Sailor's Haven Walk

For exercise on Fire Island, I either swim to Cherry Grove or walk to Sailor's Haven.  Both locations are west of the Pines and take a little less than an hour, one-way.  A walk usually starts with a tall glass of sun tea and some fruit.

Something always catches your eye walking through the Grove.

At the west end of the Grove, a boardwalk connects with a concrete path.  It winds through the dunes.

The path has taken some bad hits from hurricanes during the past couple of years.  Sandy swept away the wooden boardwalk erected by the National Park Service to replace the section closest to the water, now reclaimed by the Great South Bay.

The shoreline remains fragile, if picturesque.



The flotsam and jetsam offer interesting contrasts . . .

as do the flora, dead or alive.

                                                                                                                                                                

The reason behind this prohibition isn't clear unless it's part of the effort to protect the piping plovers.  They've been pretty scarce this year.

 Most people visit Sailor's Haven for the beach.

 Unlike many beaches on Fire Island, it offers lifeguard protection.

The lifeguards live here during the season.

The purpose of this odd structure remains mysterious.

Showers a-plenty for bathers, but rarely used.

The plumbing is rudimentary . . . 

but the water is free and refreshing.

Imagine the tedium of this caretaker's job--or opportunity for reading--before the advent of wireless communication.

The Sailor's Haven harbor is pretty and low key.

There's a snack bar . . . 

and a gift shop.

Boats are more plentiful here than in the Pines, but decidedly less glamorous.

Shortly before going on this walk, I decided to retire next summer.  Enough said.

 The berths are numbered.

Charge 'er up!

Love these whaddyacallits . . . 

and the way the light plays on this rusted metal.

Most of the boaters were at the beach, but from the looks of it, they socialize together when they return.

This swan stopped by to scoop up some seaweed.  Hard to believe they're such mean critters.

Every walk needs a soundtrack.  I’m listening to my “Candy Crush” playlist (Empire of the Sun, Pet Shop Boys, Savior Adore & Tegan & Sara), pop at its absolute cheeriest!

There's a peaceful little cove nearby . . . 

but the destructive impact of Sandy is still visible everywhere.

Can Tippi Hedren be far behind?

This old bird was getting ready to make his escape.

I photographed my sole souvenir on the way back.  Come Christmas, it will be hanging from a tree in Bernardsville, NJ.

This stair used to connect to a scenic overlook.  I wonder if it will last until next season.

Here's a view of the western edge of the Grove . . .

and the beachfront.

You can't avoid the deer on Fire Island . . .

or the dragon flies, which I find much more interesting.

OK, but where are all the freak flags?  C'mon, this is the Grove!

Just a bucket brigade away from the harbor is the volunteer fire department.

A fresh coat of white paint really improved the look of the Belvedere, the most visible landmark in the Grove and quite possibly the sleaziest hotel on the East Coast.  According to legend, an arriving tourist, who glimpsed the cupolas and tower from the ferry, asked his wife what it was.  She replied “It’s their church, dear.”  Huh, never thought of it, but maybe the Belvedere IS a house of worship.

Here's the last house in the Grove, and the last stop before you enter the Enchanted Forest.  I've always like the faux shutters, but only after Sandy did the land become bay front property.