Quite the Character:

I have mentioned “the cast of characters” who appear on the boardwalk. This fine gentleman noticed my camera around my neck and chased me down requesting I take a picture of him. He insisted that one day he was going to be famous and I would be really glad I had a picture of him. His name is “SSDJ” and famous or not he was a pleasure to meet. However, when he is known around the world, in every hidden corner and under every stone, you can say you saw him here first!

After Season:

As fun as the summers are “down the shore”, I and most of the locals enjoy the “off season” time even better. The summers bring 100s of 1000s of “bennies” and among them the diverse group of characters. The locals are thankful for them as they help with our economy but, honestly, we love our beaches and boardwalk all to ourselves. Many of boardwalk shops are now closed on weekdays and the pier is void of most people. The sound of a silence pier now allows for the sound of the roaring ocean waves to reach my ears. The air is still warm and the ocean remains a pleasant temperature.

Nor'easter

This pass week we had another nor'easter blow through our area. We fared well, the beaches did not. But rest asure there is much time to replenish the sand before the start of the summer season.

Camera Critters: 9-27

While out kayaking I came across this Cormorant sunbathing himself. Cormorants are silly birds who like to dive under the water only to reappear in some unexpected place. I have kicknamed them "clown" birds. So much fun to watch.

SkyWatch Friday: 9-26

Perfect night for kayaking under the full moon.

view others @ Sky Watch Friday.

Wordless Wednesday: Fall at the Beach

First Day of Fall:

along with the falling leaves comes falling tempertures which tend to lead to warm cozy nights by the fire!

Just an Odd Shot Monday:

New York Water Taxi:

For those not familiar with a water taxi, they actually look just like a "regular" street taxi. Adorn with the bright taxi yellow color and the black and white checkers.

Camera Critters: 9-20

While out kayaking, I came across this little guy soaking up some of the warmth from the late summer sun.

Sky Watch Friday: 9-19

The sky over Lower Manhattan is clear and blue. Mornings are starting to be escorted in by a cool breeze.

view others @ Sky Watch Friday.

Wordless Wednesday: 9-17

Last Glance of Summer,

Governor's Island Waterfall:

I like the view of the falls through the wires on the masts of the Tall Ships but realizing it may be difficult to see I decided on posting a shot of just the falls. For those unfamiliar with New York, that's Governor's Island behind the falls.

Tall Ships:

While visiting the "Big Apple" we were pleasantly surprised to see not only were the Waterfalls on exhibit but several Tall Ships had docked in the harbor. They seem so out of place parked next to the skyscrapers of the big city but what a delight to see them. We found several other surprises while there so stay turned.

Camera Critters: 9-13

While out kayaking I came across this lovely swan. Generally they are found in pairs. This one seemed to be lonely as it followed along side my kayak for quite sometime. I hope he/she enjoyed my company as much as I enjoyed his/hers.

A Closer Look:

There were four Waterfalls placed at several locations along the East River. I was able to see three. The one shown here, under the Brooklyn Bridge, I found to be most interesting. I will post the others.

Skywatch Friday: 9-12

The sky over the Brooklyn Bridge was clear and blue. The bridge spans over the East River, in New York City, the current site of the Waterfall Art Exhibit. If you look close you can see one of the waterfalls flowing from under the bridge.

Remembering:

In one way or another we were all affected by the events of 9-11. However, I do feel those of us who live in the north eastern US have different memories of this dreadful day. I was watching TV when Good Morning America was interrupted by a News report showing the burning tower. It was explained, an airplane had hit the tower. As I sat in shock at this site, I watched as the second plane flew straight at the second tower. I knew at that moment we were under attack. I called my mom, she had not seen the second plane hit as the TV had gone dead when the first plane hit. The broadcast tower was located on top the WTC. She ran outside and not only was she able to see the flames but she could see her pregnant neighbor pacing the front lawn. Her husband worked in Tower II, he was one of six from town who would not return home that evening. For days my family could not only see the thick black smoke but they could smell it and taste it. I have visited Ground Zero and the Trinity Church. I am not sure why but I am glad I did. During my recent trip to NYC it is evident none of us will never forget that day. Still there are signs of remembrance all round.

Wordless Wednesday: 9-10

The Perfect Wave:

I grew up spending many summers on the beach and at the family summer house. It was not until I was in my early 20s that I made “down the shore” my full time residence and purchased my first home. When my boys were born I introduced them to the many pleasures of the salty sea and sand. My younger son took to surfing like he was born with gills and fins. From the time he could stand he was trying to ride the waves. It has given me great pleasure knowing my children have received the same joys from the sea that I have. However, my sons and I stand on opposite side of the fence when it comes to surfing in the storm torn waves. This is when my son and many other surfers find the ocean to have the biggest draw. When tropical storm Hanna arrived this past weekend it was no different. The ocean once again became a surfers delight. Although, I don't understand this attaction when it seems most of their time is spent waiting on the perfect wave.

Look at the View:

Most of the kayaking we did took place at Monksville Reservoir, located in northwestern NJ, such a peaceful and tranquil place. We spotted several varies of our feathered friends. (pictures later) For now enjoy this beautiful view.

Busy Girl:

So busy mowing the back 40 and tending to the garden.

It's been a long week:

Wow! That was one long week’s vacation! When we first left way back on the 10th of August we were driving out to Ohio to visit B’s granddaughter, whom I like to call “BP”. Not that I am bias or anything but she has to be one of the most precious children on earth. She is so happy all the time, happy while mowing the back 40, happy while tending to her garden, happy while looking at her books, just happy all the time, so sweet and so precious. And the fact that she learn to say “Poppy” just topped off the week. What more can anyone ask for but just some time for Poppy to sit and read Dr. Seuss to his grandchild. It was a wonderful and some what magical week.
After returning from this trip I just couldn’t get back into the working frame of mind. Humm… what better to do but head up to visit and do some kayaking with my sister, and kayak we did! My sister being the gym teacher was paddling circles around me. She has experience with the whole sit in a flat low to the water canoe and paddle till your arms feel like rubber. Her instructions to me, “put the life jacket on and start paddling. Oh and that whistle attached to the jacket blow it 3 times if you get in trouble.” Oh thanks! We had a blast and in fact paddled around for 4 days. Just when I arms could take no more, we decided on a trip to the city, yes New York City, over to the East River to the Brooklyn Bridge. This is the site of the Waterfall Art Exhibit. I had great fun and I have many wonderful pictures to share.
Shortly after arriving home from this grand kayak/waterfall adventure, we received the call that B’s dad had past, off to Florida we went. There is not much I can say other than the world has lost one wonderful man. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.
Yes, it has been a long week (or month) filled with all the emotions life has to offer. Perhaps one day soon I can return to life as I once knew it.