During our last day in Cape May, I convinced Bhavna to wake up early and take a walk in Cape May Point State Park.
During our last day in Cape May, I convinced Bhavna to wake up early and take a walk in Cape May Point State Park. I wanted her to experience the peacefulness of walking among the tall brown grass and lush green trees while listening to the birds singing. I thought it would be a magical experience before heading off to the The Seed, a brewery in Atlantic City that we both had on our bucket list.
After enjoying a quick breakfast at George's Place Cape May, a cosy local restaurant in the downtown area, we made our way to Cape May Point State Park.
Due to time constraints, instead of the Blue Trail, I opted for a shorter hike, walking on the raised platform along the Yellow Trail. We took a left fork, and then another left to Cape May Pond to see the Cape May Lighthouse before returning to the Yellow Trail. We continued on the Yellow Trail until it met with the regular Yellow Trail, and then we doubled back, returning to the parking lot via the Red Trail. This short combination of the Yellow Trail and Red Trail is also called Duck Pond Trail. Duck Pond Trail is wheelchair accessible and offers views of Lighthouse Pond West and East.
Upon returning from a somewhat underwhelming bird photography excursion at Cape May State Park, I returned to the Airbnb to find Bhavna sitting outside on the small patio, taking in the stunning scenery of the Willow Creek Winery and soaking up the warm sunshine. We shared a lovely morning and chatted about how much we enjoyed our stay thus far. The beer we had at Gusto Brewery and the wine at Willow Creek Winery were delightful. I also confided in her about my disappointment with the birding trip, explaining how the heavy fog made it quite challenging to spot birds except for a few swans and that, sadly, I couldn’t take photographs of the types of birds, such as Warblers and shore birds, that I had hoped to see. We discussed scheduling another trip to Cape May in the near future. After breakfast, we went to downtown Cape May to spend the day exploring the charming town.
Our first stop was Washington Commons, where we conveniently found parking. I pointed out to Bhavna that the nearby clean public restroom I discovered during the morning trip to the _Out There Coffee _ shop was one of the reasons I chose to park there. With the temperature rising, I felt uncomfortable in the long-sleeved shirt I had worn on my early morning birding walk. I decided to pop into Cape May Surf for a more suitable cotton short sleeve shirt. I bought one with a lovely palm tree motif that Bhavna thinks fits my casual style perfectly. Bhavna also purchased a pair of pants on sale at Bella, but unfortunately, she later regretted the purchase.
Crossing Ocean Street, we entered the Washington Street shopping mall, which was bustling with various shops. Our first stop was Cotton Company, where I hoped to find more summer casual attire. The friend store attendant noticed my Patagonia spring coat which I had wrapped around my waist. He steered me toward the shelves where the store had its Patagonia clothing. I found nothing in the size and colour that suited me, so we left. We continued to explore the eclectic mix of stores on Washington Street shopping mall between Ocean Street and Perry Street, finding unique items and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
We left the Washington Street shopping mall and leisurely walked along Ocean Street towards Beach Avenue. We enjoyed the architecture of the colourful Victorian homes that adorned the street. This added to the charm of the town.
As we continued our stroll, we eventually made our way to Beach Avenue, where we enjoyed a leisurely walk along the boardwalk. The picturesque views of the beach and the tranquil sounds of the ocean were truly magnificent, but I noticed that the air had become cooler, and there was a light haze. On our return, we decided to stop by the Cape May Popcorn Factory on Gurney Street. As a popcorn lover, I couldn’t resist indulging in one of my favourite treats and purchased a large bag of popcorn. I opted for the classic, regular popcorn you can typically find at the movie theatre. It is a simple yet satisfying treat.
We stopped at the far end of Gurney Street to admire "The Abbey," a historic home built in late 1869 with a rich history as a bed and breakfast inn in Cape May. It’s interesting how homes like this one accurately represent the grandeur of the Victorian era. The intricate woodwork, gingerbread trim, and vibrant colour schemes typical of Victorian architecture are all fully displayed in this mansion. The pointed arch windows and steeply pitched roof of The Abbey’s grand facade make it stand out and command attention on the street. I later learned that the property underwent an extensive renovation to transform it into a vacation rental, offering guests a unique and memorable experience.
We also made a quick stop at the Soldiers Monument. Also known as All Wars Monument and located in Rotary Park, this monument is dedicated to the memory of those who have served in the United States Armed Forces, particularly those who have given their lives in service and is a tribute to the brave residents of Cape May who served in World War I. The obelisk stands tall on a small traffic island, surrounded by lovely landscaping. Its square cube base, mounted on a larger stone slab, features bronze plaques on each side with dedications to the local veterans and an Honour Roll. Atop the orb sits a magnificent bronze eagle with its wings outstretched and looking to the side.
Remembering our desire to try the local beer, we returned to Jackson Avenue and headed to the Mad Batter Restaurant and Bar. I had checked their menu on the Untappd iPhone app and was excited to see they offered beer from a brewery in Atlantic City called "The Seed". Unfortunately, they no longer served it. However, the bartender kindly informed us that The Cricket Club, their more upscale restaurant just around the corner, had it on tap. We were thrilled and made a reservation for dinner at The Cricket Club. While there, I enjoyed the "Wading Out" lager by Tonewood Brewing and the "Just 2 More Miles" lager by Ludlam Island Brewery. The atmosphere was lively and diverse, with a group of young men and women dressed in punk rock outfits who had been friends since high school and chose a new theme for dressing up each year. It was a great afternoon, and I’m grateful for the helpful advice we received.
Returning to our Airbnb, we took a refreshing nap to recharge.
