On Friday, I wrote an article piggybacking off of DNAinfo.com’s list of the “5 best places for you to hike in NYC”. On my list, I included some of my favorite spots, including a few off the beaten path. One of those is Castle Hill Park and the attached Pugsley Creek Park.

I had the opportunity to relax and have a “picnic” lunch yesterday with a friend at Castle Hill Park. We made a pit stop at Jenny’s Roti Shop, situated just south of the Castle Hill Ave. station, before heading over (I had the curried potato and channa roti and my friend had rice and BBQ chicken, if you’re curious to know.)

I don’t know how I never noticed it before or its origins, but there’s actually a shipwreck several hundred feet off the park, in the East River. Not something you see everyday, no less in New York City.

People tend to forget, but with the exception of the Bronx River, there is no true fresh water river in New York City. All are brackish, a mixture of salt and fresh water—  until the Tappan Zee Bridge, in the Hudson’s case.  It’s not uncommon for animals typically thought of as sea creatures to inhabit or make appearances in our rivers. I was quickly reminded of this upon, spotting crabs crawling through the reeds and hiding below rocks.

While walking, I saw a large group of middle-aged roller bladers and bikers, a few joggers, and a family fishing. The tide was low and you could the gurgling of organisms in the water and from small holes in the moist sand. Mulberry trees created shade on the shores of the river where some sat and spoke quietly with friends.

Photos of Castle Hill Park