Ocean City, New Jersey: The Boardwalk

Ahh, the ocean. How I love this mighty evidence of God’s creation! Many are the hours I have spent in the Atlantic Ocean during my young life, enjoying its power and majesty in North Carolina, Florida, and (most often) New Jersey.

There are few activities in which I take more delight than in body-surfing the ocean, floating on my stomach and catching a wave just right so that it pushes me well toward the shore at an exhilarating rate of speed. The feeling one gets as one finds oneself entirely at the ocean’s mercy is deliciously fearsome, yet strangely peaceful. Suffice it to say that the might of man quickly diminishes before the omnipotence of God Who controls this untamable salt water sea.

I was reminded of my love for the ocean during my visit home earlier this week, when my dad graciously suggested and made possible an evening journey to Ocean City, New Jersey. My dad, Mark, Cara, John, and I (my mom stayed home with my grandfather) drove the approximately one hour from my home to the Jersey Shore, arriving at one of New Jersey’s world-famous boardwalks (Ocean City’s) around 6:00 p.m. After gazing at the Atlantic Ocean (only 50 yards or so from the boardwalk) and walking a bit on the board walk, we stopped for some good South Jersey pizza at Mack & Manco’s (a favorite boardwalk pizzeria). Oh, the joy of eating good pizza! San Antonio’s pizza has left me longing for the pizza of the Philadelphia region, and my longing was satisfied (at least for the moment) at Mack & Manco’s. Major kudos to that fine pizza establishment.

Once done with our meal we walked back out to the brisk, evening ocean air and made our way to the beach. Although the weather was much too chilly for swimming (we were all wearing jackets), just to walk on the sand and see the ocean in front of me was sufficient enjoyment. Strolling along the beach, we headed to a pier of large rocks that jutted about 25 yards into the ocean. The waves were washing over the outermost quarter of the pier and we "daringly" tempted the waters, treading nearer and nearer the gentle, foaming white-caps. Somehow we all managed to remain dry. What fun!

To complete our evening we stopped by The Original Fudge Kitchen, also located on the boardwalk. There I procured a one-pound box of salt water taffy, a treat most enjoyed when purchased at the boardwalk (at least I think so). However, even if one cannot find one’s way to a New Jersey boardwalk, I still recommend indulging oneself with this delectable delicacy (just make sure it’s fresh; stale salt water taffy can be very annoying). From my early childhood I have appreciated the unique taste of salt water taffy, and every time I eat a piece I return in my mind to fond memories of family, friends, the ocean, and the beach. What power food can have upon a person!

Thus I spent another enjoyable evening in New Jersey. They say you don’t miss something until you lose it. They’re right.