Wednesday, December 26, 2012

The Couple that Freezes Together...and Other Christmas Adventures

The Couple that Freezes Together...and Other Christmas Adventures
Judging by the movies I've seen, normal people spend the holidays gathered around the tree (or menorah, as the case may be), surrounded by their family.  They unwrap presents and eat many cookies while basking in the warm glow of the fireplace.  We, however, are clearly not normal.

We spent the holiday weekend basking in the freezing cold winds that swirl around Montauk point which, for those of you who are not familiar, is located at the end of the world.

Montauk and the rest of the Hamptons are known as summer playgrounds but actually have many year-round residents (most of whom are currently frozen).  The main streets, however, have been turned into Christmas villages with stunning lights, wreaths hung on every lamp post and decorated trees on every block.

The Couple that Freezes Together...and Other Christmas Adventures

We strolled around and stopped into many of the stores (mostly to thaw out).  We admired the waterfront at Sag Harbor (while ice crystals formed on our lungs) and settled in for a bite at The Golden Pear Cafe.  Excellent freshly baked cornbread and vegetable lentil soup, slightly spicy and served at lava-like temperatures helped us warm up.

The Couple that Freezes Together...and Other Christmas Adventures
Montauk Point Beach
When we felt that we had steeled ourselves enough to make it back to our car without hypothermia, we headed east to Montauk.  Several years ago, we did the same thing on a slightly warmer Christmas Eve and were able to stroll along the beach.  It is eerie and beautiful at the same time.  And, as you stare out at the cold waters of the Atlantic, you really do feel as if you're standing at the end of the earth.







The Couple that Freezes Together...and Other Christmas Adventures
This year's arctic temperatures made a beach stroll impossible but our goal was not the beach but the lighthouse.  You drive up through the winding roads of the Montauk state park, and suddenly, after just one more turn, the majestic lighthouse appears.  We learned on our last trip that it is decorated for Christmas, complete with wreaths and twinkling lights.  Given the size of it, we can't imagine how monumental a task that must be!

It is stunning.  No photograph does it justice.  But this year we have retired our little point and shoot in favor of a DSLR and a tri-pod. We set up our shot at dusk and then retreated to the warmth of the car.  We emerged every 10 minutes or so, to get photos as it got darker until the world was black except for the lighthouse.  Finally, with icicles clinging to our hair, we packed away the camera equipment and drove into East Hampton for a late dinner reservation at 1770 House.

The Couple that Freezes Together...and Other Christmas Adventures
1770 House Inn and Restaurant

They took one look at us and immediately seated us at the table closest to the fireplace.  We drank cocktails, we ate good food, we discussed our photographic adventure and opined on how to get even better shots next time.  Eh, who wants to be normal, anyway?

14 comments:

  1. Brr...brr...brreathtaking! :)

    Sounds like a great gateway to cuddle time by a fireplace! Happy new year to you both <3

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  2. I'm so glad you're not normal. Normal is over-rated if you ask me. Looks like a ton of fun. Cold doesn't usually faze me too much, us Canucks are so used to it. Right now I'm looking out my window and it's snowing big time and the wind is whipping through the trees. The only time it gets to me is if we spend too long at the barn. Then I swear it settles right into your bones.

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  3. I'm chilled to the bone just reading your post! What a memorable adventure, though, and that lighthouse is spectacular!

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  4. What a great way to spend Christmas! I love non-traditional holiday adventures. It was icy and snowy here (Okies can't drive in either) so we stayed in our PJs all day and ate leftovers from the big bowls - I know, terrible and I'm very glad my mom's not reading this. I would have rather had the amazing looking food YOU had though..........YUM!

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  5. I love your pics & enjoyed reading about your adventure - Hope you're having a great holiday!

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  6. The lighthouse photo is gorgeous. My son lives in Montuak, he is home for Christmas, we hope to visit soon!

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  7. Anita,
    I was freezing just reading your post. I hope that you had on many layers of warm clothes.

    The lighthouse is stunning all decked out for the holidays.

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  8. That lighthouse looks gorgeous! and normal is boring :) your adventure sounds so fun and memorable!

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  9. What a great trip. I am jealous of your non-normalcy! That food looks amazing!

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  10. Aww chilly or not it looks like a great holiday!!!

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  11. I grew up on eastern LI, I know those cold winters! brrrr, but it still looks like you both had a lovely time.

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  12. Great pictures of the lighthouse! Love that. You are very lucky to live there! I live in So. Cal and most think we are lucky, but the grass is always greener! love your blog!

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  13. Love the lighthouse too!..would make this a real vacation!

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