Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Category: Activities

  • Conquering Fear

    The last time I kayaked in the ocean, it didn’t end well.  It was almost 1 year ago, and I tanked while heading over the first set of waves.  I was tossed (twisting my back), and then hit by the kayak (providing a lovely black eye).  Needless to say, I didn’t go back out again for the rest of the season.

    Bay kayaking is more of a controlled environment.  Calm water and the safety net of nearby docks.

    For 2013, my plan was to make sure I had enough arm strength and confidence from bay kayaking before facing the ocean again.

    And today was the day.  A quiet morning, low tide, no wind…all the right conditions.

    As I rolled the kayak onto the beach, there was a fisherman at the water’s edge.  Oh good…a lifeguard!  Apparently, he did not understand his responsibilities because he left soon after I launched.  Oh well, the drivers of the beach tractors were my back up.

    So, I successfully paddled over the waves and out to the calm water.  Watched a beautiful sunrise…and conquered my fear.  Only disappointment?  No dolphins (my main motivation for ocean kayaking).  Will have to try again soon  🙂

    MondayKayaking

     

     

     

     

  • Peer Pressure

    Woke up early (well, earlier) to fit in my beach walk before the forecasted rain.

    I heard light rain on the sky light- darn.  Checked my phone for the current radar- not looking good either.  And then clicked on to Twitter to read the over night posts.

    That’s when the peer pressure hit- John Cooke was already posting from his Cape May beach walk.  Like me, John tweets, and writes a blog…and works in the tourist industry full time.  I guess if he’s out, I should be too.

    So I put my phone in a dry bag (it’s ALL about protecting the phone) and headed down to the beach.  I was rewarded with a beautiful sunrise, cool air, and no rain.

    Thanks, John!

    ThursSun

  • Sunday Sights

    Look up…it’s the sun!  Or can we only see it from the reflection on our phones and tablets?

    On my way to work,  I saw several young people riding their bikes AND checking their phones at the same time.  I also saw a woman walking her dog (in the bike lane no less) while reading her Kindle.

    I’m amazed there aren’t more bike and pedestrian accidents caused by the distraction of technology.  Please stop and look both ways before tweeting or texting 😉

  • Islandman Triathlon

    Another great turnout for the annual Islandman Triathlon this morning.  The weather cooperated, too.

    For race results, visit the Tim Kerr Charities web site- CLICK HERE

    2013Triathlon

  • Next Saturday- Triathlon in Avalon

    IslandmanIt’s that time of year already- The Islandman Triathlon (a Tim Kerr Charities event).

    Race Director Midge Kerr, needs volunteers for the bike course portion of the race.  This is a closed course event for the safety of the participants (when you see how fast the riders pass, you will understand!)

    Saturday, June 29th between 7:15am and 9:45am. Coverage requested for each block on Avalon and First Avenues along the course. Volunteers will receive FREE logo wind jackets.

    Please let me know if you are available to help:  ann@anndelaney.com

    For more information regarding the event: Tim Kerr Charities Web Site

    Thanks!

     

     

  • AND…we are open!

    The rain stopped, and brilliant sunshine returned for the 8:30am ribbon cutting on the Avalon beach.  What a great community event.

    FridayRibbonLineofPeopleMayorRibbonflag

     

  • Seashore Hiking

    I joke that my “hiking shoes” are put to good use on the soft sand, and to climb over jetties.  Another opportunity for a decent hike is along the marsh side of Stone Harbor point.  This is the best time of year to explore the paths…before the bugs arrive!

    A few tips:  Sections of the path are accessible only at low tide; the paths can be muddy- best after a few dry days; and wear sturdy shoes (you are often walking over bay reeds).

    Start at the parking lot at 123rd Street- and walk down the clam shell path.  There are 2 observation decks- one on the right hand side along the path, and the other on a path that wraps around to the right (toward the bay).  If you continue to follow the path around (sections are muddy), you will exit at the street end of 122nd and Third Avenue.

    Of course, a long walk along the beach side of the point is always worthwhile (plenty of open space even with the restricted bird nesting areas).

    SHPointPath2SHPointPath

     

     

    LowTidePoint

    stoneharborpoint

  • Borough of Avalon

    2013BoroAvalonCopies of the 2013 Borough of Avalon Information and Recreation Guide were dropped off to our office yesterday (plenty of extras available if you want to stop by).

    Information is also available on line at www.avalonboro.org 

    In addition to the detailed beach info and schedule of events, there is a page promoting the new 7 Mile Jitney Service.  Shuttles will begin their loop between Avalon and Stone Harbor on Memorial Day weekend.

    For more information:  7 Mile Jitney web site

  • Stone Harbor Shiver

    A crowd of happy people ran into the ocean today!  Now, they are getting even “happier” at the Fred’s after party 😉

    The 3rd Annual Stone Harbor Shiver (I did not participate…maybe if the event was held in July???)

    Photo credit- 7MileIslandHomes Facebook page

    StoneHarborShiver

  • Quiet Walks

    With only a few birds to disturb…I am free to sing along to the music on my iPod…for now 😉

    footprints

    Tuesday