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Ocotber 08, 1981 - 'Holed Up' at Fishers IslandSecond Section October 8, 1981 Holed Up' at Fishers Island I've never been shipwreaked on an island but last weekend during that strong northwest wind my wife and I, along with friends in another sailboat, were "holed up" in Eel Harbor, Fishers Island. Our plan had been to head home before a big cold front that was predicted moved in. We knew that would bring high winds and cold temperatures to the area and we wanted to get back through the treacherous rips that run between Block Island Sound and our own Long Island Sound before it arrived. For days we had enjoyed mild weather and fair wind. We had visited the char- ming seaport town of Stonington, Conn., and were anchored outside of legendary Mystic Seaport when we decided to make our run before the high winds arrived. We had waited too long, for as our two boats headed out of the harbor a wind started to ripple across the bay. By the time we were opposite North Dumpling Island off Fishers we knew we had better seek shelter somewhere. The wind had now picked up to 35 to 40 mph and the predic- tion was to last all day and all night. We all love sailing but it's no fun out there under those conditions. A year ago we visited Fishers Island, the most easterly part of Southold Town, for a leisurely and enjoyable weekend. It's a beautiful place, but one not too suited to tourism. We had traveled by bikes and stayed over at the only hotel on the island, the Pequot. We had friends there and so when our "any port in a storm" situation came along we headed into the narrow passage that separated the wind blown sea from the quiet waters of the inner Eel Harbor. It surely was a snug and quiet place to hole up. Winds Continue to Blow The Coast Guard that had been stationed there during the summer had left. So under the circumstances we tied up at their dock. After all, we figured it would only be over night. All through the night the wind howled in the rigging and our boats tugged at their dock lines. The sky was clear and the stars sparkled brilliantly when I checked the groaning lines at 3 a.m. We had asked if the Coast Guard would be using the dock and were told they were pretty well closed up for the season. But at 7 the next morning the roar of powerful engines woke us up and before we could get out there were foot- steps along the bulkhead as the men tied up their boat. What to do? We were in their spot. So bleary -eyed I stepped out and told them our situation. Hardly acknowledging it they said it was okay, they were only in to pick up some old boats with radar reflectors for a training mission. Wind and high seas didn't slow them down and soon they were off through bursts of spray and h spume r Block Island Sound. pu headed fo Since we were up we decided we might as well all eat breakfast and talk over our plans for the day. Surely we couldn't go out through the Race with this howling weather. We'd spend the day here. So it went, first one day, then the next, until the third day came and we decided we had to leave. Our friends had to be back to work no matter what. We really hadn't minded staying over. We looked up an old friend, who invited us all in for a scumptious meal, warm showers and plenty of relaxation. During the days we walked the lonely beaches in SECOND SECTION Tbe 6tiffolh. Tunes OCTOBER 8, 1981 oled Up' at Fishers Island never been shipwrecked on an U@(�M� (s1W 51,53 QMCs'g the lee of the island watching a superb migration of hawks caused by the nor- thwest wind. N.W. Wind Spurs Hawk Migration Whenever our wind blows in that quarter for a few days in the fall we are sure to have hawks moving out of the north. The sleek hunters would mill around the western end of the island until some in- stinct told them to go and then half flying, half soaring they would disappear across the water headed for Long Island. Often we'd see five or six hawks at a time milling about, hunting and soaring on the strong winds. The hawking was particularly good opposite Race Light. There, the hawks had to funnel down to a narrow point before heading out over the water. The most common was the small long - pointed wing kestrel or sparrow hawk. Its charac- teristic hovering, almost standing still in the air, was its hallmark. I've never seen so many sharp - tailed hawks. Usually we see this small hawk with short rounded wings and long tail darting in and out of the woods, but seldom in the open as they were here. We had wonderful looks at them as they sailed by, sometimes right low over our heads. Now and then we'd see a marsh hawk swooping down low over the open areas, his white rump showing above his long tail. We even saw ospreys flying through as they sailed effortlessly westward. We couldn't get enough of all the hawks that passed through. We walked the lonely beaches in the lee of the wind. All along on the high tide mark the seaside goldenrod bloomed in all its glory and it was here that the Monarch butterflies were congregated. Each blossom had two or three orange and black Monarchs feeding and resting. They, too, were waiting for the wind to subside. Monarchs Also Wait Once it dropped off they would be off and on their long journey south, traveling along our shores, winding up who knows where. I often wonder how such a frail little creature, weighing less than a feather, could get up enough courage to make that awesome trip. I stopped to photograph them as they fed on the drooping heads of yellow. As we walked along the south shore, small flocks of shorebirds feeding and resting waited for the winds to die down. Then the sight of sights -- a lone golden plover -- that legendary bird that was almost wiped out during the early gunning era before conservation measures were enacted. How handsome! It typified all the shorebirds as it stood at the edge of the beach. Probably most of the golden plovers that started from the far north had swung way over the ocean and were already halfway down our coast on their migration to South America. Something had happened and this bird became separated. We pondered its fate. We sat on the beach with IN STOCK FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY 1982 Mazda GL C's As low as $5295 p.o.e. 135 I M G 46 E MPG WY GOLDEN PLOVER --Few of us have the privilege of seeing this one -time abundant shore bird. Gunning at the turn of the century almost eradicated this species, but with good conservation laws it still hangs on and is seen occasionally. Photo by Paul Stoutenburgh binoculars and could pick out the beautiful mottled pattern and golden sheen on its back. How stately it stood there! Later, as we returned to the boat, we passed nearby the school where we saw a group of students with their science teacher, Ed Horning, on a field trip. It was a pleasant surprise to meet an old friend. Later in the day he picked us up and took us on a tour of the island with his young Audubon group. How fortunate they are to have someone as interested as he. By now we had overstayed our time and would leave in the morning. It was still blowing hard when we got up but we ZJ/19 . wanted to catch the tide at slack water in the Race around 7 and we were off early. It was a rough crossing, one which we'll all remember. Six days we had spent on our little craft. It gave us an insight into a newer world that few have the pleasure of enjoying. Life again had shown us that it's all out there if you merely make the effort. At home, secure at our anchorage, we talked about our trip. The decision was let's do it again next year. 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