Tucked away between the North and South Forks of Long Island, is a shady retreat with glorious beaches, abundant wildlife, and a friendly laid-back atmosphere. My family has been heading to Shelter Island since 1963, and the island has changed surprisingly little over the years. It’s still OK to stop and say "hi" to a passing driver. It is never so noisy that you can’t hear the birds chirp or the crickets sing. One third of the island belongs to the Nature Conservancy’s Mashomack Preserve.