The Joys of Perth Amboy

Dad had the kids to himself all day Sunday, as Margie went into the city for a day of recreation and friendship. Let’s begin with the highlight for the kids: our trip to the Jersey Shore.

We arrived in Perth Amboy at about… yes, that’s right. Perth Amboy. Surprised? Did you think I was going to say Point Pleasant Beach or Spring Lake? Well, let me explain that Perth Amboy is 7 miles from 56 Voorhees Place, straight down Amboy Avenue, turn right on High Street (spectacular Victorian-style homes) and there you are at the beach – a broad expanse of sand and a fishing pier at the intersection of the Kill Van Kull, the Raritan River and the Atlantic Ocean. Granted there’s no boardwalk. Sure, the big sign says “NO SWIMMING,” but those are the only two drawbacks I can see. We arrived in the late afternoon and we didn’t mind the fishing pier or the view of South Amboy condos across the bay. Theo would not have been more excited if he were at Waikiki Beach. Natalie enjoyed getting her feet wet, too.

I subscribe to the theory that the No Swimming sign reflects the inability to secure life guards, and not concerns over water quality. This is my theory. Three large Spanish-speaking men were submerged in water up to their shoulders, with no noticeable negative side effects.

We also enjoyed a trip to Jiffy Lube and we bought a tent at Dick’s Sporting Goods in Woodbridge. We paid $40. It’s in the backyard right now. Theo sat in it yesterday and ate Watermelon, despite 95 degrees of heat inside the sun drenched two-man pop tent. Can’t wait to camping with the little adventurer.