Fisher's Island

Next stop, after leaving Montauk Point on Long Island was the 11 mile crossing to Fishers Island. The only tricky part of the crossing is making it through The Race, where rip tides arise from the competing Atlantic Ocean and Long a Island Sound currents. A majestic stone light house,that looks like a small castle, was built in 1870 to guide ships through what can be a treacherous crossing.  Once to the other side, you enter Fisher Island's large protected harbour. 

We are somehow drawn to islands and frequently anchor nearby, going ashore to explore.  These microcosms each have an immediately observable persona. At nine miles by four, Fisher Island is close to ten times the size of Useppa. About 230 live here year round, with the population swelling to 2,000 during the summer season. Daily ferries from Groton, and other close by Connecticut towns, bring workers and supplies the 2-5 miles from the coastline. Unlike Useppa, there are cars, trucks, a post office and about 6 shops in the village. But don't forget to bring milk, bread or eggs or you'll be waiting for a mainland delivery the following day. Ice cream, however, is no problem with Topper's being a must stop in the village. Several outlying boutiques and galleries are open, generally on the weekend from 10:00-12:00, so plan your time carefully. 

                        

Homes are traditionally cedar shingle. They range in size from truly modest to palatial, in a New England sort of way. Let's just say its a stretch to think of 5-bedrooms in 4,500 sq. feet as a "cottage", even if it is cedar shingle. Folks are very friendly with bike riding and sailing as obviously popular activities, although the island also boasts one of America's 100 best golf courses.  License plates from Connecticut and New York reflect a debate that raged for years as to which state F.I. belonged to. New York won, although a call here from New York is still considered long distance! 

The first European landed here and named the island Visher's Island in 1614. By 1640 sheep were being raised and it's history began. Clearing  of stone to create walls and using local wood for building leveraged the island's natural beauty.  But hurricanes and storm surges have several times conspired to essentially denude the island, most recently in 1950. Residence clearly treasure the uniqueness of the island and have helped to restore it back to its verdant natural state. One doesn't get the sense that there is much real estate churn, but that shouldn't discourage you from boarding a Connecticut ferry and coming for a days outing. You would certainly feel most welcome.