The winter of 2025-2026 was long and hard. The cold weather gathered strength in November adn throughout the next months blizards, ice storms, and arctic temperatures seemed to be eternal. The last snow dropped in March. Late March. Spring just arrived two weeks ago in New York City. Even later in Montauk ninety miles to the east on the tip of Long Island. The dune flowers were strangers on Ditch Plains even after the April showers and May was a soaking month/ Low temepratures stalled the new season.
Last week's walk through the Shagmoor bluffs revealed frost-shattered trees and snow-trampled thorn tickets attested to the previous seasons toll on nature. A single bee zigzagged through the bushes seeking nectar for a sleeping hive. only buttercup rose along the path too sour for the bee.
My legs were stiff after a sedentary winter. I vowed to walk more At the top of the bluff I stood looking out to the Atlantic. Two trawlers moored east heading to harbor. I was due to work at the jewelry store. I rather stay here. Doing nothing. Not possible. I turned my back and returned to Montauk. The last eastern town on Long Island.
