Several days a week, I drive from Beach Haven to the mainland. I try to be calm amid all the traffic. I play a little gamewith myself and try to spot things of interest I don’t normally see in the off-season. After summer, the speed limit increases and the lights go off. I don’t need to play games or look around. Now I have the luxury (ahem) to dawdle and gaze at the scenery.

I see a lineup of cars parked by the tiny diner on the bay. Customers sit outside at tables.