The solstice occurred at 2:22 PM EST this year, according to the Naval Observatory's list. On the last full day of Autumn, the west wind was howling and the Delaware Bay was very rough. Although the wind did not subside, the setting sun provided a beautiful spectacle. The first day of winter began with the west wind still howling and the temperature in the high 30s at the bayfront. Click here for a short video clip out in the wind (click here for help). The good news is that the days will begin to get longer now, bringing hope for better days. We ever remember the words of a Cape May lifeguard: "Three snowstorms and we're back on the beach."

Top row
       left: rough Bay on the last day of Autumn
   center: sunset over the Bay on the last day of Autumn
     right: sunset afterglow on the last day of Autumn
Second row
       left: sunrise on the first day of winter
   center: 
     right: a look at the Bay at sunrise