Re: [Paddlewise] Ralph the gracious host.

Richard G. Mitchell, Jr. wrote:
> 
> I must add that Ralph is one of New York's most gracious hosts.  His generous loan
> of a boat and a trip to the Statue of Liberty at sunset were gifts long to be
> cherished for which I remain most grateful.  I don't mean to sound maudlin but
> everyone should reflect on the liberties we enjoy in a gently bobbing kayak beside
> a thoughtful friend on a warm summer evening at the base of that great statue as
> the lights of one of the world's great crucibles of culture, New York, begin to
> sparkle on the skyline.  If you take that sort of experience for granted, or just
> another boat trip, life has become less than it could be.  There are also a raft
> of excellent modest priced restaurants a short jaunt away from the boat house and
> Ralph's great company to share.  Thanks again, Ralph, for what you teach us about
> folding boats, and about the lives they can enrich.

The neighborhood in which the Downtown Boathouse is located is Tribeca
which was in the news this last week because JFK Jr. lived there just 4
blocks or so from the Boathouse where he kept two kayaks. (Tribeca comes
from TRiangle BElow CAnal st.) The restaurant we went to with my wife
and a German-born friend was Bubby's one of JFK Jr.'s favorite spots. 
Also celebrities like Robert de Niro and Harvey Kreitel frequent the
place.  And of course visiting PaddleWise dignitaries such as Rich
Mitchell. :-)

When PaddleWiser Casey Walker was here on the 4th of July, I was hoping
to invite him for lunch at a local restaurant, Walker's because of the
name being the same as his surname, but he got away before I could make
the offer.  A corner of that restaurant was constantly peeking into the
shrine-like scene in front of Kennedy's building as the two buildings
abutt.

Again, if all 400 PaddleWisers show up at once, I think I will leave
town.  :-)

ralph diaz
-- 
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Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter
PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024
Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com
"Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag."
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