Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Category: Activities

  • Back Bays

    marsh.jpg  Even if you don’t live on the bay- there are opportunities to enjoy the calm (and usually warmer) back bay waterways.  Avalon and Stone Harbor have several public docks. The easiest for parking:  Avalon Bay Park with a fishing/crabbing dock on 53rd Street, and swimming dock/ kayak launch area on 57th Street.  Other docks: 8th Street, over the 21st and 25th Street bridges, 23rd Street, 81st Street, 83rd Street, and 113th Street.

    Tide schedule available on Avalon Anchorage Marina’s web site: http://www.avalonanchorage.com/

  • Weekend Wrap Up

    Another big weekend along Seven Mile Beach.  The first Saturday of August is traditionally our busiest rental check in day, with the popular Arts and Crafts Show one of the main attractions.  A fast moving thunderstorm rolled in early Saturday morning.  The gusty winds toppled several deck tables- a frustrating mess because the tempered glass breaks in to a billion pieces! (a practical reason to always secure your deck umbrella when not in use).

    twilight.jpg  A Walk After Sunset Tonight

    It was wonderfully cool along the beach- and the lights of Wildwood boardwalk glowed in the distance.  One bright star over the calm ocean, and a crescent moon over the bay.  Most decks were in use as family and friends enjoyed the night (this is the true sense of a seashore vacation).  I also appreciated the opportunity to see inside the well lit homes as I walked by (totally real estate related…not just me being nosy!)

     

  • No Gas Worries Here

    kayaking2.jpg  Back bay kayaking- an economical way to see wildlife (and houses!) up close.  I was out the other night just before sunset…a comfortable breeze and the opportunity to watch graceful snowy egrets as I paddled near the marsh.

    This morning, the bay was completely still.  It was an equilibrium challenging combination- the reflection of the clouds and houses on the bay, plus a light mist. A great way to start the day  🙂

  • Safety on Vacation

    There was a segment on The Today Show this morning about staying safe on vacation.

    The statement that caught my attention- “parents let down their guard, and don’t always enforce the same rules that apply at home”.  Unfortunately, very true.

    Two recent examples that I observed: bike riders (including several adults with their kids in the attached buggy) out during the height of the severe thunder storm Sunday-  hopefully they were rushing home, but it was hard to tell; and a young girl at the beach by herself in the early morning hours to collect shells- I’ve seen her each morning this week- no adult in sight. Noticed her walking off the beach and she is staying 2 blocks back. 

    We may feel that we live in “Utopia”, but the shore is still part of the real world (thankfully a modified version). 

  • Not a Beach Day 🙁

    raindowntown.jpg  I didn’t believe the weather forecast (I prefer to live in denial) – and made plans for some time on the beach after work this afternoon.  The heavy rain caused minor flooding along Dune Drive, and our visitors to run for cover!  Messy afternoon- but the sky is looking brighter.

  • Cheers For The Beach Cleaners

    sandsculpture.jpg  This artistic sand sculpture remained intact over night.  The beach cleaner was kind enough to circle around it, so it could be admired for another day.

    I feel guilty if I am the first set of foot prints over rows of freshly raked sand.  It’s like walking on just vacuumed carpet! 

  • Hot Wind v. Ocean Breeze

    I live 1,125 feet from the beach (375 yards for those who golf).  The hot air hit me as soon as I walked out of my house.  Thankfully, the beach has a separate weather system.  The cool air hanging over the ocean could be felt as soon as I reached the beach path.

    During my walk, there was a constant battle between the steady south west wind and the cooler ocean air.  The swirl of hot and cool surrounded me- with the hot air winning the battle once the sun broke through the clouds.

    Keep cool- sit by the water, and root for the sea breeze!

  • Extinct at the Shore?

    I noticed this last summer…and the trend continues.  Are bathing suit cover-ups in short supply?  Have manufacturers stopped producing them? 

    This crisis forces hundreds of girls to walk around in their bikinis, even while shopping down town.  And then, in the spirit of solidarity, men remove their shirts.  It’s an endless cycle…  😉

  • Moon Rise…Sunset

    Not the correct name of the song- but my title applies tonight.  The setting sun was a HUGE red ball reflecting over the calm back bay.  And the almost full moon was bright white over the ocean.  No waves, so the surfers were just hanging with the dolphins.  Now the sky is a brilliant pink and blue- beautiful!

    sunset.jpg 

  • Bike Lane- update

    bikelane.jpg  I had my concerns about the bike lane, but I have to admit- it works.  The bike riders stay off to the side and for the most part- ride in the correct direction.  I feel safer when I am on my bike; and when driving, I’m glad the young children have guidelines to stay focused on the road.