Tour for the Shore: New Jersey Leg

To help raise public awareness and participation for the Clean Ocean Zone, traveling by outrigger canoe and bicycle at the peak of the summer season, Margo Pellegrino and Sean Dixon have been traveling concurrently from Cape May, New Jersey to Montauk, New York since August 10 and until August 24 on the "Tour for the Shore." Here is what has happened in the last 6 days, while we journeyed through New Jersey.

Day 1

We weathered through the storm in Cape May at our launch and made it for drinks to the Marina at Anchorage in Avalon by the end of the night.  Special thanks to our board member, Jeff Martin for letting us stay with him in the Cape.

Day 2 

As Sean and Margo made their way from Avalon to Gardner's Basin in Atlantic City, COA staff went to the Ocean Kayak Festival in Strathmere and spread the word about the COZ through town. Sean was joined by Team Barlow's Bikes. It was another stormy day, but everybody stayed safe!  Ocean advocates enjoyed food and drink at Scales Grill and Bar in AC that night.

Day 3

Margo and Sean had a great launch from Atlantic City and made their way to Barnegat Light by the end of the day.  COA staff joined forces with Alliance for a Living Ocean for a rally in South Long Beach during the day.  Sean was joined by a family of cyclists who had seen Margo go by on her paddle from Seattle to San Diego on their wedding day!!

Day 4

Margo and Sean traveled from Barnegat Light to Pt. Pleasant Beach on Day 4, stopping for a press conference with local officials in Seaside Heights mid-day.  Day 4 also brought some COA staffers to the Joint Legislative Environments Committee Hearing.  That night, ocean advocates met in Pt. Pleasant Beach for a press conference and BBQ.  The press conference at the Fisherman’s Dock Co-Op was memorable to say the least.  Jimmy, one of the fisher’s from the co-op, put together a wonderful BBQ including fresh scallops, hot dogs, hamburgers, and veggie burgers.  Located directly on the docks with the trawlers of the co-op as a backdrop, the press release featured testimonials from Sean Dixon and Margo Pellegrino sharing their experiences on bike and canoe.  Cindy Zipf, the Executive Director of Clean Ocean Action, gave a brief talk to the crowd as well.

Environment and Solid Waste Assembly Chair Grace Spencer and Senator Bob Smith with COA 

 

 

 Day 5

The Tour’s visit to Belmar included a wide variety of activities for everyone involved, including a drum circle with WATERSPIRIT in Elberon and a large press conference with various organizations and Senator Frank Pallone, Jr., among other local officials.  Sean Dixon had a large group of volunteers that joined him for a bicycle ride coming up from Point Pleasant.  As an added bonus for them, all of the cyclists were given the chance to ride the SUPZILLA!  As Margo Pellegrino came up along the shore with her own volunteers paddling with her Clean Ocean Action staff, volunteers, and Belmar lifeguards all paddled out to greet Margo as she prepared to land on the beach.  Day 5 concluded with a large party at the Seagull's Nest in Sandy Hook, New Jersey.  The "Evening Oceanfest" had vendors selling eco-friendly goods and artwork, local honey, treats for pets and more!

 Day 6 

The Tour's last day in New Jersey was as rainy as the first, but luckily everyone once again stayed safe.  Margo and Sean launched from Sandy Hook and made it to Keansburg for a press event and rally.  The day concluded with the Monmouth County Bayshore Environmental Summit.  Sean was joined by a few bikers and Margo paddled with two other canoers, including the wife of one of our board members.  Panelists from COA, Food and Water Watch, NY/NJ Baykeeper and American Littoral Society discussed the need for the Clean Ocean Zone.