I was composing today’s entry in my head as I walked along the beach this morning. It was all positive: a cool and eerie fog, the sweet smell of salt water, a man playing a bugle (seriously), the sun breaking through the clouds…UNTIL an unleashed German Shepherd appeared out of the mist!
I stopped dead in my tracks- and asked the owners to please leash their dog. They looked confused- why would I mind a large dog running toward me??? I think I may have encountered this same dog last summer (one of many), prompting a similar “vent” in my blog!
Sure enough- on my return, the dog was once again off the leash. The owner had a difficult time catching the dog- and I had to wait through this process, and endure nasty looks.Â
I am not comfortable around dogs, and afraid of certain breeds. So it’s frustrating to feel intimidated when I just want to enjoy a walk along the beach.
 Incredible- this is the view from 11th Street looking north toward the jetty. The north end beach replenishment was completed just before the 4th of July. The Borough of Avalon officials deserve high praise for expediting this project.
          
     
 
 I had my concerns about the bike lane, but I have to admit- it works. The bike riders stay off to the side and for the most part- ride in the correct direction. I feel safer when I am on my bike; and when driving, I’m glad the young children have guidelines to stay focused on the road.
 Not sure why the life guard stand was on the wrong side of the beach path this morning?? At first I thought the beach patrol was concerned about high tide…but all of the other stands were in their normal locations. Maybe it was “borrowed” for the night?
 Great waves for the surfers, thanks to Bertha. The churned up cool water created a fog along the water’s edge, obstructing the normally clear view to North Wildwood from the south end of Stone Harbor. 
 My family has all gone home…so back to the real world for me.  I’m lucky that my real world includes living and working near the beach- so not too bad! 
Hot Wind v. Ocean Breeze
I live 1,125 feet from the beach (375 yards for those who golf). The hot air hit me as soon as I walked out of my house. Thankfully, the beach has a separate weather system. The cool air hanging over the ocean could be felt as soon as I reached the beach path.
During my walk, there was a constant battle between the steady south west wind and the cooler ocean air. The swirl of hot and cool surrounded me- with the hot air winning the battle once the sun broke through the clouds.
Keep cool- sit by the water, and root for the sea breeze!