A Good Life
On Saturday we got up at 2 AM to get on the road by 3 AM so that I could be at Eastpoint Lighthouse in Maurice River Twp. in Cumberland County in time for the sunrise. It was wonderful to have the morning all for me and my camera and some rare Saturday time together with Mark. It was a beautiful morning, warm and pleasant, although the sunrise itself was just so so. I felt so peaceful and happy to be there doing what I love to do.After shooting for over an hour Mark and I went to breakfast then made our way southeast where we wandered around in Cape May for a while taking pictures and walking around. We eventually made our way to my brother's house back in Cumberland County for a visit. It was good to see Alan and Peggy. We don't get together nearly enough and I hadn't seen them in a very long time. That needs to change!
We had planned on going back to East Point for the sunset but when we got there the "green heads" (large, nasty, biting flies that can bite right through your clothes) were unbearable even for a dedicated photographer like me! I tried to walk up to the lighthouse but was swamped by the flies even after liberally applying bug repellent. I gave up. Some other time when there isn't a land breeze maybe I will try again.
Eastpoint Lighthouse is probably my favorite in New Jersey because of it's remote location on the Delaware Bay. It isn't the tourist attraction that the others around NJ seem to be. Unfortunately the lack of tourists has actually hurt it. It's not being kept up even though a major renovation and effort to save it was undertaken a number of years ago. An effort that my brother was involved with.
I will be posting a series titled "Looking Through" in the next couple of days/weeks which will feature the Lighthouse and surrounding area. It will include some unusual views.
This photo is of a really friendly gentleman we met while at the lighthouse that morning. He comes there with his dog (also in the photo) and a cup of coffee every morning to just sit and take in the tranquil beauty there. Of course his dog was having great fun playing with the horseshoe crabs that came on shore to mate the night before.
We talked to him for some time about how the area has changed for the better and for the worse. He seemed to get lost in a memories as he was talking. I wish I remembered his name but I don't and for that I am sorry. He was very gracious to allow me to take some snaps of him while we talked.
Labels: candid portraits, Delaware Bay, Jersey Shore, New Jersey, people
All images are copyright protected. Please do not use without permission.
posted by Laurie at 12:00 AM
26 Comments:
Sounds like a wonderful time.
Great shot, I like the color, as well as his stare...a bit ominous i think
There is something very moving about this picture. I'm not sure what it is, perhaps its his eyes.
You had a very special day. I love those memory days.
reading and seeing your photo gave me a powerful urge to go to the seaside and just chill out for a while.
Great shot. My fav kind.
I like this shot. The man, the dog, the sea ... he looks like an a real Jack Tar. Sometimes it's really too bad that Austria is not right beside the sea. So I cannot go out taking shots like this one ;-)
dunno whcih one i like better - the brilliant backdrop orthe man himself...good to hear you had a good time...
Wow that's an incredible photo, Laurie!
A splendid and timeless portrait of a sailor!
Laurie, your story combined with this image really create a mood. There is a peacefulness and a sense of being lost in thought that does indeed make one want to stop and breathe for a bit. Thank you.
Love the contrast of the running dog and the calm man. Any shots of the horse-shoe crabs?
Very good portrait, well balanced... I hate those flies!
Regards,
Jason
Laurie, your post echoes what Paul Lester wrote in a recent post, too--the fun of slowing down and meeting people along the way. This image is a great reflection of your day. There's nothing like heading our the door while the world is sleeping!
As for the flies...we experienced something similar last evening when we visited a nearby wildlife refuge, only it was mosquitoes. A literal cloud of them surprised us when we rounded a bend throught he woods, and the buzzing sounded like we'd come upon a hornet's nest. Surprisingly, we rushed through and didn't get bitten.
You seem to be having fun., looking forward to your series of shots.
Lovely capture, well framed and also love the sky. Been having issues with my PC so not been able to visit much, Hopefully will be back up and runing by next week.
Suby
Hemingway and the Old Man And The Sea come to mind here. A great study.
impressive portrait of this old sailor!
A great capture of a moment in daily life Laurie!
What a beautiful theme: Love, friendship, wisdom, poetry. This photo represents very well her all!
magnifique ce portrait!
Where is Laurie??
Suby
2 am! Now that's dedication.
What a great portrait.
Nice work Laurie, this is a great environmental portrait!
The man with his dog at East Point is named John. (...and Rolex the "watch" dog) He and his wife are at East Point quite often as many of us take our dogs to East Point. One of the few beaches where dogs are still allowed.
@Anonymous...Thanks so much for the info about John and Rolex the "watch" dog :) (love that name). East Point is a wonderful spot.
It has been quite a while since I've made my way back there. I hope to return soon, perhaps in a couple of weeks. It is a bit of a trip for me but well worth it. Who knows maybe I will run into John and Rolex again. I hope he is doing well.
You're welcome. I see John a few times a week. I'll remember to tell him about the picture as I think he'd like this picture as well.
Yes, East Point is a nice place. Secluded (which is saying something for NJ) and peaceful.
Have you been along the Maurice River? It's like a different world.
By the way, your pictures are beautiful.
Geoff
@Geoff...Thanks so much. I have spent a little time exploring the area along the Maurice River. I am from Central Jersey so it is quite a trip to make, but I am no stranger to long day trips. I have family in Cumberland County and have been shown some lovely and, yes, secluded places there. It is very peaceful. When I am in the area I can feel an almost immediate release of tension.
best regards,
Laurie
Post a Comment
<< Home