To Our Readers,
The majesty of the grandes dames of ice boating graced the Navesink River this week and the stunning Jack Frost, invited to compete by the North Shrewsbury Ice Boat & Yacht Club, swept all three races, decisively establishing her and her crew as the winners of the day.
But, truly, the winners were watching the race and those that did, will never forget it. It’s one more example of why the Two Rivers is such a wonderful community.
Though there may be differing opinions on how long ago it’s been since the Jack Frost, whose home is the Hudson River Ice Boat Club, raced The Rocket, built in 1888 and headquartered out of North Shrewsbury, but all agree it’s a mighty long time. The Class 1 Yacht Challenge Cup was a traffic stopper and the banks of the river were lined with awestruck spectators as the powerful and romantic sails unfurled and were hoisted. The baker’s dozen or so of boats glided on the ice, picking up a heart pumping speed, clipping the ice as they maneuvered the course.
The crew of The Rocket found themselves righting their yacht after it tipped following the race. It took 15 men to right her, but she’s not damaged and no one was hurt. So no harm done. Those ice boats are difficult to navigate.
The Vanguard, also out of the North Shrewsbury Club, is just as beautiful and the area’s long esteemed history of sailing took flight as these beauties worked their magic.
The romance of sailing – the freedom, the challenge against nature itself and the exhilarating joy – is hard to match in any sport. Well, maybe horseback riding comes close. And hiking up brook trails to mountaintops has its charm. Golf isn’t bad either. But you get the idea. Natural events. There isn’t a computer game made anywhere in the world that compares to the experience of man’s interaction with nature. The Two River Times is so blessed with its river and ocean water sports; its beautiful horse farms and its close by hiking trails. Even lovely Holmdel and Thompson County Parks have charming equestrian and hiking trails. Thompson even has some wonderful cross-country skiing areas. And the county is known for the wisdom of the Monmouth County Park System’s vision when it established the gold courses it did.
Spring is coming and hulls will replace rails on the river. Snow skis and boards will be replaced by hiking boots and the horses will be safer to ride when the ice melts. Monmouth Park and Freehold Racetrack will gear up their respective seasons, the beaches will open and life will feel livable again. It’s not that far down the road.
Just do me a favor. Tell your children to go outside and play. Let them use their imaginations. And set the example. Put down the cell phone and just walk away.
And let us know about your favorite outdoor adventure or what you think we should be covering.        We’re listening.
Let’s have coffee.
Jody Calendar
jcalendar@tworivertimes.com
732-219-5788
