our island

The Bay

2009-01-30T10:52:00.001-05:00

It is the bay that gives the island it's special character - makes it a different sort of sea coast. We have water on all sides, not just the to the east. And I have to admit that when all is said and done I am a bay person. I love the ocean views, the dunes, the waves, the sun rises - but it is the bay view that truly nourishes my spirit. As I come through these grasslands, arriving at or leaving the island, I find myself smiling and relaxing no matter what I had in my head or heart a few minutes ago. And so my farewell views of the island will be these of the winter grasses against the bay. I find it impossible to faithfully capture them either on film or in paint - and they have completely escaped any expression in glass. The light, the shades of grasses, water and sky need to be seen and breathed in without any translation. I wish that we may all have that opportunity in the near future.

The Docks

2009-01-30T10:10:00.002-05:00

No good-bye tour would be complete without a stop at the docks. Boats - pleasure, fishing, scallopers... are such a part of Barnegat Light that sometimes you forget how wonderful they are.

The longer you are here the more the marinas and docks become just normal surroundings.
But as we prepare to leave they recover their specialness - sights I know I won't see exactly in the same way anywhere else.

The Nature Trail -

2009-01-29T15:49:00.001-05:00

We took a solitary walk along the nature trail in the park. The views out over the beach heather towards the ocean were icy and windy, but the part of the trail that dips down into the forest was protected - although I wouldn't go as far as to call it warm. It seemed as if we were miles from anywhere, and then we could look up and see the parking lot or other parts of the park through the bare winter trees. And of course, there was the lighthouse high above us.

A Day for Good-byes

2009-01-29T14:49:00.000-05:00

The morning of my birthday was sunny and COLD. But it was a perfect day for revisiting favorite sites and taking a few last pictures. First we went to the Lighthouse - so different now than in the summer, and different yet from the crowded scene when we were last here for the relighting. Today there was no one here but us. The parking lot was empty. Ceci did a quick tour and then retired to the warmth of the car, but Luis and I walked the whole park. The lighthouse never changes, but yet always seems new. No matter how many pictures you have of it, every time you come you take another. And I enjoy looking at them all.

It's Snowing -

2009-01-23T14:37:00.000-05:00

It's not like it never snows here - it does. It just doesn't tend to stick around for very long in our salty humid air, warmed by that same ocean that cools us in the summer. So views of the house and neighborhood dressed in white are a treat.

Under a New Light -

2009-01-02T14:11:00.000-05:00

On the afternoon of January 1st everyone in Barnegat Light - and most of the surrounding county with their children and pets - seemed to be heading for the lighthouse. After years of darkness, Barnegat Lighthouse was refitted with a new (smaller, but adequate) Fresnel lens. We're back on the nautical charts!!

We walked up to the lighthouse in the freezing air, leaving the car at Kubel's because we couldn't find a spot any closer. The media was there along with everyone else, waiting for the beacon to appear. As it turned out we ended up walking back and watching the first light from Kubel's parking lot as we weren't able to get close enough to the base of the lighthouse to enjoy the ceremony - and because we could then jump right into the warmth (and craziness) as soon as the act was accomplished. And it was crazy. We decided to go back to the house for a while and come in for dinner when things calmed down.

As all the cars started to head back out we were part of the first traffic jam I've ever seen in Barnegat Light. I can happily go another 50 years without seeing another.

Congratulations to Old Barney! May you continue to watch over generations to come and be part of their memories as you will always be part of ours.

Happy New Year!!

2009-01-02T09:14:00.000-05:00

New Year's Eve at Kubel's has become a family tradition over the past few years. Changing circumstances may make this the last for a while, but that only made it dearer. We rang in 2009 with old friends and new, locals and guests, in the familiar warmth and welcome - and with the traditional headgear - that has become so familiar to us all. We wish a Happy 2009 to one and all wherever it may find us.

An Island Christmas

2008-12-26T08:29:00.000-05:00

We return to the island in winter. We've spent many a Christmas here before, and this time we come with a group of friends, 11 in all, to help warm the holidays. The scenery is quite different from the summer months I've posted here before, both outside and indoors. The bay is not quite as inviting, but the holly trees have donned their festive wardrobe to welcome us.

Our anticipation of the addition of a new family member this coming year makes the celebrations all that brighter. This is her (his?) first Christmas on the island! We can't wait to share all the pictures of "Mom" and family in this same setting over the years and tell stories of Christmases past as we add new pages to our albums for the next generation.

