Ten Walks We Want To Take.

By Erica and Karen

We love to walk. In the City, in the woods, on the beach, anywhere beautiful or interesting. One of us once walked the Grand Canyon, from the North Rim to the South Rim along Bright Angel Trail, before there was much of an accommodation at Phantom Ranch. Exhausting and amazing. (Could have done without the donkeys and their effluence.) We were also amused to meet a Brooklyn native Park Ranger at Phantom Ranch.

There are so many other walks we have read about that we would love to do. Here are some we fantasize about. 

1. Zion National Park is an extraordinarily beautiful place, with lots of walks of different levels. We have never walked in the park but looked from the rim and love the terrain.
2. Walking around volcanoes in Hawaii sounds spectacular. So does walking anywhere in Hawaii!
3. New Zealand has been on our radar for ages, but the distance deters us. We need to overcome our hesitation. Everyone we know who has been there remarks on its beauty. Seems there are many glorious walks to choose.
4. In Japan, we saw shy Mt. Fuji from a distance, peeking through clouds. We would love to walk a little closer. Seems that there are many options at all levels. The terrain is stunning.
5. Closer to home, Quebec is very walkable with stunning views of the St. Lawrence.  Hiking along the sea in Eastern Quebec looks amaazing.  
6. Even closer is Florida, with many types of terrain, We are drawn to walking near its many waterways, like Rainbow Springs. And we were captivated by the description of the famous Florida Trail–all 1500 miles of it–in the Panhandle.
7. One of the most amazing sights on earth is Machu Picchu, reached in various ways including via the Inca Trail. You may not want to do the whole thing, but perhaps do part. Whatever you do, get to Machu Picchu!
8. Right here in NYC, Staten Island is seldom thought of as a place for nature. But it is. It has some amazing trails, and a minor league baseball stadium that is wonderful fun and has a spectacular view of Manhattan.
9. We asked ChatGPT to identify the best walking trail in the world. It refused to give us just one, but this sounded exceptional–the Lycian Way in Turkey–turquoise coastline, ancient ruins, pine forests, and friendly mountain villages. Long–335 miles–but seems a segment would be grand. 
10. Finally, when we asked what was the most manageable, but exciting, walk on earth. ChatGPT answered Path of the Gods—Amalfi Coast. Astonishing cliffside views over the sea, lemon groves, tiny villages, and pasta at the end. 4–5 miles (mostly downhill if you start in Bomerano).Feels like walking in a dream — ocean, ruins, cliffs, and classic Italian charm. Wow! Who knew ChatGPT could be so poetic? Especially since, we believe, it cannot walk at all?

What are your favorite walks?