Long Beach Island May 13 2012

This morning we packed our portable grill and hot dogs and took off for Barnegat Lighthouse State Park at the northern end of Long Beach Island.  We took a leisurely scenic route along US 9 to 72 to 607.  The park was quite a nice surprise...free parking, free admission, clean grounds, picnic tables right along the sea wall, fishing jetties, small beach, and hardly any people.  There was a supply of grocery type bags provided by the park for your garbage, with an explanation that the garbage cans were removed to make your stay more pleasant.  Dogs were allowed in most parts of the park, except one walkway and the beach.  The weather was perfect...about 78 degrees and breezy.  We thoroughly enjoyed our picnic and the scenery.  Later, we drove down 607 to the southern most point on LBI, Beach Haven Inlet, where there was another public beach with free parking.  All the stop lights were flashing yellow, and not due to be re-set until next weekend, so it was very pleasant driving down the road, especially with so little traffic.  In season, it is quite different!  In the evening at our site, we had enjoyed a small camp fire.  Today was one of the best days on our trip.