‘Emma's trail (Elliston Park)’ 

Please do step on my jungle trail
Pass through the pine graveyards
Follow the planks over the swamp path
Enjoy each turn of this miniature ecosystem

Imagine these mummified pines
As columns of an Egyptian temple
Guardians of the sacred entrance to the revered pond
The tortuous vines climbing like giant pythons
To the green canopy above

Invitation to meditate at the feet of these pillars
Precursors to the gate of hell or exit to paradise
Through dense ferns leading to the silver shining brook
The reflection of its majestic trees
Beeches, maples, oaks and hickory nuts

From the narrow suspended bridge
Back into another eerie petrified forest
Its gracefully entwined vines anchored with pride
Holding the East End "Karnack" in steady permanence

The curvaceous trail along the lagoon
Gives glances of the sinuous wooded shoreline
Reflected in somber shades on its glassy mirror
Larger than reality on a humid, hazy summer afternoon

Gracious swans drifting with a light breeze
Sole landlords of the shimmering surface
Large beds of water lilies, their blooming golden buttons
Preceded by purple water orchids (pickerel weed)
Awaiting Neptune since his nuptial night

All surrounded by fields of blueberries
Carpet of fruit bearing bushes.
Approaching the trunk bridge reminder of Borneo
Its multitude of ants crossing in perfect order
Like morning commuters on the L.I.E.

Deep forest path over crisscrossing roots
Twisting your ankles to and fro
A small discomfort for the privilege to enjoy
The fragrance of blooming sweet pepper bush

Watch that trunk over the trail, bend your head
Discover the clearing overlooking the pond
End of this enchanted trail.

Emma, your legacy is more than a delight
We cherish it, will conserve it, TRUST US.

Claude Debeaumon
Summer 1998.

Sun., Sept. 1-Northwest Path Hike. 9AM-11:30AM.

Meet at intersection of Merchants Path and Wainscott Harbor Road in Bridgehampton. Fast-paced 5-6mile hike through mountain laurel & oak woods with vernal pond.

Leader: Dianne Rulnick, 631-726-5903.

Sat.,Sept. 7-Whiskey Hill Loop. 10AM-11:30AM.

Meet at intersection of Millstone Road and Lopers Path East. Exciting new moderately-paced 1.5 mile hike with views of ocean from top of moraine and two kettlehole ponds and an enormous glacial erratic along the way.

Leader: Tony Garro, 631-725-5861.

Sun., Sept. 8-Cranberry Bog Preserve Walk. 10AM-11:30AM.

Meet on Route 63 (Riverhead Moriches Road) across from Lakeview Drive in Riverhead. Easy-paced 1.5-mile interpretive hike. See carnivorous plants.

Leader: Ken Bieger, 631-283-5432.

Sat. Sept. 14-Sag Harbor Maritime Walk. Harbor Fest Celebration. 10:30AM-12:30PM

Meet at the windmill on Long Wharf in Sag Harbor. Take an easy-paced walk through Sag Harbor’s Maritime Past.  Learn about colorful captains and Sag Harbor’s surprising Japanese connection. 

Leader: Tony Garro, 631-725-5861.

Sat., Sept. 14-STPS Welcome Back Autumn Party at the home of Don and Pingree Louchheim in Sagaponack. 4PM-7PM. Call 726-5903 by August 31st for reservations & directions. Valet Parking.

$40.00. Mail checks to STPS, Box 1171, Bridgehampton, NY 11932

Sun.,Sept. 15-Sears-Bellows Park Ramble. 10 AM-Noon.

Meet in parking lot near the campsites at Sears-Bellows Park, Bellows Pond Rd., Hampton Bays. Leisurely-paced four-mile hike through pitch pine and oak forest with views of Sears Pond.

Leader: Vincent Scerbinski, 631-287-2713.

Sat., Sept. 21-In Search of the Paumanok Path. 10AM-1PM.

Meet at the Tuckahoe School parking lot at the intersection of Sebonac Road and North Magee Street in Southampton. Leisurely-paced hike with spectacular views over Cow Neck of the Peconic Bay and Robins Island.  Bring water and a snack.

Leader: Ken Kindler, 631-331-5938 or www.hike-li.com.

Sun., Sept. 22 – Long Pond Greenbelt Ramble. 8AM-10AM.

Meet on Old Farm Road and Haines Path in Bridgehampton. Fast-paced 3-4 mile hike with spectacular views of Long Pond, Little Long Pond, and Crooked Pond.

Leader: Dai Dayton, 631-537-0660.

Sat., Sept. 28-Elliston Park Trek. 10AM-Noon.

Meet at the Park entrance on Millstone Brook Road in Southampton for a moderately-paced 3-4 mile hike with views of Wolf Swamp and Big Fresh Pond.

Leader: Howard Reisman, 631-283-5376.

Sun.,Sept. 29-Narrow Lane Cleanup and Hike in Poxabogue Park. 8AM-9:30AM.

Help us pick up the litter from our adopted road. Afterwards, take a quick hike  with views of Poxabogue and Little Poxabogue Ponds.  Meet on Narrow Lane, 1/8 mile east of Bridgehampton Turnpike. Bring gloves.

Leader: Dai Dayton, 631-537-0660