The ferry from Bay Shore to Kismet is about a 20 minute ride. But ask anyone on board and they'll tell you that it feels like time travel to another planet. The rumbling ride across the Great South Bay is dramatic on the top deck where the world as it was spins away as fast as the wind can carry it. Stepping off the ferry onto Fire Island is one of life's startling pleasures, particularly if it is to the excited, waving arms of a greeter- or two. That's what we think anyway.
Virtually without cars, the island is laced with boardwalks and sandy paths. Everything that has to be moved is by wagon, bike or beachbag. But the space between the bay and the ocean on the other side of the barrier island is only about 3 blocks. Not too much to manage. ( That's the Betta there...finally happy in the bay. The captain is happier too.)
But if you get thirsty, there are refreshments along the way...
to a rental cottage with a clever name like Make It So, Beachnut, the Lawn House, Chance, the Sanctuary or my favorite o-wish-it-were-mine, Shells. Luckily, we picked one with a cross-breeze, a deck and some charm. (Okay, yes, and some decent mattresses, seating and kitchen equipment.)
And then we just head a few more steps to the dunes and the beach.
No shoes needed at all now. For anything. For a few weeks. Amazing, right? Forgot to mention that this is all an hour or so from home. Once a year. Amazing, indeed. xoC
The shell house in incredible! What a lovely, lovely place! I know you must be relaxing on your wonderful vacation! XXOO, Beth
Posted by: Elizabeth Holcombe | July 19, 2007 at 06:28 AM
fabulous!! and the best part - only an hour away??!!
Posted by: LindaSonia | July 19, 2007 at 11:26 AM
What a lovely time! It reminds me of a yearly vacation we used to take in Mexico - the ride across the bay (we had to bring our own boats), the camping out (no little cottages here, I'm afraid), and the waves on the other side of the dunes. Those were wonderful days!
Posted by: Jill | July 19, 2007 at 11:36 AM
Isn't is fun to take the ferry. It is all beautiful. It reminds me of Bainbridge Island. Looks like you had a wonderful time. xoxo Clarice
Posted by: clarice | July 19, 2007 at 05:31 PM
Amazing, indeed!!
The cottages are great. Lovely post as usual, Charlotte!
Pat
Posted by: Pat | July 19, 2007 at 08:03 PM
I was there in college, visiting my aunt and uncle and their kids. I remember that the Democratic Convention - '78? - was on TV and we watched it at night on a tiny black and white set. Oh, and the mosquitos in a house with few screens. We have a great photo of my uncle sleeping with a bathtowel over his ears like a turban. You've given me an idea to try it out again!
Posted by: Loretta | July 19, 2007 at 08:45 PM
Just lovely. There is something magical about a ferry ride.
Posted by: deb | July 20, 2007 at 10:35 AM
Only an hour away from home! That is just wonderful... Have a lovely time.
Beverly
Posted by: tea time and roses | July 20, 2007 at 11:41 AM
Oh what a wonderful place.
Posted by: carolyn | July 20, 2007 at 12:04 PM
Love the little house with all the pink flowers........it's magical!
Posted by: Tootie | July 22, 2007 at 08:40 PM