Atlantic Highlands, NJ

We have now been in Atlantic Highlands, NJ for 4 days. The wind has not cooperated and we've been waiting in the harbor. It actually has been pretty great, and we haven't minded much. Atlantic Highlands is a beautiful area, and we've seen quite a lot of it and the surrounding area because our friend Paul Kinsella has been driving us around. Paul took us to some WWII gun armaments that were quite impressive, and preserved very well. The kids were very interested and climbed all over the canons. We drove up to Mount Mitchill for an incredible view of Raritan Bay, Sandy Hook, and NYC. Its the highest point on the Eastern seaboard up to Cadillac Mountain in Maine within 25 miles of the coast. Besides site-seeing we've been to some great restaurants, the favorite of the kids being Barnacle Bill's, where they encourage shelling peanuts and dropping them on the floor! In addition to that greatness, the restaurant is on a river, and there were 2 swans in residence! Swans are quickly becoming a favorite on this trip. It rained all day yesterday and Paul and his wife Leslie, invited us to sleepover at their house. They cooked us a fabulous meal, with equally fabulous wine. They both have been so generous to us during our stay in NJ, and we really appreciate it.

Another great part of being in Atlantic Highlands is anchoring next to Jan and Dick Ordway. The Ordways were both music teachers, Jan was my first violin teacher in second grade, and Dick was my high school music teacher and conductor. They have been cruising now for 14 years, so have been a great resource for us. They're cruising on a big catamaran, with their dog Skipper, both of which the kids have loved seeing. We've had a great time seeing them everyday, and hope to see them again on our trip. Our plan is to leave here tomorrow, or Monday, and head for Barnegat Harbor.