Giant Steps

Actually, the trail is called the Giant Staircase, and for any hiker's out there, I highly recommend this nearby hike. Amanda and I met at the W. 178 bus depot, hopped a bus over the GW Bridge and up the into the Palisades, where we disembarked at the NJ/NY state line. The whole trip took maybe 4 hours, the hike was shady and challenging, offering beautiful views of the Hudson and a much needed break from the city.

Here are a view pics to tempt you...

An impossible swim possible, sadly

"I am obviously ecstatic to have succeeded, but this swim is a triumph and a tragedy," comments Lewis Gordon Pugh (above) on his recent 19 minute swim in the just below freezing waters of the North Pole.

This 37-year-old British lawyer and swimmer hoped the success of his swim would prove a point to politicians around the world about the effects of global warming.

"A triumph that I could swim in such ferocious conditions but a tragedy that it's possible to swim in the North Pole."

More here.