Sandy Hook lifeguards circa 1984 Photo/courtesy of Joanne Distefano Garelli via Miguel Mejia, Facebook screenshot
Well, it’s been a sizzling summer and everyone’s been diving in … to the ocean for refreshment and, of course, in the name of locals’ tradition. And while everyone’s diving in and swimming with the summer tide, lifeguards are making sure that all make it back to shore.
Spring is not only in the air again, it’s been downright unofficial summery. The weather since Memorial Day has been beachy; and, there are many more beach days ahead. Years ago, in fact, there were some RFH teens rallying via the classic Rumson “bridge” mode of advertising to get a nude beach going on Sandy Hook. Everyone knows how that went.
A out-of-area 28-year-old man has been convicted on sexual assault charges stemming from the 2020 assault of a woman after their first date on Sandy Hook and is facing up to 20 years in prison, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced on Thursday.
Jonathan, is that you? Getting swooped by a seagull can be a bit Alfred Hitchcockish. You just never know that that bird’s eye view is capturing and processing in the moment. Or who the bird is that one — that Jonathan Livingston Seagull — trying to be a non-conformist.
With the new pandemic the edict from NJ Gov. Phil Murphy for people to now wear masks otdoors, we’re thinking … it’s pretty interesting to ponder how that may work on the nude beach at Sandy Hook. Bathing suits optional. Masks, not so much … Hey, whatever works and floats your sun bathing and swimming gondola …
There are many more beach days ahead, masked or unmasked. Suits or not There was a time, though, that the clothing optional part was a cause for which a large contingent of RFH nude beachgoers fought — gloves on. In fact, it was taken to the famed Rumson McCarter bridge for a bit of campaigning. Everyone knows how that went.
The maximum capacity has been reduced. Access has been free. But, this weekend, as New Jersey COVID-19 restrictions ease in the second phase of reopening, some of Gateway National Recreation Area’s Sandy Hook beaches will open for swimming and will have lifeguards as of Saturday.
With showers washing out most hope for a good beach day on Saturday to kick off a less restricted pandemic time Memorial Day weekend in the Rumson-Fair Haven area, beaches in Sea Bright and Monmouth Beach and on Sandy Hook are open and poised for a sunny Sunday and Monday — with COVID-19 caution.
And barbecues and other outdoor activities are on New Jerseyans’ plates. as well. NJ Gov. Phil Murphy has also called for a cautious easing of outdoor gathering restrictions.
Sunrise and Rumson dog Nancy (left) and sunset (right) at Sandy Hook Photos by Sue Hill-Spakowski
Distancing. It’s a necessity these days. Yet, sometimes a little distance leads to appreciation. A new perspective. A dawn. That promise of a new day. The light that reminds us that it is there as darkness falls. The light that always appears after the darkness.
Solitude can offer solace. Taking several steps back to be drenched in sunlight’s promise, a stark view, uncluttered by fear and confusion. The comfort of isolation. The embracing call of the light, close in the distance.
Sometimes a furry best friend who doesn’t know how to distance makes the view just a little sweeter, too. Rumsonite Sue Hill-Spakowski and dog Nancy took in this sunrise, sunset view at Sandy Hook’s Fort Hancock and its perspective as COVID-19 stats rose and fear enveloped the area.
Call it serenity in a snapshot. And Nancy rose with the sun on this. She just didn’t want to move for the full view. That’s OK. She was stepping into the light. Illuminated Rumson dog.
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