36 - Stow Lake
The walk around Stow Lake is arguably one of the prettiest in any
major urban park in the country. And unlike walking around the
reservoir in Central Park, you're unlikely to get assaulted here.
That said, you're also unlikely to avoid crowds here,
since plenty of other people know about the beauty of the lake, as
well. Fortunately, there are a couple places next to the lake where
you can have quite a bit of privacy only a few feet away from the
passing hordes.
From the refreshment stand and boathouse along the
northwest corner of the lake, go east along the lakeside road. You'll
pass one of the two bridges that cross the lake to reach Strawberry
Hill island, Roman Bridge. (The one on the south side of the lake is
Rustic Bridge.) Past Roman Bridge there is a tall, dense hedge that
runs along the road on the opposite side from the lake.
About 75 yards to the east of Roman Bridge, there's an
obvious opening in the hedge. It's directly across from the only sewer
grate in the area on the lake side of the road. As you walk through
this opening, there's a flat spot immediately to the left. It's
covered with soft leaves and has a pleasant view. If you leave
something such as a cooler at the opening in the hedge, people will
probably afford you all the privacy you need.
If another reader of this book is already occupying
that spot, there's a similar one another 50 yards further east. Walk
along the footpath next to the lake to the spot where "No Bicycles No
Skating" is painted on the path. Directly across the road is another
opening in the hedge, and as you walk through this spot is to the
right.
The hedge is thick enough that you won't be seen in
either of these spots. But this isn't a good place to make a lot of
noise...if that's a risk, you may want to skip ahead to chapter 9,
"For Screamers."
35 - Archery Field
36 - Stow Lake
37
- Beach Chalet
38 - Transverse
Drive - West Side
39 - Ghiradelli
Rustic Shelter
40 - Senior
Citizens Center
41 - Conservatory
of Flowers
