Forgotten Dreams

I found this Marina on Long Beach Island, NJ that looked abandoned at first glance, 

but surprisingly there was a little life there.

However, in the yard there were many boats that were clearly abandoned 

sitting on trailers that haven't moved for years.

I can't imagine the reason for so many boats just left to decay. 

I felt it appropriate to edit these images with a grunge texture 

to accentuate the sense of abandonment. 

Here's the active part of the marina...

I can't help but notice the missing planks on those piers. 

You'd need to really watch your step. 

Hochstrasser's Marina

401 W 8th St, Ship Bottom, NJ 08008

Ship Bottom is located in Ocean County, New Jersey

Suburban Girl Roams Through the Irish Riviera

Spring Lake Boardwalk
Spring Lake, Monmouth County, NJ

Well, I roamed as much as I could
with 3 other family kinfolk along.
You know how that is...
"Hold on, Mom's taking another picture."


Pedestrian Bridge Over Spring Lake 
Spring Lake, Monmouth County, NJ 

We rode bikes through what my Irish neighbor refers to as
The Irish Riviera.
There are a lot of signs that Irish folk abound.


The Blarney Cone 
Spring Lake, Monmouth County, NJ 

This seaside town is drop dead beautiful.
and the houses are all well maintained.


Mr. Engineer said we could buy this place for our retirement.  
Spring Lake, Monmouth County, NJ 

I bet when spring flowering trees bloom
the sights are just gorgeous.


Spring Lake, Monmouth County, NJ  

When you are here
it feels like a residential town
rather than a seaside tourist attraction.


The Beach at Spring Lake
Spring Lake, Monmouth County, NJ  

There is just a small main street with little shops lining it.
Just the way I like it.

St. Catherine Catholic Church  

Spring Lake, Monmouth County, NJ 

Now about that retirement promise... 

I should have had him sign something 

because Mr. Engineer never remembers those promises. 

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All images by Rebecca Haegele have been registered with the U.S. Copyright Office. Click on any image to go to its gallery for purchasing information.

The City of Bridges

The Free Bridge in a Fog

Easton, PA:
A civil engineer's paradise.


Bridges Over Bridges

Once a hub of industrial transportation,
this small city boasts not only bridges,
but canals and rivers too.


Underneath  Bridges 

Surrounding the backdrop of this historical eye-candy,
Easton has been reinventing itself as a tourist town.




The Toll Bridge

Offering festivals
museums
tours
trails
concerts
trendy shops
and restaurants...



Abandoned Bridges

...Easton has almost become a worthwhile destination.
If it wasn't for the abundance of guards hollering and shouting at people
it would be a worthwhile destination.
And drive very carefully,
because police citations appeared rampant too.
I'm not sure what the reason was for soooo many people getting pulled over.
That part seemed a little hostile.


Rivers and Bridges

But it is a destination that is calling me to return.


Distant Bridges

On a recent day trip, my camera and I
only covered a square mile of what is to be seen and photographed.


Pants-on-the-Ground Bridges - They have them too. 
(I just learned you are not allowed to take pics from this bridge. 
Stupid.) 

Nearby Phillipsburg (NJ),  Lehigh and Allentown
offer up visual feasts as well.


River's Edge

And, I really need to figure out how to access
a rock outcrop that provides an visual overview of Easton.
I know it is possible.
I've read about it.
I've seen the images.
I just couldn't locate the access.


A Sad Bridge 

So, I am going back.
Soon.


Red's Bridge, Phillipsburg, NJ 
Officer 'Red' lost his life responding to a call of a domestic dispute. 

Only this time,
I will find one of those trendy, upscale places for lunch.
Yum.

A number of these images have been edited with 
Topaz Impression. 
They offer 30 day trials. 
Here is a $10 off link 
you can use if you find something you like.

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The Mansion that Never Was

Imagine at age 12
becoming the richest girl in America.



Image at age 14
having the guts to sue your mother.



Imagine at age 15
controlling an estate of
27 acres
45 Buildings
9 lakes
18 miles of roads
and
1.5 miles of stone walls.



Imagine being Doris Duke.
Heiress, Horticulturist, Philanthropist, Art Collector.



But something was missing:  A mansion.
The foundation lies abandoned.
The upper floors never built.


The Crumbling Foundation  
of the Mansion that Never Was 

Doris' father, James Buchanan Duke
of Duke University fame,
quit the project,
fired the workers,
and put his focus in Europe
when the US government dissolved his company
due to it being considered a monopoly.



But Doris loved the property
and because of her
 it is left for us to enjoy today.


Inside the Orchid House

You can visit Duke Farms
in Hillsborough, NJ
free of charge
thanks to the Doris Duke Foundation.
It is worth the visit.

All photos taken at Duke Farms.
My gallery is here. 

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