The enchanting...Gowanus Canal?

I was walking down 4th Avenue toward the 9th Street subway in Park Slope's western fringes this evening when I stopped and said to myself, "it's DELIGHTFUL out, I could always stand to save $2, and I've woefully UNDERwalked the city this summer." And so, I turned around and decided I'd WALK to the WTC Path station. It was only 6:50 -- plenty of daylight time to explore. I was cursing my lack of a street map, but it kinda made it more fun. I prayed I wouldn't stumble onto an unsavory block...it's not THAT hard to be smart about such a thing. So I made my way west down 1st Street into an area i'd NEVER been before...and I was fascinated! I LOVE exploring. I was surprised to find little neighborhoods amongst the sinister warehouses of 3rd and 4th Avenues...old Italians sitting out front on lawn chairs, random bars and restaurants, both old and new. And THEN...the classic Gowanus Canal, notorious for pollution and dumped bodies...the epitome of urban decay...YAY! But what's this? Suddenly the street went cobblestone and narrow, and the small bridge, with its wooden planks and one lane, resembled something out of Madison County. An older couple on bikes stood on one side of the bridge, while I gazed northward on the other. There were rickety boats tied up against weed-strewn yards and parking lots. No, it wasn't Venice, but it once again cemented my feeling that ANY body of water makes ANYwhere more attractive. I need to investigate further...get my bearings map-wise. I know this area IS becoming more hip and being cleaned up...i'm just not sure where I was exactly in the big picture. There WAS that crack whore with her top falling off as she rambled out loud on a bike, but otherwise, I was pleasantly surprised by the area. THEN there was the area just OVER the bridge, what i'm guessing is the edge of Carroll Gardens. THESE few streets could possibly be one of the best kept secrets in the city. Soon, Smith Street riveted me with its endless bars and eateries. And then, I walked the Brooklyn Bridge for the first time this summer...glorious as ever and something y'all MUST do at least once in your life. Better yet, do it regularly. So, yes, i'm exhausted beyond human belief now. It was NOT the day I expected (THE SIMPSONS MOVIE will wait another day), but it's been a WONDERFUL Last Friday of July 2007. Explore Brooklyn on foot!!