PBW: A Beautiful Day

It's been a while since a healthy trek was the source of a Photo Blog Wednesday. On Sunday morning, I awoke with ”It's a Beautiful Day” on the brain. I went to church, and afterwards consulted Google™ Maps in search of large green areas I'd yet to explore. And so, I discovered the Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve. Once a landfill, one I'd driven past many times on a nearby parkway, it has since become a manmade park boasting one of the highest points on Long Island, and some amazing views.

When I arrived, I was greeted by what I thought were mutant fowl. They had horns and sort of looked like turkeys. I wonder what was under the soil, if a park over a landfill was the safest place to visit. Later research would reveal them to be Guinea Fowl, brought there to keep the tick population down. I journeyed up to the summit, where a windmill spun while birds and fish hung out in a nearby pond. Then I headed down to the other side where I ventured on to a large pier. I must have looked apprehensive of the height of the pier and depth of the water below. An old man with a camera of his own passed by and cheerfully advised me, “Smile! It's a beautiful day!” It was kind of weird that he quoted the song I was thinking about when I woke up that day. I later got a picture of him just to make sure it wasn't a messenger of God or Bobby McFerrin spreading good cheer.

It was odd to find such beauty near a recycling center and parkway and over buried garbage. Still, I got some great pictures and even greater exercise. It was a beautiful day.