Tri-State Heat Wave

Hello readers!

I won't be bringing you any events happening this weekend, however, I would like to take a moment to advise you of the heat wave condition in the Tri-State area. As you may have noticed, the mercury has been flirting with ninety-five degrees for the past two days. What better time for this than the time of year that we are expected to attend the graduation ceremonies of our many beloved family members and friends? The answer: any time is better. Heat of this extent is dangerous and can be, due to a lack of proper precautions, deadly. It is very important that you drink plenty of water, for the sugar in sodas and juice also contribute to dehydration along with caffeine. To avoid the situation entirely, remain indoors in a climate controlled environment ; if activity outside is necessary, see that it's done at dusk or during the evening. If one must be outside during the day, see that you apply UVA/UVB sunblock and reapply often.

This heat is not to be taken lightly. Thunderstorms are to be expected Friday evening that will put an end to the heat wave and will bring us temperatures in the low and mid eighties; until then, stay smart, stay cool.

Wings and Wheels Expo 2012

Look in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a… well yes it is a plane, but not just any plane! It the B-17G known as “Yankee Lady” from World War II and it will be flying over the New York metropolitan area all weekend.

The "Yankee Lady" is one of the many antique aircrafts featured at the "Wings and Wheels Expo 2012" at the Teterboro Airport in Teterboro, New Jersey.

            The “Wings and Wheels Expo” is an annual event that exhibits both vintage and modern aircraft along with locally owned show cars. Present also are entertainers, reenactors, and an aircraft hanger's-worth of venders offering military memorabilia, novelty items, clothing, related media, and much more.

Known as The Victory Belles, this trio performs the popular songs of the Second World War.

Rarely seen, a British Supermarine Spitfire is displayed on the tarmac.

            Those who arrive early to the event may be fortunate enough to find parking on the grass along Industrial Ave. near the main gate. Those who do not must park near the Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum of New Jersey on Fred Wehran Dr.; from there a shuttle to the main gate is provided free of charge, but one is to expect a wait and may choose to simply walk despite the half-mile distance.

            If only one attraction is to draw you to this years expo, let it be the Boing B-17G “Yankee Lady.”; one of only thirteen flyable B-17 air-frames remaining.

 The B-17 Flying Fortress is a World War II era heavy bomber that was employed for daylight strategic bombing raids on industrial and military targets in the Pacific and European theatres of operation. Comprised of a ten man crew, these bombers would embark on missions that could span 2000 miles and many hours. Though a bomber crew’s tour of duty was twenty-five missions, the immense danger caused by German fighter planes and anti-aircraft fire put the average life expectancy of a B-17 crew in the European Theatre at just fourteen missions.

Flights aboard the “Yankee Lady” are offered for the price of $450.00. For those who do not have the means to spend such money, free walking tours of the exterior and interior of the aircraft will be given at 10am, 1pm, and 4pm. Even from the ground, witnessing the four Wright R-1820-97 Cyclone turbo-charged radial engines (each with 1200 horsepower) roar to life will surely elevate your heart rate.

Below is a video of the “Yankee Lady” taxiing to the runway:

Being both educational and exciting, the “Wings and Wheels Expo” is an ideal family event. The 2012 show continues tomorrow, June 17^th and concludes that evening. Remember, if you’re in the New York metropolitan and hear a thunderous roar overhead, look up. 

Happening this weekend: Wings and Wheels Expo 2012

Cars, planes, and a forecast without rain! This weekend the annual "Wings and Wheels Expo" will be in Teterboro, New Jersey at the Teterboro Airport! The event will be host to a plethora of vintage military aircraft, a member of the famous Tuskeegee Airmen (the all-black fighter pilot group of WWII), in-era actors and performers, a variety of vendors, recreations of both the Batmobile and Green Hornet's car, and a local classic car show as well! The most noted attraction of the event is a fully operational World War II bomber plane known as the "Yankee Lady." On-ground tours of the aircraft will be given for a small fee. Tickets to fly aboard the "Yankee Lady" are also available and sell for around $400.

The many planes and cars that will be present at the "Wings and Wheels Expo 2012" at Teterboro Airport are becoming increasingly more rare and, unfortunately like the great generation that created them, are being slowly reclaimed by time. Don't miss your chance to witness history come alive before your very eyes!

The "Wings and Wheels Expo 2012" will be held at 1000 Huyler St, Teterboro, New Jersey, 07608 on June 16th and 17th.

All-American Corvette Club's 12th annual "Wild About Corvettes" car show and competition

            The roads were roaring this Sunday in Paramus, New Jersey and it wasn’t because of Route 17’s usual traffic. Corvettes of all years converged upon the Bergen County town for the All-American Corvette Club’s 12^th annual “Wild About Corvettes” car show and competition.

            The All-American Corvette Club is a Bergen County organization that was founded in the year 2000. In the words of organization president Chris Riportella, what they do is, “give back to the community.” Mr. Riportella continued to explain how the proceeds from their events are donated to various charities based in Bergen County and the Paramus food bank. In the All-American Corvette Club’s twelve year existence they have made ample contributions to local causes.

            After a week of less than promising weather, the participants of the event took quite a chance when they decided to take their historic and customized performance cars on the road. Their courage and support was rewarded when the overcast skies parted, allowing the radiant June sun to bring a sparkle to their chrome.

