Fire island Ferries

It seems that more and more ferries are leaving the river. We are always behind one or trying to keep ahead of one as we leave for Fire Island.

Why the increase? I can't figure it out.

Maybe it's just a larger population living on Long Island or Fire Island is just more popular than I remember.

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More Photos of Coney Island, Brooklyn

Fishing with nets off the Coney Island Pier

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Early morning walkers

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Looking east, early Sunday morning

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Coney Island

I went to Coney Island yesterday to take photos and document the changing scene.

The Coney Island area has been sold to a big developer who is planning a major change.

There are now empty fields waiting for develpment.

It does need change for sure, and updating, but many people are not happy.

A major part of Astroland will be removed.

The old Parachute Jump as well as the Cyclone and Wonder Wheel will remain as landmark symbols and for the amusement of the boardwalk visitors.

Almost everything else will go.

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I must say, I did enjoy my visit there.

You have to understand, that I was born and raised in Brooklyn.

I moved to Long Island as a young adult so I could raise my children in a "better" environment. (Well, that's another debate.)

I have wonderful memories of Coney Island, the rides, Steeplechase and Nathan's.

It was a family activity, mini-one-day-vacations, that could be affordable to just about everyone.

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Anyway, my husband and I went to Coney Island early Sunday morning, before the traffic and the crowds and....it was wonderful!

First of all, the light for photography, is much better in the early hours.

Nice long shadows and a warm color cast makes for better photos!

I hope I got some good shots. :-)

But the best thing about the morning trip was the people!

The pier was lined with families and old men, fishing.

There were few people on the beach, jogging or walking on the sand as well as the boardwalk.

I spoke to a few people...You grow up in Brooklyn and that's natural.

Well, most of the people I spoke with could not speak English....and they were all there together, getting along like one big community.

I heard so many different languages.

It was really great to see!

They were friendly, and tried to understand me and answer my questions.

I wanted to know what kind of fish they catch. What bait? You know the usual fisherman questions.

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We then went to Nathan's for a famous hotdog. Now, I haven't eaten a hotdog in ten years.

The thought of eating ground-up animal parts just doesn't tempt me.

But, I had a Nathan's hotdog and it was the best one I ever had! With saurkraut and mustard!

It brought back all the old memories of standing at the window eating hot-dogs with my brothers and sisters and parents.

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I'm sorry to see Astroland go but I know that New York is a great city and the main reason it is so wonderful is the people.

So, if you ever went there as a child, take a ride. Go back to visit!

Go, as I did, on a Sunday, when families are there and you can park almost anywhere.

Check out the empty fields that will be developed in the near future.

Don't wait too long, it will soon change.

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I am still processing my Coney Island photos but you can see my gallery on Flickr.

Click here!

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Square Format

The photo above, Montauk Fishing Fleet, has been cropped to a square format.

It seems to be the current trend. Check out the frame department at your local shop.

Square frames are the rage!

Why is this important to me and other photographers?

Well, the camera doesn't shoot square, unless it is one of the special cameras.

Some older camera shoot square, like the old box cameras, but that's another era.

Today's digital camera shoot to a ratio of 2:3.

So they enlarge to 4x6, 8x12, 12x18, 16x24....well, you get the idea.

So, what's the big deal?

The ends get cut off!

And sometimes, important detail and composition disappear.

Just thought I'd mention that since I am struggling to crop some of my older photos to be square.

What end do I cut? How does it look with more sky or more ground or sea?

How will the resolution be compromised?

Will it print as well?

Hmm, I'll just have to work on that and I'll keep you posted!

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See the original below...

If you have an opinion about this, please leave a comment!

I read them all and I'd like to know what you think!

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Montauk Fishing Fleet

original composition

Happy Birthday, Sissy!

When she calls me on the phone and leaves a message, she says, in her playful, cheerful voice, "It's me, Sissy Linda!"

My sister Linda and she's having a birthday.

Well, she always makes me smile....always.

She is happy and funny and has arrived at the

big -5-0-!

50!

You would never know it.

She looks under 40 and her activity level is like a 20 year old.

My "Sissy Linda" never stops!

With a smile, she is kind, thoughtful, generous, and makes people feel welcome and important.

Everyone loves her.

What else can I say?

If I listed all of her positive qualities, I could write pages, and she would be embarrassed.

