The "shore", as the locals say, was beautiful! For a few moments I thought I was in California again. We went to Asbury Park which was one of the many places hit by the 2012 Sandy hurricane. They obviously did a great job rebuilding because the beach and boardwalk were lovely. See a map here.
After surviving the insane 2 1/2 hour drive, we relaxed, jumped in the water, played in the waves, read and relaxed some more. That magical napping moment with the breeze blowing, the surf crashing and the gentle strains of conversation got me in a lot of trouble with the sun because I didn't want it to stop. So I paid dearly.
Aaron did too, and yes, that is a hand print on my left leg. I was sleeping on my side because the belly prevents other options and I wasn't worried too much about my tan. :)
I love the beach. So much. Aaron doesn't understand my obsession. But this was my favorite thing we've done all summer and we've done some pretty amazing things!
Some observations from a "westerner":
- There are so many people living out here in a relatively small space. It makes sense that the beach was packed with people. But I've still never seen so many people on a beach.
- The shore is not free. There's a fee no matter where you go. We spent $6 per person and were given little badges that we had to wear all the time. We expected to pay for parking (and could have) but we easily found a street spot adding just a couple blocks to our walk.
- They have fly-by billboards on the beach! Little airplanes pass back and forth dragging different advertisements - mostly for the Casinos in Atlantic City.
- We didn't have any clue we were approaching the ocean until literally blocks from the beach. Still tons of trees and no palm trees to give any clues.
- The beach had legitimate volley ball courts with many bronzed-beach bodies playing hard-core. There was also a women's dodge ball tournament.
I love the beach. So much. Aaron doesn't understand my obsession. But this was my favorite thing we've done all summer and we've done some pretty amazing things!
Some observations from a "westerner":
- There are so many people living out here in a relatively small space. It makes sense that the beach was packed with people. But I've still never seen so many people on a beach.
- The shore is not free. There's a fee no matter where you go. We spent $6 per person and were given little badges that we had to wear all the time. We expected to pay for parking (and could have) but we easily found a street spot adding just a couple blocks to our walk.
- They have fly-by billboards on the beach! Little airplanes pass back and forth dragging different advertisements - mostly for the Casinos in Atlantic City.
- We didn't have any clue we were approaching the ocean until literally blocks from the beach. Still tons of trees and no palm trees to give any clues.
- The beach had legitimate volley ball courts with many bronzed-beach bodies playing hard-core. There was also a women's dodge ball tournament.
Magical napping moments
I made a sand pillow and throne.
Sunburns and sunsets. Why can't my skin just not burn?
Love,
Lauresa
Love,
Lauresa