NATURE TRAIL

On Saturday I decided to take my new rolling walker to the nature trail at the Point.

I do understand the reasons for improvements - really I do. But I can't help being nostalgic about the lovely things that used to be. Most of the boardwalk on the nature trail has now been replaced by fiberglass "boards". It just isn't the same. Plus, I
don't know how it would sound on boards, but when I push the walker along the fiberglass, it's pretty noisy. The ducks and the swans don't seem to be phased by it, but I can imagine there are many birds who would take flight pretty quickly, hearing this. And other small critters might be spooked by it too.


There has been a lot of work done in the park since I was last there. Many trees that were dying or damaged have been cleared out. It looks kind of barren. There are many, many tiny new trees planted. That's encouraging. And at least the lighthouse is clearly visible from almost anywhere on the trail now. That's kind of nice.



Some of the old trees are still with us of course. And I do love to see them.


And here and there you could find a little new one, struggling upwards. That makes me very happy.


I enjoyed my walk in the sunshine - as long as it lasted. Even the weeds and usual forest floor debris were pretty. I only had to take advantage of the built-in seat in my walker once for a short rest. But, as had happened all day, the clouds started scuttling across the sun, and I knew I'd better head for the parking lot. I almost made it
before the raindrops started falling.


I rather enjoyed the short walk in the rain, too. I'm not sweet enough to melt, so I didn't mind. And as I reached the end of the trail, I found another nicely framed picture of the light in front of me.





As I was getting into the car, it seemed that everyone visiting the area was rushing to leave. Funny, isn't it, how fearful most people become of just a little rain. I did notice one or two hardy souls (those wearing the typical hat and birder's vest) heading onto the trail. I'm sure they enjoyed it.


When they had cleared out, I followed. The rain stopped again quickly. A little way down Sunset Boulevard I passed what used to be South Cape Meadows, now turned into what the Powers That Be seem to feel is an improved area, and are now charging a fee for us to visit. Once again - I know "improvements" have to be made, but sometimes I just don't see it. Here are two pictures. The first is of the Meadows as I have enjoyed them for many years. I've wandered down this path many times. The second is of exactly the same path, as it is today. Is it really an improvement? I guess it will grow up over the years, but the way things are going, as it grows, it will be mowed.



I got a dirty look from a gentleman behind the fence when I stopped to take the picture.

An Afternoon at the Point

The weather this afternoon was kind of strange. Warmer than it has been lately, but still cool for my liking, sort of cloudy, as if it just couldn't make up its mind if it should rain or let the sun shine. But I was restless. Had to get out of the house. I decided to take a ride up to Cape May Point.

I started up Sunset Boulevard. It always makes me sad now to ride past what used to be my beloved South Cape Meadows. For thirty years it was a favorite spot for me. I would wander onto its paths which were usually rough and often puddled or muddy. No matter what time of year, it always offered something wonderful to see. The best time of year was around Mothers' Day, when I could always count on goslings and signets, and sometimes met challenging geese or swans who did not want me to pass too near their babies. Butterflies could always be counted on in the warm weather. I often spotted small animals scurrying out of sight as I passed. Wild flowers were everywhere.

But for the past year the Meadows were off limits while all kinds of construction was going on. We were told it would be better than ever when they were through. They now claim it is. I don't know about that. To begin with, admission is now charged. But putting that aside - Look at what has happened. The water is lying all the way up to the road - and we haven't had any really bad storms lately. As I look back toward the dunes in the distance, what I now see is ever-so-neat and tidy paths with bird-watching platforms and little bridges built over the low spots. What I do not see, even at a distance and despite all the water, is very many birds. I hope they will find their way back after a while. I suppose the Nature Conservancy should know what they were doing. Maybe the summer will bring back the wildlife. We can hope. At least their sign is nice looking and the parking lot is nice. But somehow I doubt that I will be spending much time there. Certainly not this year.

Well, I continued up Sunset Boulevard toward the Point, intending to end up at the Park where the lighthouse stands. But of course I had to detour around Lake Lily first. No visit to the Point is complete without visiting the lake. There weren't quite so many birds on the water today as usual, but I enjoyed those that were there. Nothing exotic. Just ducks and geese. I don't think I saw any swans today either.
I just circled the water once, and continued on my way to the park.

The municipality of Cape May Point is an interesting place. I love the architecture found there. And if I wander very far from my usual route, I always manage to get myself lost. It's a pleasant exprience, and I do find my way out before long, but I could never give anyone else directions to their Post Office or to any particular spot in the town except the lighthouse and the lake. I did not get lost today - just once around the lake and on to the park. But on the way I did pause to snap a picture of what I think is a beautiful sundial in someone's front yard. And, of course, the lighthouse itself can be seen from almost anywhere in town.

I always mean to take a picture of the tiny townhall that sits right at the entrance to the park. It's the cutest little building. But I always forget, and I forgot today.

As you enter the parking lot, Smokey admonishes you to be careful. You continue past the visitors' center and museum on one end of the lot, or head for the other, where you find the nature trails, and also the hawk watch platform.

I climbed up to the platform today, and enjoyed the view for a while. Then I wandered down again and drove home. Not exactly an adventurous afternoon, but for me, a very pleasant one. I've been cooped up in the house for far too long.



As I left the park, the sun was starting to move down the sky, and silhouetted the lighthouse very prettily I thought.


By the way, I took the photo under the header for my blog up at the Point a few years ago.