The Place Where I Spend Most of My Time

Nicolas Siino

9/25/14

English Writing Skills Workshop

Professor Young                                             

                            "Pier 4" The Place I Spend My Summer's  

     There's something to be said about the calm  blue ocean  that makes me want to forget about everything that is a constant worry in my life.  The sound of seagulls and the smell of the ocean air is so relaxing and it's something I look forward to experiencing every weekend  in the summer.  My family's boat  is the place where I spend my most of my time at during  the Spring and Summer. The boat is a 37 foot sport fisherman located in Point Pleasant, NJ. It consists of  a salon area for entertaining and two cabins that sleeps six people comfortably. At least that's what my parents believe! I sleep on an air mattress next to my older brother who gets the pull out sofa. 

     I have spent the last nine summers growing up at Crystal Point Marina on the Manasquan River with my two brothers and sister. Our boat is located on Pier 4, slip 419 and since the boats are merely 3 - 4 feet away from each other we had no choice but to grow up with all the kids that are docked around  us.          

     I have made a lot of friends at the marina. My older brother and I became close with two boys at the end of our pier, Zach and Greg. We formed a relationship in which I consider them just like my brothers. We all frequent the Pt. Pleasant boardwalk with little spending money. The candy wheel  is where I usually ended up losing all my money, but always go home a winner. My brother  on the other hand waits to spend his money in the arcades along with Greg and Zach.  We can all smell the pizza baking and watch as funnel cake is made and sprinkled with powdered sugar. We also can hear the sounds of kids screaming from the rides and watch as people surf  in the ocean.   
      When a group of us from the dock go out fishing it's rare that we don't come back without dinner. We travel 30 - 40 miles off the jersey coast for mahi, tuna, and fluke.  I have experienced  4 - 6 foot seas and have had to endure sea sickness and also the wrath of my father, when I lose a fish at the side of the boat.  However, even though he's frustrated with me at times, I continue to go back out every weekend.  Boating is a part of me and it's something I enjoy doing.    
     Once Labor Day arrives, everyone heads home and the group of people on the pier dwindles.   Both Greg and Zach live only about an hour from  my hometown so we usually get together in January or February before we meet up again March.  This is when everybody begins getting their boat ready for the next season. I head down to the shore with my father and  brothers since we need to help wax the hull and paint the bottom of the boat.  Getting the boat ready for the upcoming season is a grueling process and takes about two - three weeks but it's all worth it!  
     Boating is my home away from home. It's fun, peaceful and relaxing. I have made a lot of friends there and the friendships continue even after the season is over.  My family and I spend quality time on "Pier 4" and this is where I spend my summer.