he two coolest things to hit The Wildwoods are the "Wildwoods" sign where Rio Grande Avenue meets the Boardwalk and the 8,800-foot seawall in North Wildwood.
If you like to walk and love great waterscapes, the seawall was built for you. It starts at Second Street and JFK Boulevard and runs along the Hereford Inlet shoreline, where a little inland lake has developed. Before you get to Hereford Lighthouse, where there’s a path to its exquisite gardens, the seawall goes around the big condos and cuts by St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. The wall sort of ends at Anglesea Colony, although they’re still working there. And they’ll soon be putting up handicapped-accessible ramps.
"I’m surprised at how popular it is," North Wildwood Mayor Bill Henfey said.
I don’t see why because every step has a magnificent view of Champagne Island and beyond to the shores of Stone Harbor. It’s breathtaking and, even on the doggiest days, there’s always a cool breeze or brisk wind. There’s always foot traffic — cheerful, upbeat traffic, at that, with strollers exchanging happy hellos, kids in tow or leashed dogs trotting along contentedly.
The only possible drawback is, on the water-side, there are tremendous boulders and a fall could be horrendous. While I’ve never heard of that happening, the City of North Wildwood is reviewing adding a railing. I guess better safe than sorry, but to me it would spoil the view and detract from the untrammeled look.
I must admit I had a close call on the wall, but it was entirely my fault. There are signs clearly stating bikes can’t be ridden, but on a warm fall day when there weren’t many people about, I set out from Second on my righteous blue Schwinn.
I hadn’t gone far when I passed a couple going the opposite way and heard the woman say, "I thought there were no bikes allowed on the wall," to which her companion answered, "People do what they want." I smiled to myself at his common sense.
I continued on my ride with no more comments from the few people I passed. The seawall is 15 feet wide in most places and makes for easy riding, the rocks below only a vague threat at best.
Near St. Demetrios the wall narrows and cuts left at a right angle and, as I approached, I saw there were two fishermen there. Rather than sensibly dismounting and walking my bike past them, I slowed down and tried to ride by, but my back tire caught in the angle and over I went — thankfully on the side away from the rocks. My bike fell on top of me, momentarily pinning me.
I struggled like a landed fish until one of the fisherman — I recognized him as a young man who worked in the North Wildwood Superfresh — hopped up and pulled my bike off of me and hoisted me to my feet. I checked myself and my bike and we were both none the worse, so I thanked the young man and continued on my way. The other fisherman was genuinely concerned and called after me, asking if they’d gotten in my way, causing the fall.
"Nope," I answered, "it was on me."
So enjoy the wall on foot — like you’re supposed to.
