Jersey Shore: "It's gone"--but not Wildwood, New Jersey

New Jersey shoreline - - devastated after Hurricane Sandy,  but not Wildwood, New Jersey, not quite.

It's hard to imagine the effect of Hurricane Sandy living here in Colorado.  But I have relatives in New York, and have not heard from one of them.  Being without power, dark and wet, the uncertainty of tomorrow--there are no words to describe it.

Wildwood, New Jersey in happier days

One article in the Denver Post, says that the 127 mile New Jersey coastline will never look the same.  A  photo showed a roller coaster from a Seaside Heights, amusement park, partially submerged in the high tide.  One paragraph caught my eye.  It described Wildwood, the most popular beach, which is on the southernmost tip of the Jersey shore, with not as much damage, and the promise by officials that it  could be fixed by Memorial Day.

Wildwood,  the memories come streaming back,  a place where as a little girl, I vacationed with my family, escaping the hot summers in New York City.  I still remember the boardwalk; I was only four or five.  I remember the ocean, the amusement park, being teased by my cousins who took me on the scary ones, the gypsies who told your fortune and seemed very exotic to me, sandy bathing suits, the smell of salt air, and so much more. 

These were not posh areas, but places "down by the shore" where families from all backgrounds could enjoy the water and get away from big cities, with boardwalk fun, salt water taffy, friends and family.  Some stayed only for a weekend, some longer, in inexpensive cottages or rooms you could rent.

In a later era, Bruce Springsteen, in his song about "Sandy," describes boardwalk life - -  the name is prescient.  It can be seen on You Tube - - "4th of July, Asbury Park, New Jersey, 'Sandy'"

New Jersey - -  setting of movies, Broadway shows, television shows - -  will come through this.  Their citizens are tough, hard working and determined.