Browns River Sunrise

Browns River Sunrise, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
It's time for this snowbird to bid Long Island farewell for the winter. This is view I will take with me, after so much  Sandi sadness and destruction Long Island's natural beauty still shines through. So, until the warmth of Spring returns it's Florida sunshine that I seek.

Windy Marsh

Long Island Windy Marsh, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
The temperatures are plunging, the sun is setting in the afternoon, the "breeze" is now a steel cold wind and a seasonal corner has been turned. This snowbird feels an inner compass that's pointing south......

November Marsh

November Marsh, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Blue Heron

Blue Heron, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
This guy is checking things out now that the flood water have retreated...

Fire Island Fox

Standing Fox, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
I find myself wondering how the Fox family made out during the storm. We hear that water washed over Fire Island in depths of 4 to 8 feet. 

November Marsh

Two Deer, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Sandy with her coastal flooding was felt by these guys as well.....

My Favorite Veteran

A salute to ALL veterans today and a special Thank You to my dad and all his 8th Air force buddies.

November Sunset

November Sunset Two, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Long Island continues to go through a traumatic and heart breaking recovery and clean up from hurricane Sandy. It warms the soul to still find nature's beauty around us.

Bayview Flanders

Bayview Flanders, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Tranquil interlude......Long Island is now bracing for it's first true Nor'easter of the season only eight days after hurricane Sandy.

Fire Island Perspective

Fire Island Perspective, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
The view before Sandy.....Suffolk County officials have declared Fire Island "off-limits" to all but emergency personnel. Individuals coming ashore in private boats will be arrested for trespass. News footage indicate that the island's dune system has been destroyed putting the south shore of Suffolk County at high risk for additional flooding. It is difficult to envision miles of dunes (as seen in this shot)  just vanishing. We are being told that the geography of the island is forever changed.

Beach Patrol

Beach Patrol, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
On a much happier day......

Powerful

Passing Storm, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Sandy has departed. The destruction, heartbreak and chaos lingers. I am left pondering the serendipitous nature of random catastrophic events. Why are folks just miles away devastated? Why is my house spared? What cosmic forces are at play here?  Nature's power is indeed awesome and evokes a new sense of respect.
Fortunate? Blessed? Lucky?....What I am is grateful, thankful and eager to be helpful....