Ceci's Garden

2008-08-19T09:23:00.011-05:00

Ceci (the same one who has let my violet's dry up each time I return to Maracaibo) greeted me this year with the idea of a flower garden on her deck. We put together a mix of flowers and herbs to please us both - she has a pretty flower garden and I get to potter around and cook with my fresh herbs.

I insisted on a geranium. They are so dependable and forgiving. My grandfather used to keep geranium "trees" in his green house all winter. When I first went away to college he gave my my own geranium tree for my dorm room. Ours was a bit sparse when we bought it, but has adapted well to potted bliss.

We also have a begonia, which is bursting out of its container, some struggling snap dragons, and other decorative species.

But my babies are the herbs. The basil, lemon basil and rosemary I rooted from cuttings given to me (Thanks Toni!). We bought the parsley and chive plants. The chives are now occupying my abandoned violet pot. They give me something to nurture and harvest for soups and sauces, and since I am deep into Barbara Kingsolver's Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, it also makes me feel a bit closer to local sustinance. The Jersey tomatoes (Diane has gifted us several delicious heirlooms), corn and peaches, combined with the local seafood make me feel somewhat satisfied with my localized eating. And I'm sure my balcony herbs are properly stressed, growing over a busy (relatively speaking - we are on an Island after all) traffic light without any pesticides.

Storm Rising

2008-08-16T13:10:00.008-05:00

The collision of hot and cold air masses gave rise to one of the most spectacular storm fronts that I have seen. The ultimate result was heavy rain, hail and wind, but the coming attractions were exciting. The sky between the dark clouds was often almost turquoise, and the effects in the clouds resembled sand paintings. In short it was close to undescribable and the pictures don't quite catch to total splendor.
We had thought to have lunch at a bayside restaurant, but our plans were abbreviated by the impending storm. We sat and had a beer as we watched it arrived, then dashed back to the dock and shelter.

True Island Living

2008-08-14T11:31:00.011-05:00

Last Sunday Andy took us to visit a friend who spends his summers on a private sandy island in the middle of the bay. He lives there with his dog, Hershey, working on the custom-made rods and fishing flies that he creates - and chasing off trespassers who can't seem to read the privacy signs posted.

The house is surrounded by beauty - grasses and water - visited by egrets and ducks, and is close enough to the main Island to scoot over by boat in a few minutes for supplies or lunch.

I did notice a TV inside, but he has no desire to have internet to avoid spending all his time on-line. After all, e-bay is a great place to locate fishing tackle and supplies.

I would absolutely love to spend a summer here. I'm sure that by the time the fall hunting season rolled around I would be ready to head back to more solid ground. There are several duck blinds among the grasses that must get good use. But my favorite scenery is the golden fall grasses against the slate grey bay waters - followed closely by the summer grasses on the water. This is one spectacular island.

We're Back - with a difference

2008-08-12T15:34:00.006-05:00

Randy and I actually returned to the Island early in July, right after I returned from Spain. My camera gave up the ghost on that trip, however, and I just replaced it with a newer more reliable model.

We are not living in Barnegat Light this summer. We are staying with Ceci in her apartment in Ship Bottom, at the end of the causeway from the mainland.

We're still travelling back and forth to and from Barnegat Light almost every day - to Kubel's, to the house on 12th Street, to the Post Office where our mail still arrives.

Ship Bottom is more built up, more shops and restaurants, more traffic, more people. It is about 4 blocks from bay to ocean, instead of the two in Barnegat Light. But it is still the same Island, and anyone who comes over the causeway and turns north goes right past our door.

We're back, where the gulls are.

For the Birds

2007-07-30T10:08:00.000-05:00

Boaters aren't the only ones who flock to the sandbars at low tide. The sea bird population finds their meals served up and ready for the taking. While the human species seemed to gravitate to the eastern side of the bar this weekend, the feathered visitors line up on the western shore. They're not in favor of much integration - the locals on one side, vacationers on the other. Their boundaries are quite strict, and if that line is crossed they move on. But they do have quite a feast while they are there, and have been known to carry out quick in-and-out incursions into foreign territory to pick up tasty treats.

