Date: 07/07/2009
Destination: New Jersey (Cape May)
Miles: 39
States: New Jersey (Cape May)
Morning came late today as the cool temperatures and nice breeze made for great sleep and lazy napping. I had a nice breakfast with my aunt and uncle from Vero Beach, FL and then I was off to explore on my own the little town of Cape May. I have been coming here as a kid for many years, but infrequently as an adult. So this was my time to motor around and see everything on my schedule.
First up was nice walk around the area with my uncle. We had good conversation catching up on the past few years since we last saw each other.
A street sign on the bayside with the saltgrass growing up
The house we’ve had in the family since the late 1940’s
The area is very quaint and friendly to all the visitors and residents as evidenced by this sign.
Some gulls trying to score their next meal in the surf
The salt air really takes a toll on anything metal here
Lots of wildlife running around. There seems to be an overabundance of these guys in the neighborhood
I have to admit, I’ve been an ATGATT rider. Up until today that is. The temperatures were really nice and the air fairly dry with bright sunshine. I did a little risk assessment which included thought of how much traffic there was, what the average speeds were and where I’d be going. In the end, I rode with my helmet and riding boots with jeans and a t-shirt. I felt naked for the first 10 minutes, then really enjoyed the rest of the days events this way.
My first stop was going to the Cape May lighthouse. This lighthouse was built in 1859 and stands 157.5 feet tall.
Looking from either the lighthouse or the elevated portions of the dunes at the ocean, you can see the WWII bunker which housed a pair of large guns used to protect the area from enemy vessels. When built, the beach extended some 900 yards out, but due to erosion the water was actually up to and surrounding the structure as of a few years ago. Over the past several years, Cape May has reclaimed a significant portion of the beach (for the time being as mother nature will win this one I’m sure)
Leaving the lighthouse, I made my way over to “the point”. Here, you can see the remains of an experimental WWI concrete ship called the USS Atlantus. There were twelve of these ships built, yet proved impractical due to their weight.
Just back from the point is a WWII fire control tower recently restored. Known at Fire Control #23, this was built in September 1942 and used to direct fire from the Bunker shown above. There were two on the New Jersey side and eleven on the Delaware side.
From the point, I made my way to the beach area and the Atlantic Ocean. The beaches are fee based and you have to have a pass to access them.
At another entrance to the beaches was this cute little red wagon
Along the seawall are some fine examples of Victorian architecture. This one is called “The Sea Mist”, and was renovated a few years ago after an extensive fire. These are actually condos within this building that stands less than 300 yards from the ocean.
Here’s a shot of part of the beach. Excuse the black ring around the shots, but I learned my 18mm lens with a polarizing filter shows the barrel of the filter.
Some waves of the Atlantic Ocean crashing on a rock jetty on the beach
After walking down the seawall for a bit, I headed into the side streets and found this Catholic Church at the end of a pedestrian walking mall.
A representative sample of a typical Bed & Breakfast
Here’s a shot of some of the larger Victorian style places. What’s amazing is these were once individual homes owned by the very wealthy who vacationed here.
Here’s a channel marker setup as a display on the seawall
Next was a trip over to the marina and The Lobster House where there is a restaurant and the fishing fleet moors. Here’s some fishing boats and the outdoor seating.
Moving from The Lobster House, I visited the ferry terminal for the Cape May/Lewes Delaware Ferry. I needed to check fees/time schedules as I think I’ll be leaving New Jersey on the ferry headed to Delaware in a day or so.
After the ferry terminal, I scouted out one of the many fresh vegetable and produce farms. We’ve been going to this one for as long as I can remember.
I found the local library who has a Wi-Fi hotspot and then headed home to get ready for dinner. We wound up heading back to the Lobster House where I feasted on crab soup and salad. Here’s a few shots from the dock area.
Then to finish out the day I we walked down to the bay to watch the sunset.
I’d say today was indeed a grand day.