We returned last night from our vacation on another island- Kaua’i, Hawaii.
The beaches are beautiful, yet it’s not the “lounge in a beach chair reading a book” type of environment. Â
 To really SEE the island, you have to hike remote trails- and wear serious footwear!
The Power Play backpack came in handy, too!
This week, I was able to kayak on the bay, spend a few hours in a beach chair, walk in the (still warm) water, ride the island on my bike, and of course take my regular beach walks. Rough life.
And, yes…I DO work full time, too 😉
Time to start our off-season adventures: yesterday it was a bike ride along the Wildwood boardwalk.
We started at the beginning of the boardwalk in North Wildwood-Â through the crowds in town for the annual Firemen’s Convention- and then along the beach side bike path in Wildwood Crest.
Our lunch break on the way back was at Sam’s Pizza. And, under the category “only at the shore”, there was a group of local school children there on a field trip!
With the date change for the annual Wings n’ Water Festival (held in July this year), the Stone Harbor Chamber of Commerce organized a replacement event:
Savor September- Food and Wine Festival. 96th Street shopping district on Saturday, September 15th. 12 noon to 8pm.
Those of us working all weekend appreciate that the music and food vendors will be on hand past 5pm- looking forward to stopping by after work.Â
For more information, click here:  schedule of events
Time to look both ways as you walk onto the beach: permits for approved vehicles are now available in Avalon and Stone Harbor.
When you pay for the permit, the Borough will provide a list of the required safety items needed in the vehicle, as well as the specific access dates/hours.
While this permit is “technically” for fishing…I have heard there are residents who like to pick up sandwiches from Wawa and eat dinner with an ocean view 😉
Pinned a beach tag to a pair of shorts for a long walk on the beach today…the last time for the 2012 season.
Did you complete your summer “bucket list”? Is is weird that my list includes food? Mack’s Pizza, Springer’s Ice Cream, Kohler’s Bakery, Green Cuisine, Isabelle’s, Bradley’s…a few of our favorites- only open in season. The list also includes a family trip to the water park (otherwise, walks on the Wildwood boardwalk are an off season item), and watching the full moon rise while kayaking. √√
After Labor Day, we start on the next list, including bike rides along the Ocean City boardwalk and around Cape May Point.
September and October promise beautiful beach days, lower humidity, and cooler nights. It’s our reward for working hard all summer 🙂
Okay…that was NOT my first thought when I crashed in my kayak this morning.
I was just starting out- and I know to wait between sets of waves for the lull. However, this morning, the breaking waves weren’t cooperating…and I decided to forge ahead.
As I was paddling out, a large wave broke over my head and turned the boat sideways. I wasn’t in deep water yet, so I scraped along the bottom (did you know you can get really sandy while IN the ocean??) and ended up below the boat.
I knew I twisted my back when I tried to get up. Knew the boat hit my face, but didn’t feel the “egg” right away.  Briefly thought about setting the purple kayak free in the ocean 😉
So, I went home with a bruised ego (of course people on the beach were watching), sore back, scraped shoulder…and a very attractive black eye.
P.S. It’s been a full week since my kayaking mishap. My side is still a sore, and the black eye is fading to an ugly yellow (and can be partially disguised with make-up). The former hockey players in my office have no sympathy!
Taking a break from ocean kayaking for awhile…
Seen my morning walk: surfers in wet suits, long sleeve t-shirts, and a few long pants. After a summer of high temperatures…do we now feel chilled at 70 degrees??
And a heads up for later: today is the annual Tour de Shore Bar Crawl through Avalon and Stone Harbor. Watch out for costumed participants on bikes, and rented trolleys. Always a bit entertaining!
A few tips for those interested:
I initially started kayaking on the bay in an open hull boat. The owner of Harbor Outfitters recommended this style because it’s reasonably light weight, stable, and I stay dry (especially important when I go out in the spring and fall).
A few years later, I ventured out in the ocean when the woman renting a neighbor’s property asked if we wanted to buy the “purple monster” (pictured) after her vacation. She had purchased it new just 2 weeks before, but did not want to take it home. The boat’s nickname should have been a clue!
The ocean kayak is a solid, sit on top model. It’s heavy (when it hits you) and you definitely get wet!
So when to go?
For the bay, high tide is the main preference. I love when the bay looks like a sheet of glass; however the still air can also mean the gnats will be brutal. A light breeze and a calm bay are ideal. The current in an open channel can be rough- so paddling around the basins is a safer bet. For me, it’s a fun perspective of the homes.
On the ocean, my preference is low tide, and “lake like” conditions. Others may prefer the waves, but that’s not my skill set ;)  Early morning seems to work best- calmer winds…and dolphins!
Bay or beach, I ALWAYS wear a life vest.
P.S. Decided to re-post a picture from last summer.
This is my sister who made the comment about securing (prescription) sun glasses when kayaking in the ocean.
Wonder why??
Only funny when it happens to someone else 😉
This is the “before” picture taken on Saturday morning (105th Street, Stone Harbor):
I posted the “during” shot in my previous blog post (still without a clue of the purpose or event).
And this is the “after” picture- The Sand Guys finished their creation last night:
The artist was hired to create the sculpture for a private individual (depicting his varied interests and activities).  The Sand Guys can also be seen on the Discovery Channel.
Check it out if you are in the area!