Fall Adventures: The David Weld Sanctuary

I almost never enjoy the Fall.  'Tis the season of cold hands and sinus infections.  No more Summer.  No more warm weather.  No more boating.

This year, I'm intent on enjoying it.  I bought myself some chai tea and ventured out into nature.  Brought some friends along with me.  First stop - the David Weld Sanctuary.

Although a bit difficult to find, the David Weld Sanctuary is a truly beautiful preserve.  The area has a few trails, as well as a beach along the Long Island Sound.  The trip is well worth it - just check a map first.

After you have parked in the small (6 car) gravel parking lot outside of the preserve, you have two choices.  You can wander off to the left (unseen in photograph), or venture straight ahead.

Entrance to the preserve.

In case you were wondering, you can't ride horses at the preserve.  You also can't do the various things listed below.  But no worries, the trails should be enjoyable enough. :)

Protecting the wildlife. :)

A reminder of why Fall is such a wonderful time of year.

We wandered straight down the trail.  There were lots of trees, large boulders, and a few other people walking as well.  The paths are clear cut, but you can walk deeper into the woods if you are feeling daring.  

After this trip, could I maybe be starting to enjoy Fall?  Pretty leaves?  And I still get to go to the beach?  I could live with this.  My one regret is not dressing warmer.  FYI it's cold and windy at the beach. 

...really, really windy.

History:  The David Weld Sanctuary is a 125-acre preserve located in Nissequogue.  The land was donated to the Nature Conservancy by Mr. and Mrs. David Weld between 1969 and 1979.  Since that time, additional land has been donated.  The park now has a 3 mile trail and a small gravel parking lot (only about 6 cars).

Hello there, friend.

Whether you live on Long Island or you are simply visiting, it's easy to get distracted in our fast-paced environment.  We are so focused on our home, jobs, money, and the future that we often fail to appreciate our own surroundings.  When was the last time you stopped and looked at the trees along the Northern State Parkway, went to a nature preserve, or visited a museum or historical site?  I mean really stopped and enjoyed them.  For most people I know, including me, it's been a while.  

From now on, instead of sitting at home chatting about how you are bored, I'm encouraging you to go outside and explore.  Well known places, secret hideaways, restaurants, bars...  We live here.  Let's appreciate it - live our lives to the fullest.  If you stop and slow down, I think you'd be surprised at how much beauty Long Island has to offer.

And well, if I'm wrong, this will be a pretty short-lived blog.

Cheers.