Windless Bay at Sunrise

Windless Bay at Sunrise, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

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This is the same bay as the photo below, looking north-east.

The rising sun is off to the right, over the sand dunes and ocean.

On this particular morning there was no wind and not one boat had stirred the water yet.

This is a rare sight on the Great South Bay and only more common in late September.

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Sunset from Davis Park

Sunset from Davis Park, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

The sunset from Davis Park, Fire Island and the Great South Bay...

The wind was very strong today but the Great South Bay sunsets have been spectacular!

Today's bay did not look like this photo.

Today, there were waves and whitecaps, but I thought you'd enjoy this shot more.

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Davis Park Marina

Davis Park Marina, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

The marina in September when the crowds are gone....

We've spent the last two weeks on Fire Island in the community of Davis Park.

There are no crowds and the weather is still good. It's not swimming weather, but it's wonderful for walks on the beach and watching the bay and wildlife.

You can still sleep with windows open, for that cool ocean breeze and for the sound of the ocean waves.

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Davis Park Sunrise

Davis Park Sunrise, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Early morning at the beach. The surf fisherman are already there, before sunrise.

We are spending some time at the beach this week, the last warm weather of summer. September is actually the best time on Fire Island since the crowds are gone and the warm sun and warm water temperatures make for a very pleasant experience.

Blue Claws (crabs)

Blue Claws (crabs), originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

t's blue-claw season. The Great South Bay is abundant this year with crabs.

You can see them just swimming near the surface. With two small traps, we caught over one dozen large ones and about 6 small that we threw back . No sense keeping more than you can eat.

Antietam Battlefield

Antietam Battlefield, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

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This is the battlefield of Antietam. My husband was always interested in the Civil War and recently found out his great-great grandfather fought in the battle of Antietam.

We went there this weekend and met distant family members, third cousins, not one of which would be here today if

great, great-grandfather Allen McLane died in this battle.

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the river reflections

the river, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Early morning, end of summer and all is calm. I used to be upset when Labor Day approached since it meant "back to school and work" for me. Now, I'm happy to reclaim the beaches and the Great South Bay for myself.