During our last visit we found the western shore of the sandbar populated by small black sea snails. Walking along the shore you could feel them moving under your feet, and walking a bit farther into the water took you through schools of tiny silver fishes. With an abundance of crabs and clams available, life was good for the sea gulls - fast food for the birds.

We´ll see you on the sandbar..

2007-07-29T14:39:00.000-05:00

One of the most popular activities on a sunny summer's day - at least for those with access to a small craft - is "going out to the sandbar." It entails some planning and knowledge of the tide charts, for the available space on any sandbar decreases drastically with the high tide, and some disappear altogether. There's almost always someone who doesn't get it quite right and ends up beached as the tide goes down. The Barnegat Shoals have been known for centuries as a great place to run aground, and towing services are always cruising the area looking for clients.
"Going out to the sandbar" means packing up the coolers, the kids, the dogs, the horseshoes and frizbees, sandchairs and other beach equipment, and heading out at just the right time to stake your claim to some waterfront property - while leaving the boat adaquately anchored to allow for a smooth exit when the time comes. There is no required activity - just sunning and swimming and socializing.
You can also get to enjoy the bayside view of the island and of Old Barney guarding the Inlet.

The Interpretive Center

2007-07-19T11:45:00.000-05:00

I've gotten back on the roster, and completed my first shift, as a volunteer at the Interpretive Center in Barnegat Lighthouse State Park. Volunteers keep track of attendance in the Center, answer questions, keep the background music playing, etc. It's a cool place to spend a hot afternoon, and well stocked with books on lighthouses and local history. I enjoy my 3 hour shifts, greeting visitors and learning more each day about the island and lighthouses in NJ, and around the country.

We have a monitor with live feeds from the top of the lighthouse. Those who can not - or choose not to - climb the 217 steps to the top can enjoy the views, north, south, east and west, from the air conditioned comfort of the Interpretive Center.

Other panels provide details on the history of Barnegat Lighthouse, the ecology of barrior islands and a typical day in the life of a lighthouse keeper.

We have a model of the keepers' house which once stood at the base of Old Barney, but was lost to erosion by the waves. There were three separate quarters in the house for the 3 keepers and their families. It required 3 eight-hour shifts to keep the light burning 24 hours a day.

And there is our "beach buggy" free for use by those who cannot walk through the sand on their own. Any visit to the State Park is sure to be a bit more enjoyable - and educational - due to the efforts of the volunteer staff and the Interpretive Center.

There's more to it

2007-07-13T09:40:00.000-05:00

For years, when people asked about the island I almost always said at some point that where we are in Barnegat Light there is a main street that runs down the center of the island and from there "one block to the bay and one block to the ocean".

Well, standing up on the turn-around of the nature trail really brought it home to me that the situation has changed drastically - at least here at 12th St. The "new" South Jetty has provided us with more area from the end of the street to the ocean than is encompassed in those two habitated blocks. (In this view the ocean is out there under the haze at the end of the dune grasses.)

It's a beautiful, natural area filling up with native, and new, vegetation and supporting a healthy bird population. There are plaques describing the red fox and garter snakes which also are native to the area ( the fox eats the snakes, by the way). I am content to say that I have run into neither of these residents on my walks.

As peaceful and quiet as the streets of Barnegat Light can be there is always another world just a block away which gives you a different perspective on the island and reminds you that there is definitely more to it than two blocks of homes.

Blessed Coolness

2007-07-12T21:57:00.001-05:00

When you hear all the news about the record breaking heat wave on the eastern seaboard, just remember that here on our island we are at least 10 degrees or more cooler than the levels recorded in New York or Philadelphia. At night we have temperatures down in the 60's.

The cool water temperatures are saving us from the heat. When I walk up to the beach in the early morning I can feel the cool air before I arrive at the end of the street, and am glad to be wearing a long sleeved top. We have had a more or less permanent fog/haze for the last couple of days as a result of the hot land temperatures meeting the cold water temperatures. It's not good news for swimmers - who report they can't get into the water, but it's great for cooling down the ambient temperature.

We see everything through a haze - and enjoy the fact that we don't need emergency procedures for the heat. The lifeguards can't even see much beyond the first waves.

The New BL Nature Trail

2007-07-10T14:26:00.000-05:00

While I was gone our walk to the beach at 12th Street became part of the new Barnegat Light Nature Trail. There are several wayside information plaques detailing the flora, fauna and history of the area, and the boardwalk has been extended to help tired trekkers.

