Surviving the Shore in Times of Covid

It was time to venture out and escape to the beautiful New Jersey Shore.My husband and I previously purchased senior passes for Belmar and we were determined to get there early and enjoy a beautiful day watching the waves, social distancing and hopefully relaxing ; a feeling we have hardly experienced in the last three months.

Although it was early and Tuesday, there were a considerable amount of cars on the road. My explanation was that in “The Time of Covid”, for many of us Tuesday isn’t a workday. It is an extension of a three month long weekend. We have been planting ourselves on 8th Avenue in Belmar for 10 years. We have a ritual. Hubby unloads the car and sets up while I go to 7-ll to buy him an extra large blueberry coffee. I wore my bandanna and entered the store. After all, there was a sign that masks were mandated. I could not help but notice that some customers wore them under their nose or even around their neck. Others, like me, obeyed no matter how uncomfortable it felt. Trying to cross the street on 8th Avenue was taking my life in my hands. Cars were not automatically stopping and I literally had to step into the street and stare a car down to get across.

Don’t get me wrong. The beach was wonderful. There was a cool breeze that was very comforting on this hot day. I noticed familiar faces I’ve seen year after year.. I saw the woman with tattoos who chain smokes as she sits by the anchor. I saw the man and his wife who always walked their dog in a stroller. The gray haired jogger was no longer limping. I saw people smiling, so happy to escape the monotony of their droning routine. I gave my husband his coffee and prepared for my walk. I have taken the same walk…. Belmar 8th Ave. to the Asbury Park Boardwalk for as long as I can remember. This day, it became part of my "Beach in the Time of Covid"- reeducation. As I stretched, I noticed a line of teenagers three across and 30 down that were waiting to buy day passes. Rumor had it that same day entree was not going to be allowed. That is not the case. When it comes to money, the long ticket line appears to pass all scrutiny. The parking app in Belmar prevented the other long line but those long ticket and parking lines were commonplace at Avon, Bradley and Asbury Park. I thought that a machine or app that sold day tickets and paid parking together might be a good idea. As crowds go, Bradley Beach, Fletcher Lake and Ocean Grove were socially distanced and looking safe. Avon was a bit more crowded. ….And then there was Belmar. 8th Avenue was the worst but the entire boardwalk was more congested and the beach was filled with teenagers who basically walked about without masks or much clothes. One reason for Belmar’s popularity is on duty lifeguards. Another is it’s proximity to food.

Presently, no bike riding is permitted on the walkway. Signs do not stipulate a time where one can indulge. This fact was ignored by numerous people. They crowded the walkers , runners, forcing them to move closer together. I wore my bandanna and at these times I walked looking like I was about to commit the next great train robbery. The bathrooms were open. What I did not understand was there was no hand sanitizer in any lavatory. That should be essential. I was glad that I carried a fanny pack with sanitizer, a clean cloth to dry my hands and a bar of soap to use in lieu of the soap dispenser which is hand pressure generated. I suggest this to everyone. There was takeout food and beverages in Belmar, Avon, Bradley and Asbury Park. The church appears to be open for socially distanced prayer but as it was Tuesday, I can’t be certain. It saddened me to see all the discarded masks along the route. People have to respect their beach community . Seven miles later I returned to find 8th Avenue was even more crowded than my worst expectation. My husband told me he felt the morning was enough and we should leave. As the teenagers to our right were blasting Rap music, I agreed. I now apologize to all those older people I disturbed on Bay 7 in Brooklyn when I blasted my boom box. The street was JAMMED with cars looking for parking. I know we made a woman and her daughter very happy as she waited for us to leave. The man next to us was leaving as well. He had a ticket on his car. It seems for years, the shore beaches allowed people with handicapped licenses to take any spot and not pay. Not anymore. He got a 45 dollar fine.

In retrospect, it was wonderful to be at the beach. If you go, you have to take precautions to ensure a positive experience. Pick an avenue that does not have crowds. Purchase a season pass there to avoid lines. If you are a Veteran you can get on for nothing if you bring proof. Get there early in the morning to find a decent parking space. Come prepared with anything you might need for a restroom visit. Bring a comfortable mask or bandanna for whenever it is justified. Avoid walking on the boardwalk in peak hours of traffic. Do not ride your bicycle. Socially distance to the extent you are satisfied. Leave when you feel you are uncomfortable. And don’t leave any trash behind. I am happy we have the beach open and although cautions must be taken, it will be my go to place this summer.