November in Cape May

Posted 11/07/11

Cape May, NJ — There's a time in the fall when the tourists are gone, the restaurants start closing midweek and a profound quiet settles over Cape May.

We call it November.

Marsh grasses burn a bright gold against the deep blue water.

Sassafras and red maples jump out at you with their oranges and reds.

Traffic, and life, slow down.

We walk along Higbee Beach, on the Delaware Bay, and see no one else on the shoreline. We feel as though we own the place.

Perhaps November is Cape May's gift to local residents.

We see the island the way it was - calm blue water unruffled with boats or water skis, a dune path where the only sound is the rustle of wind in the oak leaves.

Here and there, you can spot a few savvy tourists soaking up the peacefulness for a day or two. But most visitors won't be back until Thanksgiving.

Before we order our turkey or get ready for the blustery cold of yet another Cape May winter, let's linger for a moment on a sunny marsh or a deserted beach and remember why we live year round on this ever changing island.

November is for locals.