Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Author: ann

  • Avalon/Sea Isle City Beach Fill

    http://www.capemaycountyherald.com/article/avalon/61686-avalon+wins+coin+flip+first+beach+fill+sand

    On Wednesday, April 21st, the mayors of Avalon and Sea Isle City met on the Townsends Inlet Bridge for a coin toss…seriously.  The outcome determined which town would be first to receive sand from the joint beach fill project starting in May.  Great Lakes Dock and Dredge Company did not have a preference on a starting location, so the mayors agreed that a coin toss would be the best way to decide.

    After Avalon’s victory, the gracious mayor of Sea Isle City said he wasn’t disappointed, and “everybody’s a winner” with replenished beaches in time for the height of the summer season.

    In Avalon, sand will be pumped on the beaches between 9th to 26th Streets; in Sea Isle City, 73rd through 94th Streets.

  • Saturday in Stone Harbor

    1) Have your quarters ready…the parking meters will be on.

    2) Sail into Summer/Boat Show & Seafood Festival on 96th Street all weekend- the weather will be ideal!

    3) No turn on red at the 96th Street traffic lights between May 1- October 1.

    4) 99th Street blinking light will revert to full traffic signal.

  • Flowering Shore Trees

    TreeThe white flowers from the Bradford Pear trees are gone.  Now, the beautiful Kanzan Cherry Trees (confirmed the official name on Google!) planted along the center islands and in private yards are the star of the show.

    17 years ago, I helped plant this particular tree on 56th and Dune Drive. 

    The reward for a wet winter and spring- a colorful start of our season.

  • Renting a Beach House

    We had a positive experience renting a condo for our recent vacation in South Carolina.  Interesting to compare the differences in procedures in other beach areas:

    1) Linens and bath towels were supplied by the rental management company- very helpful since we were flying to our destination.   This extra perk explains the additional change over time needed (10am check out/ 4 pm check in- we are 10am/2pm).

    2) Clutter versus supplies- I’ve seen rental homes here with kitchen drawers and cabinets filled with “stuff”.  This rental was the opposite-  a well equipped kitchen, but no sandwich bags, foil, spices, laundry detergent, etc.   Guessing that the cleaning service removes all of the extras between each tenant (we put the almost full bottle of laundry detergent on a closet shelf- hoping the next guest can use it).   I understand the policy, but it’s nice to have a few basics on hand to start (and replace as needed).

    3) Properties offered by this management company are all smoke free…and offer wireless Internet service.   Most of our rental homes are smoke free (owner’s choice) and at least 50% have Internet access- a popular amenity with tenants.

    It’s important for rental property owners to understand the competition for a tenant’s hard earned vacation dollar- in the immediate area, and other beach destinations as well.   When I am on the “other side”, I have a new appreciation for the service expected by tenants and owners- it’s a great learning experience.

  • Southern Beaches

    TybeeIslandBack from a one week vacation from work (and the computer).

    This picture was taken on Tybee Island, GA (outside Savannah).  The colorful pole warns residents and visitors of the potential flood level associated with a hurricane.  Even a moderate category 2 hurricane showed a flood surge over my head! Yikes.

    sealoftsOn to unusual real estate (of course I have to study the market in other beach communities):  on Hilton Head Island, there is a small bridge to Deer Island- with free standing “Sea Lofts” along the marsh.  Very different!

     

    HiltonHeadHilton Head Island is beautiful.  Bike riding is the preferred means of transportation (including along the hard sand on the beach- a real treat with the wind at your back!)

    The homes are built to complement the wooded environment- earth tones and natural building materials. 

    Driving to work today, I realized the biggest difference between Avalon/ Stone Harbor and Hilton Head Island – the sky.  The trees on HHI block the hot summer sun, but also make it darker on a cloudy day.  I really appreciated the open feel as I drove along Dune Drive this morning.  Good to be back!

  • Heading South

    SouthWe live by the ocean…so naturally, our vacations tend to be in other beach locations.

    Looking forward to exploring the South Carolina and Georgia coast next week.   Will have to soften my New Jersey twang to blend in…

  • A Seashore Vacation

    You’ve heard the travel agency commercial-  “The Shore Without the Chore” -promoting Caribbean family vacations.  As someone who handles summer rentals at the shore…and also loves to travel, here’s my opinion of that statement:

    Most of our tenants live within a reasonable driving distance.  They pack up their car and kids, and drive 2 hours to check in.  Some even go back and forth if renting for several weeks.  Although no daily maid service, a rental home allows for easy meal preparation (saving $$) and space to spread out on a rainy day.

    The Caribbean vacation, however requires a bit more planning.  The drive to the airport, parking fees, luggage limitations (weight and number of bags), security lines, and then the 4 hour plane ride.

    And as much as I enjoy seeing new areas of the world, there is something to be said for going back to a place where you feel comfortable.  You know the best restaurants and stores.  You have your favorite bakery and coffee shop.  The older children can safely ride their bikes to Hoy’s or the playground.  Everyone quickly falls into their vacation routine…and all is good!

  • Snow?

    treesAva The strong winds are blowing the white blooms off of the Bradford Pear trees lining Dune Drive in Avalon– it looks like snow flakes swirling around!

  • Dune Fertilization

    aerialFYI- Aerial dune fertilization will take place next week between 80th and 122nd Streets in Stone Harbor.

  • April Seal

    AprilsealA bonus on my morning walk- saw a small seal playing near the water’s edge.  I tried to take a picture, but he ducked under the waves.

    This is the 2nd seal encounter for me- in February, I walked by a seal sunning on the snow! 

     https://anndelaney.com/2010/02/03/its-a-beach-day/

    Who says we don’t have excitement at the shore in the off season???