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!
Category: Life at the Shore
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Before/After
Over the last 2 years, our beaches took a beating from Irene, Sandy, and several Nor’easters. Â Thankfully, Avalon and Stone Harbor were already in line for a beach replenishment project. Â 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).
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Not Just a Tree
I’m so sad.While driving to work this morning, I saw a public works crew on the center island at 56th Street- with tree roots in a tractor. Â I quickly turned around to ask what happened to “my tree”.
I posted about this tree in the past:  A Special Tree  Planted in memory of my father over 20 years ago.
Unfortunately, a woman ran into the tree yesterday afternoon, and her car landed upside down on Dune Drive. Â The Borough worker said she was okay- and I said “maybe the tree somehow saved her”. Â Then he suggested I plant a new tree. Â Good idea…
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Conquering Fear
The last time I kayaked in the ocean, it didn’t end well. Â It was almost 1 year ago, and I tanked while heading over the first set of waves. Â I was tossed (twisting my back), and then hit by the kayak (providing a lovely black eye). Â Needless to say, I didn’t go back out again for the rest of the season.
Bay kayaking is more of a controlled environment. Â Calm water and the safety net of nearby docks.
For 2013, my plan was to make sure I had enough arm strength and confidence from bay kayaking before facing the ocean again.
And today was the day. Â A quiet morning, low tide, no wind…all the right conditions.
As I rolled the kayak onto the beach, there was a fisherman at the water’s edge. Â Oh good…a lifeguard! Â Apparently, he did not understand his responsibilities because he left soon after I launched. Â Oh well, the drivers of the beach tractors were my back up.
So, I successfully paddled over the waves and out to the calm water.  Watched a beautiful sunrise…and conquered my fear.  Only disappointment?  No dolphins (my main motivation for ocean kayaking).  Will have to try again soon  🙂
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Saturday Sun
Beautiful morning. Â Watched the surfers AND dolphins riding in the waves.
Now in work, and ready for another big rental change over day…
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Picking a Dream House
Even though I live here, I still play the “What house would I buy” game. Â Admit it…you play it, too.
Basic premise: Â If I win the lottery (or someone pays me millions of dollars to sponsor my blog), I need to know what house to buy. Â My choices change all the time. Walking and kayaking provide ample opportunity to review the options.
For instance, I have a current favorite bay property. Â It’s not the house as much as an incredible water front location. Â And it’s for sale…which means that someone else will have an opportunity long before me 🙁 Â Â Not to worry…I will move on.
A sample from this morning’s kayaking review:
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Sunday Morning
A lazy Sunday morning for some: Â during my beach walk, I was out pacing the dolphins swimming just past the wave break 😉
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Up and Out Early
A peaceful morning of bay kayaking before a hectic work day. Â BIG rental change over day, the Arts & Crafts Show at 80th Street, and the Brendan Borek Surf Memorial at the 30th Street beach.
Have a great weekend!
