“Dance with the waves, move with the sea. Let the rhythm of the water set your soul free.”
~ Christy Ann Martine ~
Father DiSpigno began his homily… “Living in Manhattan has rules. Head down. Mind your own business. Get on with it. Similar to a metronome, keep a steady cadence and walk through the crosswalk(s) in a timely manner.” He further stated, “Coming back to LBI has rules as well. Once you cross the Causeway, listen carefully as there’s a collective exhale of anxiety as the Hotel LBI comes into view. Your stress dissipates into the salty air as stars give way to the morning light and a more relaxed version of yourself emerges. Welcome to Island Time.”
I’ll admit this sounded a bit trite from my pew at St. Francis Assisi Church in Brant Beach on a beautiful Sunday morning. The transition from July to August has a calming effect on the locals. The summer madness begins to fade and a more peaceful island comes back to the forefront. Gazing through the stained glass windows on this particular day, I drifted off and pondered Father DiSpigno’s comment(s) about Island Time.
The two miles that separate LBI from the terra firma are transformational. The 5.9 mile Manahawkin Bay Bridge (commonly referred to as the Causeway by locals) only takes about 13 minutes to cross, but the mainland and barrier island couldn’t be further apart. The madness of the Garden State Parkway quickly fades into the summer haze while visions of white sand beaches tantalize the soul.
Time has proven there’s a beautiful truth in the Island Time statement. The 18 mile sandbar running from Barnegat Lighthouse in the north to the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge in the south is blissfully charming.
There’s something for everyone.
Affectionately called “Old Barney,” the lighthouse built in 1859 is an iconic 170 foot structure. Renovated in 2022 to the tune of $1.3 million dollars, she’s back in business and delighting tourists. The wildlife refuge is a birders paradise: Piper Plovers, Sanderlings, Ruddy Turnstones, Great Egrets, Owls and Red Tail Hawks can all be spotted in the 44,000 acre refuge. Finally, if you’re more of a foodie connoisseur, you can’t miss visiting the Creperie de la Mar in Beach Haven. This authentic French Cafe serves up authentic French pastries and espresso.
Until next time…
Cheers.
