A Walk in the Woods

The first four day weekend of the school year came just weeks into our new routines. So what were we to do? I thought about running wild through an empty city, and while that plan had its merits, I also really wanted to go some place new--some place we might not get to on a usual weekend. So the idea of heading out further into Long Island to a nature preserve along the north shore called Bailey Arboretum sprung to mind. Several moms in the neighborhood have posted photos of it before and I've always been intrigued. It also looks like a good place to hit for family photos some time, and best of all, it's free! So yeah, it had a lot going for it when I mentioned the idea to Nacho and he was absolutely game. Driving over the LIE wasn't too bad and we were zooming up towards Oyster Bay in no time just making it there after lunch. The girls spotted the wild bird haven first and made their way out of the car and over to check out the hawks and owls nestled in the cages recovering. Some had lost wings or other vital parts of their wildness and wouldn't be returning to the forests. But it's wonderful that they have a volunteer staff to take care of them and visitors can stop by and check on their progress. After that, we walked a little closer to the mossy lake before hitting the children's garden with its fun instruments and hammocks. The nature trails were pretty empty and it really felt we had the run of the place. Part of me loves being outdoors on those kind of days because of the contrast with our city life. It feels like a wild kingdom is just outside our doorstep (or, okay, 1 hour and 5 minutes away) and we could come back any time. And gauging the reaction Nacho and the girls had to our time there, I think we will.