Hiking around the dunes of the south shore of Long Island in the dead of winter is one of my favorite things to do. It's usually a rare chance to enjoy the beach and surrounding ecosystem with little to know other people around. You would be amazed at how vibrant and full of life the dunes are during those frigid months, and the chance to see a lot of Long Island's migratory visitors is one of my favorite things about these walks.

About five years ago, I came across this large box deep in the back dunes of Jones Beach State Park. It was at the very beginning of my love of photography and I took a photo of it on my iPhone that I was actually very proud of. Last winter, I came across the same box and took this updated version on my camera.

For me, it represents "hidden treasure" - something work seeking out. The fact that I came across it again years later is a reminder that when you're pursuing something meaningful, sometimes it takes a while (and some roundabout adventures) to be in the right place to find success with it.

I've included a download link for the hi-res file as unlockable content as well in case you'd like to make a physical print.

Please visit my site, ntvli.com, for more of my photography and articles about the Long Island outdoors.