TK Charities will host a Youth Run/Bike race on Saturday, July 30th.  Ages 7- 15. $25 race fee (benefits Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). Race starts at 7:30am. Avalon Community Hall- 30th and the beach.
http://timkerrcharities.org/beachclassic.htm
“Street police” volunteers needed along Avalon Avenue from 9th through 30th Streets during the closed course bike race (7:30am to 8am). If you are available to help, please let me know your preferred street location.
Thanks!
The only positive aspect of a west wind in the summer- a calm ocean for kayaking.
I don’t mind a few waves as I head out- nice, cooling splash or two as long as I am paddling directly into the wave. The return to shore is more of a worry.
I try to judge the series of waves and wait for a lull to quickly paddle to the water’s edge. This morning, a couple was sitting in the shallow water in their beach chairs…and had to witness my awkward dis-mount! I’m sure it was good for a laugh 😉
Unfortunately, it won’t be much of a beach day until the wind shifts back to a south or east breeze. The black flies were already out in force early this morning. In the meantime…stay cool!
I kayak in the bay several times a week. It’s good exercise; and my biggest challenges are the wind (causing a choppy current), or the gnats 😉
The ocean is different. Even on a calm day, the waves can catch you off guard and topple the boat. A large,solid molded plastic item crashing into you as you tumble in the surf… hurts!
So why bother? The dolphins.
There is nothing more amazing than a large group of dolphins swimming within a few feet. They are larger and louder (breathing through their blow hole) than you expect.
This morning, I paddled through several huge schools of smaller fish- not sure of the species- the only one I can reference is piranha! The fish were swimming close to the surface, and splashing around.  And of course, I wondered what was chasing THEM! Thankfully, the dolphins were following nearby to make my adventure complete.
P.S. Informed by a serious fisherman- what I saw this morning: “king fish”…not  piranha! Good news 🙂
If you will be in Avalon, NJ on Saturday morning, be sure to cheer for the participants of the Islandman Triathlon.
The ocean swim starts behind the Avalon Community Hall at 7:30am; followed by the closed course bike race; and then the foot race.
For safety reasons, no car traffic is permitted on or across Avalon Avenue or First Avenue during the bike race. The adults complete 3 laps on the bike course: north on Avalon Avenue to 8th Street turn around- south on First Avenue to 38th Street and then along Dune Drive to Bayberry Drive, and back north on First Avenue.Â
The kid’s bike race is only along Avalon Avenue.
Volunteers will be at the street ends to stop cars and pedestrians from crossing during the bike races. Plan you Avalon Coffee and Kohler’s run accordingly 😉
Are you available this Saturday, July 2nd between 7- 9am? “Street Police” volunteers are needed at street ends (between 8th and 38th Streets) to prevent traffic from entering and/or crossing Avalon Avenue and First Avenue during the annual Islandman Triathlon http://www.timkerrcharities.org/
There will be over 500 participants in this sold out event: a 1/4 mile ocean swim; the 12 mile closed course bike race (when you see the speeds, you will understand the need for closed roadways!); and the 5K boardwalk/beach run.
All volunteers receive a 2011 Islandman Triathlon t-shirt as a thank you 🙂
Please let me know if you can help…and your preferred location. Thanks!
P.S. Do you know a student who needs service hours? Volunteers can earn 5 hours- Midge Kerr will provide documentation for the students after the race. Contact Midge@TimKerrCharities.org for more information.
Our 2 week family visit is coming to an end 🙁
Somehow, we have managed to squeeze a summer’s worth of activities into our limited time together.
Plenty of beach days, boogie boarding, ocean AND bay kayaking, the playground, bike rides, the zoo, the bird sanctuary, and a few hours on Wildwood boardwalk for the rides at Morey’s Pier (and the required boardwalk food!)
P.S. Added a last day activity- the 2 Morey’s water parks. Now, I am officially exhausted!Â
Received this Tweet regarding our family activities: @AnnDelaneyBeach interesting to see where people who live where I GO on vacation, go on vacation :)       Â
The final equipment removal from the Stone Harbor beach fill continues to fascinate.
Yesterday, the survey tripod was driven to the water’s edge, lifted by a crane, and then placed on a barge. Off to the next beach fill project!
P.S. My nephews filmed and edited a video of the action. Thanks, guys :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VQr3qRkr-E
If you ever need a reminder of how fortunate we are to live near the ocean…take a child to the beach and watch their excitement.
They will patiently wait for just the right wave. They respect and listen to the lifeguards. Digging a hole by the water’s edge is never boring. And, rolling in the soft sand after swimming is the best way to warm up!
Happiness 🙂
The State of New Jersey requires recreational salt water “fisher-people” to register with the state.
Registration is free, and the data obtained is used to comply with NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Association)Â guidelines.
Forms are available online:Â Â
More activity around the island this weekend as property and business owners prepare for the summer season.
And, the dolphins have returned- I spotted two this morning playing in the waves.
Plan ahead for next weekend: The Borough Wide Yard Sale in Avalon – Saturday 9am to 3pm (rain or shine); followed by the ever popular bulk trash pick up on Sunday and Monday! In Stone Harbor, 96th Street will be busy with Sail into Summer events both Saturday and Sunday- food, music, and great shopping opportunities.
P.S. Kohler’s Bakery opens this weekend, too 🙂