There are a few combinations of place and time that seem to work
together to provide for a perfect summer day. In southern New
England that special opportunity presents itself on a warm, sunny
afternoon at Ninigret Park, Charlestown, RI. Ninigret has almost
everything one can want and it's all free! Located right on the
Rhode Island coastline, Ninigret is a former Naval Air Station that
has been divided into a national wildlife refuge and town park.

When getting ready for a perfect summer day it's hard to decide
what
to pack. Definitely include a bathing suit, roller blades, frisbee,
letterboxing pack, walking shoes, picnic dinner, sunscreen and bug
spray. Optional equipment includes a bicycle, binoculars, tennis
racquet, basketball, kite; the list goes on Don't forget
the kids
(I hear Carolyn Stearns is giving some away if you don't have any
of
your own) and all their paraphernalia.

It is hard to decide what to do first when you arrive. You can try
your roller blades or ride your bike on the criterion course set on
old landing strips. Play some tennis or basketball. If there is a
breeze it is a perfect place to fly a kite. Our version of a perfect
day begins with parking at the refuge and pursuing the easier of the
two DrewClan's Ninigret box. On a warm summer day linger in the
cove, take off your shoes and go wading in the cool ocean waters. In
August, after finding the box search for blueberries in the bushes
lining the trail on the way back to the parking lot. Don't
forget to
check and see if the nature center is open when you return to the
park.

It's time to put on your bathing suit for a swim in Little
Ninigret
Pond. It is a fresh water pond with a nice sandy beach where the
water remains clear even in August. When you are ready for a break
put your shorts and shoes on and head for the discgolf course on the
other side of the pond. Discgolf is an amazing sport that combines
frisbee and golf. Did you know that there are almost 1000 discgolf
courses in the US alone? This is one of only three in RI. There are
usually loaner discs available at the start. If you brought your own
frisbee be warned that competition discs are smaller, heavier and
will give you a distinct advantage. Try your throw with this disc on
all nine holes. Make sure that after you give your throw at the
fifth tee that you stop at the backside of the small wall immediately
in front of the red hydrant to carefully record your score and stamp
in the logbook. When you are done with all nine don't forget to
return your disc to the box for the next person.

As you return to the parking area send the kids to the wonderful
playground while you fire up the coals in one of the barbecue stands
under the pavilion. As you are eating your dinner and enjoying the
setting sun be aware that there is even more to the perfect day ahead
of you. While it is getting dark make sure to thoroughly dowse
everyone in bug spray. The mosquitoes can be brutal at dusk. Then
head over to the Frosty Drew observatory. The observatory is run by
volunteers and paid for by donations. On weekend evenings in the
summer it is open for viewing. In addition, many of the volunteers
will bring their own telescopes and provide lots of great celestial
viewing and information.

Your day complete, it is time to pack up the family and return home.
On the drive back be sure to reflect on what a special place to spend
the "perfect summer day."

The Kurdziel Family

http://www.geocities.com/trishkri/Summer.html