New York

A Snowstorm in Fort Greene

Experiencing a snowstorm in New York City is one of my favorite things. Not only does the city get really really quiet, but people seem to come together. Everyone wants to enjoy the feat of nature that has taken over the city. We are more friendly on the streets and midnight walks become a popular nighttime activity. Early morning excursions to the park for sledding of snow-angel-making are common. I love how people just want to get outside.

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Fort Greene Park is the best place in Brooklyn for sledding. Or, if you are like me and are snowboard-crazy, it’s where you go for Brooklyn snowboarding. Amazing that such a thing is even possible.  The park sits on a big hill that was originally used as Fort Putnam in the Revolutionary War, which gives it the topography of an easy ski slope.

So of course the morning after the biggest snowstorm of 2013, we dragged out our snowboards and the new puppy and headed into the powder to enjoy some fresh tracks, dog-play, and Brooklyn quiet.

Fort Greene statues in the snow | BrooklynFort Greene Park after a snowstorm | BrooklynSnowstorm farmer's market | Fort Greene, Brooklyn_1Wrought iron and snow-painted trees | Fort Greene, Brooklyn

In the early morning (and I mean early, like pre-7am), the snow was still falling lightly. A tablecloth of powder covered the park, unbothered. All three of us trudged through ten inches of whiteness to the peak of the park – the Martyrs Monument. Bodie spent her time  jumping in the powder and exploring while Matt and I took turns carving down the hill nearly all the way to Myrtle Avenue.

Once the sun came out, hundreds of bundled-up children in sleds joined us on the hill. Gone were the powdery drifts of snow we had discovered after the sunrise, much to Bodie’s dismay.

Sunny day after a snowstorm | Fort Greene, Brooklyn

Then, it was back home to enjoy another piece of pristine powder.

I must admit, I am a little spoiled by my apartment. I live in one of those fabled NYC apartments that has it’s own backyard. I didn’t think such a thing was possible until we started hunting for one and stumbled magically upon our current home. It was in the midst of renovation and we signed a lease without knowing what it would look like. There were no floors, no cabinets, no appliances – it was a construction zone. We chose it purely for the yard.

Having our own quiet outdoor space has created a Brooklyn life I enjoy infinitely more than I did before. I can now spend time writing outside on our patio chairs. We have barbeques in the nice weather. Bodie has a place to chase cats and squirrels – clearly her calling as part herding dog. But for this dog, messing up the perfect smoothness of the backyard snow that morning might have been the most fun thing she’s ever done.

Perhaps I should have put down my camera and joined her.

Brooklyn backyard snow

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Snowy Bodie in the backyard | BrooklynBackyard wires | Brooklyn

3 Comments

  • Adina | Gluten Free Travelette
    March 14, 2013 at 4:40 pm

    This sounds a lot like what North Seattle is like when it snows really good here. It’s only happened about 3 times since I’ve lived here, but everyone trudges their way over to the streets that cascade down Phinney Ridge for sledding, skiing, and snowboarding. Almost no one drives when we get more than a few inches.

    And with everything snow covered it’s just so beautiful!

    Love those pictues of Bodie in the snow :-)

    Reply
    • annie
      March 14, 2013 at 5:19 pm

      its funny how people freak out with a few inches of snow on the road. I guess its safer that way though if people stay home.
      Snowboarding is the only thing I like about winter. It is also the only sport Im actually good at!
      Do you have parsley shots in the snow? would love to see those too :)

      Reply
  • jenny adams
    March 15, 2013 at 11:15 am

    DAMN, sorry i missed this!
    but excited for summer bbq’s at your place!

    Reply

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