 You may have heard the term “elevation” or noticed markings on a curb (in the photo- Elev 9.23). The elevation of a street varies by location on the island. The lowest elevations are closer to the bay (the Avalon lagoon area is an exception), and the highest are on Bayberry Drive and in the dunes.
New construction requires a first floor elevation of 11 feet. And the rate for flood insurance is based on the elevation- below 10 feet will cost twice as much as above 10 feet (an issue when purchasing an older home that sits low to the ground).
If major renovations are planned on a structure that sits below the required elevation, the Borough (Avalon and Stone Harbor)Â will require the home to be raised to meet code- a realistic factor in the decision to renovate versus tear down.
 Built in 1895 as a lifesaving station, this classic seashore building located on the corner of 117th and Second Avenue, Stone Harbor is owned by American Legion Post 331. A major restoration project is almost complete, including handpainted murals inside the garage doors.
 Another cloudless day with the warm sun rising over the ocean. Looking forward to more morning daylight…but I wish it didn’t mean darkness right after work 🙁
 
 Beautiful day today- too nice to stay inside (except now at 4pm to watch the coverage of the Phillies celebration at the stadium). 
 Very exciting game last night. After the win, someone was driving around our block honking their car horn- I guess they knew it would be a bit lonely to run out in the street to celebrate!
 Aaaahhhh…back on the beach for a walk after work. The sun was out, and it was a beautiful afternoon.
 But first, I had to get on the beach. This sign was posted on the steps at the end of our street- there was a storm while we were away that caused some beach erosion. Oh well, just had to climb over a railing and around the fence…and jump a bit at the end of the path (the sign didn’t mean that I couldn’t access the beach :)  Once I was on the beach, the damage was moderate. Thankfully, a beach replenishment is scheduled for Stone Harbor this fall. 
 Typical with our winter storms- items wash up on the beach.  Pieces of a Hobie Cat were scattered on the beach at the Point. Also at the Point- bird watchers. Saw a bird watching couple making out (smooching)…I guess bird watching is more exciting than I thought?? Funny…
 Back home from our trip. Spent our last 2 days in San Francisco- the highlight was riding a bike over the Golden Gate Bridge! 
 Took a 4 mile hike through Big Basin Redwoods State Park- the trees are amazing (I am walking through one of the trunks in the photo). The road to and from the park was like a roller coaster ride- we were so glad to eventually reach the coastal road.
 Speaking of the coastal road, the section between Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay is unique. It’s a prime farming area- with large planted fields adjacent to the ocean cliffs- I’m surprised the salt spray doesn’t effect the crops. The largest crop- pumpkins. The farm stands were bursting with supply!
Wandering Skunks
It was mild tonight, and I decided to walk after work. Because it was already dark 🙁   I walked in the middle of Second Avenue under the street lights. Sure enough, a Stone Harbor skunk ran out from under a parked car and toward the center island. Thankfully, I was not in his way. Yuck!Â
The good news?  A Monday night in November allows me to walk in the middle of the street without any traffic safety issues. It’s so peaceful- no wonder the skunks wander the island at night!