The maritime forest is filling in the area behind the large dunes.

And new fencing - to keep the wanderers off the dunes - has been installed to accompany the traditioal "snow" fence which contains the sand.

At the top of the large dunes there is a turn-around, observation point between 12th and 13th Streets with larger exhibits - including some history of ship wrecks and battles on the local beaches.

We´re Back

2007-07-03T14:03:00.000-05:00

Randy and I arrived back on the Island on July 1st. We left behind the Venezuelan tropics, a nation spiraling down into a would-be communist dictatorship, and came back to a relatively cool ( at least to us) beach town gearing up for summer and the celebration of over 230 years of constitutionally guaranteed freedoms. Its a macro shift in sensibilities. All I have to do is look out the front door to know we're not in Maracaibo anymore.

This is a brightly colored bloom from my front yard in Maracaibo. They come and go quickly and the yard is often adorned in different colors from one day to the next ...fuschia, purple, yellow and orange.

Here in Barnegat Light things don't change as much. I come back to the same conservative evergreens, hollies and Black-eyed Susans.

Yet - you just have to look back to my Mosaic piece in this blog last September to see how the flowers have progressed.

We're still settling in and getting our bearings, but looking forward to a wonderful summer. We'll keep you posted.

...from the Beach

2006-08-30T11:41:00.000-05:00

The last three days have been dreary and gray. Not exactly picture taking weather. But as I sit here and listen to news of Ernesto in Florida - of and of the even stronger John, bearing down on Acapulco - and of a Pacific typhoon (name unpronouncable) which threatens to wipe Wake Island off the map - I felt that one additional tribute to our gorgeous dunes was in order.

As you head back towards 12th Street from the water's edge it's all uphill. Just getting from the water to the life guard's chair requires climbing up over the ledge at the water line and then slogging through dry powdery sand which threatens to stay your feet at each step.

Then its back over the lower dune area, with its grasses, crossroads in the sand and litter and recycling barrels stategically sprinkled throughout. I can't resist the chance to present one more natural beach grass masterpiece.

And onward to the end of the first boardwalk, up that last big dune, which seems much higher than when you came to the beach earlier- making you so glad you resisted the urge to carry non-essentials with you . Then, after you finally reach those benches which look so far up in the sky, you still have to go down the other side of the dune and walk through the denser vegetation on the street-side boardwalk - and a block and a half back to the house. It's a long trek, and discourages everyday beach going - but at times like this as we hear storm news on all sides we are s-o-o-o grateful for our beautiful dune area.

P.S. Rafito is in Miami as I write so you soon may get some more professional looking views of the Island once he arrives.

At Water's Edge

2006-08-26T13:10:00.000-05:00

It was a somewhat hazy morning at first. The sky had a pinkish tinge - not quite red enough to warrant that we "take warning". There's not much I can say that would add to the images. It's a beautiful hour for a walk along the water's edge.

Our sands are not covered with tropical shells, but this morning the beach glistened with a myriad of small jellyfish, whole or in pieces, shining pink and white in the early morning sun.

A more usual sight along our sands is the horseshoe crab - they have preceded us by centuries and will still be inhabiting the shores here for centuries to come.

As the sun rose higher the breakfast line formed at surf's edge and the day began in earnest. I headed back toward's the house and my own breakfast.

...a World Between...

2006-08-25T12:17:00.000-05:00

The dune area between our houses and the ocean is lovingly preserved. We all know that another big storm will visit us someday - hurricane or nor'easter - and the dunes are our first and only line of defense. For many years there have been campaigns to gather used Christmas trees (natural, of course) to bury in the sand. Dune grasses and other indigenous plants have been reintroduced. The fortunate result of much work and investment is the unique dune area - a world between the streets and the ocean. Many plants, such as this Queen Anne's Lace have come to make their home here, and the beginnings of a restored maritime forest area can be enjoyed.

The natural vegetation is a much better protection for the dunes - and for the homes behind them - than the old snow fences, now abandoned, which ran along between the grass on practically bare sand dunes when I was here as a child in an attempt to keep us off the dunes. I can remember climbing and rolling down the dunes on nighttime treks along the beach, tremendous fun, but not very ecologically sound, and no longer permitted.

Sunrise over the dunes.

To the Beach...

