A Travel Guide to Fire Island, New York: A Beach and a Forest

When I was younger, my mother always took me and my sister to Fire Island during the summer. We would drive to the ferry in Patchogue and ride over. If we were with friends who had a boat, we'd just sail over with them.

Fire Island is the barrier island that protects Long Island from the ocean and really bad weather, such as hurricanes. During Hurricane Gloria in 1987, most of Fire Island was destroyed. However, with relief efforts, Fire Island was restored and is better than ever.

Many different beaches belong to what is known as Fire Island. These beaches include Smith's Point in Mastic, Jones Beach in Hempstead, Robert Moses and Captree. When I think of Fire Island, though, I think about Davis Park and the preserve known as the Fire Island National Seashore.

Davis Park is where many locals own summer houses. They sail their boats in and dock them, then walk along the docks to get to their houses. It's been a while since I've been there, but I can't remember seeing any cars. Most of the houses are small, ranch houses because of the hurricane season. When Hurricane Gloria hit, many of these houses were destroyed. during the summer, you can find people having parties, bar-b-ques, and all sorts of things. Let me tell you, it's really hopping during Independence Weekend.

Besides houses at Davis Park, you can also find commissaries(where you can buy snacks and such), litle shops and, of course, the beach. There's even a nude beach in one section, but I've never been brave enough to bare it all! The water is unpredictable, as the Atlantic usually is. Watch out for fierce undertoes all along the shore.

The Fire Island National Seashore is a place where a lot of schools go on field trips during nice weather. There's a little wildlife preserve and a small museum. It's really neat, especially for younger kids. From the place known as Watch Hill to locals, you can find nature tours (there's one along a boardwalk that is just beautiful), back country trails, camping, a restaurant, a small shop and a big marina.

There are also a bunch of other little places where you can find more and more things to do. Believe me, you can't cover all of Fire Island in one day. For example, there's Sunken Forest, which is protected and run by the National Seashore. Sunken Forest is like no other place you've every been to, as the entire area is covered by a "tangled canopy of flora" that is good for bird-watching. If you're in the woods, though, be sure to bring tick and mosquito repellant.

Let's not forget about Fire Island's historic lighthouse. Built in 1857, the lighthouse has been rebuilt and restored. It now contains a museum and observatory.

Should you visit Long Island during the summer, I highly recommend a day trip out to Fire Island. For more information on this beautiful place, visit www.fireisland.com.