Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Category: Life at the Shore

  • Island Jobs

    Earlier in the week, a sunset walk led to the “free bridge” at the end of Stone Harbor. I’ve kayaked UNDER this bridge, but never walked completely OVER.

    As we approached the bridge tender’s hut, a man stepped out to say hello.  He explained that the bridge is manned every day from 6am to 10pm; through October.  Yet, because that section of the channel needs dredging, very few large boats travel  by. The bridge tender said he has opened the bridge just 3 times this season during his shifts.

    We chatted again for a few minutes on our walk back…I think he was so happy for the company!

    bridge

  • Quiet Mornings

    Beautiful, calm morning on the bay.

    FAQ regarding kayaking:  1) Yes, I ALWAYS wear a life vest  2) Yes, I have my phone in a dry box (so I can take pictures and Tweet…of course!)  3) Yes, I stay near the docks in the off season.

    In season, I like to venture away from the basins.  Ironically, if you look at some of the back bay areas at low tide, you will see that I am often paddling in fairly shallow water.  If I ever run into trouble, I can literally climb out of my kayak and walk along the mud!

    ThursdayBayBridge

  • 25th Year- Tim Kerr Island Run

    Didn’t hear a final head count- but estimating that there were over 1,000 participants in today’s race.

    P.S. Tim Kerr confirmed that there were over 1100 runners!

    For race results, a link will be posted on the Tim Kerr Charities web site:  http://timkerrcharities.org/2012/

    I was breaking a sweat during the last 1/2 hour of registration…and that was inside the Community Hall 😉

    2013Race

  • Friday Schedule

    Because I work weekends, I am not scheduled in the office on Fridays.  Yet, working/living in a shore town requires flexibility.

    Yesterday started with a beach walk and breakfast at Uncle Bill’s.  Then 2 quick appointments with property owners. Hurried back to my house to meet family and head down to the beach.  On the beach, a few calls, emails, and texts. Then over to the bay to kayak at high tide.  At 6:30pm, drove back to the office to meet a last minute tenant renting for the weekend (apologized to the tenant for my kayaking hair!).

    Can’t complain…I know how lucky I am to have daily access to the water!

    FridayKayaking

  • More FEMA Map info

    After spending some time searching through the revised FEMA maps, a few observations:

    1) The elevations are much more conservative than stated on the preliminary maps released in December.  In many locations near or on the bay, the homes built in 2013 sit higher than will be required from this point forward.

    2) Most sections are classified as AE zone.

    3) There are new “Special X” zones in locations of higher ground elevation (mostly close to Dune Drive/Second Avenue, and toward the beach).  Not certain if this will result in lower flood insurance premiums for those locations.

    4) Still searching for any homes classified as V-zone.  On the preliminary maps, there were large sections on and near the bay classified as V-zone, requiring new construction and renovations to conform to higher elevations and breakaway walls around the pilings (instead of the typical block foundation crawl space).

    If you look up your shore property on the FEMA Maps (click here), you will see both the estimated “curb” elevation (ground level), and the required Base Flood Elevation.  A Flood Elevation Certificate for your property will provide the exact figures for the curb elevation.

    If you are planning to build new or substantially renovate (more than 50% of the structure value), these elevations will apply.  For example, if your curb is 5 feet, and the Base Elevation requirement is 8 feet: building permits will require the first living level to be approximately 2 feet over the base flood elevation; therefore, 5 feet off the ground.  If your curb elevation is higher (many locations are 8 to 9 feet) the structure can be lower to the ground.

    For specifics, talk with a surveyor and/or the building official for your community.

     

  • That’s Better…

    The sun is winning the battle with the lingering fog.

    The island seems quiet now, but that will dramatically change later today and through tomorrow.  The weather will be cooperating, too.

    P.S.  We have a large family home with a heated pool available to rent for the Labor Day weekend.  $4000 (regular weekly rent of $8000+).  Contact me if interested. 609-967-7950.

    Thursday

  • No Longer a Beach Day

    This was my view earlier- I had just finished ocean kayaking (feeling relieved for not crashing on my return to shore!)  The ocean was calm, and the sun was peeking out from behind the clouds.  Beautiful start to the day…

    Drastically different view now.  The rain arrived around 12:30pm…sending those on the beach to the nearby shops, restaurants, and bars 😉

    WednesdayView

  • Tuesday Sun

    Ho, hum…just another morning walk along the beach 😉

    TuesdaySun

  • August Sunsets

    Amazing “fall” sunsets recently.

    Last night, we watched the International Space Station fly over. At twilight, a steady bright light appeared over the bay, continued overhead, and disappeared over the ocean…very cool!

    BaySunset

     

     

  • Before/After

    Over the last 2 years, our beaches took a beating from Irene, Sandy, and several Nor’easters.  Thankfully, Avalon and Stone Harbor were already in line for a beach replenishment project.   The June/July timing for Stone Harbor was challenging, however, the municipalities had no control over the schedule.

    Now that the projects are complete, I thought it would be helpful to remember the “before” so we can better appreciate the work involved to replace/repair our beaches. Dune grass planting to stabilize the dunes will take place in the fall.

    101st Street beach pavilion in Stone Harbor– March 2013 (looking north, right after a storm)…and August 2013 (looking south on a beautiful summer morning).

    March2013Pav

    101stAugust