Exploring Sandy Hook, and Beyond, only requires a spirit of discovery, and time to lock the world Out. I discovered it-close, convenient-only about 40 minutes driving from where I live. Isn’t that so often the case? No matter where you live, there is a gem of a place you always pass. Then you stop one day and wonder where it’s been all this time. Or where you Yourself have been!
The Hook By Land
Firstly, the best way to venture Sandy Hook is, as Will Rogers said, “Early and Often.” Inasmuch as the former, Particularly between Memorial and Labor Day. The park fills quickly in the Shore Season. Don’t worry, there is usually fine weather before and after for quite awhile, and no admission fee. Rest assured though, they go to keep this “Carry In, Carry Out” facility as pristine as possible. And the proof is all around!
Migratory and resident Bird species bring Watchers and Photographers(yes!)Flocking here each year. Nesting Ospreys who fly back to the same Perches they occupied the previous season. Their hatchlings may be seen if you look closely enough, or if you have that telephoto lens.
Many nesting areas are roped off in the Spring as the very endangered Piping Plover, a specie that weighs between 2-3 Ounces in adulthood lay their eggs here then. But watch too for the string they use because it isn’t very visible, except by the tags hanging from them.
Military history abounds in the remnants of Fort Hancock, a site that has watched the coast since 1857. It ceased operations entirely in 1974 as a Nike missile base. Old fortifications, bunkers and batteries still stand, along with a variety of artillery and ordnance for display. Finally, the only active military presence on the Hook is USCG Station Sandy Hook. A variety of vessels stand by and launch from here in the event of Distress in the area near one of the busiest sea lanes on Earth.
Response Magic