Memorial Day signaled a beginning and 105 days later Labor Day closed the books on what was truly a spectacular summer at the shore,and yes I know how great the month of September can be.

Kevin leaves his favorite beach for the last time for the summer
Kevin leaves his favorite beach for the last time for the summer (Kevin Williams, Townsquare Media NJ)
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However Labor Day is the closer for most and in fitting fashion it provided a rather perfect ending to what was pretty much a perfect summer weather-wise. Except for a stretch in June this summer was one that featured plenty of sunshine, little rain and ideal conditions on the beaches of the Jersey Shore. As one friend and businessman put it, if you didn’t make money this summer than it’s time to find a new business.

As thankful as I should be I left the North Avenue Beach in Seaside Park with a frown and not a grin Monday afternoon. It just seems as I get older that summers go by faster and of course you never know how many you still have left to enjoy. I will miss my early-mornings on the beach when the sand has just been raked by machine and my footprints from the ramp to the shoreline are the only ones that can be seen.

What could be better than sipping your coffee and reading the newspaper as the sun rises and surfers and paddle boarders provide a majestic backdrop. I love the routine as lifeguards set their stand up for the day and don’t even mind when the badge-checkers come by asking for the beach badge that’s pinned to my hat.

One of the things I find most interesting is the people who you see regularly and with the exception of a smile or nod of the head never speak too. In some cases this goes on for years and you’re tempted to start a conversation with at least an introduction but then you say it’s been too long.

This summer my wife and her friends who pretty much spend just about every day at the beach got to know a slightly older man who we’ve seen for years. Turns out he’s a retired teacher from Jersey City who, with his wife, rents a house every summer. It led to one of those nice beach friendships which for now ended yesterday. He’s headed back north today.

As the saying goes all good things must come to an end but frankly Labor Day is depressing, especially when you have a great summer like this one. I’ll miss lunch treks to Surf Taco, grabbing a burger and beer at Bum Roger’s backyard or like yesterday a slice and cold one at the Sawmill all in your bathing suit. Of course the fall means football which is a nice consolation and for those of you who are counting it’s just 266 days to Memorial Day 2016.

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