Montauk Point

My trip to Montauk began in Greenport. The two-hour drive consisted of a nice little ferry ride, a drive through Shelter Island, and a quick stop in Sag Harbor. We pulled over by a bridge with an incredible view of the water and the harbor. Right beside the bridge was a quaint park with a windmill that created a peaceful ambiance. Even the crisp, fresh air was welcoming and inviting to the many tourists passing through.

We continued on toward Montauk Point, driving on what seemed like an endless road to nowhere. For a while I wasn't sure if we were even headed in the right direction, but then the towering lighthouse began to poke its way into the horizon and suddenly we weren't lost anymore. I'd never seen a lighthouse before and couldn't believe how huge it was. Built so long ago, it rivals even the grandest skyscrapers in Manhattan. A walk not suited for a sufferer of claustrophobia took us to the top of the lighthouse. The winding stairs were surrounded by sturdy brick walls. Small rectangular windows let the light spill into the tower and light our path up to the top. Once there, we could peek out the top and see the vast landscape stretch out before us. Staring out at the endless ocean, it's impossible not to think about all the travelers, all the wanderers who took to the sea and relied on this lighthouse for direction and safety. Without its reliable light, they'd be lost. With it, they knew their way and could make it home.

The lighthouse's hard lines and concrete build starkly contrast with the soft colors of the leaves swaying so gently in the breeze. The sounds of the ocean, the bluffs in the distance, the seagulls flying overhead, the bright blue sky, and the cheery visitors harmoniously worked with the historic landmark to create a park well worth the time it takes to traverse the South Fork.