SOUNDBOUNDER

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Oyster Sloop Christeen

In an ideal world, other coastal towns would follow the example set by Oyster Bay and their magnificent Waterfront Center. The non-profit organization offers a slew of activities ranging from kayak and sailboat rentals, to educational programs, as well as providing coastal access to Oyster Bay Harbor. The flagship of the Waterfront Center is the Christeen, a 40 foot gaff rigged oyster sloop. The Christeen was built in 1883 and is the oldest oyster sloop in North America. After surviving two sinkings and severe neglect, the Christeen was brought home to Oyster Bay in 1992 to undergo a seven year restoration. She is now available for harbor tours, sunset cruises, private charters, and educational sails. Oyster Bay Waterfront Center Christeen: Video Clip New York Times: A Link To The Past Thomas Cardone: Paintings Map

Monday, April 13, 2009

Cold Spring Harbor State Park

Along Route 25A on the Nassau-Suffolk County line sits Cold Spring Harbor State Park. This is a forty acre park that climbs the bluffs that surround this attractive harbor. The park also serves as the northern trailhead to the Greenbelt Trail that links Long Island Sound to the Atlantic Ocean. I have been delaying my visit here for several months. The entrance to the trails involves a steep climb that would be difficult with an icy or muddy ground. I also did not want to visit when the leaves were in full bloom, thus limiting the view of the harbor below. My timing paid off handsomely. The air was about 50 degrees, but the sun was strong, and I was protected from the wind by the hills to the south. It is easy to see why this area was so appealing to the industrialists who built their grand estates here a century ago. The deep harbors, wooded bluffs, and irregular coastline make for an attractive setting. I didn't get much hiking in. I climbed the hill and found an overlook that provided an excellent view of the harbor below. I sat myself down on a rock and took it all in. New York State Parks Map Loving Long Island: Cold Spring Harbor Explore Long Island: Cold Spring Harbor State Park Hike Long Island Huntington Audubon Society

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Eatons Neck 1953-2004

Zach at Old Long Island has found an excellent site. HistoricAerials.com offers aerial photos of the United States dating back as far as 1930. Eatons Neck provides an interesting comparison. This portion of the north shore was spared from the rampant Los Angelization that consumed much of western Long Island in the post war years. By 1980 however, the southern half of Eatons Neck had become developed, as farms and estates gave way to suburban housing. It also appears that the Sand City operation at Price's Bend (SW) was still in existence. Just to the east of here, the Keyspan Power Station was still just an idea on the drafting table. Also, the entrance to the Coast Guard Cove (NW) was much wider in 1953. The houses along Asharoken Beach (East) seem fewer and far between. Meanwhile, the northern half of Eatons Neck appears to have changed little in 50 years. Historic Arials Old Long Island About Eatons Neck Newsday: Eatons Neck

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Watercolor Lights

During many of my coastal explorations, I have stumbled upon an artist quietly at work. The paintings shown here however, were discovered via the internet. I was looking for some information on a particular lighthouse, when I happened to discover Al LaBanca's enjoyable American Lighthouse Art website that showcases his work. Lighthouses are his passion and he calls them the vanishing castles of America, because so many are abandoned and neglected. Al hopes his artwork will bring attention to theses castles and create an awareness that helps preserve them. Painting with watercolors most of his adult life, he made it his calling to paint lighthouses 15 years ago, upon retirement. He has painted lighthouses from all over the world, but the lights of the Sound have been more than just an artistic subject for him. As a resident of Darien for over 40 years, Al and his wife Joan have sailed Long Island Sound and relied upon these lights many times (especially during some of his overnight races). They are the classic example of beauty combining with function. American Lighthouse Art.com Connecticut: Lighthouses New York: Lighthouses Rhode Island: Lighthouses top painting:Execution Rocks Lighthouse middle: Black Rock (Fayerweather Light) bottom: Stratford Shoal Lighthouse (Middle Ground) paintings are courtesy of American Lighthouse Art New York Times: Execution Rocks Lighthouse Sold