Jersey Shore: Day 3 in NJ

Today was such an action-packed day at the Jersey Shore that I just had to make a blog entry.

My son Chris started the day with a 20+ mile bike ride out to the tip of Sandy Hook from our house in Rumson.  I didn't join him for several reasons: 1) I have a bike here but my bike helmet is on the boat, 2) I am not an early riser and he was up and ready to go by 7:00, and 3) I could never keep up with him if my life depended on it.  His average speed on today's trip was about 15 mph with a large portion of the ride bucking the wind.  My top speed is about 11 mph going downhill with a tail wind.
We all had breakfast after he returned and got presentable.  Then we headed off to Asbury Park / Ocean Grove to walk the boardwalk.  At mid-70s the day was near perfect with a hot sun and a cool breeze.  We started in Asbury Park and walked into Ocean Grove along the boardwalk.

Red Flag / No Swimming Day at the Beach

Large numbers of sun bathers enjoyed the beaches along the Atlantic Ocean in both Asbury Park and Ocean Grove today.  Unfortunately for them a red-flag day announced that swimming was prohibited due to the heavy surf and rip-currents.  As we approached the beach we heard a round of applause, so Clark asked what had happened.  Apparently someone decided to ignore the no swimming signs or else waded out too far and got pulled out by a wave.  It took four lifeguards to rescue him.  Two swam out to him and stayed with him off shore until they were clear of the sharp rocks at the edge of the beach.  Then two more lifeguards helped bring him in by providing a line to pull him to shore.  We just missed all the excitement that act of stupidity caused.

Looking down the beach from
Ocean Grove towards Asbury Park, NJ

After our stroll down the boardwalk, we turned inland and went to see the sights of Ocean Grove, a town  which had its beginnings in 1869 as a Methodist summer camp meeting site.  We walked up to the auditorium, which was completed in 1894 and is currently used for concerts (last year Clark and I saw a performance of Abba songs) as well as church services.  Ocean Grove is a strong Methodist community, and the church-going people are plentiful enough to fill the huge auditorium for Sunday services.

Ocean Grove Auditorium built in 1894
Used for Concerts and Sunday Church Services

Next to the auditorium is Tent City.  The users of these tents have leased them for years and some have inherited the lease from their parents before them.  The 114 tents that surround the auditorium are used as summer cottages consisting of a shed containing a kitchen and bath and a large tented living area in front.  The tent portion of the cottage is stored in the shed during the winter.  Anyone interested in renting a tent has a long, 10-year wait for a space to open up and then must qualify as having the same spiritual mission as the other tenants to maintain the Christian environment.

Tent City next to the Auditorium

We could walk by Tent City, but not through it, as 'no trespassing' signs were posted all around.  We continued on down the street heading back to Asbuy Park and our car. On the way we passed Wesley Lake with a fountain and swan paddle boats.  Many people were enjoying the swan paddle boats in the lake.

Heather, Chris, and Ev
Standing in front of Wesley Lake in Asbury Park, NJ

As we walked back to the car we passed the vacant building that housed the Asbury Park carousel for years upon years.  It brought back fond memories to just walk past the building as the carousel was magnificent when it was operational.

Asbury Park Carousel Building

 The last sight I spotted on our walk back to the car was The Stone Pony, the starting point for some well-known musicians including Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, and Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes.

The Stone Pony summer stage and music venue 

Following our Asbury Park exploration, we grabbed a quick lunch on the boardwalk.  Then we headed over to the Jersey Shore Premium Outlet stores where I bought a watch to replace the one scratched and scarred from the bike accident last week.  Since, other than the scratches, the watch has held up well, I bought the same bramd (Timex) and make (Carriage).  My son needed new clothes, pants and shirts for work, and did well on his shopping spree as well.

As we were leaving the outlet mall my son received a call from a high-school friend inviting him to join him at Crazees ice cream store.  Even though it was approaching 5 o'clock and almost time for dinner, all four of us went there for an ice cream treat and enjoyed our dessert before our dinner.  We chatted with my son's friend, whom we have all known for years as he lived on our street while growing up, for an hour until it was time for him and his girlfriend to head back to Philadelphia.  Even though we each just finished an ice cream, the four of us headed directly from Crazees to Olivia's restaurant for a superb Italian dinner.

When we got home, Clark, Chris and I vegged out in the living room and watched the old Disney movie The Three Musketeers.  I enjoyed the swashbuckling musketeers very much as movies with sword fighting have always been a favorite genre of mine.  I must say that I was amazed to see Aramis played by Charlie Sheen!  I had no idea he was in that movie but I recognized him right away!