Ryan White (no login) from IP address 141.153.141.85
The invasion has begun. The mass exodus down the Garden State Parkway this evening is about as instinctive to some as it is for birds to fly south for the winter.
Traffic increases
Beach badges
Limited surf access during lifeguard hours are the norm
More crowds in the lineups: some ignorant, some clueless, but most knowledgeable atleast.
Swimming ropes put into place that appear more useful for amputating feet and fins rather than protecting swimmers (flags make more sense because guards can pull them up instead of ropes that are left in place for the season)
Crosswalk enforcement, which I'm all for, but many tourist with their beach gear are about as slow as Canadian geese walking across our roads here.
I'm not complaining, I live by the beach and wouldn't have any other way, however I'm just stating the obvious from a local's perspective.
Let's just say on this Memorial Day Weekend there are many of us who are already looking forward to Labor Day Weekend in early September, which begins the most wonderful time of the year, as for you up there in the lakes.
Will try to post some photos of tomorrow's small south swell forecasted. The angle is steep but we should get something along the Jersey Shore here. Will be hitting it in Seaside Park in the AM.
I can certainly see your pictures... Having walked along the beaches, so clean and relatively empty just a few weeks ago... I can just imagine the hordes descending on the 'Shore' for the official summer kick-off.
Yup those Canada Geese are never in a hurry :D
Just what are Beach Badges?
I saw little huts on the boardwalk that were set up to sell them... what o they do?
They are your ticket to access 99% of the beaches in NJ during the summer months. They can range from $40 for a seasonal badge in Asbury Park, to $100+ at certain beach clubs. Daily badges are $5+ at most beaches. The 1% that don't charge is the equivalent of knowing where your secret spots are up there in the lakes, however before 9am and after 5pm you can surf wherever, so it's not too bad.
