Last week's snowstorm once again gave me and my wife Cindi a chance to ski/explore the beauty of the Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge located 7 miles east of Patchogue just off Montuak Highway. There is no charge and plenty of parking, the only downside is it closes early, 4PM, but other than that it is a paradise.
Since it is as flat as it gets it is ideal for cross country skiing which is as safe and as healthy an activity as there is. Ski's boots and bindings can be bought for as little as a total of $300 with a package deal. Rented for less than $20.00.
The trails and loops offer a varied type of experience time wise, but when the snow is as it was last week, dry cold powder, the skiing as as good as it is anywhere!
Skiing Long island is a fun way to get out doors and experience the beauty of the marsh and wetlands that line so much of the coast of Long island.
This 2,550 acre refuge on the south shore of Long Island is bisected by the Carmans River; a New York state designated scenic river and one of the largest on the island. Wertheim hosts a variety of habitats including oak-pine woodlands, grasslands and fresh, brackish and salt water wetlands. These habitats attract and support many types of wildlife including white-tailed deer, osprey, muskrat, fox, turtles, frogs and fish. The refuge also serves as a haven for waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors and songbirds.