2006-08-25T08:18:00.000-05:00

In New Jersey, when you head towards the ocean you're going "down the shore". Only once you've reached the shore do you actually go to the beach. On 12th Street the walk to the beach is quite a hike - one which I personally only attempt early in the morning. Once the sun is high and the sand is burning it's quite an undertaking.

The dunes and beach have built up considerably since the construction of the new jetty by the lighthouse. When I was a child the waves were much closer to the road (and that's not just a senior perception). A conscious effort has been made to build up and protect the dune area. Boardwalks have been added to make it possible to reach the water. Just follow the path, making sure you stay out of the bushes and away from any red leaves in groups of three.

The boardwalk does end before you reach the highest point of the dune. Memorial benches have been donated for the relief of all those toting beachchairs, blankets, unbrellas, pails, children, etc. towards a relaxing day at the beach.

After reaching the top of the dune and catching your breath you'll see that you still have a way to go - but the end is in sight, and if you keep your eye on the lifeguard chairs you're sure to reach the water's edge eventually and be able to cool your toes in the Atlantic.

Shore Signs

2006-08-24T16:43:00.000-05:00

Maybe it's because there are so many seasonal visitors here, but we seem to communicate an extraordinary amount of information here through signs. It also may just be my perception after coming from Venezuela. It seems to me that people here expect, and prefer, to have all the rules spelled out where they can find them for themselves. Then they don't have to spend any time looking for someone to ask how things work. They read the signs, and for the most part act according to the information given.
In Maracaibo, no matter how many signs are posted no one believes them until they've found somone to ask. Then, even if they get the same information in person, they'd really prefer to check with someone else before deciding if they need to adapt their own behavior in any way.
We also have seasonal and off season rules here, as in any vacation town, so you have to be aware of the dates and changes as they roll around. Speed limits vary with the season as do rules for dogs on the beach, the need for beach badges and the use of public tennis courts, etc.

All in all, for a community which grows so much in the summer, and fills up with so many people who have never been here before and don't know how things work, our signs seem to do a rather good job of keeping us all on the same page.

Mosaic

2006-08-23T09:02:00.000-05:00

The original mission of this blog was to provide an idea of the particular vegetation and "look" of our island. Today I'm reverting to that goal with a few impressions. As always this blog presents "my" island and doesn't aspire to anything more.
This spunky little Black-eyed Susan is right at the corner of our driveway and front walk. Despite much neglect and the dumping of beach bags and chairs atop her, she keeps coming back all on her own. I love seeing her there.

Bayberries - universally famous in candle form - and the namesake of the Bayberry Inn, one of my mother's favorite restaurants on the island. They grow wild and are also cultivated in local gardens.

Beach plums - prolific all over the island and delicious when made into Beach Plum Jam or, so I've been told, into Beach Plum Wine. I must admit I've never tasted the wine, but I can vouch for the jam.

And I always come back to my favorite - the bay grass. I love the view of the shallows with the grasses as they change in color and texture with the seasons.

Just a few more pieces of the mosaic that is "my" island.

A Little Museum History

2006-08-22T12:39:00.000-05:00

The Barnegat Light Museum now occupies what was once the Elementary School. From 1903 through June, 1951, classes were held here for local elementary students. Small as it is there was a girl's entrance on the left and a boy's entrance on the right.

The museum was inaugurated in 1954. It's most asked about exhibit is certainly the original first-order Fresnel lens from the lighthouse. The beehive-shaped lens is six feet in diameter, 12 feet high and formed from 1,024 separate prisms mounted in bronze fittings. Our favorite model was pleased to pose before something that makes him look a bit smaller by comparison.

The museum is maintained by the Barnegat Light Historical Society, whose volunteers are always on duty to provide extra local details and answer any questions posed by visitors. On the grounds behind the museum the Garden Club of Long Beach Island maintains the Edith Duff Gwinn Garden, providing a lovely, quiet spot planted with native shrubs and flowers. A real treat for anyone interested in local plantings.

Kubel's

2006-08-21T12:06:00.000-05:00

No trip north on Bayview would be complete without a stop at the large blue building on the corner of 7th Ave., Kubel's. A mixture of a traditional fishermen's bar, a popular summer restaurant and a year round center of local life, Kubel's has been a central point in our Barnegat Light experience for the past four years. Summer nights, popcorn shrimp, lunch with Santa (who arrives by fire engine), my mother's 85th birthday party, and many other memories will always remain.

