Great Atlantic Seaboard Bicycyle Tour: Spring Lake Heights-Grand Tour of the Jersey Shore 9/27 59 car miles; 5.3 walking miles

Although we missed Mass today, we spent the morning in a state of sacred reverence. Long time neighbor and close friend of Dennis and Susie, Bernadette Sherman, was honored as a Gold Star mother (Mothers of soldiers lost in service) in a relay running event beginning in Cape May, NJ and ending at the Vietnam Memorial in Holmdel, NJ. The run, one mile for one soldier, is now 188 miles long. All along the way, the runners (All currently serving military), stop to recognize and honor each mother, family, and friends. They stop, come to attention, and say, (paraphrased)...your child may be lost, but they will never be forgotten. Bernadette, who spent the morning in frantic grief, demonstrated the kind of courage only a mother knows. It was a powerful spiritual moment and demonstrated faith in its most severe test. I felt humbled by the experience and ever more grateful for the freedoms I enjoy. Afterward, Denny took us on a guided tour of the Jersey shore that included the 911 Memorial on Mount Mitchell (On a clear day, NYC is visible), the Twin Lighthouses, Sandy Hook, Asbury Park, Ocean Grove (A Methodist enclave established in 1869. The community members still spend their summers by the shore living in rustic canvas tents), and a steady string of towns speckled with Victorian structures from the immensely opulent mansions of the rich to the more humble homes of the working class. We walked a stretch of the boardwalk along the shore, Bruce Springsteen music B-Bopping in the background, and even though the summer season has ended, the towns, shops, and restaurants were doing a brisk business. It's ironic. The locals mutter under their breath, "Bennies (Tourists) go home." Yet, it is these folk who spend the money to keep the towns vibrant. Due do to Denny snd Susie's generosity (And guide skills), we enjoyed a sweet taste of Jersey. What can I tell you, life is good here in Jersey, especially today.

Denny and Susie, who don't drink coffee, broke out this vintage machine (A wedding present: 39 years). It works like a charm.

Denny cooked us Jersey's version of a "heart attack waiting to happen" (Pork Roll Egg and Cheese). Quite worthy of Fat Butt status.

Sgt Stephen Sherman, killed in Iraq 02/03/05 by a roadside IED.

Bernadette, loving mother and "best" human of the day.

The platoon leader presenting the Gold Star flag.

The salute.

A child forever honored.

A yellow rose is presented to each mother along the route.

Long may she wave.

The great hall in the Methodist enclave in Ocean Grove. Stokes was the community leader for twenty-seven years.

Methodist families come to the shore and spend the summers living in these canvas tents. There's about four square blocks of these coveted tent sites, each a stone's throw from the ocean.