Gowanus is something of a now man's land between the yuppie enclaves of Park Slope and Carroll Gardens. It sits in a depression between the two neighborhoods, and has a disgusting canal running through its middle. Along the canal, and for two blocks on either side, are a mish-mash of old, semi-abandoned factory buildings, empty lots, never-occupied condos, strange businesses (fire-proof door co. and casket co.), squatters, families, and a leaky fire hydrant.
Our walk took us from Park Slope, down Union Street, across the Gowanus Canal, into Carroll Gardens, and then back to Park Slope further South.