The popular "new room", under the striped awnings in this view from Bayview, offers diners a view of the bay, and those spectacular sunsets.

The porch booths, under the awnings to the right in the front view, once smoking territory, have now joined the general dining environment since New Jersey became a non-smoking state this year. And out front is the rock where generations of children have climbed and had their pictures taken as their parties waited to be seated.

And of course there is the bar, also now smokless, where Randy feels at home ordering his Coors Light, they serve an excellent Pinot Grigio, and everybody knows your name. But the best part of Kubel's will always be the people, owners, staff, regulars and visitors; without them its just a blue building by the bay.

North on Bayview

2006-08-20T08:27:00.000-05:00

What we intended to do yesterday, before becoming involved in the reclamming, was to take you for a stroll down Bayview, from 12th St. to where it ends at 6th.

Here you see our model next to the municipal ramp at 10th, where we left him yesterday. The reclamming activity was just behind the ramp office shack.

From 10th St. up to 7th you find docking facilities for small boats and several businesses which rent out boats and supply necessities for day fishermen. We highly recommend Kelly’s. Ask for Angie, and get to see some of her artwork while you’re there.

Just past Kelly’s is the Coast Guard Station. Our model is now posed in front of a view of the Coast Guard docks where a variety of sea craft are harbored. The Coast Guard is kept busy saving small craft boaters from themselves, and from the inlet breakers.

Bayview ends at 6th Street where there is a marina for larger boats. You can charter a party boat here, or arrange for parasailing over the bay. The ever-present lighthouse can be seen to the north, but you can’t really get there from here, at least not directly. You have to go one block east and then north to the Light. If you like you can cut across the lot of the old coffee shack to save a few steps.

Randy Helps Reclam

2006-08-20T06:43:00.000-05:00

On Saturday Randy and I set out north from 12th Street along Bayview to take pictures for future posts. It was a beautiful summer day, so there was considerable congestion around the municipal ramp on 10th Street.
As we maneuvered around the crowd jockeying to get their small craft into the bay I noticed some unusual activity behind the ramp office.
A few questions revealed that the group was working as part of a project to reclam Barnegat Bay. Tiny, pinhead-sized, clams had been placed in mesh bottomed buckets at the beginning of the season. Each Saturday they are taken out and “counted” by volume. So far it seems they have grown twelve fold. Each bucket received ½ liter originally and the reports yesterday were all over 6 liters each. The tiny clams are taken out of each bucket, measured by cupfuls and then replaced in their “nursery”. Randy was thrilled to help with the replacing part.

The clams will spend the winter in mesh bags in the bay with the hope that they will be thumb nail size by next season. That about does it for my knowledge of clam seeding – you can find out more at http://www.reclamthebay.org/ .

We will try to go back next Saturday to help again, as Randy’s name was to be added to the work list, so he now has responsibilities.

The Maritime Forest

2006-08-18T10:36:00.000-05:00

The Maritime Forest trail is a 1/5 mile circuit through one of the last remnants of native maritime forest in the state. Informative plaques identifying the vegetation and explaining the ecology of the maritime forest are scattered along the trail. One of the first signs identifies Poison Ivy - one of our heartiest plants - not only along the trail, but all over the island. It is highly recommended that anyone who is even slightly allergic stick to the open pathways. The forest, also home to black cherries and Eastern red cedars among others, is an important resting and feeding area for birds on their long migratory flights to and from their nesting areas.

The rugosa rose is common in and out of the trail area. The bright orange fuits - rose hips - are a fabulous source of Vitamin C.

The Jetty

2006-08-17T07:37:00.000-05:00

My favorite part of the park is the jetty. It is 3/4 of a mile long in its entirety, 1033 ft. of that length are paved and enclosed by railings. On stormy days the waves break up over the rocks and railings, and if conditions are really wild access to the jetty is closed off. Under normal conditions, however, the jetty is open to fishermen and strollers. It starts out from the lighthouse, then turns a sharp right corner along the southern side of the inlet.

A parallel jetty runs along the northern shore of the inlet from Island Beach State Park.

Where the paved walkway ends, the rock jetty continues. Fishermen and explorers continue to venture out over the rocks, and the gulls enjoy the sun and scenery.

