The Other Side Of The Inlet The weekend started off kind of gray and dreary. My girlfriend, Ania, and I had been trying to find a nice Saturday to spend the day down in LBI. Ania had her heart set on climbing the lighthouse and getting some good panoramic pictures of IBSP. She especially wanted a nice sunny day to do it. After checking weather reports, we had a slight chance of getting the weather she wanted. It was better than the previous two weekends, so we decided to go for it.

I wanted to fish, but there was another day in the weekend for that. I figured I'd give some winter flatties a try the next day.

We left for LBI a little before noon, and stopped for lunch along the way. Of all the places to hit traffic, we got stuck going south on the Parkway. I can see hitting traffic in the summer, but not the last week of March. The cause was a mini van who, for whatever reason, seemed to have trouble keeping out of the trees. It didn't look like anyone was hurt.

We eventually got to LBI, and turned north to go to the lighthouse. Riding through Loveladies, we "admired" the unique architecture. All the houses looked like they were designed in the mid eighties, by an architect who was a big Miami Vice fan.

We got to Barnegat Light and pulled into the lighthouse parking lot. The wind was light but out of the northwest, and had a rawness to it. The sun hadn't come out like we had hoped, but it wasn't nearly as overcast as when we left.

The only other lighthouse I had ever climbed was the one in Hatteras. I always felt a little sketchy on the small stairs in that particular lighthouse. The fact that it doesn't have a railing around the outside doesn't help. You see, I'm kinda, sorta, in a way, ummm, afraid of heights. Actually, afraid isn't the right word, but uncomfortable with heights definitely describes me.

I was relieved to see the Barnegat Lighthouse had a railing on the inside, and one on the outside. I climbed it using both railings, which Ania found amusing.

On our way up, a fellow and his daughter were on their way back down. He seemed even more uncomfortable with heights than me, but was acting brave for his little girl. I found a kindred spirit.

The view from the top was impressive. Island Beach looked very different. I could see the bulkhead, the sand replenishment, and the break in the replenishment project. The tide was high, and the break looked big enough to drive a boat through. There was a boat fishing in Myers Hole, and a couple of barges running offshore. The water in the inlet was a deep, clear green. It was beautiful. I didn't even notice how high I was.

We decided to go back down when six other people came up. We took a walk out along the jetty, and Ania did some beach combing. She asked what she could keep (I always make her throw starfish back in the water), and I told her anything that she could fit in her pocket. She left the beach with a pocket full of shells. I explored some of the tidal pools next to the jetty, and was glad I had waterproof hiking shoes.

After walking the short nature trail next to the lighthouse, we left. Our next stop was the Marine Wildlife Gallery in Spray Beach. The gallery sells all kinds of ocean and beach based artwork, but specializes in the work of Guy Harvey. My parents go down there so often the store owners know them by name. They know me by proxy. Diane was working when we got there, and I spoke with her for a while.

She showed me a new way they were mounting paintings, a way that made prints look like originals. She said they were going to get some limited edition striped bass prints for "Guy Harvey Day." What's that? Guy Harvey makes an appearance at the store, usually some time in August. Diane didn't have a set date yet.

I walked out of the store with two new t-shirts, and a sweatshirt for Ania. We made a few more stops at some local shops, then rode up to Fisherman's Headquarters. I didn't spend a whole lot of time in there, just wanted to see if they had anything new or unique. I needed some estaz or ice chenille, but they had neither in their fly tying section.

One stop at Ron Jon and we were off the Island. The sun was setting and Ania and I discussed what we were going to do for dinner. Neither of us were very hungry. I suggested heading home up route 9 and stopping at the Shady Rest for dinner. She agreed.

The Shady Rest is owned by Bob Popovics; fisherman, fly innovator, and author. Everyone I talked to said the food was good, but we decided to find out for ourselves. The restaurant was easy to find (it's on the southbound side of rt 9 in Bayville). The place was crowded, a half hour wait's worth of crowded. That wasn't too bad. It gave me time to admire the wood carving of a striped bass being released that was hanging under the TV.

Turns out it was a Cajun night for Ania and I. She ordered the Cajun sea bass, I ordered the Cajun rib eye. We also got an order of shrimp jammers. They are kind of like jalapeno poppers, but with shrimp instead of peppers. They were tasty.

Between the salads and the appetizer, I saw Shel E Caris go past the window by our table. I looked into the bar and there was Shel, Bop Popovics, and Gene Quigley. I excused myself from the table wand walked over to say hello. Bob just returned from a flats fishing trip and they were going to watch the video from the trip. I didn't want to leave Ania alone too long, so I went back.

The food was great. Filling, and great.

When we were finished I went to say goodbye. A few more members of the Atlantic Saltwater Flyrodders were there. I was tempted to convince Ania to stay for the rest of the video, but I was getting tired. We went home.

Sunday was even grayer than Saturday. I debated making some sort of fishing trip, but opted out. It's still early in the season. I've got time.

Until next week...