https://www.flickr.com/photos/jacken...57603909641821
This was pre-Sandy. We still don't have the protective dunes in place (and, honestly, it looks much more impressive without them). The dunes will be built up again beginning this fall. Growing up in NJ, both my wife and I had experiences very similar to yours. There were also many concerts and shows at the shore as well as rides (before all the huge theme parks). Thanks for the memories!