Fresh Holiday Footprints in the Sand

Oh what a holiday weekend it was!  There may have been better Memorial Day weekends in terms of weather but nobody I know can remember one and certainly not in recent memory.

Starting with Friday we had four mostly-glorious days that were ideal for any and all outdoor activities including the beach which was where I spent most of my time.

Last summer saw the beach replenishment project interrupt normal activities but the result is now in full display with considerably wider beaches throughout much of the shore area.

Of course when you are among the first to arrive each morning finding real estate is never an issue and such was the case this weekend as our footprints were among the first on North Avenue in Seaside Park each morning.

For me the ultimate in relaxation is drinking a cup of coffee and reading the New York Post with seagulls the only thing within 100 feet and the sound of the waves the only noise.

After putting in six hours or more we would finish a couple of beach days by stopping in to the patio bar at Bum Rogers where I was reacquainted with an old friend named Rolling Rock.  I can’t explain why but there’s something about a cold rock on a warm summer day.

Anyway regardless of what you did this weekend Mother Nature cooperated and we can only hope it’s a sign of things to come.

The high school sports year is coming to a close and if you’re still playing today it means you are deep into tournaments.  Jackson Liberty, Point Boro, Toms River East and Point Beach are all scheduled to play sectional semifinal games in the NJSIAA Baseball Tournament today although weather could be a factor with scattered thunderstorms in the forecast.

Also set to play today is the highly-ranked Donovan Catholic softball team with the Griffins to host Paul VI in the South Non-Public “A” semifinals.  Ranked second in the state Donovan Catholic could be headed to a pair of games with top-ranked and undefeated St. John Vianney in the next week or so.