Sunken Meadow

 Sunken Meadow State Park is on the North Shore of Long Island in Western Suffolk County. It's super easy to find, just take the Sunken Meadow Parkway north to the end and you're there.

 When I was a child my parents would drive us out to this beach a few times a year. Unlike the south shore ocean beaches of Long Island with soft sand and big waves, this north shore beach was rocky and the water was gentle. My dad told me he liked this beach because it reminded him of the beaches in Germany.

There is a well kept boardwalk along this beach that measures 3/4 of a mile from one end to the other. It's an excellent place to walk in off season times. The quarter miles are well marked if you like to keep track of your pace. Best of all, there's public restrooms open year round. A wonderful perk if you are going to walk for any length of time.

 I took my daughters to Sunken Meadow too when they were little, there was a simple playground that they could always visit after skipping stones on the beach. We had a most magical day there with my Mom one Indian summer day after her surgery.

In 2009 I was walking the park alone when I decided to explore away from the beach. Nothing pulls at your feet like a bridge, I had to see what was on the other side.

There was a large vacant campground filled with picnic tables but off to the side I saw a small walkway  going off into the trees and decided to keep exploring.

Have you ever been on a walk and suddenly discovered something you know you'll remember for the rest of your life? A moment in time that stays in your memory is like a newly unwrapped gift on Christmas morning. I heard a strange sound, lots of deep hooting and honking. The trees and undergrowth along the stream was too dense to see what was there until I found an opening.

There it was, this huge rock, bleached by thousands of bird droppings, covered with Cormorants. At that moment I didn't know what a cormorant was, I had to go home with my photos and research them.

The walkway crossed a short cement slab that had a drainage tunnel underneath it that lead to a secluded body of water and a very tame swan. It was such a lovely sight that I had to sit there for half an hour to take all that beauty in.

I continued to walk that area a few times a year, I rarely shared it with anybody, maybe my daughter Emily once. Two days after our area was ravished by Hurricane Sandy I decided to go see how the beach and woods fared.

My heart almost broke when I saw that the force of the storm waters had washed away the slab and tunnel and the current had cut a deep channel where there once was a place of peace.

No longer could you cross over to the other side, it was a huge change for the wildlife in that area and yet the photos show it was still beautiful.

The grasses still looked lovely, forgive me but sometimes I have fun playing with the photo features on my computer.

There's been a lot on my mind these past few weeks, Tuesday I needed a long walkabout, 5 mile minimum so Sunken Meadow was the ideal place to go. It's amazing what a long walk can do by cleaning out the clutter rattling around your brain.

I started off in a different direction this time. If you park at the eastern most lot and head out on the sand you will walk through a bird sanctuary. Even though the leaves have mostly fallen, this is a fabulous place to walk any time of year. You are still protected somewhat from the wind coming off the water.

Looking back at the spot where that cement slab used to be I was thrilled beyond belief. Andy and I had walked here last winter in the snow and I knew a bridge had been built to cover that new channel. In just one year it has weathered beautifully, looking like it's been there forever.

If you are looking for a great place to walk, whether by yourself or with family or friends, give Sunken Meadow a try. Bring along some extra layers, the winds can cut through you and may even a thermos with a hot drink or soup. Don't forget, let me know if you go!

melanie

Introduction

Hi!

My name is Melanie and I'd like to welcome you to my new blog The Island Walkabout. It's been a few years but I was quite a blogger at one time, I miss the creative outlet of sharing my thoughts and images.

Some people are just born walkers, others come to it later in life. Both of my parents were avid walkers so I've been walking all my life. Nothing clears the heart, mind and soul like a good hardy walk! Some walks are slow, some are fast power walks, I love both types.

Luckily for me my partner in life, Andy, shares my passion for walking, in fact he could be credited for re-inspiring me to walk. There are times we drive or fly to a location or even peddle a bicycle but at some point we are going to walk.

Calie-the-wonderdoodle is often my companion too. She's been walking at my side for 9 years now and she keeps me motivated, we try to do at least two miles a day. Andy calls it the "two miler".

Living on Long Island means that we're surrounded by stunning vistas. I look forward to sharing them with you. I'd even like to invite you to join me on some of these walks and certainly look forward to hearing from all of you about new places to stroll.