Hiking

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Links to me and for My Hiking Archive, (hikes in 2006).

07/22/09

As the saying goes, 'Better late then never', not a novel excuse, however, it will have to suffice. The following photo pairs are from the pier in W. Sayville, on West St., then from the Connequot River State Park Preserve, by The Hatchery, which is attempting to recoup from the latest infestation affecting the trout, and the Bayard Cutting Arboretum. I've been staying away from the more wild places on the island because of the high tick infestation, however, at the Connequot River State Park Preserve, if you remain on a well defined trail with no high grass or intervening shrubbery and you're lucky, you might not find a crawly working its way toward a succulent portion of your anatomy. I've found the Nissequogue River State Park relatively free of infestation, and it's a great place to launch a canoe or kayak from. I've also made my way into B'klyn., where ticks are far and few between, and took a quick subway ride into Manhattan (no ticks here either). I rarely, if ever, drive into the city though, preferring the L.I.R.R. if I intend making a day of it or I'll drive into a Borough, and take the subway from there (during work days). I've also included a couple photos from the city.

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03/26/09

I recall hearing my mom say, when I was very young, "spring is just around the corner". Like a shot, I was down the stairs and out the door, and when I turned the corner I was completely and utterly flummoxed; there were snow flurries in the air! That was long ago, but I dare to say, I'm flummoxed again - it's spring, and Mr. Gore's predictions of disaster not withstanding, it's been nothing but nasty cold since I don't remember when. Maybe it's just me though. In any case, and as nasty as it was, I hopped a L.I.R.R. car this past Sunday, and took a ride into the city. Upon arriving in Manhattan, and after disgorging myself from the bowels of Pennsylvania Station, I walked west to, as close as I could get, the Hudson River. And there, on the far side of the river, is New Jersey, the nemesis of many a Brooklynite. The sky was clouded over, there was a chill in the air, and I didn't have a plan. I often do things this way: a spur of the moment exodus from the island, relying on the sidewalk gods to suggest an interesting destination. First, looking south, nothing caught my attention, to the north though, looming high above the ferries docked along the piers, the U.S.S. Intrepid was tied up. She was looking absolutely beautiful. The Intrepid is the foundation of the "Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum". Although I had worked in the city for many years, due to my dislike of crowds, I had never visited "The Fighting I", nicknamed so due to her prominent role in battle during the 2nd World War. There weren't many people entering the area where boarding passes are purchased so I ventured toward her, paid my $21. fee, and prepared to board. This was the first time, boarding a U.S. fighting vessel, when I wouldn't face the fantail, salute, and request permission to come aboard. Instead, unannounced, I followed a group of tourists onto the hanger deck. I won't recount personal naval exploits but will note I was surprised at the smallness of the bridge, and how cramped were the working and living space accommodations afforded the men who served aboard the Intrepid - true heroes all. I leisurely inspected the ship from stem to stern and had a very enjoyable visit.

03/23/09

Friends often call me about hiking; inquiring about a good place for this activity or that, where I've been, or suggesting somewhere that may be of interest. This past Thursday my friend Joan called to ask if I'd be interested in hiking at "Terrell River County Park", in East Moriches. There are so many parks on L.I., many underutilized due to size or location, and I sometimes wonder if I'll ever get to hike them all. I hadn't even heard of this particular park, and so I answered in the affirmative.

What a pleasant surprise this was. There's a small area on the south side of Montauk Highway where you may leave your vehicle, and additional parking across the highway by the lake and near the children's park area. Terrell River County Park is one of the newer preserves. The 263 acres the park encompasses was formerly known as the "Havens Estate", and there's a well defined path of almost a mile and a half long that traverses the park leading to the bay. There are side trails too. Of particular interest is how the habitat varies from new growth oak at the trails beginning, into an area of cedars, and prickly ash. As you proceed further south you walk among older growth oaks, with scarlets, white, and black oaks in evidence, then sassafras and catbrier become prominent. At the southern most end of the trail, there's a stand of cedars, and then suddenly, without notice, you're treated to a vista of the Great South Bay. There's a nice beach to walk along, and fresh, and salt water marshland. Take notice too of the artesian wells ejecting water from attached faucets that appear in different areas adjacent to the trails. On this day there were many shore birds in evidence, and we unintentionally spooked some deer while walking along a side trail. All told, three of us, my friends Joan and Tony, and I, spent an enjoyable two hours or so while in the park.

03/13/09

This past weekend, with temperatures in the sixties, suggested that spring might be just around the corner. Of course, a spate of warmth this time of year, although expected, is but a harbinger. However, it did provide opportunity to inspect shrubbery and make a note of yard work that will be required when Mother Nature allows passage into Long Islands next season. I've been slow to begin notations on this page as the winter has been a long and cold one. I think we could all use just a smidgen of "global warming" right about now. And the downturn of our economy has made it much more difficult for some than others. It isn't that I haven't been here, there, and almost everywhere but that I've lacked the spirit to put it all on the web, until now.

In January, as a testament to the cold, I've a photo of a windowsill plant in front of an ice encrusted pane, and of ice crystal forms (photos 1 and 2). I'm especially fond of our marshlands and beaches, as those who make a point of visiting my website can attest to, and pretty lucky too that practically in my own back yard I get some excellent photos of nature in Sayville (photos 3 and 4), and W. Sayville, (photos 5 and 6). Venturing into Nassau County I hiked the "Trail View", which is off Jericho Tpke., in Woodbury. Trail View is a 400 acre linear park with a variety of habitats from marshy places to heights 300 feet above. My hiking buddy "eagle eye" Liz, spotted this Red Tailed Hawk while I was busy looking down, instead of looking up (photo 7).

It was February when I visited Prosser Pines, in Middle Island, a favorite of mine (photos 8 and 9) where one can truly experience the feeling of being alone, and insignificant, amongst such natural beauty. Next was Coney Island, in B'klyn. a place with rejuvenating psychic energies, and one of my very favorite places to visit (photos 10 and 11). I always meet up with friends, and or family, for a fun lunch after an enjoyable stroll. And lastly, the Elizabeth Morton Wildlife Refuge in Sag Harbor, where everyone just loves that the chickadees, and other avian friends, will take offered seed from your extended hand. My friends Joan and Tony accompanied me here and Joan remarked how the refuge seemed smaller. I think because during the winter when the forest is minus broad leaves one can see the extent of the refuge better (photos 12 and 13).

So far, this March, I've taken time to visit the ArtExpo, held annually at the Jacob Javits Center in Manhattan. Although it seemed slightly less crowded this year, perhaps due to the economic situation, it was still a wonderful experience. The expo is absolutely a must see, especially so if you love all forms of art, as just about everything you can imagine and also what is new and cutting edge is on display (photo 14). Complimentary tickets from my friend Michelle, at Artrep NY were much appreciated.