 Hard to see in this picture (my sneakers got wet even at this vantage point)- but there were 2 youngs girls swimming in the ocean yesterday. It was a nice day…however, the water temperature was only 50 degrees. Their father was standing watch at the water’s edge- bundled up in a sweat shirt and encouraging the girls to make it quick!
On this morning’s walk, I saw my first dolphins of the season. A real treat for April.
   Cool sea breeze yesterday- but a beautiful day for a walk along the beach.Â
 Waves of sand untouched by foot prints. That will change soon!
 April is a confused month. It wants to be spring-like, but can’t commit. The fog rolling in off the ocean will lower the air temperture by 10 degrees. It can be sunny and bright inland, but cold and dreary along the coast. Or, like this morning- the strong west wind was blocked by the dunes, so it felt warm on the beach.Â
We will continue to ride the weather rollercoaster for the next few weeks- knowing that the best is yet to come!
Just returned from our trip to Northern Ireland. Of course, the towns along the Irish Sea were my favorite! A unique mixture of massive cliffs and pink sand beaches:
   
   
Before our trip, we heard concerns about our plans to visit Northern Ireland versus the Republic of Ireland. I can confidently say that we felt very safe and welcome in Belfast and all of the surrounding villages. The northeast coast has expansive areas of open space, quiet (but well marked) roads, and charming towns along the sea.Â
Today is race day- the weather for this event is typically cold and rainy, so this morning’s sun is an added bonus for the participants. But they are running in to a steady wind (ENE 16 to 25mph per the the Weather Channel).  That’s why I’m not an athlete- too much of a wimp!Â
My grandparents made the long journey to America in the early 1900’s. My grandfather from Northern Ireland, and my grandmother from the Republic of Ireland (after studying the history, I have a better understanding of the difference). They met in Philadelphia, raised 6 children, summered in Stone Harbor, and eventually settled in Avalon in the late 1950’s.
My husband and I will travel to Northern Ireland this week. My goal is to walk along our beach Tuesday, and then walk along the Irish Sea on Wednesday! We are staying in Newcastle- a low key east coast seaside town (hey, that sounds familiar).
I am looking forward to finding distant relatives while my husband plays golf! Sláinte
 When I look at the sun breaking through the clouds over the ocean on a beautiful morning, I can’t help associating nature with religion. It reminds me to be thankful for the gifts in my life and think about family and friends no longer here. It’s my version of a sunrise service- very appropriate for Easter. Enjoy the weekend!
 
 Work is underway to create walking paths through the Bird Santuary located between 111th and 117th Streets in Stone Harbor. The entry point will be 114th and Third Avenue. This project will be funded primarily through private donations.
http://www.stone-harbor.nj.us/Bird-Sanctuary/Site/Introduction.html
The bulb flowers in our little yard are doing their best to be out for Easter. The local shops and restaurants have the same plan.
There will be OPEN signs at the Windrift Restaurant, Claude’s in North Wildwood (originally Stone Harbor based- and locals are happy to travel across the bridge for a wonderful meal), Via Mare, and many of 96th Street retail shops.
Enjoy an early spring visit to the shore!
Did anyone else see the Red Baron style bi-plane practicing stunts over the ocean this weekend? We watched the spins, flips, and free falls as the sun set- a free air show in Stone Harbor!