The rush begins. Homeowners are in town purchasing trash cans and deck furniture. The cleaning companies are busy with spring and window cleaning requests.  Beach chairs and beach tags are in demand.
Will this be the year for a warm, sunny Memorial Day Weekend?
We all look forward to spring time- but at the shore, the weather is a test of patience. 2 weeks ago I cleaned my porch and deck furniture on a warm sunny day, and last weekend I had to tie it down in anticipation of the nor’easter cruising up the coast. The winds change to a south and east flow- creating more foggy and damp days. We love that same ocean breeze all summer long, but in April and May it makes for some dreary days.
We were fortunate with the weekend storm. There was typical tidal flooding along some streets near the bay. 40 mph winds that turned from the NE to West (which helped with beach erosion). Plenty of rain for our small yards and flower beds.
An early reminder to order your beach tags at the pre-season discount rate: tags are $17 each if purchased before the end of May. You can order the tags through the mail and pick them up later in the spring. The Borough of Avalon 3100 Dune Drive, Avalon, NJ 08202; The Borough of Stone Harbor 9508 Second Avenue, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247.
After 2 weeks of bitter cold temperatures, we are grateful for what feels like a spring day! Mid- 30’s, sunshine, and less wind. President’s weekend typically brings prospective tenants and buyers to the shore. Most are anxious for a day out of the house, and a trip to the beach- even in February- is a nice change of pace.
Only a few more weeks before we see the true signs of spring: restaurants and businesses back open!
Okay…I will admit that I was feeling proud of myself…maybe even a bit smug.  Every morning, I slipped on my sneakers and iPod to enjoy a long walk on the beach.  Why go to a gym when I have a beautiful view just down the street?Â
But this past week, something changed. It’s called JANUARY- the true test of my dedication to a fitness routine. I have added a few more layers to face the 20 mph winds and the 30 degree temperatures (it’s not a fashionable look).
My younger son, who lives in Colorado, thinks I’m a wimp when I complain about the cold. He copes with below freezing temperatures on a regular basis- but it’s a “dry cold” (he says that so we don’t worry). With the mightly Atlantic Ocean nearby, our cold is anything but dry.Â
Many of my fellow walkers have fled to warmer climates for the winter (or maybe just to their treadmills). There are a few hardy souls left and they inspire me to stay outdoors and keep walking!
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There is an interesting connection between Avalon / Stone Harbor, and Naples, Florida. Many local property owners (both year round and summer residents) also own in the Naples area. The real estate markets are similar, and Naples has the same “name brand” recognition as Avalon and Stone Harbor. It’s certainly not as casual as the Jersey Shore (iron that Windrift shirt before shopping at Publix), but the elegant atmosphere is part of the fun. My current favorite restaurant: Zoe’s on 5th Avenue.