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Focus: Black & White Spring River Tones

Spring has sprung — sort of.

Well, the sun was shining brightly on the first day of spring, anyway. And while last week’s lingering patches of snow remained in spots throughout the Rumson-Fair Haven area, buds were popping up from underneath them.

The scene on the banks of the Navesink River at the foot of Battin Road in Fair Haven was still, mild and calming — signals of springing into a warmer sunset took hold.

It was a stark, black-and-white kind of scenario. Take a look. (Oh, and don’t forget to click to enlarge …)

Happy spring; and good night.

— Elaine Van Develde

Focus: Morning Rumson Island View

There was a bitter chill in the air in Sea Bright this morning; but the view from the marina of Rumson’s Gunning Island was vivid this morning.

The predicted snow, or what was left of the little that fell on Tuesday, had disappeared.

The sun was out and the memories of many years’ worth of good summer times were warm ones.

Check it out and remember  …

— Elaine Van Develde

 

Focus: Reflective Nightfall at the Dock

Call it a reflective moment. With crystal clear reflections cast on the Navesink River from Fair Haven Dock just about at sunset, thoughts are turning to a forecasted break in the chilly temperatures — but not without a little precipitation to go with that reflection.

The National Weather service says that while temperatures will go up to roughly 56 degrees, the chance of rain is 40 percent after 5 p.m. on Tuesday. That chance increases as the night goes on.

Another reflection: thoughts of clear skies and sunny warmth.

Take a look …

— Elaine Van Develde

Focus: The Donovan’s Rebuild

When it comes to the rebuilding (and expansion) of the iconic Donovan’s Reef in Sea Bright, things are looking up … and out.

It will be five years ago this October that the mainstay locals’ summer hangout and RFH reunion spot was tossed and flattened to bits by Superstorm Sandy.

So its rebuild has been a particularly long-awaited one by townies and Rumson-Fair Haven area folks.

The plan is for the new, improved and indestructible Donovan’s to be open for business by the start of the summer season.

Much progress has been made to date.

Take a look and see for yourself …

— Elaine Van Develde

Focus: Shipping Out at Sunrise in Sea Bright

You never know when your ship will come in, when you’ll catch a perfect view of a Sea Bright sunrise or both.

Well, Rumsonite and RFH Class of ’78 grad Doug Borden got a good dose of both this morning.

Headed over the Rumson/Sea Bright Bridge toward Sea Bright beach, he got a good glimpse of a glorious sunrise and, yes, a ship passing (or coming in for him, if you will).

Take a look at this longtime Rumson-Fair Haven area guy’s moment of sunrise gratitude …

Thanks Doug! Happy Monday, all!

Photos/Doug Borden

 

Focus: Barnacle’s and the Gulls

“Such a picture perfect spot, isn’t it?” a woman going to dinner at Barnacle Bill’s said Wednesday as dusk hit the banks of the Navesink River in Rumson. “Beautiful.”

She smiled, nodded and added, “We’re so lucky to have this …”

Yes, we are. The gulls flocked to the dock and little swath of beach at the spot. They seemed to be having a meeting.

All present. All savoring home.

Take a look … (Click to enlarge!)

— Elaine Van Develde

 

Focus: Fiery Sunset Over a Rumson Island

“Don’t you make me pull this car over, Sun!”

Well, it made me and quite a few others do it. It was a traffic stopper again — the sunset from the Eventide docks in Sea Bright overlooking Rumson on Friday night.

And, to coin the singular of another saying, the exclamation for the traffic stopper could be summed up as one “great ball of fire!”

As the biblical origination of the phrase indicates, implying the presence of God (nature, or whatever being one believes in) as fire, it could also haven been seen as a religious environmental experience.

Blazing and ducking very quickly behind Gunning Island in Rumson, the sight of the sunset was blindingly beautiful — again.

Take a look …

— Elaine Van Develde

 

Focus: Black & Blue Branching Out by the River

It was hauntingly comforting — the icy, howling wind and the stark hues of black and blue along the Navesink River in Fair Haven Wednesday at dusk.

The wind whistled, beckoned, and the air cut like jagged-edged glass.  It was a solitary, striking scene. Black branches jutting across a blue sky and seascape.

It was all so cold and clear-cut, yet still warm like a cup of cocoa. It’s home.

Take a look …

— Elaine Van Develde