You could call it falling for the Navesink River.
Wednesday night was one of those still, quiet fall nights down by the river at the Fair Haven Dock. It was in the air. It was on the water. Reflection. A lot of reflection. It’s easy to see and instinctively know why when it is also a place called home.
Take a moment to reflect … Good night, home.
— Elaine Van Develde
Summer days down by the river at the Fair Haven Dock don’t change much with the passing of time.
It’s a scene that never gets old and needs no explaining.
Here’s another focus on what it’s all about — sun, sand between the toes, solitude, solace.
— Elaine Van Develde
Ever take a walk down by the river and feel like someone’s following you or even leading the way?
It happened today down on the beach by the Fair Haven Dock.
A lone seagull, seemingly having a little trouble with one of his legs, led the way taking a leisurely walk along the riverbank, picked on some food along the way, waded and tried to fly a little, but to no avail. He was getting around and eating and not fearful of humans.
So, he had a little company for his afternoon walk.
Good night and feel better, Mr. Fair Haven Livingston Seagull.
— Elaine Van Develde
While being a River Rat was a staple of summer life for many a Rumson-Fair Haven area rugrat, there were still those who didn’t sail into waterborne activity success. Some, instead, capsized inside at the thought of a wave taking the wind out of their little sails.
But, staying away from the banks of the Navesink was never even a flicker of a thought in an area youngster’s brain.
There was so much to do there — like wading, watching, feeling the sand between the toes and, well, having a heart-to-heart gabfest with a friend while fetching and freeing sand crabs and munching on a big bag of Doritos … tucked into a festive picnic basket, of course.
Yup. That’s was the summer scene for some. And it was more than enough. Sometimes, between Dorito chomping, sand, wading and chatting, the sunset would seem to creep up and those kids would realize that the River Rats had come to shore and gone home.
The walk home with that picnic basket, an empty bag and that buddy was the exhale for the night. The dream was a simple, sweet, well-lived one.
— Elaine Van Develde
The sun set. The water was still. It was a serene nightfall on the river in Fair Haven.
A lone kayaker rowed his way from the shore across the Navesink from the Middletown shores to the River Rats boat launch. The clouds seemed to follow him. The new moon a sliver above.
And, in the distance, in the hushed evening, were only soft echoes of the water lapping gently to each paddle, bringing him home.
Home here. Good night, Fair Haven.
— Elaine Van Develde
It may be an unofficial start of summer that’s taken hold, but the sun was scorching like it was pretty official down by the Navesink River on Monday in the Rumson-Fair Haven area.
The National Weather Service says “patchy fog” is going to hit tonight until early tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. After that, it’s supposed to be sunny and 70 degrees.
Take a look at the above photos for a glimpse into the sunny day in both Rumson and Fair Haven.
It was dusk. The humidity about to break, the sky down by the Navesink River in Fair Haven took on a personality all its own.
There was vivid color. There were cumulus creatures congregating. There was solitude. And, as is a fortunate status quo for those who live or grew up in the area, there was the sound of a singular boat docking and teen chatter about another “awesome” day on the river.
Yes. Awesome.
— Elaine Van Develde
The sun came out on Thursday after several cloudy, rainy days.
Down by the Navesink River in Fair Haven, the scene was a serene one in the early evening.
It’s a familiar scene that never seems to get old.
Take a look.
— Elaine Van Develde
In addition to the remembrances, Memorial Day was also a sunny day well suited for a little romping on the river.
Several gathered at the River Rats’ spot on the Navesink at the end of Battin Road in Fair Haven on Monday.
Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect caught a little glimpse of some of the fun.
Take a look.
It’s no secret that the Navesink River is a spot of solace for people who grew up in the Rumson-Fair Haven area or just have a sentimental spot for it.
No one knows that unsurpassed value better than this editor.
It was a nippy day along the river today, yet, somehow, a couple of spots still provided that usual dose of serenity.
Take a look at the photo gallery above for a glimpse into life on the Navesink. Just click on one photo and scroll. Enjoy!
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