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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNovember 24, 1988 - 'The Power of Nature on the Rampage'November,24, 1988/The Suffolk- TirnespagwrlyIA The Power of Nature on the Rampage' By Paul Stoutenburah Why is it whenever there is a storm brewing I get uneasy and have to get out and see what's going on? Perhaps it's something in my genes, going back to my ancestors when storms meant a time to take advantage of chaotic periods. Many situations could have lured the Focus on Nature oldtimers. Ducks would be seeking shelter and the wise hunter could place himself in a position to take advantage of their plight. Under the cover of a storm one could sneak up on unsuspecting game, be it ducks or deer. In those early days game was an integral part of life and almost everyone owned a fowling piece." Then there were the opportunists who took advantage of the howling gales that WHITE- TAILED DEER —Too many deer cause crop damage and often serious car accidents. drove ships ashore. The first one there often got the lion's share of the salvage . deer areas for hunters, a sure sign winter from the simple to the extravagant, We backed away and headed to Shin - Even today that "first to claim her" is on its way. from condos to beach clubs. necock Inlet, a short distance to the east. holds true. Deer are becoming more of a problem Puddles and road flooding were every- Here we saw the first signs of life. Four Probably this winter we'll have those as they continue to multiply because of the lack of natural predators. In the early where. We were glad we had taken the pickup. Actually, we were sheltered by or five cars and pickups were lined up looking out over the sea. Again we sawwhoventureoutinthewildestof snowstorms to seek cleanup work. days before man destroyed all the bears, the wall of buildings but with such a that vast, white fury of rolling breakers, Should they wait until the storm's over, panthers, wolves and other predators, the wind from the southeast, we knew the the pounding rain on the windshield. someone else might get the job. Of deer population was kept in balance. surf must be raging in all its fury. Fi- The wind actually rocked our little course, there are those whose job it is to Today there are just too many deer for nally the houses and condos seemed to truck. be out to help others in stormy weather, our modern world. Man has to step in peter out and a true Dune Road took Further out another drama was taking our dedicated policemen and utility men. and take the place of the natural preda- over. Thank goodness, Southampton place; there were birds wheeling and My latest urge to get out in a storm tor. In the past two weeks three deer Town had the foresight to hold on to turning and diving. We could barely had none of the reasons above. Rather it have been killed on the highway within that wondrous stretch of open land west make them out in the rain. What could was to get a sense and feel of the power four miles of where I live. There are of Shinnecock Inlet. be out in such a storm? Occasionally I of nature on the rampage. Nov. 13 was deer - crossing signs where, years ago, I We pulled into one of the side roads. could see large, narrow wings with the storm Barbara and I headed out into; Would have thought them out of place. There wasn't a car about and so we black tips. It must be. gannets but we it proved to be a short and wild one. We Most of us love all wildlife but in the drove right up to the brink of the ocean. usually see them far offshore. Binocu- took my pickup because it was higher case of the deer we must understand What a sight! The rain drove at us in all lars told the story. off the ground than the modern car and there is justification in reducing their its anger; mixed in with it were grains Through the spray and rain we saw would be more reliable if the rain was numbers. of sand that had been picked up and Plummeting birds rocketing into the heavy enough to flood the roads. As we reached Westhampton the spit- flung into the air. water with continual turmoil all about. ting rain had turned into a downpour and White, churning surf with great Evidently the outgoing tide was spew - The Best View the wind had increased to a gale. It even troughs between the huge swells covered ing out a bountiful supply of food. The There's no better place to see and feel found a flaw in my windshield seal and a the vista as far as you could see. There gannets, along with the black- backed the fury of a storm than along our ocean little riverlet of water ran over the dash. was also that distinct additional surf and herring gulls, were enjoying the beach; so we headed for Dune Road in I put the wipers on high speed and still created by the offshore bar that parallels feast despite the weather. We stared at Westhampton. As we passed through my view was partly blurred. an ocean beach. It is this outer bar the the sea, mesmerized by the power and Riverhead it began spitting rain. We Over the bridge to Dune Road my doomed ships of yesteryear came upon fury before us. saw geese under the low, grey clouds, mind flashed back to years ago when we in their last efforts to free themselves It poured rain and blew furiously all looking for a farmer's rye field to settle brought a boat up this narrow and quiet from the angry sea. How difficult it the way home. After dinner I had an oc- in and start their vegetarian diet. waterway. It was raining but there was must have been to try to get ashore in casion to go outside. To my surprise As we passed along the road leading no wind to pelt us as it did today. We that whirling, churning sea. What a there were now stars shining above. The to Westhampton, formerly the RCA headed east along Dune Road, a name hopeless situation, aground on the bar storm had blown itself out. That night I property, we noticed the large stake -out given when dunes and freedom to park being battered by enormous waves and slept well, dreaming of gannets diving numbers of the New York State De- and swim were commonplace. Today fierce rain and wind while praying for in swirling spray amidst the storm at partment of Conservation. These were this Dune Road is lined with homes I help. Shinnecock. 77 CIS LR 9 r ! NORTH FORK RESTAURANT 5fr e"c North Road, Southold, NY 765 -2111 Y Major Credit Cards Open Thursday through Sunday ' y JOHN C. ROSS J .E Zgitud CUL1L E and Winzi. of 9 g d f Ro L .. on an prom aezaie x, * - 6R"r`JP0"1 souo+oio /` MAT1ITUC1 I ManN a r. We wish all our customers and friends a most joyous Thanksgiving. We will reopen Friday, November 25th. y Main Road, Aquebogue 722 -3655 Hours: Wed. -Sat. 11 -9; Sun. 12 -9; Closed Mon. &Tues.