We took a walk in Mashomack this weekend, I love to hike and for Long Island this is one of the largest areas of unspoiled 'terrained' landscape I know. It cannot compare to the Shindagin Forest where I spent wonderful years hiking after college, but it is a welcome retreat from suburbia. Starting out Nana, Carrie, LIttle A, and I, I felt like walking backwards (in reverse of the promanently placed arrows). Nana immediately commented that I always had to do things against the norm. Really I just wanted to see who else was out hiking, if we all walk the same direction how would we ever run into each other.

This left me thinking, when is it proper to nod and say hi? During our hike we came across 8-10 groups of people everyone one of them smiled, nod and many said hello. When I'm boating it seems everyone, even the baymen, are friendly and tip the hat as you pass. Walking around my neighborhood I get a little less courtesy, maybe 1 in 3 people say hi. Today I was near the train tracks when the commuters from Manhattan came home from their 9 to 5, I've seen more friendly people walking in Alphabet city at night. I'm by no means the most outgoing individual, but if we would all atleast acknowledge each other as we pass it seems like we'd all be happier.