Hither Hills State Park, Montauk, NY
Day Version

🎉 I guess my birthday celebration starts… now… on the day that my friend mistakenly thought was my birthday. Though we’ve been friends for like 15 years. 😐 But I shouldn’t complain as The Greek got me a tent for my birthday and facilitated a great camping experience on the what seemed to be the edge of the Earth. That edge is the beauty of Montauk point, Hither Hills State Park. Facing the sea, hearing it crash through the night; the New Moon’s darkness exposing a Milky Way waving goodbye for the season; and the showering of the Orionids–more gifts I cherish. Here are the daytime highlights.

I had breakfast duty. I used up a bunch of fruit I had laying around to make a compote for a batch of my pancakes.

This campsite has to be stalked and booked WELL in advance. Even in the chill of October, it was hopping with very nice folks. A great communal feel, though I would prefer more seclusion.

October camping necessities: big warm sweaters and scarves.

And I got to shell for a bit too… amidst the carcasses.

Pretty stuff everywhere

Making me think of Super Mario Bros.

Figs from Queens

Me in my present. I finally have my own tent!

The campfire was serious business

Tent city

Amber Waves Market in Amagansett has some vegan baked goods to sample, as well as staples for any foodie on the East End.

Sweet potato chocolate muffin–very yummy!

A real fudgy brownie. Heavenly

The best part of waking up outside on the shore was this view. Why am I the only person up?

My pancake breakfast… the pan was just way too hot.

Blackened

Still kind of chilly. The evening got down to 44. I was proud to tackle such a chilly night one in my tent!

Abandoned campsite jack-o-lanterns

Goodbye Montauk!

Up next, the night!