Gull Cottage at Lighthouse Road

> Summer

Long lazy days of high summer bring the iridescent dragonflies, which hover over the pond. Take the pathway between the clumps of goldenrod and touch-me-nots, where tiny hummingbirds hover like gigantic bees in search of nectar, to the stairway leading down to the beach. At low tide there are seaweed covered rock pools to explore, where there are periwinkles and small crabs. When the tide comes in, the beach is completely private. The water is fresh but invigorating, especially on the hottest days of summer. The best time to swim is at high tide, when the sea comes in over the rocks already warmed by the sun.

When everything is calm and still, sometimes the rest of the inhabitants of the woodland come out to forage for food, and drink at the pond. Wild rabbits, fat black and white skunk and heavy footed porcupine can be seen, as well as white tailed deer. Wild ravens croak overhead, occasionally the huge dark shape of one of the pair of sea eagles which nest nearby will soar over the bay.