She's the perfect sister, a true friend, my best friend.

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Happy Birthday Linda!

May you have 50 more years of good health and happiness.

You deserve that and more.

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The Morton National Wildlife Refuge

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Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge

Sag Harbor, Long Island, NY

You can feed the chickadees sunflower seeds, by hand!

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One last time....

Flo's outdoor luncheonette

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Soon to be closing for the season! It's a hit with the neighborhood and the local beach crowd.

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Where did the summer go?

Signs of summer are slowly leaving the scene.

Labor Day weekend and everyone is asking, "Where did the summer go?"

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We ate at Flo's yesterday...one of our favorite summer's activities.

Located in Blue Point, it has excellent sandwiches and quick lunch and snack foods.

And.....Don't forget the ice cream!

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There is a certain sadness each Labor Day, that creeps into my mood. I can't always identify the exact moment, but I do know that suddenly I'm sad and it happens every year.

I just love, LOVE, summer and I'm reluctant to see it go!

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Watching the Moon Rise, Watch Hill, NY

We walked along the beach, at Watch Hill, Fire Island, and watched the sunset and moon rise.

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This is Davis Park after sunset. We walked along the ocean, from Watch Hill to Davis Park for dinner at the "Casino," the restaurant at Davis Park.

It was a wonderful meal, although expensive.

The walk along the ocean was awarded with watching the moon rise.

Definitely needed "Off" to keep the mosquitoes from biting!

It was a wonderful night!

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The in-laws visit

My in-laws spent a few days with us for a nice family visit.

Of course the camera was ready for those candid moments!

:-)

Walking on Fire Island to the Pines

Another photo of people walking on the beach.
I don't show their faces. Why?
Well, they are walking to the Pines and I like to give people their privacy.
We all need our privacy, don't we?
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Polish Festival in Riverhead

Every year at this time, the town of Riverhead is host to the Polish Festival.

There are vendors and food carts in the street with something for everyone.

It was held this weekend, August 18 & 19.

On Saturday, I saw the traditional wedding ceremony complete with the young bride and groom, the couple's parents, wedding attendants and this young flower girl. Beautiful costumes to complete the tradition, are a must.

The mission is to pass the traditions on to the next generation.

I think it was a success!

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Click on the photo to see more details!

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Montauk Point

Montauk Point, Long Island

Fog is not unusual....Montauk is at the end of Long Island, away from the mainland, surrounded by water. After all, fog is part of the nautical environment.

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Clear day in Montauk

You can see many fishing boats....and in this photo, the Coast Guard Station.

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Carousel Horse

The carousel has always been a favorite ride for children.

By today's ride standards, it is probably not very exciting or desired, but it is still fun.

Ride the horse and watch the world pass by!

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Balloon & Music Festival, August 10, 11, & 12th

What could be better than a colorful ferris wheel against a beautiful, clear, blue sky?

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Click on the photos to see more detail!

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(For more information about the festival, see the link in the photo below.)

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Long Island's Metro NY Balloon & Music Festival

We went early this morning, sunrise actually, to the

Metro NY Balloon & Music Festival,

being held August 10th, 11th & 12th at Brookhaven Calabro Airport.

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Unfortunately, a north wind kept the balloons from flying.

As one balloon owner said, "...in this wind, nowhere to go but the ocean!"

It was wonderful to watch the balloons fire up and get ready.

For more information, directions and the festival information, visit the website..here.

I will tell you that it costs $10 to park and $25 per person to enter.

No coolers allowed but you can bring in a folding chair.

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I will be posting more photos soon!

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Connetquot State Park and Preserve, Long Island

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Fun at the Beach

The best beach dog.....

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Christian, all wet and sandy from swimming (or jumping) in the waves...

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A dreamy Connor, who just loves the beach...

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Let's bury Christian!

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We had a great weekend and today was a perfect beach day. The kids loved it and so did I!

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Hot days at the beach

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You know those hot, hazy, humid days of summer?

Well, they're here!

We've spent the last few days at the beach, on Fire Island, where it was cool and uncrowded, yet somewhat hazy.

The water was perfect for swimming and cooling off. PERFECT!

The waves were gentle, not large or rough, the water was clear and a "Caribbean" blue, with comfortable temperatures.

It was probably the best few ocean days at the beach all summer.

It doesn't get better than this!

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