Short on time? Just view the images, and click for increased resolution.
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.
It seems every two days, another “event” has tested our resolve, romanticists included. After the icy images of Part One, the expression on this forlorn squirrel, above – “weathering” a lull at about 8 deg. F (-15 deg. C,) only hints at what was about to come. And he already shows the scars of this winter’s relentless play.
Below: Some 22 hours later, heavy snow is falling on top of existing layers of snow – ice – snow – ice, distributing dangerous weight,
…and continuing into the night.
The icicle reveals some heating loss from our house…
And Sandy Paws (remember her?) navigates the frozen turf, as the brilliant sun spotlights natures latest work.
Whenever I get the chance, I walk beaches looking for interesting shells, sand patterns, birds, … Last fall, just a week before Superstorm Sandy, I came across a number of Sea Gulls acting unusual. They clearly were frolicking and playing with no abandonment, letting their guard down, unaware I was spying. They should have been seriously scavenging, or fishing or what-ever they’re supposed to be doing.
In particular, I saw two of these Herring Gulls – one surfing (waiting for the perfect wave,) and the other …shadow playing (like a care-free child!) To avoid embarrassing them, I did not reveal my presence. But, later I wondered if they knew the big storm was on its way and, (expecting the end of the world,) figured…”what the hell!”
These 7 images are from New Jersey’s Awesome Island Beach State Park.
