Second Wind on the Great Loop and Beyond

Monday, June 04. I’ve read and heard about the Jersey shore for years, and now we can say we’ve been there. After a bit of girl-shopping on Saturday, Bob and Nan Hanold again served as gracious hosts for this area. Nan took us to meet the guys, who were on the Hanold’s fabulous boat (Bonas 4) in the nearby town of Wildwood. From there the Lilys, Staggs, and Hanolds were taken to the wild and crazy Wildwood Boardwalk. This is the old “doo-wap” area. A 5-mile roundtrip tram ride took us up and down the entire boardwalk, where assorted specimens of humanity, concessions, rides, souvenir shops, and pure craziness overloaded our senses. Fun and interesting to be sure. We also were able to see the lovely wide, pristine Jersey beach area, which was pretty crowded, considering that the water temperature is only 61 degrees, it was windy, and the air temperature was in the low 70’s. Supper again was at famous Lobster House. There are three different areas in this restaurant: the regular restaurant, a carry-out area, and a place where you select the seafood, and they prepare it for you. Each part features a huge assortment of fresh seafood. It was delicious, and we managed to bring some back to the boat for later meals. That night a bunch o’ Loopers gathered on our boat and another boat for conversation, drinks, and snacks.

Sunday was definitely a day to chill. Rain and wind from tropical storm Barry swept through the area. We did manage to defrost the refrigerator, but that was about it. Today we are getting serious about leaving again, so laundry and grocery shopping were main items on the agenda. We're also planning to do a bit more sightseeing around Cape May, especially looking at the pretty, colorful, old Victorian homes. The winds and seas are still pretty high, so the last word I’ve heard is that we will be taking the “inside” route up to Atlantic City tomorrow, cruising up the Jersey ICW, which is full of low bridges and shallow water. Tonight another gathering of Loopers is scheduled.