Saturday, June 30, 2012

Park


Park, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
I suppose that if you wait long enough many once common place items become "art". This reminder of the Jetson's era is the original deal and offers close access to the boardwalk. I can't help but wonder how many pairs of drivers eyes were relieved at this sight over years and years of holiday traffic. If you have sat in summer beach traffic snarls, you can relate!

Friday, June 29, 2012

Flying Scott


Flying Scott, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
AS Long Island braces for yet another June heat wave the best spot to be is in this picture. TGIF...

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Merit


Merit, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
I always enjoy the contrast between rugged vessels and luxury yachts. A scan of the harbor is enough to confirm my suspicion that salty and sea worthy is always the best way to go.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Evening Air


Lifeguard Stand, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
At the end of the day...yet another "it doesn't get any better than this" moment. A light breeze, fresh salt air and an empty beach, priceless.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Lonesome George


Lonesome George, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe
Sadly, Lonesome George died on Sunday June 24th. George was the last known Pinta Island Tortoise, his age was estimated to be over 100 years. The planet is now one subspecies poorer as George had no offspring, the Galapagos National park's breeding center had searched years for a potential mate.
I was fortunate to have Lonesome George pose for me a few years back.

Monday, June 25, 2012

Bug Light


Bug Light, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
A community restoration success, Bug Light stands proudly at the entrance to Greenport harbor on Long Island's east end. Just another reason to always have the camera nearby!

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Church Cape May


Church Cape May, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Sunday! Family time.. Enjoy.....(can this really be the last Sunday in June??)

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Days End


Days End, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
There's an element of romance and adventure tied to fishermen and the sea. But over our next serving of stuffed flounder perhaps we should take pause and consider that commercial fishing is the number one most dangerous job in the United States. On average there are 116 fatalities for every 100,000 workers, the median income is below $28,000. Not surprisingly, most deaths in the fishing industry are weather related. Some facts to ponder when "giving thanks" for that next seafood dinner.

Friday, June 22, 2012

Big Wheel


Big Wheel, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Summer's first weekend is here! There's fun aplenty just waiting out there, enjoy! Life is good.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Architectural Gem


Hotel, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
No vinyl siding here. Built in 1894, the Inn of Cape May is one of the oldest and largest continually operating inns found in south Jersey. One impressive fact is that the inn's gilded original elevator is still "manned" 24 hours a day. Considering that these architectural treasures are wooden structures I can only imagine the extraordinary amount of maintenance. That's a few gallons of white paint on that exterior...

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Summer


Beach Umbrellas, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
The much anticipated summer solstice is upon us! Happy Summer...find a beach, pack a cooler, go to a ball game, have a picnic, drink lemonade, have an ice cream cone, go for a sail, dig some clams...and don't forget a good "summer read"! Enjoy.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Cape May Light


Cape May Light, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Of course, no visit to Cape May is complete without a trip to the lighthouse. This structure, built in 1859, is the third lighthouse constructed at Cape May point. The other two structures are now underwater due to coastline erosion. On a clear day one can see some impressive views of Delaware and points far north up the Jersey coast.

Monday, June 18, 2012

Cape May Bridge


Cape May Bridge, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
The "short cut" (from the Wildwoods) to Cape May involves crossing this drawbridge . Crossing the bridge a few times each day at $1.50, "in season" can be costly. Tolls are collected only Memorial Day to Labor Day ensuring that tourist dollars support the municipality as well as supporting local business. During my visit, relatives seemed to feign surprise as "....Oh? Have they started to collect the toll?". I guess that when tourist are the major source of income it pays to "get em' coming' and going".

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Happy Father's Day


Philly Fan, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
If your your dad is still in this life, celebrate the day. If not...celebrate the memories.

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Bug Light Tour


Bug Light Tour, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
A water level view of Bug Light, Greenport, LI. Definitely worth having the camera. Life is good.

