Story, framed by blossoms. A view of the Reservoir against Fifth Avenue. The Guggenheim is amongst those buildings, somewhere…

A lovely walk in the Park; a string of spring moments. Strolling into a block of townhouses, somewhere on the Upper West Side, in the 80’s…

Gorgeous entryways, detailed architecture… still in the peaceful 80’s. Where is everybody?

Spoke too soon. Steps away. Bustling New York.

For perspective, an interactive map of Central Park can be accessed here: Central Park Maps | Your Complete Guide to Central Park.