Tuesday's Frigid Flanders

[LongIslandPiney]

On Tuesday, probably the coldest day all winter, I took a long 10 mile hike through various preserves in Flanders,NY.
This is in the heart of the Long Island Pine barrens. I started at Red Creek Park, and this is the 1st part of the journey.
I started at Red Creek Park, which is a developed park with ballfields and stuff. I ran through there quickly, as the very strong winds and 15 degree temps made for a dangerous windchill.
The Southampton trail starts here, and zigzags through the woods north.

After reaching the bottom of this huge dip.

Now after getting onto residential streets I head south on Hildreth Path, which starts paved but quickly dead ends and becomes a sand path, it's kinda hilly. Must've been real "fun" when all that ice was around.

From there I went right (west) onto Old Squires Path. These old sand roads probably go back to the horse & buggy days!

Getting closer to route 24 the pines get tall.

Part TWO in Sears-Bellows Park is next!

 

[LongIslandPiney]

Sears-Bellows county park is yet another one of those amazing places in the pine barrens. This probably has the nicest "kettle" ponds of anywhere, and they are large too, in warmer seasons people take their boats out and fish. Certainly this day wasn't the day for it though!
Taking these pictures at Bellows Pond, near the entrance of the park, was an exercise in endurance, as the frigid wind blew into my face, almost knocking me off my feet a few times, and getting using the camera meant I had to take my gloves off. After just a minute here I could barely feel my hands anymore. But cold, crisp, clear days like this bring out the best in the barrens.

Just looking at the water you can see how hard that wind was blowing. I quickly got myself back into the woods before freezing to death.
Once on the main trail, which runs between the two major ponds of this preserve, tall pitch pines line the path. These are some of the tallest in the region.

I pass a small pond, known as Grass Pond, to the right.

Another even more serene Division pond is a bit down the road, I peered in through the brush to see two Canada Geese enjoying their private sanctuary.

Passing an overgrown pond.

The sand trail goes through some scrubbier woods as it heads it's way west.

I finally arrive at Sears Pond. The wind is back again, and it's so cold ice forms on the side of the pond. Better make these shots quick!

On Part 3 of my journey we continue west on the narrow Paumonok Path.

 

[LongIslandPiney]

On the final portion of this hike I travel on the narrow Paumonok Path, west, through some pretty dense piney woods.
The only sound you could hear is the wind whistling through the trees.

We grow our pines tall in Flanders!

It's a dense sea of pine as I start nearing route 24. Looks like a real old burn area.

Along route 24 are some beautiful bays. When it's warmer I'll walk here.

I highly recommend visiting this area. Take LIE to route 24 south, past the Riverhead cirlces and that green area you see after the name Flanders on the map, is where all those woods are.
It's a vast area, prob woods for at least 10-15 miles in either direction.

 

[Teegate]

As usual...very nice! Despite all the building in that area, it still looks like you can have an enjoyable hike in private.

Guy

 

[BEHR655]

Great pix LIP. I'd come up there but I hear it's impossible to get anywhere on the LIE.

Steve

 

[bobpbx]

Felt like I took the trip too. Good work, good storytelling.