Friday, June 15, 2012

Beach Storm


Beach Storm, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
What to wear? Head to the beach or to the mall? A little indecision in life can keep things interesting and spontaneous. The talking heads on my TV, both economic prognosticators as well as the weather gurus, keep me on my toes and glancing over my shoulder. However, I'll take those clear skies on the horizon as a positive sign.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Along The Beach


Along The Beach, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Where everyday is a beach day...the long view from my post of yesterday.Life is Good.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Ocean Drive


Ocean Drive, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Facing the Atlantic ocean these stately ladies reflect the essence of Cape May's past and present. The preservation of this entire seaside town is a model for other communities wishing to take pride in their past. In the latter part of the 19th century Cape May was the seaside choice of east coast movers and shakers. My memories from the 1960's are of a sad, neglected and unpolished town whose heyday was in the past. Echoes of "what a shame.." and "someone should fix up those historic homes" reverberate in my memory. Fortunately the momentum for revitalization which began in the 1970's has continued and today Cape May is block after block of historic B&B's. Beachside Americana at it's grandest...definitely worth a road trip!

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Ice Cream


Ice Cream, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Dawn of the "Nanny State"? Much has been said about NY's mayor Bloomburg's suggestion to ban large soda sales. If he is searching for additional inspiration he may want to take a stroll on the boardwalk. Concessions are cheek to jowl with food offerings  high in sugar and fat content. In fact, walk long enough in this festive atmosphere and pizza, ice cream and cotton candy appear to be appropriate cuisine. Just where are the food police when we need them? After all, since when are we responsible for what we chose to eat?? I'm telling you Mr. Bloomburg, it's a jungle out there.

Monday, June 11, 2012

Down the Beach


Down the Beach, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Maybe it's true that it is always the darkest before dawn (although I tend to be sleeping) but I think the truth is that it's always the most beautiful just before sunset. Gotta love those tranquil, peaceful and uncrowded beaches at dusk.

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Atlantic Diner


Atlantic Diner, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Breakfast at the diner, anyone? My recent road trip to south Jersey was a journey back in time for me. Sitting on the corner of Atlantic and Garfield in the heart of Wildwood is a diner that was my uncle's main source of income for thirty five years. Opened in the early sixties as the "Atlantic Diner" it was the site of summer employment for my siblings and my cousins, most tips went toward college tuition payments. I had not seen the place in over eighteen years and it was a required stop on my trek through nostalgia. Ironically the current owners now bills the place as a diner from the 1950's.

Saturday, June 09, 2012

Beach Cabanas


Beach Cabanas, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Early in the season, early in the morning makes for a perfect walk along the beach. The sweet smell of salt air just adds to the experience. It may sound like a cliche but it's true that every day is a gift!

Friday, June 08, 2012

Jersey Girls


Jersey Girls, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
The Port of Cape May is home to these Jersey girls and many other similarly equipped fishing vessels. The "real deal", hard working fleet harvests over 11 million lbs. of seafood annually. That's some fish story and a lot of flounder! Most fresh seafood served along the mid-Atlantic states is brought ashore right here. Cape May is the second busiest commercial fishing port on the east coast (New Bedford, Mass. is #1). Now I see what all the fuss is about with the whole "Jersy Shore" thing....

Thursday, June 07, 2012

Harbor Light


Harbor Light, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
The "golden hour" dockside in Cape May, NJ is enhanced by breaks in the cloud cover. One of those, "stop the car and grab the camera" moments! Life is Good.

Tuesday, June 05, 2012

Three Tall Ships


Three Tall Ships, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Truly a rare sight, three tall ships berthed on the same dock in Greenport. This year's celebration was a huge success drawing thousands to the harbor. Many fingers are crossed in hopeful anticipation of a repeat performance in the next few years.

Monday, June 04, 2012

Sunday, June 03, 2012

Foggy


Fog Flag, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Scene from Jones Beach, LI....Once again, the weekend started off on a misty and foggy note. The weatherman tells us things will improve...for awhile...sort of. Enjoy!

Saturday, June 02, 2012

Mets Dugout


Mets Dugout, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
The Amazin' Mets....continue to "amaze". In last night's game vs. St. Louis, Johan Santana pitched the first no-hitter in Mets history. Mets fans can no longer fret about 50 years without a no hit ball game being pitched by a Mets pitcher (Tom Seaver and John Maine came close!). After playing 8,020 major league games the one played on June 1st of 2012 will become a large asterisk in local baseball legend. Worth the wait?...ask Tom Seaver.

Friday, June 01, 2012

Rigging


Rigging, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Organized chaos in all those lines! Manning a tall ship takes true seamanship and a working knowledge of the difference between a halyard and a stern line. It's not too difficult to imagine these neatly tied lines as one large mess of spaghetti. Think I'll stay with my power boat.