FireIsland

C and I headed out to Kismet Beach recently. I love going out there. It's a small residential community on FireIsland (off Long Island). To get there it takes us a couple of hours and involves the NY Subway, Long Island Rail Road, Shuttle Bus, Ferry and then walk to the beach.

The community does not allow cars so it's just unreal - very peaceful. The beach is great - at least as great as a beach in this area can be (nothing like back home though). There's this area for nudists which suits us fine as it's not near as busy as the other parts. But explain this to me (and no offence to the nudists out there) - why must you all be old crusty men with awful bodies. Seriously.... we don't need to see that.

Anyways I enjoy going because the people are cool and it's a great day out of NYC (even if it does take us 2+ hours to get there). We basically spent the time alternating between the beach and the bar [shock horror]. It's very much a small community and we're starting to get to know the people that work and/or live there. They are friendly considering their proximity to NYC :-) We kind of stand out a little.... in our NY gear (apparently noone wears heels [technically they are sandals] or black) . ;-)

Highlight this trip though....... when I freaked out at the reindeer wandering on the beach while I was up in the lifeguard chair (dont ask) after dark. What community allows a massive reindeer to wander around without putting up a sign!!???!!!

Many thanks to the guys that offered to put us up that night rather than go back to NYC on the last ferry. In hindsight we should have taken up one of the offers instead of venture back to NYC that night (we didn't get back until around 2am) and have to sit next to the most obnoxious drunk American I've had the displeasure of meeting and not being able to run away from (we were on a shuttle bus).