My Hiking Archive

12/31/06

During the last week of 2006 I made a point to do short hikes along the beaches of Robert Moses, Fire Island National Seashore, Captree, and Sunken Meadow. The weather was so inviting who could refuse. Actually I was surprised at how few people I encountered along the way. Wednesday I was at Robert Moses State Park which has about 5 miles of ocean beach, and, coming and going, I walked at least 6 miles. I'm always fascinated by the views of the beach, the primary dunes, and the ocean. But the scenery takes on a different, somewhat softer, hue as the afternoon progresses, which is my favorite time. At about the borderline between the State Park, and the Fire Island National Seashore, which is a Federal Facility, I had encountered a fellow setting up to go paraboarding. We spoke briefly, as he was going throug his setup procedure, and he remarked how safety was his primary concern. After entering the water, and for about 15 minutes being pulled, by his sail, across the waves his sail nosedived into the ocean, and it took what seemed, to me, like too much time for him to recover. However, he did reach the beach, and had to walk back to his starting point to recover gear left unattended. From there I walked further east along the beach, and as it was getting late I decided to retrace my steps. This time, at the borderline, I left the sand, and walked along the boarded path past the lighthouse, and across the dunes where abundant wildlife is apparent. As the afternoon progressed there seemed to be more people about, especially by the lighthouse, and contrary to posted signs there was much feeding of deer, and walking of pets. From Robert Moses it's a quick ride across the bridge to Captree where I also walked the beach, and had a final look at the bridge before calling it a day.

12/12/06

W here have you been, is a question asked of a few who have e-mailed me recently, inquiring if during the colder months I cease kayaking, and hiking altogether. Well, the answer is, I've been all over, and how quickly did Thanksgiving come and go. This time of year is when I have time to give talks. Recently I've presented a program at the Brentwood Public Library on the topic of Honeybees, and another on Candle Making, and I'm in the process of updating the brochure I send out. I'm also preparing a program on making maple syrup. However, I've found the time to go on day trips as well. We live in an incredibly dynamic area, and there is always something new to experience or some forgotten gem to be rediscovered. Three weeks ago I again rode the L.I.R.R. into Manhattan. This time to visit the American Museum of Art to view a display of art from Germany, of the period between the two world wars. It was absolutely fascinating. Two weeks ago I was in Staten Island to view a Christmas Pageant (it was as entertaining as a Broadway show). And it came to my attention that much of the amusement area of Coney Island will soon undergo considerable improvement, and thought this might be a good time to take a photo or two. So I drove into Brooklyn, to Coney Island, and also visited Riis Park, Floyd Bennet Field, and Ft. Tilden. This time of year is a good time to visit the many nature areas of Long Island too. I've a special interest in the beaches, and recently I've become interested in sea glass. And during my walks along the beaches I've managed to acquire a beginning collection of different colors and shapes. I think information on the subject might make for an interesting program. I've put together some photos I've taken, while in Manhattan, here. And some taken in Brooklyn, here.

11/13/06 Monday

I decided on a change of scenery today, and so I took a ride on the L.I.R.R. into Manhattan. I'm not new to the city though having grown up in Brooklyn, worked in Manhattan, and the Bronx, moved to the island, then to Queens, and then back to the island. And however much I dislike the crowds, and the sense of claustrophobia I sometimes feel when there, I also believe the city welcomes back those of us who've left, as one might a returning friend. Immediately upon setting foot on the cement sidewalks a sense of belonging envelopes me, and I might as well be home. The city is, of course, a very different place to real visitors who chance to walk its streets. And however at home I may feel when here, I'm certain I, with a pack on my back, and camera strapped across my neck appeared, to the locals who cared to glance my way, to be just another tourist. When I visit the city my usual destination is uptown, along fifth ave. where the Met, and the Guggenheim, and other museums are, or perhaps downtown toward Chelsea, then the West Village, and Tribeca. However, today I decided I would stay close to midtown, and look into a few familiar places. I remained within the area enclosed by 23rd, and 57th streets between Lexington and 7th avenues. And during the few hours here I managed to collect some photos of familiar, and not so familiar places.

