By Ken Buckley, Commenter-in-Chief @Blogfinger
Ocean Grove Beach. By Paul Goldfinger ©
Sanibel Island Florida. Paul Goldfinger photo. © 2014
On Saturday afternoon Ocean Grove spectators on the beach, boardwalk and fishing pier were treated to a truly talented kite surfer do his thing from just south of the fishing pier. A strong wind challenged his start from the sand, but once in, he sailed out soaring over incoming breaking waves, then riding them back in. For about half an hour he entertained, doing flying leaps, twisting aerobatically, occasionally dropping into the water only to rise up and continue to cheers from all.
We noticed one woman holding a baby (6 mos.) intensely watching his every maneuver. Turns out she and surfer husband are from Norway, have lived in Brooklyn for 3 years, and were on their first visit to Ocean Grove. A previous visit was to Spring Lake but now they would like to rent in OG for 2 or 3 weeks in August. The fourth family member, a three year old girl, who had been playing in the sand nearby mom, wandered toward the pier and with difficulty climbed up, through the railing, and into her stroller. The mom commented she was a determined, self sufficient little girl. Dad finally came ashore walking the flying kite to a gentle landing on the sand.
Another episode of the many events that just seem to “happen” in the Grove. Ocean Grovers should be proud of the special welcoming aura that visitors feel such that on one visit they would want to rent here for a shore vacation.
Happy full-timer enjoying my retirement here/ken
JESSICA MOLASKEY
Addendum to Saturday happening.
Sat evening the family dined at Citricos on Main St., Bradley Beach. After 2 hours feasting (the braised beef short ribs over garlic mashed was fantastic) I discovered my car parked out front had a dead battery. Got out the jumper cables, popped the hood, and grandson parked wrong way parallel to help. A white van passing by slowed, stopped and asked if any help was needed. It was an AAA van, the good samaritan did his thing and that was the perfect ending for a wonderful day.
Lucky me.