At the shore, the color of winter is gray. The sand, ocean, winter gulls, jetty rocks, and sky are all a different hue of gray. Today, Mother Nature provided a snow shower during my walk on the beach- blurring the lines between the damp sand, ocean, and horizon even more.
I just purchased a new winter jacket in a bright color (okay…it was on sale so I compromised on the slightly loud color). I am doing my part to add color to the winter months!
See you on the beach 🙂
I live at sea level, happily breathing in moist salt air year round. In order to visit our youngest son, we have to fly to Denver (elevation 5600), and then drive up a mountain pass to Winter Park (elevation 9000). That’s almost 2 miles straight up from the beach!
I had never heard of altitude sickness before 1st traveling to Colorado- not a common problem along the east coast. But I now know more about it than most…because it’s an issue each time I visit.
Not sure why people actually live in this environment- no ocean nearby, the temperature is below zero on a regular basis, you need a hat and gloves even in the summer, and the humidity level is so low (the famous “dry cold”) that your nose bleeds and skin peels.
The scenery is beautiful, and the sun shines more there than here…yet, it’s still hard for me to understand the appeal.
But, Colorado is the home of our son and his family (including our new grandson- just 3 weeks old), so I am determined to find a solution.
http://www.homeexchange.com/      If you enjoy traveling, and prefer to stay in a home rather than a hotel, you will find this web site interesting.
It’s a great concept- especially for those of us with a house at the shore.
The key is to find “like minded” exchangers. I am fussy (okay, obsessive) about my home- and thankfully, there are other owners out there who live in interesting places and appreciate that quirk!
My husband and I just completed our first exchange- with 5 additional trips planned over the next 2 years.  We are traveling to locations from our wish list, and a few others that weren’t even on our radar until a request arrived.
An exciting way to see the world!
I understand I am allowed this one pass to brag. Our son and daughter in law welcomed their baby boy to the world this afternoon! 8 lbs, 6 oz, and 22 inches “tall”. They live in Colorado- so we have to survive on pictures and phone calls for now…until our planned visit in 2 weeks (it will seem like forever!)
“Nan and Poppy” are thrilled to enter this new phase of our lives.
     Jenny and baby!
The Avalon Sunoco Gas Station is closed. The repair crew is relocating to the end of Avalon Blvd. The 220′ X 110′ parcel is owned by Sun Oil. Not certain of their plans for the site.
Henny’s Restaurant is closing, too. The liquor license was sold to the owner of the Shelter Haven project (corner of 96th and Third Avenue). Best guess is that Henny’s will be torn down and replaced with retail shops on the lower level, with residential condos above. The Shelter Haven parcel has been vacant for many years- so it will be a step forward to see it improved.
The restaurant addition next to Fred’s Liquor Store is still in limbo. We were looking forward to another quality eating establishment along 96th Street- maybe next year.
A big weekend for the 7 Mile Beach.Â
The Wetland’s Institute hosts its annual Wings & Water Festival- with events in Avalon, Stone Harbor, and Middle Township. Visit http://www.wetlandsinstitute.org/wnw.html for more information.
On Saturday, join the surfing dudes (young and old) on 111th Street as they compete for the perfect wave in support of Villa Maria By the Sea. The Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary will be on hand to sell their popular “Nun’s Beach” wear! The dinner held in the retreat house dining hall is sold out weeks in advance and is great fun for all.Â
I noted in yesterday’s post that there have been fewer dolphin sightings this summer. They must be reading my blog!
I kayaked this morning in the ocean and had a great “dolphin encounter”.  A large group (pod?) was heading south- and I was in their path. A few even circled around for a second look. Then a dolphin popped up less than 5 feet away and I was face to face with him. Better than Sea World!
                      
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Random observations of the summer:  A serious market shortage of 1 piece bathing suits…forcing women of all ages and shapes to wear bikinis; similar shortage of beach cover-ups, too (am I getting old or what!); wonderful weather overall- just one rainy week; exceptional weather for Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends; fewer sightings of dolphins – did they vacation in LBI this summer?; golf carts used for in-town driving- I saw one in Avalon and one in Stone Harbor; kite surfing off the 122nd Street beach- very exciting to watch.
To me, Labor Day does not signal the end of the season. We have 2 more months of beautiful weather and many beach days still to enjoy.  I hope you can take advantage of our “quiet season”, too!
I look forward to Lisa Scottoline’s “Chick Wit” each Sunday in the Philadelphia Inquirer: http://scottoline.com/Site/Column/
Back in March, Lisa observed the trend for multiple dogs in a household. Based on a summer of walks on the beach and around town, I agree that everyone has a dog (or 2 or 3).
I understand that the dogs can’t read the “no dogs” sign at the beach path (although their owner should know better). But when I am chased or jumped on during my walk- I become less tolerant.Â
And I become very possessive of my beach and town when an owner fails to clean up after their dog. I have seen owners look the other way and pretend not to notice (right on the beach path or at the water’s edge), and maybe even worse- toss the used plastic bag down one of the street gutters (which in turn flows right to the ocean).
Because this will continue to be our reality, Stone Harbor and Avalon need to find the balance of welcoming our summer guests- and enforcing the basic rules. I have not seen a police officer stop a dog walker on the beach in the early morning hours. At the very least, I would appreciate the leash rule enforced. No one should feel intimidated to take a peaceful walk along the shore.
http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/08/31/travel/escapes/31shore.html
The New York area is discovering the southern end of the Jersey Shore- this is the second article featuring Avalon and/or Stone Harbor in as many weeks.