11/10/06 Friday

Today would have been a good day to paddle as the weather was just fine, however, I was unable to find a buddy, and I'd rather hike than paddle alone. I considered Morton National Wildlife Refuge in Sag Harbor, but that will have to wait for another day as my companions on this trip were time challenged, and we chose Quogue Wildlife Refuge as it is a shorter trip, and not as large in area. However, considering this refuge encompasses only about 200 acres it has much to offer. Within the refuge is the headwaters of Quantuck Creek. There is a nature center with displays, and a library, all of which are situated by the main pond (about 11 acres). The pond at one time was a commercial source of ice as the land was owned by the Quogue Ice Co. There is an area where live animals are kept, some because they are handicapped, and would not survive in the wild. Other animals are there being rehabilitated for eventual release. A variety of mammals, and birds common to the island can be viewed here if you're patient, and quiet. And many plants that are uncommon, like Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia sp.), can be seen here too as you walk the pine needle strewn paths. Bogs, and marshes are aplenty with the plants that thrive within them. Of particular interest to me are the carnivorous plants that make their home here: pitcher plants (Sarracenia sp.), sundews (Drosera sp.), and bladderworts (Utricularia sp.). There is an incredible array of mosses here too like the Sphagnum (Sphagnaceae) which it is said occupies about 1 percent of the earths surface, and that can hold about 400 times its weight in water, and there are a variety of mushrooms on the grounds as well. The North Pond, which is the smaller of the two ponds in the refuge, borders an area of dwarf pines which exist in but a few other places, and as you walk the paths of the refuge you're treated to a microcosm of almost all of what Long Island has to offer. Truly worth the trip.

11/07/06 Tuesday

Still in the process of catching up with everything that's been going on around here. Back on the 2nd. of this month, during the morning, we had a little rain, and I really enjoy it when it's dark, dreary (as some would say), and rainy. In fact, I enjoy it when it really comes down. Anyway the point here is that when it's raining I can forget about getting anyone to go paddling with. Which is fine, really, because it presents a great opportunity to go hiking in the woods. And that's exactly where I headed. I decided to trek through Connequot State Park Preserve. The word preserve indicates that nothing that is part of the park may be removed from the park, not a blade of grass or the feather from a bird. Also, gaining admittance requires a letter which must be obtained, by mail. And there's also a parking fee. I've always enjoyed this preserve though as there is so much within its more than 3,000 acres, and on a rainy day there's much more of nature to be in awe of as there are considerably less people to get in the way. I walked the main road (the original Montauk Highway) up to the Admin. Bldg., and after some visiting I headed out on the path going northwest. I expected to check on the beehives that have, for some time, been in a field just a short walk from the building. However, I was surprised when I couldn't spot them, and startled when out of the corner of my eye I noticed a seven point buck emerging, with a doe, on to the field. He noticed me as I readied my camera, and I managed to get off a couple clicks here, and here, before backing down, and providing him with all the space he wanted. From there its a little bit of a hike to the hatchery where I managed to get a photo of these trout waiting for a hapless insect to float by. There is so much to witness - like woods, artesian springs, a lake, and other things too - like a mushroom here, and here. There are a variety of birds to be seen, as well as other animals if you're quiet, and patient. I'll be back to this preserve again, and again as it would take more than a day to take in all the wonders that are here.

Initial entry 11/04/06

This constitutes the first step. The one that begins every journey. Of course, not with regard to the pastime of hiking, but in keeping this notebook of my experiences off the water. If you've been to the kayaking page you know that hiking is another of the things I enjoy doing, especially when kayaking is out of the question. Frankly I'm unsure why I do kayak as I truly don't like the water, and walking, or hiking is so much easier. Afterall, nothing much is required other than the time, a place, and perhaps a little determination. Well then, here is where I start. I'm a little late in getting this recorded as I started back on the 24th. of October with a walk along the beach at Smith Point. For some very odd reason which I'm not sure of (well perhaps I am, however, I think that's what the novel I'm writing is about, but then again, perhaps not) - to continue - I relish doing things on the spur of the moment, and this day was no exception. Out of the blue the urge to go for a walk came over me, and it being a rather nice day I had no difficulty gathering a couple friends to join me. I've been wanting, also, to get to know a camera I had recently bought, and so I brought it along. By the time I place this page on my website I'll have decided how to display the photos I've taken, some of them anyway. By the time we got to the beach it was late morning with a chill in the air, but no wind to speak of. So off we went, across the sand, at a decent pace admiring the day, and inspecting whatever flotsam we found interesting. We each meandered at differing gaits looking here, and watching there at every oddity, taking photos or inspecting found beach glass. It was at least a couple miles before we decided to turn around. Each of us satisfied with the passage of time, our commune with nature, and the small things we found along the way that we decided to keep. By the way, Tony, and Joan were my companions.