The 12^th annual “Wild About Corvettes” car show was host to many American automotive jewels. The assortment of Corvettes was varied in tastes, models, and years, but none could deny the one similarity they all had: their beauty. Below is a listing of notable entries:

-1991 ZR1

Automatic transmission

350 cubic Inches fuel injected engine

Titanium wing, modified exhaust, scoops & badges, accessory covers, and mirror-like hand-polished engine components

Individualized paint

-2007 Z06

6-speed manual transmission

LS7 7.0 liter engine

427 cubic inches

505 horse power

-1963 C2 Sting Ray stock

4-speed manual transmission

Rarely seen split rear window

-1960 C1

4-speed manual transmission

350 cubic inches

425 horse power

4.88 rear-end gear ratio

-1990 L98

#3617 of 23,646 built

6-speed manual transmission

350 cubic inches

245 horse power

345 torque ft. lbs.

5.76 tuned port injection

-1969 C3 Sting Ray stock

4-speed manual transmission

350 Turbo-fire

300 horse power

Featured for the cars appealing interior

-Indy 500 ’08 pace car

-2007 Z06

6-speed manual transmission

427 cubic inches

505 horse power

Extensively individualized with custom upholstery and artwork under the hood and trunk

-1966 C2 stock

Automatic transmission

327 Turbo-fire

300 horse power

Laguna Blue paint; an option offered only in the 1966 year

            Though I noted the above Corvettes, all were lovely. I found that the representatives of the All-American Corvette Club were respectful, gracious, and friendly, all while remaining professional. I’d like to thank them for hosting this event and for their donations to local charity organizations. At this time, they have chosen to withhold the results of the 12^th annual “Wild About Corvettes” competition so they may vote upon the decision to release said results to be published in my blog. Their verdict is to be announced.

Happening this weekend: The All-American Corvette Club's 12th annual "Wild About Corevettes" car show

This Sunday, the All-American Corvette Club will be holding their 12th annual "Wild About Corvettes" car show in Paramus, New Jersey. Registration for the judged event begins at 8A.M. and ends promptly at 11A.M. The cost to enter one's own Corvette the day of the show is $25.00, A savings of $10.00 is given by pre-registering prior, bringing the price down to $15.00. Spectators enter free of charge.

The event will take place at the Panera Bread parking lot, 165 Rt.4 West, Paramus, New Jersey, 07652, Behind the Kohl's shopping center. See you there!

Day-Trip Destination: Harriman State Park & Bear Mountain State Park

            When you think of the area surrounding New York City what comes to mind? Congested roadways? Suburban sprawl? 46,613 acres of forested state land? If you just cocked your head in confusion, you may have never heard of Harriman State Park.

New York City skyline viewed from Harriman State Park

            Located just 30 miles north of New York City in both Orange and Rockland counties, Harriman State Park is the second largest state park in New York. The park offers 200 miles of hiking trails, 31 lakes and reservoirs (most open to small watercraft), three beaches, plenty of picnic spots, two public campsites, many group campsites, and miles upon miles of well-maintained scenic roadways providing the visitor with countless ways to spend their time there.

View from West Mountain, Harriman State Park

In the summer months, many urbanites leave the suffocating heat of the city to escape into serenity and freshness of Harriman State Park; because of this, what is known as the “front-country” (picnic grounds, beaches, and campsites near to the road) can become quite crowded, so an early start to the day is recommended. Although the front-county amenities draw quite a crowd, Harriman’s true treasure is its “back-country”; an expanse of preserved wildlands that visitors can explore as they please. If one dares to leave the security of the roadside and venture deep into the forested hills of the park, they will be greatly rewarded with stunning vistas, wildlife encounters, historic ruins, and, perhaps the most appealing attraction, peaceful solitude. The extensive network of trails gives hikers the ability to plan a leisurely day-hike with the wife and kids, or a rigorous multi-day backpacking excursion.

The exposed peak area known as Bald Rocks is a popular destination for hikers 

Neighboring Harriman State park is Bear Mountain State Park. Though much smaller than Harriman, Bear Mountain holds many gems, such as Hessian lake (which is host to rental pedal-boats), an overnight inn, an ice skating rink in winter, and a roadway to the top of Bear Mountain, which offers stunning mountain vistas. Bear Mountain’s and Harriman’s trail systems are connected and span both parks, allowing even greater distance hikes for the bold and physically fit.

View from the summit of Bear Mountain; car accessible 

Getting to these two wonderful parks is simple, even for those residing in New York City. If you will be traveling by car, the drive consists of crossing the George Washington Bridge, taking the Palisades Interstate Parkway north, and getting off at one of the many Harriman exits (exits 15 through 18) that is nearest to your preferred destinations within the park. In totality, the drive is about 40 minutes long. The town of Tuxedo, which is on Harriman's western border, has a train station known as Tuxedo Metro-North Station, which leaves on the Port Jervis line to Hoboken, NJ. This trip by train is approximately one hour.

Please, I ask that you take the necessary precautions before your trip to either Harriman State Park or Bear Mountain State Park. Be sure to inform someone back home of where your going and what time you’ll be back, have the park’s emergency phone number, do not go into the back-country without a map or compass, have both food and water, and practice environmental responsibility.

Harriman State Park/Bear Mountain State Park phone number: 845-786-2701

Recommended trail maps: http://www.nynjtc.org/product/harrimanbear-mountain-trails

Hello Reader!

Hello!

Welcome to The Tri-State Traveler (And Many Other Places!); a blog dedicated to bringing it's readers the events, adventures, and experiences of the New York City Tri-State Area and many other places! Although this blog will provide it's readers with coverage of large events, you can also bet that you'll find information on a plethora of lesser-known and local events, and even day-trip destinations of all kinds! I look forward to the many travels that are soon to come; until then, have a good one!