May We See the Cape?

2024-11-30
Cape May, NJ

Today was our sight-seeing day. Nothing was open before 11:00 so we had a leisurely morning before heading over to the Cape May Lighthouse. I went up to the top and discovered that the wind may have even been stronger (or at least colder) 150 feet in the air. I didn't spend as much time seeing the sights from the top as I would have liked, but you can only spend so much time where the air hurts your face. At least trotting down 199 steps helped to warm me up. We also checked out the Cape May State Park Nature Center. They had a number of shells and other bits that had washed up plus several live snakes on display.

We headed off to the World War II Lookout Tower (Fire Control Tower No. 23) which was just up the coast. Despite the web site claiming it would be open, it was not. Such is this trip. We read enough to know that this was one of 15 towers built to protect the coast. The towers were designed to triangulate on an enemy ship and provide the coordinates to the artillery batteries located mostly in Delaware.

With some time left in the day, we pondered a few options. The Aviation Museum was offering free cocoa (while it lasted) and a chance to talk to Santa. We thought that might be very popular, so we decided to try the zoo instead. Little did we know it was bounce house day there and a few intrepid kids were taking advantage while the chaperones kept moving so they wouldn't freeze in place. We only had an hour or so before the zoo closed, so off we went to visit the animals. It is a small zoo but they seem to be trying hard to provide stimulation and space for the animals. However, by the time we got to the back of the zoo (where the zebras roam) we were chilled to the bone. An extra layer of long johns would have been in order; nevertheless, we exercised some judgement and again retreated to the relative shelter of the car. The animals that were out and about seemed less disturbed by the weather, striking jealousy in many of the guests. While clothes are good, it seems like you can't beat fur for warmth.

Eventually we warmed up enough to walk down to the Washington Street Mall. It's all outdoors, but in the city with buildings to block the wind it was much more bearable. We wandered around doing some shopping; it seemed like about 50% of the stores were open, and as far as we could tell another 30% were only closed because it was after 5:00. I guess Cape May is pretty busy in the winter, or at least around the holidays.