Sail On

Getting back to normal after hurricane hoopla. Boaters will need to watch for submerged surprises however with plenty of debris ( boards, fences, etc) just drifting in the current.

Wet Welcome

Street or stream? Post Irene and the cormorants were catching fish in the street. A "cute" story for sure but only after things dry out.

Snug Lines

Clear and sunny on Long Island as we await the much anticipated Irene. Lines secured, fenders positioned and fingers crossed.

Pre-Irene

This very peaceful harbor scene is about to change. Hurricane Irene is 36 hours away. The media has not had this much weather related energy since the last blizzard. The breaking news is all about Irene, her scary windy numbers and changing "cat" status (as in Cat 3 or Cat2). I have learned "cat" is weather-person speak for "category". Soon images of weather battered and wet reporters will fill our TV screens! I wonder what "Brownie" is doing since Katrina....

1909 Style

The New London Lighthouse has a rather non-nautical appearance. Built in 1909 the proposed light was an early example of NIMBY-ism. The wealthy residents living along the coastline objected to the fact that their view would include an "ugly" lighthouse. Today's lighthouse, Long Island Sound's most eastern beacon, is a result of good old American politics. It was agreed that the light should reflect the grandeur of the area, it was constructed in the "second empire" French style of architecture in 1909. BTW: most of the elegant homes that lined the shore were lost in the hurricane of 1938, the light remains.

Orient Point Light

AKA the "Coffee Pot", the lighthouse at Orient Point is a familiar site to any Long Islander who has used the popular Cross Sound Ferry. For many Islanders the first sight of the light is filled with optimism as they head over to the casinos of Connecticut. It's a good bet that the return trip is less upbeat with more losers than winners.

Sound Action

Racing on the Long Island Sound is always colorful. Life is Good! :-)

Guiding Light

Ever notice that just about every town everywhere is "famous" for something? The Town Of Southold on Long Island's north fork has more lighthouses than any other town in the United States. Southold's nautical trivia includes eight of the beacons, seven of which are offshore. This image is of the Little Gull Lighthouse which evidently is a favorite of the ladies. (best seen in larger view)

Right Red Return

Time for some basic navigation review: 1) always try to stay between the rock jetties when returning to port. 2) Cruising through the inlet is always a much better option than cruising over the inlet. 3) While Life is Good, some basic knowledge can be very helpful.

People Watching

A little know fact: Seagulls actually enjoy checking out beach goers with an eye for the latest summer fashion.

Stupid Pet Tricks?

Auditioning for the David Letterman Show?? Some pictures are worth a thousand words......

Flowers??

"Who me?" "I didn't eat any flowers...not me, must have been some other baby deer".

Boat Names

All boats, regardless of length, deserve a name. Unlike "vanity plates" on cars, naming a boat gives it character and personality. As a student of vessel names I am always intrigued as to the motivation behind the naming process which is often creative and frequently just plain corny. I was impressed when this narrow green rowboat flew past us recently. Naturally it was named appropriately "Flying Zucchini". (seen in large view)

Catch The Breeze

An August evening, friends and a breeze over your shoulder....Life is Good!

Partners in Crime

Inseparable four legged buddies invaded my yard three days ago. Despite attempts by the local police and the investigators from the county SPCA, our farm friends remained ensconced in the confines of my back lawn. Hibiscus, petunias and geraniums were the food of choice as local animal advocates searched in vain for the owners of our new found goat and lamb. At a loss for a "safe placement" SPCA officials seemed to shrug and avoid our repeated phone calls.

At long last, after watching my flowers being recycled into animal droppings, a friend suggested the DD Bar farm rescue group from eastern LI. The folks from DD Bar Farm arrived promptly and after some impressive "animal whispering" they had one goat in hand. Mr. Lamb was another story and required several neighbors running in circles as he dodged and sprinted to avoid capture until all parties concerned were exhausted. Eventually we waved farewell as Mr. Goat and his best friend Mr. Lamb headed to their new home.

The Race

Where everyone is a winner...Thursday night is Flying Scott races off Sayville, LI. These speedy 19 foot day sailers cause more than a twinge of nostalgia for me. Many youthful hours were spent hauling jib sheets aboard a Flying Scott with a rather low production number. (Mainsail numbers indicate the boats age by it's place in the production line).

Sea View

Nice view along A1A....Florida dreamin'.

Hanging Out

Low and slow this floating advertisement kept pace with our boat as we cruised across the bay. Something about subliminal suggestion here....

Shore Side

Tranquil and calm...late afternoon by the Great South Bay. Life is Good!

Backyard Visitor

Very cool when the local Great Blue Heron feels comfortable hunting in our backyard!

Caprtree Princess

Headed for another afternoon adventure....Great South Bay Summer.

Garden Safari

If only he would stand still....The elusive "in flight" shot is a challenging balance of camera settings. I'll keep trying as I stalk the critters in my garden. :-)