Beautiful late-summer days on Long Island

Dan writes: For the first time in a few years, Julie, Christine, Andy and I were all available to spend more than a couple of days at a time in Noyac. And by great good fortune, the weather was exceptionally beautiful for every minute of our five-day visit. So we made the most of it.

We spent an afternoon watching horses and riders compete in various events at the Hampton Classic in Bridgehampton.


That evening, we met Nanette for a nice dinner at a Noyac restaurant.


We strolled around Sag Harbor during the early part of the next day. Then we headed over to Cameron Beach on the ocean, where Christine and Andy showed they haven't forgotten how to enjoy the surf.

The following day, we drove out to Montauk Point to visit the lighthouse.

Christine, Andy and I climbed the long spiral staircase to take a quick look from the top. And we all explored the museum that now fills the former lighthouse-keeper's quarters.

The exhibits have grown over the years. They include the original commissioning document signed by President George Washington and other historical items and information. There's also an exhibit about the successful efforts of Georgina Reed, Dan Rattiner and others in the late 1960s and early 1970s to raise funds and build a system of terraces that saved the lighthouse from erosion, which threatened to topple it into the sea. I well remember the articles in Dan's Papers reporting on the problem and Georgina's solution.

As many times as I've seen it, I'm not sure this view of the light has ever been as picture-postcard-perfect as it was on this occasion.

We then enjoyed a seafood dinner at Gosman's Dock, arriving just before the rush to get a good table (as if we'd planned it that way). And we topped off the evening with dessert at another iconic establishment, Big Olaf's ice cream shop.

On Friday we returned to Jessup's Neck, one of our favorite spots, to commune with the wildlife and take a dip in Peconic Bay.

Chickadees and white-breasted nuthatches took sunflower seeds from our hands, wild turkeys sauntered by, a family of swans swam in the pond and an osprey surveyed the beach from a treetop.

That evening we joined Kathy, Vivien and CJ for a cookout dinner at Kathy's house, against the backdrop of the sunset. A fine finish to a wonderful late-summer week.

Postcards from summer travels

Several family members have traveled far and wide this summer, and while we don't have much information about their trips, we have collected some photos they posted on Facebook.

In August, Kathy visited Switzerland:

Chermignon d'en Bas

Feeding 6-month-old calves

Hiking above the tree line, 6,200 feet

In late July, Genevieve, John and five-month-old Beatrice vacationed on Nantucket:

At Dionis Beach

In June, Vivien and CJ were in England's Cotswolds:

The Roman Baths in Bath, England

Whatley Manor

What are we missing? Tell us about your travels or other summer activities!

It's Band-Camp time for Stephanie

This congregation of clarinets, with Stephanie at top center, is one section of the Hilliard Darby Panthers Marching Band, which is in the midst of summer Band Camp.

Last week was "home band camp" at the high school. Then on Sunday, the band boarded buses for a week of "away band camp."

The band will spend the week in intensive learning and rehearsals at Heartland Conference Center, finishing up with the annual Ice Cream Social.

Scenes of Summer 2015 (so far)

Glass half-full. By Kathy.

This still-life photo taken by Kathy in the back yard of her Noyac house is just a terrific evocation of the joys of summer.

Here are few other idyllic scenes captured on Long Island this season. Please share your summer scenes!

Cameron Beach. By Dan.

Shelter Island. By Courtney.

Ferry dock, Shelter Island. By Courtney.

Sunset July 4. By Dan.