Tag: boardwalk
Pheathers and Philm – Weekend Matinee/The Birds
I have a few favorite Alfred Hitchcock movies, and one of the top three is The Birds. The film was released in March 1963. It’s hard to believe it was created so long ago. Even though I have seen it multiple times, I still find it engrossing. Writing this review is beginning to beguile me to watch it again. The film is available in many venues and is often available to rent in DVD form in public libraries.
A real-life story about birds behaving badly takes place in Ocean City, New Jersey. We are regular beachgoers in the summer, and Ocean City is one of our favorite spots to visit. Unfortunately, they have a problem with ornery seagulls. The birds have become masters at stealing food from those walking on the boardwalk or sunning on the beach.
Seagulls have victimized my family; although it is funny, it leaves you hungry to have most of your hoagie or french fries stolen right out of your hand or lap. The birds have even learned how to get into beach bags and will drag a bag of potato chips across the sand until it bursts and the contents spill out.
The town has found a way to combat the problem naturally by using predatory birds. The hawks and falcons don’t need to attack any of the gulls or smaller birds; all they need to do is be visible and fly along the boardwalk and beach a few times, and all the seagulls leave for a friendlier boardwalk and beach.
Although having my snacks or lunch stolen by a seagull is extremely aggravating, I still love seabirds. Hearing that distinctive cry of a gull passing overhead always gives me a bit of a thrill. The ocean and seaside are one of my favorite spots in the world.
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Place – Under the Boardwalk/Transition
I ran into another example of transition on my weekend getaway to Ocean City. The boardwalk is under construction, transitioning to a brand new set of boards for several blocks in front of Gillian’s Wonderland Pier. It was eye-opening to see the thick concrete grid that supports the steps of hundreds of walkers and the wheels of bicycles and surreys.
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Place – Riding the Boards
I played “hookey” today and had some fun riding the boards and walking the beach. The photograph was taken on the boardwalk in Ocean City, New Jersey, while riding my bicycle.
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Places – Steel Pier, Atlantic City, NJ
Yesterday my husband and I, after living in southern New Jersey for most of our lives, did something for the first time…took the train into Atlantic City. In the past, anytime we’ve been to this famous beach town the trip has been taken in a car. Yesterday we had a great time doing something old and familiar in a totally new way. It was good to walk on the crowded boardwalk, have lunch at “Hard Rock Cafe,” and people watch as we ate at an outside table. Before we left for home we walked out on the New Steel Pier.
The last time I was on the Steel Pier in Atlantic City, New Jersey, I was in sixth grade participating in “Safety Day.” Not safety as in staying safe, but as a member of the School Safety Patrol. Remember the yellow bands worn across the chest? I am dating myself I think. That was close to forty-five years ago. I can remember the day perfectly, Gary Puckett and the Union Gap were the performers. I am pretty sure they sang the song “Young Girl.” Uh-oh, I’m dating myself again. 🙂
Although the original Steel Pier burned in 1982, the new pier is full of old-fashioned rides such as the ferris wheel and carousel.
The Carousel is a Double-Decker. The history of it can be found here: Double Decker Carousel
A staircase leads up to the second level. I can remember riding on horses just like these as a child, and also in the large canopied sleigh too.
Carnival games line the entrance and border the pier. New-fangled daredevil rides are present too for those not too faint of heart. There are helicopter tours available on the pier that will carry you along the beachfront or over the city.
The casinos loom large on the other side of the boardwalk…
…but even in the midst of the most modern of settings, Steel Pier still has an old-fashioned charm.