We were immediately met with a welcoming and cosy atmosphere at The Cricket Club. We enjoyed sampling the craft beers brewed by The Seed in Atlantic City. I enjoyed trying the Mooey On Purple, a very session-able bitter ale brewed in collaboration with Bonn Place Brewing Co. in Easton, Pennsylvania. I also indulged in the Stay Awhile, an English-inspired Dark Mild, and the Here, Now, an Old World-inspired English Best Bitter. We had the For Warmth, a small oatmeal stout conditioned on Indonesian vanilla to cap off our session. While we savoured the food and drinks, we excitedly planned for the next day, deciding to take a detour to Atlantic City to visit The Seed’s taproom.
After a day filled with shopping, sightseeing, and fantastic food, we returned to our cosy Airbnb, ready to retire for the night. Reflecting on the memories we had made, we were grateful for the opportunity to explore Cape May's charming streets, immerse ourselves in its rich history, and enjoy a delicious meal. We are stoked to come back to this cute little beach town!
Located at the southern tip of New Jersey, Cape May Point is a birdwatcher's paradise, attracting over 400 species of birds each year. I was excited to explore the diverse habitat and see what feathered friends I could spot.
The morning after our first night in our cosy Airbnb in West Cape May, I woke up filled with anticipation for a day of bird photography at Cape May Point Wetlands, organised by the New Jersey Audubon. Looking out the bathroom window, I saw that a thick fog had blanketed the area. As I prepared my camera gear, I felt excitement and trepidation. I was concerned that a foggy morning would create another negative experience. I packed my camera gear into the car, then drove to Out There Coffee for a hot cup of coffee and a sugary "breakfast" to fuel my birding adventures. I bought something for Bhavna, knowing that she would appreciate it later, and then drove back to Airbnb to eat.
With my stomach full and my body cranked up on sugar, I set off for the meeting location, the Cape May Point Observatory parking lot. Driving through the dense fog, I tried to keep my spirits high. The fog seemed to cling to the surroundings as I approached the meeting location. While it added enchantment to the scenery, the fog raised concerns about visibility and the potential impact on my bird photography expedition. However, I refused to let the fog dampen my spirits and instead focused on maintaining a positive mindset, hoping for a memorable day ahead.
Upon reaching Cape May Point State Park, I was captivated by the breathtaking view of the Cape May Lighthouse rising from the fog. At that moment, I felt the urge to scuttle my plans for the bird walk and photograph the lighthouse instead. I rarely get an opportunity for landscape photography in the Princeton area. But I stayed with my purpose for this trip.
I parked in the lot area nearest the lighthouse. I could not see any other cars. Did I have the right location? I pulled Apple Maps and noticed that the Cape May Bird Observation Deck was at the other end of the parking log. Perhaps they were meeting there. I drove across the foggy parking lot, and as I approached the observation deck, I could make out car-shaped objects. I was relieved.
I grabbed my camera bag containing my Fuji X-T3, the XF27mmF2.8 R WR and XF16-66mmF2.8 R LM WR lenses and three fully charged batteries. I configured my camera settings: custom auto-focus tracking and shutter priority with a shutter speed of 1/500s. In this mode, the focus system attempts to track the chosen subject as the subject moves or as the camera moves and ignores other objects that are likely to enter the focus area with the subject. I attached the XF150-600mmF5.6-8 R LM OIS WR lens and walked over to the waiting area to introduce myself to the group.
The group leader made introductions and gave up some information about Cape May Point, the Cape May Bird Observatory and Cape May Point Park. As an avid bird photographer, I definitely wanted to photograph at Cape May Point. It’s located at the southernmost tip of New Jersey and is a popular spot for migratory birds to take a break before moving further north to the forests of New Jersey. The area’s unique combination of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay creates a diverse habitat that attracts many different types of birds. Cape May Point State Park is over 244 acres, and it’s home to the Cape May Bird Observatory, dedicated to learning more about birds and protecting them.
As introductions were made, I discovered that our group consisted of individuals with varying levels of birding experience. Some were seasoned birdwatchers, while others were novices eager to immerse themselves in the hobby.
Our first stop was the dunes, a scenic area near the beach that promised breathtaking views and potential bird sightings. However, when we trekked through the sand, we were disappointed. The dense fog had covered the beach and the water. Despite this setback, the group remained optimistic.
We continued our journey along the Blue Trail, which led us to Bunker Pond. Still covered in the morning fog, the pond has a variety of waterfowl, including swans and ducks. As I prepared to capture a photograph of one swan, I missed the landing of another on the pond's surface. I was disappointed but reminded myself that bird photography is a game of patience.
Leaving Bunker Pond behind, we ventured onto the Yellow Trail, which took us through the Cape May Wetlands State Natural Area. The trail meandered through a landscape of tall grasses and wetland trees, which provided a haven for countless bird species. Still, no bird photographs, just birdsong.
We reached a strategically placed platform along the way, offering a panoramic view of the wetlands. It was a moment of tranquillity, allowing me to connect with nature. Still, no bird photographs, just birdsong.
As we continued our walk, we decided to take a detour to Lighthouse Pond. Despite the fog obscuring the view, I couldn't resist capturing the Cape May Lighthouse in this setting. The fog lent an ethereal quality to the scene.
As our birdwatching adventure came to a close, we made our way back to the parking lot. Reflecting on the day, I realised that even though the fog had initially caused concern, it had added an unexpected element to the experience.
The yearly Cape May Spring Festival, hosted by the New Jersey Audubon, is scheduled for May 18-20th. I'd read countless accounts of how the small town of Cape May bursts with life during this time, as bird enthusiasts and photographers from all over the eastern seaboard flock to the area. This is the prime season for bird migration, and I have been eagerly anticipating this experience for several months. However, I must miss out on this once-in-a-year event to lend a helping hand to my daughter in Illinois. I am struggling to overcome the intense feeling of disappointment that persists within me.
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