The End. Montauk

After both kids got settled in for another year at PSU, Don and I took a week off to vacation on Long Island, NY. Although very close to us, traffic can make it seem very far. Because we started out in rainy weather, the traffic was relatively light (pros and cons!). We spent the first few overcast days visiting the Hamptons - Southampton, East Hampton, Bridgehampton - and every place in the area, including Sag Harbor and Shelter Island. We stayed in Montauk, at "The End" as their slogan goes, so our daily jaunts were not far and the poor weather kept us exploring for a few days. We also switched hotels - from one that thought it was 'trendy' but wasn't, to one that wasn't trendy but was perfect and right on the beach.

On the day we switched to the beach hotel, Don had to give the ocean a visit. Here he is braving the elements while I took a photo from our balcony. 

Don in the ocean at Montauk on stormy day

The weather suddenly improved and we spent the next 2 days entirely on the beach - something we don't usually do but we were so happy to see the sun! We read, walked, swam and slept.

Don on Montauk beach in front of our hotel on a sunny day

For those who know the area, the first question we always get is, "Did you stay at Gurney's?"  No we didn't but we had dinner there one night. It was absolutely gorgeous dining high above the beach watching the sunset reflecting in the water and then the moon rising.

Dinner at Gurney's, Long Island, NY

At the end of the week we drove up to the North Fork of Long Island, taking two ferries en route. We landed in the cute town of Greenport and spent our last night at a B&B in Southold. The North Fork is famous for its wineries. We did two tastings while there - Shinn and Lieb - both good. (We also sampled Wolff on the South Fork earlier in the week.)  Then we drove back via the south shore taking in the island state parks and Long Beach, NY. All beautiful.