Sleeping late for the Morrison’s is unusual; we did today, not waking until 8:30ish. What a glorious night’s rest we enjoyed in this peaceful campground.
The petite size of the bedroom makes for a snuggly sleeping experience; coziness at its best. Some of my favorite mornings are spent working in bed on the camper. Eddie Berry made the shelf beside my bed, the perfect size for a cup of coffee and phone. The headboard is on the slideout, so it creates a cocoon perfect for nestling into and losing myself writing and studying. Minutes slip by quickly when settled in my sanctuary.
This morning I tried working outside, but the heat of the sun was brutal. We both settled for inside in the a/c. The wifi in Sun Outdoors is excellent for computers, but not streaming.
Ron went grocery shopping at Walmart, which turned into a memorable experience for him.
While shopping, he didn’t realize grocery stores don’t sell beer in NJ like at home. Ron said he asked the Walmart associate if he could buy beer. With a heavy Jersey accent, the guy said, “No, you can’t get beer here. You gotta get it at Joey’s.” Ron said, ” Who?” And the guy said, “Joe Canals.” Ron loves imitating the accent.
Joey’s is a discount liquor store where Ron discovered a surprise. He found his favorite, All Day IPA, made just for the Philadelphia area in a special edition can. The can is a reflection of Founders’ sponsorship of the 76ers basketball team. Ron’s excitement at finding a “special” can was evident.
Sticker time came at 12:31. With little fanfare, another state filled. Praising God for the first leg of our trip:-)!
Our first stop of the day was Cap May Lighthouse (CML). Driving into the parking lot, Ron asked me, “What do you think? Can you do it?” I responded, “We’ll never know unless we try.”
Fear of heights is something I acquired along the way. The first time I realized it was when I climbed to the top of the Corolla Lighthouse with my Mom. Stepping through the door at the top brought crippling fear. My mother had to hold my hand as I edged my way around the top, clinging to the wall. I mean, after climbing all those steps, you gotta walk around the top. My mother thought I was acting ridiculous.
Today was much different. After Ron asked me the question, I began praying. “God, can I do this?” “Only with You” was my immediate thought. Any time I’m fearful, I think of Phil 4:13: “I can do all things through him who gives me strength.” Yes, I can:-).
So we did it.
As we began our climb up to the top, I reminded myself of the facts. People do this every day. This lighthouse has stood the test of time. You are perfectly safe. By the time I reached the top and walked through the door, I was at peace. Hesitantly, I made the first step, then the second, once again, walking around the top of a lighthouse. This time, I didn’t hold anyone’s hand. I paused and enjoyed the breeze and snapped a few pictures. Then we began our descent back down. Fear is overcome with faith and facts.
Not saying I want to climb lighthouses every day, but I’m glad I did today:-).
As we were leaving, I asked the attendant standing outside on a cigarette break, “How many steps?”
Smiling good-naturedly, he replied, “Didn’t you count them?” Then he said, ” 199, plus five outside. You gotta count the five outside.”
Since we had yet to put our toes in the Atlantic, we walked to the beach for the token “toes in the water/sand” shot. Warm ocean air filtered over the sand, the beach fairly empty. CML’s beach is free; Cape May (CM) requires tags: Seasonal $30, Weekly $20, 3-day $15, daily $8.
Cape May, first named Cape Island, is the country’s oldest seashore resort. The beach’s first visitors arrived in the early 1600s. Native American’s summered on the beach fishing. Extending 20 miles into the Atlantic, people are friendly, the environment is relaxed, and the pace is slow.
Ron can’t stop talking about how nice everyone is here. A lady walked in front of us on her way back from the beach; Ron stopped to let her pass. When she waved thank you, his face lit up, and he said, “See, everyone’s so nice.”
After taking a driving tour of CM, we lucked out, finding a parking spot across from Mermaids. We spotted the restaurant earlier and thought it looked like a “fine” place for an afternoon beverage.
Ron asked the waitress, “Can I see a beer list?”
Her response took us by surprise. “No alcohol this side of the street. You can BYOB here, but we don’t sell it. If you want alcohol, you gotta cross the street.”
We crossed the street.
CM isn’t what I expected. Victorian houses lining the ocean are a new sight for me. Ron explained CM’s location protects it from storms more than places we’re used to down south. The streets weren’t crowded since everyone was on the beach. Parking is definitely a challenge.
Cape May Love Locks was a random find. After the incident at Mermaid’s, we were trying to find somewhere to go across the street. While Ron was researching, I happened upon the locks.
Ron would love to rent a house in Cape May sometime. He loved the Cape May Tennis club we happened upon. Founded in 1962 by Thomas Harris, the center still maintains a quaint atmosphere. Paying for beach access is the only part of CM Ron didn’t like.
After exploring Cape May, we made a quick stop at Cold Spring Brewery. Ron spotted the place while driving to and from the campground.
New Jersey’s first non-profit microbrewery was funded by the Historic Cold Spring Village in 2014. The brewery’s purpose is to help sustain the village. The barn came from Upper Township, and after receiving permission to restore it on Village property, the building was moved to its current location. Ron had the Finley Forge IPA, and I had Levi’s Lager, both enjoyable.
Wildwood Boardwalk for the win!
Until my husband suggested taking an evening stroll at Wildwood, I had no idea it was so close to CM. I’d heard of Wildwood, but that’s about it. I had no idea what an unforgettable experience it is. Of all the boardwalks I’ve walked, this one is arguably the best.
Ron’s first impression was, “It has a little bit of the Vegas feel, but not quite.” After thinking how he would describe Wildwood, he settled on “Uniquely American.” Putting the experience into words is difficult for him. The beach amazed him the most, “That beach is massive; I mean, it’s huge. Wow! Look at all that sand.”
My mind immediately saw the pan in from Lost Boys when I first glimpsed the Ferris wheel. As we walked the length of the 38 block boardwalk, I could feel the summer romances past and present. “Under the boardwalk” has an entirely new meaning to me now as I watched people walking below. To think, when the boards were laid in the late 1890’s I bet none of the carpenters could envision what it has become today.
Our one guilty pleasure was a funnel cake loaded with powdered sugar. At $9.05, I told Ron, “It cost too much to waste. We’ll have to eat it all.” He agreed, and finishing the fried dough wasn’t difficult. Besides, we did walk the whole boardwalk; Although I must confess, we paid $4 per person to ride the tram back to our car.
Spotting a Wawa with diesel, Ron stopped for gas on the way home. When Ron got out to start pumping, the attendant came up to him and asked, “Sir can I help you?” Ron explained he was getting diesel. The guy said, “You can pump diesel; you can’t pump gas in Jersey.” Another lesson learned on this trip.
As we pulled into the pump, a black car pulled in line beside us. Reminding me of one of Tony Soprano’s hitmen, he wore a tight, white muscle tank highlighting his buff chest, his face sporting a well-groomed gray/black goatee. He was obviously irritated at having to wait in line. When he pulled up to the pump, he immediately attacked the attendant who helped us. I’m not sure what happened, but his belligerence was palpable, his words cruel. The kind gentleman who helped us had to call a manager for his defense. When Ron got in the car, I told him, “Let’s get out of here quick.” And so we did.
Another day of meandering came to an end.
I am really enjoying your meanderings!! Have fun!!