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Not Everyone is Scared of the Frigid Weather

With temperatures dipping below freezing, Lucy and Val Mats are bundled up for their daily walk on the Boardwalk.

  • Ocean City

Despite the coldest temperatures so far this winter in Ocean City, which prompted many to stay inside, others have decided to brave the frigid weather and continue to enjoy the beach and Boardwalk.

Ocean City residents Val and Lucy Mats were bundled up in warm coats and winter hats Wednesday while taking their daily three-mile walk on the Boardwalk.

“We’re just walking the Boardwalk and enjoying our time, as we do every day,” Val Mats said. “We go out regardless of the weather, no excuses.”

Val Mats said while the chilling temperatures are less comfortable to be outside in, this time of year the Boardwalk lacks the busy summer crowds, which he appreciates.

“Walking this time of year is different from the summertime,” he said. “You have to dress in much heavier clothing to stay warm, but it's much less crowded and still a wonderful place to enjoy.”

    Mike and Mitzi Tolson enjoy being on the Boardwalk in the cold weather.
 
 

Mike and Mitzi Tolson, who either ride their bikes or walk on the Boardwalk each day, opted to walk Wednesday since the temperature was below freezing and the boards aren’t entirely clear from snow and ice.

The Tolsons said they still love to enjoy the Boardwalk in the cold, and prepare by wearing plenty of warm clothes.

“If you’re going out, it's all about how many layers you have on,” Mitzi Tolson said.

The Tolsons said that when it's this cold, the Boardwalk looks deserted compared to the summer months.

They pointed out that with the sun rising from the east and the wind coming from the west, they consider the Boardwalk their warmest local option.

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“In all of our travels, we’ve concluded that when it's cold, there is no better place to walk than the Ocean City Boardwalk,” Mike Tolson said.

“The stores block the wind, and when the sun is shining from the east, it doesn’t get any better,” Mitzi Tolson added.

    Elizabeth Bretz, along with her daughter, Janine Bretz, and her brother, John Pedrick, spend some time picking up trash and hunting for seashells on the beach.
 
 

Elizabeth Bretz was walking the beach, picking up trash and collecting seashells with her daughter, Janine Bretz, and brother, John Pedrick. The family lives in Maryland and frequently visits Ocean City at all different times of the year.

“We always love the beach, no matter the temperature,” Elizabeth Bretz said between picking up cans in the dunes beside the Boardwalk. “We’re out here picking up trash, finding some cool seashells, and having an awesome time.”

Bretz said while it may not be their favorite time to visit Ocean City, there’s still plenty of fun to be had in the winter months.

“It's not that bad down here on the beach. The Boardwalk and dunes block the wind pretty well,” Elizabeth Bretz said. “Even though it's warmer and more shops are open in the summer, it's still really fun being down here in the wintertime.”

On Wednesday, the National Weather Service stated Cape May County’s high temperature as 23 degrees, with a wind chill of 14 degrees, although it felt a bit warmer, being mostly sunny and having minimal winds at 5 to 10 mph.

According to NJ.com, this week has had the state's coldest conditions of the winter, with daytime highs remaining below freezing until this weekend, and staying below 20 degrees at night.

On Saturday, Ocean City’s Office of Emergency Management made an announcement about the icy temperatures through the end of this week, warning residents about freezing pipes and advising them to check on their neighbors and neighboring properties.

    Still covered with snow and ice in spots, the Boardwalk appears deserted.


author

Max Kelly

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