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The Caumsett Foundation Dedicated To The Preservation Of Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve |
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My Favorite Place: Text and Photographs By: John F. Barone Caumsett State Historic Park is like no other. Walking around this state park is to take a step back in time. At Caumsett, it's just you and nature. If you have visited The Caumsett Foundation's Trail Guide found on this site, you already know why Caumsett is loved by so many. Everyone who visits Caumsett goes home with a favorite place. This place however, can change from visit to visit. I would like to take you to a place in Caumsett that I am sure you have never been to. Let me take you down to the old dock area. With the exception of a few fishermen*, not many people are willing to make the long walk. Get your walking shoes on...I'm about to change your mind.
My name is John Barone, and I am very proud to be associated with The Caumsett Foundation in its' quest to protect this natural wonder. Unless you are a devoted fan of this park, I am willing to bet that you have never been down this set of stairs. They are located approximately three miles from the entrance booth in the parking area. It's a very long walk...most of it on a dirt path, and most of it downhill! The path to these stairs leads you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the park. The path winds along the western part of the park. You can view the path and the dock area location by taking a look at the official park map. On a cold and windy November morning, I set out on this path with my camera. I invite you to come along with me, down this staircase, and discover why this section of Caumsett is my favorite.
Sit for a moment on the bench. The land mass in front of you is Connecticut. It's 7.1 miles to South Norwalk from here. When ready, get up from the bench, turn around and climb the railroad ties steps and make a right turn at the top. You will be facing west looking at a gate. Take note of a few rules. This is a very delicate section of the park! Walk through the gate. You are, if willing; about to take a three mile round trip. You will soon be saying to yourself (over and over)..."Am I really still on Long Island?" The view on your left about 1000 feet into your walk.
If you have read the trail guide found on this web site, you know that the bathhouse near the mansion is no longer standing.
The path you have walked so far is not the only way to get to the dock area, you can also attempt this by motor boat, but be warned, it is against the law. The water to your right is very shallow. You will normally not see too many boats coming close to the shoreline. You have now come to the last remnants of the actual board walk to the dock area. Imagine for a moment that you are Marshall Field III walking this path on your way to board one of your yachts to travel to New York City for an important business meeting, or maybe a hop (7 Miles) over to Connecticut for dinner!
The homes on your left belong to some very lucky people living in the Village Of Lloyd Harbor. Looking a little to your right, you will see Center Island in the distance. Continue down the path. Please, turn off in open spaces only. Remember, you are the wild life here. Please respect nature!
Time out! Take a moment to look down also! Continue down the path. You will soon reach Mr. Field's dock location.
You are entering a protected endangered species (piping plover) nesting area. Looking to your right, you can see the boardwalk you crossed to get here. Imagine how many famous people boarded a boat from here.
I enjoy taking photographs of items that wash up on shore. I have also brought a garbage bag with me today, so you will not find the following interesting items during your walk...
Nature at its' best. Remember: Walk only on the sand. PLEASE do not walk on the grass!
By the way, this is a pretty good place to collect shells… Okay, it's a REALLY, REALLY good place to collect shells:
Look around at the surroundings. I will answer an obvious question for you. You may be wondering what the orange windsock is doing way out here. This (very) large house in your Southern view has a helicopter pad!
Meet Richard Levy of Greenlawn, New York. Mr. Levy is shown here fishing for stripers. When I asked Mr. Levy what he was doing out in the cold weather, he remarked "Catching fish is simple, you just have to put in the time". No fish were caught this day!
I hope you have enjoyed your trip to my favorite place... If you would like to visit the dock area in person, get a map and go! If you liked this section of the site, be sure and visit the trail guide! See you in the park! John Barone Our only goal is the preservation of Caumsett State Historic Park...Won't you join us? Email The Caumsett Foundation at: info@caumsettfoundation.org!
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