Summertime at the Jersey Shore: TICES SHOAL – boater’s playground
mvschulze
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The satellite image below covers about 4 miles (6.4 km) across, showing the community of Sunrise Beach on Barnegat Bay and Island Beach State Park, a pristine part of barrier peninsula separating the bay from the Atlantic Ocean at the right.
On a typical summers morning, boats from miles around cruise to Tices Shoal on the New Jersey coast. The US Inter-Coastal Waterway is indicated by the North-South boat traffic on the left.In this closer rendering, about 35 boats can be seen gathered in this desirably sandy shoal inside the beaches.
On a good day, the numbers can reach several hundred boats, jockeying for space and visibility; for sun seeking celebratory fun; for relaxing, drinks, food, swimming, and just being there.
A small dock and access-way leads to the ocean, (right, ) less than 1/4 mile away.
Below are photos and captions from Tices Shoal, followed by the treasure that is, on the ocean side…
Many arrive early to get favored “spots” near the access path, or sandy shoals.All sorts of boats, kayaks, PWC’s, inflatable toys – pets, families, revelers… join the bay-side community.Frequently, raft-ups grow to dozens of watercraft.And there’s the ever-popular ice cream, cheeseburger and hot dog boats.Some cook and serve imaginative creations – food and drinks – on board; others set-up their grills and cold ice chests right in the water.Go-Fast boats come and go with unmistakable thundering power-plants, while awesome sailboats glide in silently.Several times a season, local radio stations add live music and give-aways to the party.Cloudy days are no exception,. As long as the seas are reasonably calm, they come.But it’s the bright sunny days that really beckon, and that short walk across the dunes to the ocean… promises some of the best beaches on the East Coast.The sand is fine and soft on the feet; the natural fauna, birds and other wildlife, enjoy a protected and balanced habitat.For those who love the treasures of the beach, and the allure of the sea without massive crowds, Tices Shoal provides the key to the gateway.And as a rarity in New Jersey, our favorite pets are welcome, as this image of Jeanne and Sandy Paws the dog will attest.We all try to be environmentally conscious, and there is no better way to practice this than during and after a day at this very special place. (That’s a kite hanging on the line!…)At the end of a beautiful summer day down the shore….…a sailor, perhaps here overnight, bids farewell to the setting sun.
As usual, comments are always welcome, and…thanks for viewing! 🙂
More information can be found at the official Tices Shoal website.