Old Barney

2006-08-16T09:09:00.000-05:00

You can't really say you've been to Barnegat Light until you visit the lighthouse which gave us our name. The inlet was baptized "Barendegat" by early dutch explorers - Inlet of breakers - due to the large waves which hinder its navegation. The first lighthouse on the inlet entered into service in 1835, but the sand around it soon eroded and a new light - still standing - was commisioned in 1856 and first lit in 1859. Lt George Meade, of Civil War reknown, supervised the construction. (He appears next to our group of climbers in the Girl's Weekend post.) The new lighthouse stood 165 feet tall and had a first order Fresnel lens, which now resides in the Barnegat Light Museum.

During World War II the lighthouse was used as a lookout tower by the Coast Guard. It was retired from service in 1944, and officially dedicated as a State Park in 1957. The park includes fishing areas, bird nesting preserves, a native maritime forest area with a trail, the Lighthouse, the jetty, and the Interactive Center, where I volunteer occasionally. This year four video cameras were installed at the top of the lighthouse so that those who can't make the climb can enjoy a real-time view from the Interactive Center. And just in case you're wondering - there are 217 steps up the lighthouse, and it's the second tallest light in NJ. (Two of my most FAQs.)

If you look at the first picture above you can see the Maritime Forest area left of the Lighthouse. The large sandy area in the foreground is a bird nesting area which protects certain endangered birds and welcomes migratory invasions. This expanse of sand came into being after the construction of the jetty by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1992. Before that, the water came right up to the dunes, and to the Lighthouse, which was in danger of toppling into the inlet. The houses in this photo (taken from the jetty) were once literally waterfront property. Of course, in those days you could swim on the beach in the park - now its just fishing, bird watching and enjoying the scenery, but is still visited by hundreds of people every day during the season. The beach area is the site of bonfires - to enjoy the full moon during July and August, and a special Holloween event in October.

Goodbye to the Girls

2006-08-14T14:04:00.000-05:00

Sadly, our weekend is over. We left the island for Philadelphia airport at 9:00a.m. After a quick stop for coffee and breakfast take-out we had an uneventful trip through the Pine Barrens, past the pick-your-own blueberry farms and across the state of New Jersey to Pennsylvania.

Linda had the first flight out, so we said good-bye to all of our visitors as she checked in at the curb of Terminal D.

It was a truely enjoyable weekend and we look forward to keeping up the tradition other years.

Girl's Weekend 2

2006-08-13T20:07:00.000-05:00

Sunday - we had a lazy morning around the house. Randy went out on the boat with Andy and Coleen and Erin. The girls headed down the island to Bay Village where we browsed the shops and then had lunch in Bistro 14. Tammy and Miriam shared Bluepoint and Mulluca oysters. We tried both the red and white chowders and assorted other seafood dishes. It was a great time. We did some more browsing, hit Ben and Jerry's for ice cream, stopped a few more places on the way back north and finally arrived in Barnegat Light to start putting dinner together at home.

Erin and Andy and Coleen joined us for dinner. We had shredded pork on tortillas, with black bean salsa, tomatoes, cheese and corn on the cob. Not a bad finish to a wonderful weekend.

Girl's Weekend (+ Randy)

2006-08-12T12:44:00.000-05:00

We drove to Philly on Friday to pick up Linda, Tammy and Miriam. Our weekend started with dinner at the Octupus's Garden - where my Cobia was the most delicious choice of the evening. After dessert we walked up to the beach to see the not quite full moon and to look for Mars. According to Tammy it was a sight we wouldn't see again for 60,000 years. We think we saw it. The moon was easy, but we weren't quite sure where Mars was supposed to be. Randy and I went down and put our feet in the water. Then we all went home and crashed - our travellers had been up early to brave the security lines at the airport.

Today we started out with breakfast at Mustach Bill's diner - known for their omelettes and hotcakes. However, our three guests had oatmeal.

Then to the lighthouse. Ceci, Miriam and Randy made it to the top and back again. I walked out the jetty and took pictures for uture posts.

The girls are off to the beach. Linda, Randy and I did a town tour - Viking Village, the north end shops, drive by of the Museum, St. Peter's at the Light church - and finished up at the Dairy Queen. Tonight it is dinner at Kubel's.

