Simple suggestions to “go green” while at the shore:
Collect sea glass from the beach (turn trash into treasure). Ride your bike to Kohler’s Bakery (and work off those cream donut calories). Order your Springer’s ice cream in a cone (no wasteful plastic cup or spoon). Walk to town for dinner. Keep cool under an umbrella on the beach (rather than in air conditioning).  Follow the local recycling requirements. Enjoy the bay on a sail boat or kayak- free fuel!
Surprisingly, being a hockey fan is not a requirement to work at Power Play Realty. In fact, until the 2010 Winter Olympics, I had never watched a full game (my Canadian colleagues claim the move “Miracle on Ice” doesn’t count).
The Olympics got me hooked, and of course, now I’m watching the Flyers in the Stanley Cup playoffs. I have a new appreciation for the athletes- what a brutal and exhausting sport.Â
When we flip the channel back to baseball, the contrast in pace is incredible- players mostly standing around and spitting…all in high definition!
Go Flyers!
Has the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico affected my view of our surrounding waterways? Absolutely.Â
When you are raised at the shore, you become an environmentalist by default. The ocean and back bays are as much our “home” as the 4 wall structure where we sleep.
I don’t believe I have ever taken the natural beauty for granted (well, maybe as a kid when we “had to go to the beach again”- and preferred to crash the pool at the Concord!)
Yet lately, my attention is especially drawn to the clear greens and blues of the water. It makes me sick to imagine a different view.
Reminder- The first annual 7 Mile Beach Restaurant Week starts tomorrow, June 4th. 49 local restaurants will participate in this event. Special prices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner ($29.10 per person for a 3 course dinner). Reservations accepted.
Odd weather today- an off and on mix of fog and hazy sun. High humidity, but cool this evening with a sea breeze.
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The Borough of Stone Harbor recently completed several practical improvements to the 95th Street public beach area.  The observation deck was rebuilt over the winter. The restroom trailer was relocated for easier access. And a new rinsing station was added just off the walkway (helpful for washing off your feet before walking to Springer’s!)
 Now THAT was a perfect Memorial Day weekend at the shore (well…except the outcome of the Flyer’s games).Â
Local business owners were happy to see customers. The ocean warmed up a bit, and the waves pleased the surfers.  Boats were launched and fishing strategies discussed.
When catching up with our neighbors and summer friends, can you guess the first topic of conversation?  The winter snow. Everyone agreed… we deserve a great summer!
The island will be fairly quiet for the next 2 weeks. Once school ends, we will see the return of our summer property owners and tenants. Welcome summer 2010 🙂
When I’m out kayaking, IÂ like to observe life on “the other side of the island”- bay front homes.
Yesterday, it was entertaining to paddle by a section of Sunset Drive in Stone Harbor. With a mid-day high tide, rear decks and docks were filled with family members and friends. In this particular neighborhood, the small cottages sit close to one another- allowing conversations to flow easily from dock to dock. An unofficial Memorial Day block party on the water.
Bayfront owners in Stone Harbor proudly display their flags for Memorial Day. This one caught my attention because the pole is a natural piece of wood- looks like drift wood. Appropriate for the setting.
There’s no question- this is a successful Memorial Day weekend for Avalon and Stone Harbor. Owners and visitors are enjoying great weather, too!
Bikes, joggers, cars,and strollers are everywhere.  On my drive to work, I passed many families heading to the beach for the day.
Tomorrow, both communitieswill honor the holiday with parades and ceremonies. 9am in Avalon- 30th Street to 21st Street; and 12 noon along 96th Street in Stone Harbor.
A quick moving thunderstorm…and then a double rainbow over the ocean 🙂