To the Editor:

I have only been within the boundaries of Sandy Hook once, but it was a memorable trip and visit.

I was living in my Mom and Dad’s house in Meriden, during the summer of 1980 or 1981.

I had a three-speed bicycle that I had owned for many years, but it still provided me with dependable transportation.

One sunny summer morning I left our house at 7 am, with the goal of traveling as far west as I could go.

I was soon pedaling through downtown Waterbury and kept going past the large amusement park.

I soon found myself in Sandy Hook, and I was parched.

I saw a gasoline and service station, and pulled in to find some cold water.

The man in charge said that he didn’t have a water fountain, but he pointed to a hose lying on the asphalt. Water was coming through it, and he said I could drink from the hose.

I promptly did (like a camel in the desert) and was ready for more westward traveling.

I finally made it to a famous fast-food restaurant where I ate and drank.

When I got to within ten miles of the New York state border, I turned around and got home after 8 pm (it was dusk).

It was the longest bicycle trip I had ever taken.

Kudos to the man at the service station who gave me cool water.

Sincerely,

Joseph A. Zaborowksi

Hamden