Happy As A Clam
August 7th, 2011 by Magdalena Tabor
Living on Long Island, one develops a profound appreciation for water – we’re surrounded by it. The ocean – deep, dark and mysterious never fails to awe. Water courses throughout the island as well, in the form of rivers, lakes, ponds, and streams. Some scientists speculate that human beings descended from the Aquatic Ape. An interseting concept however controversial, the hypothesis can be read in detail on Wikipedia. There is no doubt that water courses through my veins.One of my favorite things to do is bike to a nearby fishing pier to watch the boats cruise in and out of the neighboring canals. A jagged shoreline of rocks serve as front row seating while dipping my feet in the warm as bathwater bay. It’s a haunt known only to locals and a pleasant way to spend an afternoon lunching on some deep fried shrimp, just the way I like them. The waves splash up against the rocks cooling me off against the hot August sun but already I sense a slight chill in the air reminding me that (No!!!!!) summer will soon be coming to a close. So I’m enjoying these well spent moments while I still can. Some people have the luxury and the relative privacy of possessing their very own beach right in their backyards. For them, it must be especially painful for summer to end. Saying good-bye to their fleet of boats and kayaks that, for now, remain tied to the dock.
Another interesting area to explore is the bike path that runs the length of the Massapequa Preserve. A couple of Huck Finn-like bridges span the well stocked ponds luring the local anglers. The ponds are fed by a creek that runs adjacent to the bike path making it feel like you’re miles from nowhere. The path runs as far as the renowned Bethpage Golf Course on Long Island’s north shore and is part of the Appalachian Trail. However, the preserve itself is a gem; recently restored to provide an even cleaner habitat for the fish and wildlife. Right now, I’m sitting on a strategically placed bench at one of the ponds watching a family of Trumpeter Swans that have made this their home. In spite of the many people attracted to the area, it remains utterly peaceful. I never fail to bring pen and paper should inspiration strike. If you see some lady with a bike scribbling away, it’s probably me.
Dogs love the swimming hole fed with native brook trout. It’s a bit of a hot spot with everyone gathering to watch the dogs retrieve their sticks tossed into the water. I chuckle watching a little dog proudly carrying his stick while his back legs rotate propeller-like. The bigger dogs show off dragging whole branches. I imagine that many friendships between dog owners have been forged right here.
If you continue farther along the path, you’ll find that parts of it resemble a Thomas Cole painting, the 19th century Hudson River painter. The scenery is accompanied by a heady fragrance of an un-named flower that follows you everywhere this time of year. I take a small clipping to bring home and locate its name on the computer. But a wind is kicking up and the clouds roll in on billowing waves. Will I beat the rain home or linger to watch a Monarch Butterfly dance over a purple gray Weeping Willow’s garden? What’s a little rain anyway when you love water so much? I hope you enjoyed your bike ride with me. Next time we’ll bike to Jones Beach.
By the way, “Happy as a clam” is shortened from the “Happy as a clam at high tide” phrase . Low tide is the only time you can dig for them. When it’s high tide, he’s safe from the dinner plate. It doesn’t take much for a clam to be happy. If he’s not eaten then you’ve made his day. Me? I’m just happy to be alive.
August 8th, 2011 at 3:32 pm
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August 9th, 2011 at 12:37 am
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August 25th, 2011 at 3:23 am
I stand corrected on 2 counts. The preserve runs as far north as Cold Spring Harbor. It does, however take you to The Bethpage Golf Course as well. It’s part of The Greenbelt Trail but there was mention of adding a loop to join the preserve with The Appalachian Trail. Sorry for the confusion.
October 28th, 2011 at 8:17 am
So whats your thoughts on other posters comments