OWL-DRAGON

Summer's End


We all know that summer is officially over with the fall equinox (this year 22 Sep, 6:23 PM) but we alsoknow the summer is really over with Labor Day. A week
ago I was in Maine. One of my runs took me across anold iron bridge, down an asphalt road, that becamegravel, then dirt, and finally entered a pine wood
with a primeval feel. There seemed to be no reason for this path. I expected it to loop or join up with another trail but eventually it just ended at the
water's edge. As I looked out I could have been in a wilderness; there was no sign of humanity just woods. The trail itself seemed to have no use or purpose. It
was just a mystery.

My Labor Day run could not have been more different. I ran on the boardwalk from Ventnor to its end on the bay in Atlantic City. In Ventnor you have a clear view of
the ocean but once in Atlantic City the ocean disappears behind beach bars, construction, and amusement piers. You have the casinos and the
souvenir shops. Lots of bikers and runners. Once you past Showboat the last casino, there is an open area where buildings were demolished but nothing
replaced them. You can once again see the ocean. This is a popular spot for fishermen. (and men are not a misnomer there are almost no women fishing.) I
ran a little further past the end of the boardwalk and discover a small marina that also contains the Ocean Life Center that contains a small aquarium. I ran out
New Hampshire Avenue past some very nice homes. I understand these are part of the redevelopment the casinos are obligated to. They are designed to provide affordable housing for workers. I hope they can do more of this in AC.

The return journey seemed easy - going out I ran into a strong headwind now I had it at my back. More shops had open. The strange mix of boardwalk habitués
(casino workers, casino users, and homeless) had gotten just that much stranger. Then I am back in Ventnor where it is more walkers, runners, bikers. A
final treat - I get to go into the ocean. It is still early and the beach is mostly empty. In fact I can see no one in the water in either direction. There is
a strong undertow but I only intend to go waist deep. Great way to end the run and the summer.