Fire Island 2011: A Magical Night in the Pines

Started writing at 8:49 p.m. on Sunday, July 31, after dinner at the cottage in Ocean Beach.

Always a bridesmaid, but never a bride?

Well I was able to finally pretend to be one at the Pines Party in Fire Island Pines over the weekend. My wedding veil certainly proved popular among the Smurfs, Princess Beatrice, the Playboy cocktail waiter, devils, unicorns and other fairy tale-inspired revelers who took to the sand off Coast Guard Walk. Lady Luck was also on my side: I won $17 at the Arts Project of Cherry Grove’s Casino at Whyte Hall and the sunrise that Mother Nature bestowed upon the beach was nothing short of magical. A post-Pines Party breakfast at Floyd’s in Cherry Grove capped off what can only be described as an amazing night with a wonderfully positive energy.

I continue to come back to life after a very long post-Pines Party walk to Ocean Beach amid a nearly continuous onslaught of sand flies. Some will unfortunately find something about the Pines Party to knit-pick, but this reporter certainly had a thoroughly good time.

Now only if someone would put a ring on it…



Roses in Fire Island Summer Club on Friday, July 29.



A fire gong in Saltaire.



Some beach art near the Fire Island Lighthouse.



Miss Coco Love at the Pines Party Casino at Whyte Hall on Saturday, July 30.



Downtown Cherry Grove shortly before 8 a.m. on Sunday, July 31.



Early morning on the beach near the Sunken Forest on Sunday, July 31.



The mass exodus from the Grove continues with the arrival of the 7:50 p.m. ferry on Sunday, July 31.