Driving east along the Sunrise Highway just before you enter the Hamptons you pass through a portion of the highway that crosses the land of the Shinnecock Nation. There is a large digital pylon for each direction of the highway that someday will advertise their planned casino. The Nation are recognized by the Federal government and have been working on building casino on Long Island since 2010.
My Orient Point ferry left at noon, and the snow was falling when I arrived at Conscience Point. The Point is a 64-acre Refuge featuring marine grasslands and is a stopover for migratory birds. The small parking area includes interpretive signage placed by the Southhampton History Museum, and is adjacent to the volunteer run Conscience Point Shellfish Hatchery.
The name is apparently from a phrase used by the English colonists who landed there in 1640; “for conscience sake we are on dry land once more” was uttered by a female member. This group of colonists began their journey from Lynn, Massachusetts and encountered many obstacles before setting foot on the South Fork.
I sure missed not trekking through the Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildife Refuge, maybe in the spring, with sun and foliage.