Busy weekend in the Wildwoods.Â
The popular Irish Festival takes over several blocks in North Wildwood- ironically, near the bars!
On the boardwalk- the Classic Car Show and Auction. Hundreds of vintage cars on display from North Wildwood down to the Convention Center. The long walk to admire the cars will justify the boardwalk snacks along the way!
Stone Harbor will follow similar guidelines already in place in Avalon- requiring annual inspections/licensing for all rental properties per an article in the Cape May County Herald.
http://www.stone-harbor.nj.us/
According to the Borough of Stone Harbor web site: the beach replenishment project for 98th through 111th Streets has been rescheduled for mid-October. The set up and survey work will start on Sunday, October 18th; with pumping to follow on Friday, October 23rd.
The dredge is in position in the inlet between Stone Harbor and North Wildwood- pumping sand on the North Wildwood beaches prior to the Stone Harbor project.
Mother Nature has made it very clear that we need new sand. Recent storms battered the dunes and removed much of the remaining layer of  soft sand.
 It’s that time of year…CLOSED signs in the windows of our favorite businesses.
Springer’s and Kohler’s closed last week (I’m all set with cinnamon buns in the freezer for Christmas breakfast). And this was the final weekend for Mack’s Pizza. The owner had a wide grin as he said “see you next year”- he is looking forward to the winter break.
Another fall tradition- the restaurant owners who commit to staying open year round- or at least through December. Reality sets in by the end of October, and most change their plans. The local population is just not able to support more than a handful of eating establishments. And the weekend business is fickle - effected by weather and activities at home.
http://www.wetlandsinstitute.org/wnw.html
Perfect weather all weekend for the annual Wings & Water Festival. Events continue through today in Avalon, Stone Harbor, and Middle Township.
Just like the barrier islands along the Jersey Shore, the islands of Hawaii each have their own distinct character.
Oahu has freeways, high rises, congestion, and rush hour…along with rural areas of beautiful mountains and secluded beaches.Â
Living on a low key island here, the busy atmosphere of Oahu was not for me. Glad to see the landmarks (including the North Shore beaches pictured), and I understand the attraction for those who stay up past 10pm- great restaurants and nightlife.  But not the ideal “Hawaii” for me.
 The first part of our trip to Hawaii was on the island of Oahu.
And our tour of the Pearl Harbor area was just a few days before 9/11. Â
Watching the video in the visitor’s center, I couldn’t help but compare the two events. A profound history lesson.
 Spent the last 6 days on the Big Island of Hawaii. Very beautiful and interesting landscape.Â
I did not have a perspective of the volcano activity until this trip and the tour of Volcanoes National Park.
Took this picture of a coastal road- we could only drive so far due to a fairly recent lava flow! And we worry about occasional flooding ???
 So… this is the beach I walked on yesterday;
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 And this is the beach I walked on today  :)Â
Even on a dreary day, it’s good to smell the salt air!
Back home from our vacation, and surprised that the beach fill isn’t underway in Stone Harbor.  Guessing it was the weather. Saw the dredge in the North Wildwood inlet…will keep you posted.
Fall Beach Days
I’ve seen a few hardy souls bundled up in their beach chairs determined to get some sun!
It’s not over yet- I know the temperatures will improve before we officially store our beach gear for the season. I’m counting on it!