Everyday Art

2006-08-09T13:13:00.000-05:00

There are artists everywhere in Barnegat Light. You'll find work by local painters, photographers and artisans in all the local shops. But there are also works to be enjoyed every day, most with marine motifs. The mural at Viking Village was undergoing some repainting last weekend. It displays the various species of fish which are processed through the fishery.

And the sides of a truck are also an excellent canvas for circulating nautical scenes for public enjoyment. As long as its there it might as well be inspiring, right?

And should anyone be lacking inspiration, local gull models voluntarily sit for portraits as long as is necessary - free of charge.

Beyond the Shops

2006-08-08T15:31:00.000-05:00

The heart of Viking Village is the commercial fishery, which your guide is pleased to point out.

According to theViking Village pamphlet, it is "...home port to 15 scallopers, several longliners, and about 12 gill net boats. Each boat is independently owned and utilizes Viking Village for their pack-out, marketing and sale of their catch....The scallopers bring in approximately two million pounds of scallops per year....The longliners bring in many types of fish including big-eye and yellow-fin tuna, tilefish, sharks and swordfish. At Viking Village, alone, they account for about one million pounds per year....The gill net boats are smaller type vessels used to catch blues, weakfish, monkfish, croakers and shad. Unlike the longliners and scallopers, they return to port after a day's catch."

The big-eye tuna, which can weigh up to 250 pounds, can get as much as $20/lb wholesale in the Japanese markets where it is considered a delicacy due to its high fat content. Most of the monkfish is shipped to South Korea. But we also get to enjoy fresh seafood right here in Barnegat Light. The scallops, my favorite, are delicious, and taste so-o-o much better than the frozen variety. There is a fresh fish market right at the docks and a take-out restaurant which serves up fresh seafood daily.

There is also a marina next to the commercial docks, home to charter and party boats which head out to the ridges and canyons daily. Some private pleasure boats are also birthed here - one of them belonging to my brother, Andy. The Kay III is in the background between the commercial boats, framed by the pilings. We'll have to get a better shot of her for a future posting.

Viking Village

2006-08-08T06:22:00.000-05:00

If you turn left once you reach the bayfront and walk a few blocks you'll come to Viking Village. Tiny fishing shacks have been turned into shops selling a little bit of everything from clothing and antiques to fresh seafood and take-out meals. The little produce market (under the red white and green awning on the right) is open everyday during the summer. The other white tents are up for special events, such as this Sunday antique show. Other Sundays present arts and crafts.

Notice the two friendly natives in the foreground.

A group of scandinavians immigrated to the island in the 1920's and settled in Barnegat Light because it reminded them so much of their homeland where they were fishermen. Descendents of several of these families are still in the fishing business here. Viking Village is one of the largest suppliers of fish and seafood on the eastern seaboard. Each year over five million pounds of seafood are packed out over the commercial dock and shipped to domestic and international markets. A lot of tuna is air shipped to Japan.

Some of the shops in the village are open year-round, but most of the activity is seasonal.

The trimphant fisherman in the statue is usually much more solitary than in this photo.

To the bay

2006-08-06T22:11:00.000-05:00

Turning left out of our driveway, past two neighboring houses, brings you to the bayfront which is lined in tall grasses.

I love the grasses all year round - in their summer greenery and in their autumn and winter shades.

Just at the end of 12th Street there is a small path through the grass which allows access to the shallow waters where small boats may be moored. Across the shallows you can see High Bar Harbor, a residential peninsula which is accessed from Barnegat Light but is part of Long Beach Township, a municipal entity made up of many small communities on the island. Barnegat Light, though small, has its own Mayor and Municipal Council, Post Office (and zip code), Fire Department, First Aid Squad and Municipal Court. Police services are provided by Long Beach Township.

Out the front door

2006-08-06T13:16:00.000-05:00

When I was visiting Sanibel Island earlier this summer, Aloha asked me what our island looks like. It's similar to Sanibel in many ways due to it's island lifestlye, but the vegitation is quite different. Barnegat Light is at the northern tip of Long Beach Island, six miles off the coast of Ocean County, New Jersey.

We live on 12th Street, where there is one block of houses west of the main street that runs up and down the island, and one block of houses to the east, towards the ocean. Our house is on the western block, with just two others between us and the bay.

Our front yard and much of the surroundings are what Christmas looks like in the summer - full of pines, spruces, cedars and hollys. We sweep up pine cones and needles and puncture our bare feet on holly leaves.