The coast elicits curiosity, contentment, maybe even awe in most all of us. As Jacques Cousteau observed, “The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” For author and photographer Gregory Andrus, the beach is “the most healing place in the world,” and he returns to the shore time and again to seek out its solace, and its stories.

SANDY SOJOURN: Gregory Andrus is walking the entire length of the Jersey Shore for a new book. (Photo by Ryan Morrill)

Andrus, 54, recently strolled the length of Long Beach Island over a stretch of months, from early May to late July, as part of his…