Oyster Dredge

A rare sight in recent years. A working oyster dredge in Long Island Sound where the oyster harvest can still support a few working boats. Long Island's once global oyster industry is attempting to regain a foothold through aqua farming.

Barge Bow

Barge Bow, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Every boater knows not to pass between a tug and a barge (although some have tried). Depending upon conditions tow lines can exceed 1,000 feet in length and boaters need to be very aware in the dark of night. Long Island Sound sees it's share of commercial barge traffic at all hours of the day.

Days Of Yore

There is something very romantic about a tall ship under sail. I imagine that the real experience can be a lot more realistic however. Like many things from "the good old days" the absence of modern convenience and technology can get old fast. A cruise without vacuflush? A hammock to replace your cabin? Open seating (like in the open) for meals? For sure, a tall ship would make for a wonderful one or two day trip but I'll be looking for that private cabin with a tile bath ( not to mention SatNav and on board WiFi) for longer journeys.

Lighthouse Tour

Want to cruise a course used by clipper ships, whalers and rum runners of a bygone era? The East End Seaport Museum & Marine Foundation  offers several opportunities to ply Long Island's east end waters and get close up views of the area's historic lighthouses. Bring a camera and a sense of adventure! Life is Good.

Port Jefferson Ferry

Long Island's "bridge" to Connecticut makes several trips each day. When planning a trip to New England most Long Islanders need to consider the 20 mile distance across Long Island Sound. So near, yet so far... the drive requires a long ride west through and around NYC to head north. Fortunately, ferry service provides an alternative (which can be a bit pricey) saving a few hours driving time. There's something to be said as well for the lack of aggravation as one cruises the Sound with the car snugly secured below deck. Weekends, especially during ski season can get very busy at the ferry terminal and reservations are a must.

Little Gull Island Lighthouse

More from the Long Island lighthouse gallery: Little Gull Island marks the meeting of Long Island Sound and Block island Sound. One of the earliest sites for a U.S. lighted navigational aid, Little Gull was lit in 1806 by a much smaller tower. During The War Of 1812 much naval action took place between the British and American vessels just off this site. The tiny island was actually occupied by British troops in 1813, when they extinguished the light. The current lighthouse was constructed in 1868, it's design elements were often used in the next generation of the nations beacons.

Today Little Gull is the home of many, many gulls both little and large. It would appear as though "marking one's territory" is a rather frequent gull activity. (image better in large view)

Race Rock Lighthouse

Race Rock in the Town Of Southold has a unique bit of local history and lore. Completed in 1878 the last masonry constructed lighthouse (at a water-bound location) took over seven years to complete. (The engineers who designed the structure, Francis Hopkins Smith and Cpt. Thomas Albertson Scott, also designed the foundation for the Statue Of Liberty.) Prior to it's completion hundreds of shipwrecks occurred on the site. The most famous of the wrecks was the steamer "Atlantic" in which 45 people perished in 1846.

Legend has it that Race Rock is haunted. For many years Coast Guard personnel have reported strange happenings at the site. In 2004 the United States Coast Guard and the Atlantic Paranormal Society (TAPS) sent teams to investigate the lighthouse. In October 2004 the TV series "Ghost Hunters" aired a feature on Race Rock claiming that it did in fact appear to be haunted. Cameras even recorded chairs moving in an empty room. umm....

Sounds like a cool spot to spend Halloween!

Cormorant Curbside

Irene brought cormorants into our street where this guy actually was fishing for dinner! A few snappers were victims to his skill. Wildlife in the street....who knew? (better in large view)

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.

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)