Category: Activities

It’s a gradual transition: shorts to work out pants.  Long sleeve t-shirts to turtle necks; then a fleece jacket.  The knit hat/light weight gloves- switched out with warmer options as needed. The cotton socks replaced with wool socks.  The heavier, dorky…I mean warm…pants.  Hiking shoes (originally purchased for a trip to Ireland-  great for beach walking and much warmer than sneakers).

This morning- my final wardrobe change: the serious LL Bean winter jacket! 

Perfect fall weather this weekend- fewer layers will be needed later today and tomorrow 😉

This is my concern:  with the beach permit, will we wimp out of our winter beach walks?

I took this picture Friday night at sunset…from inside the Jeep!  It was windy and cold, but I wanted to watch the colorful sunset and moonrise.

I answered my own question yesterday morning.  As I ventured outside for the newspaper, the moon was still bright over the bay.  The sun was up, so I hurried back out for a long walk along the beach before work.

Will try to find the balance of comfort, and fresh air in the coming months 🙂

A light drizzle during my morning walk.  The colorful view was a nice distraction!  Sounds like we will have to find our warmer clothes for the weekend 🙁

FYI- Stone Harbor is hosting a Harvest Festival on SUNDAY, 10/30 along 96th Street.  Family activities, food vendors, and music.  Event was postponed due to the weather.

Early morning high tide and mild weather = bay kayaking before work.  The only other boats I saw were tied to a dock.  Had the bay all to myself  😉

Dolphins!  I took this picture during my morning walk – watched the dolphins jump out of the water and ride a few waves.

Even better?  I was surrounded by dolphins while kayaking in the ocean yesterday after work!  At first, I was able to paddle along side a few (the hot shots were racing me…I know).  And then, I positioned the kayak in the path of on-coming “traffic”.  Several dolphins circled under and around my boat (I asked them nicely not to tip me over!)- what an experience 🙂

An incredible afternoon.  Plus, I provided entertainment for those on the beach…with the dolphins, and my less than graceful dismount as I rode back to shore 😉

A positive outcome from our rainy September weather?  The gardens on the island will thrive well into the fall.

The mums are in full bloom and the goldenrod in the dunes is bright yellow. 

Our “maritime forests” provide color as the leaves start to change.  Walk through a dune path, or around one of the protected sanctuaries (74th Street, 114th Street, or 123rd Street). This time of year, you can be up close to nature without the crowds…or the bugs!

Another Friday morning adventure.  The sun returned (finally) and we drove up to Ocean City with our bikes.

I was surprised by the number of people riding, walking, and jogging along the boardwalk.  The designated lanes for each activity helped!

Interesting to see the ocean front homes from this vantage point.  Like other shore communities, Ocean City has experienced a major transformation with the size and style of the newer structures.

After riding the length of the boardwalk (with a stop mid-way for breakfast), we loaded up the bikes and drove the scenic way home through the south end of Ocean City, Strathmere, and Sea Isle City.