Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Category: Activities

  • Brendan’s Fund

    I am proud to support the Brendan Borek High Tides Memorial Fund.  This local organization assists Cape May County pediatric cancer patients and their families.

    For more information: http://brendansfund.org/

    The annual events start this week:  tonight, crab cakes at Sylvester’s Fish Market; tomorrow night, Artist and Friends Art Show at the Avalon Yacht Club.  Wednesday, pizza at Circle Pizza; Thursday, pancakes at Fishin’ Pier Grill; Friday, Skate Jam at 29th Street park and movie night at the Community Hall.   And on Saturday, August 4th- the 22nd Annual Surf Memorial and Homecoming Party.

  • Family Time

    I know we are so fortunate to live and work at the shore year round.  Yet, when family members are visiting, it can be a challenge to juggle the demands of peak season business with the fun activities.

    Yesterday, I was able to leave the office by 4pm and catch up with everyone on the beach (just in time for a nice sea breeze!)

    On the agenda later this week: bay and ocean kayaking, Morey’s water park, and the Wildwood boardwalk.  If I look a bit weary at the office…you will understand 🙂

  • Beach Clean Up

    Letter from  Leslie Weinberg, representative from United by Blue:

    On Saturday, July 14, the ocean-friendly brand of apparel, United By Blue, and its retail partner, Global Pursuit (262 96th Street), are hosting a beach cleanup in Stone Harbor, NJ  from 10 am to 1 pm. 
     
     
    We are currently trying to mobilize as many volunteers as possible and I was just wondering if you would be willing to promote our cleanup on your beach blog. 
     
     
    Volunteers just need to show up with helping hands, we provide them with gloves, bags, breakfast, water, sunscreen and even a few games and giveaways. 
     
     
    United By Blue is an ocean-friendly brand of apparel that removes a pound of trash from oceans and waterways for every product sold. Since our creation in May 2010, we’ve hosted over 80 cleanups in 18 states and picked up over 130,000 pounds of trash from oceans and waterways.
     
     
    Volunteers can sign up for the cleanup by visiting  http://www.unitedbyblue.com/cleanup/stoneharbor   They can direct questions to cleanup@unitedbyblue.com or 215-642-0693. 

  • Full Moon

    Full moon tonight.  This was my view from last night’s sunset walk along the beach.

    So many events scheduled for tomorrow: fireworks, live music, family activities, etc.  For the complete list, visit:  http://www.avalonboro.org/    and    http://www.stone-harbor.nj.us/default.asp  and Stone Harbor Chamber Chatter

    See you on the beach 🙂

  • Success

    When the conditions are just right, I hurry to the beach in the morning with my kayak.

    From the picture, you can see that my preference is low tide and a VERY calm ocean.

    It seemed ideal as I started out over the small waves. Yet I was surprised by the breaking waves much father out.  Fortunately, I was able to turn the kayak into one of the especially large waves in time to avoid a wipe out.

    My main goal is to mingle with the dolphins.  Saw several beyond my comfort distance (the REALLY deep end of the pool).  I paddle parallel to the shore; within a reasonable swim if I run into trouble (like that earlier rogue wave!)

    The other challenge is the return to the beach.  Today, I was able to control my ride in and willingly dismount 😉

    Hey, this may not compare with the Olympic trials…but I left the beach proud of my kayaking success.

  • Made My Day…

    A relative of a long time tenant stopped by my office this morning.  He said he’s  a fan of my blog, and even mentioned the “Seashore Santa” post as a favorite.  Wow…that made my day!

    I was off yesterday and  stayed cool for a few hours on the beach (a sea breeze arrived just after mid-day).  Today, I am back in work- watching the flags over Hoy’s 5 & 10 with a steady west wind.   Hot, hot, hot…

    Always better by the water: glad I was out early this morning kayaking on the bay  🙂

  • Islandman Triathlon

    The annual Islandman Triathlon will be held Saturday, June 30th.

    Letter from Midge Kerr, Race Director:

    As in years past, volunteers are needed to man the bike course (7:30am to 9:30am). We would be extremely grateful for any help you can get in securing street coverage. We need to have the bike course closed to vehicle traffic for the adult and youth bike races to ensure the safety of our participants.

    The volunteers will stand at the assigned street corners and state to any possible cars that the streets are closed for the charity event and appreciate their understanding until they are once again opened to the public. Some of the athletes will be going up to 30 mph and there will also be up to 450 athletes at the peak of the bike portion to stress the importance of the road closure and the difficulty in finding an opening to pass safely across the roads.
    All volunteers get a free tee shirt which should be worn while on the bike course.
    This will be color coded for the event and allow the children racing to identify a safe and friendly adult that they can get guidance and /or assistance from if the need arises.
    All volunteers are welcome to the post race festivities and foods back at Community Hall.
    The success of Islandman and Islandkids Triathlons depends on our Avalon community getting involved and supporting it and our charity partners.
    Staffing the bike course is our number one priority, but if someone is unable to do it and would still like to help, we could use volunteers at packet pick up Friday, June 29th from 3-6 pm and race morning from 6-8:30 am.
    If you are able to volunteer for this event, please let me know.  ann@anndelaney.com    Thanks!

  • Sunday Sights

    What do you do before work??

    We open an hour later on Sundays, so I have extra time for a morning activity.  Today- ocean kayaking.

    The conditions were ideal (for me): warm water, and minimal waves/ wind.  I am more comfortable in the bay, but the ocean offers the potential for dolphin encounters…so I give myself a pep talk and go!

    This morning, the dolphins were feeding farther out than I wanted to venture.  Two pelicans skimmed the water near me – they are HUGE as they approach you at eye level!  Overall, a peaceful and beautiful morning on the ocean.

    AND, I didn’t crash on my approach back to the beach 🙂

  • Sunday Rush Hour

  • Summer Beach Hiking

    A few years ago, I starting wearing hiking shoes to walk the beach in the winter months.  This evolved for practical reasons:  my feet were freezing in sneakers (see January 2012 post)

    While planning ahead for a fall vacation that will involve actual warm weather hiking,  I researched  suitable, waterproof options.  Like my winter footwear, I knew my best choice would be substance over style!

    I tested my new purchase this morning on my “beach hike”.   The shoes tackled the water’s edge, flat sand, and a few jetty rocks just fine.  Now I know I’m ready for real deal come October 😉