Signs of summer:
The “traffic” on the bike lane is comparable to the traffic on Dune Drive.
Fancy cars are spotted all over the island…I saw a Lamborghini this morning!
On my early morning beach walks, I see young children still in their pajamas- usually with the Dad (letting Mom sleep in??)
A picture perfect start to June- enjoy the weekend.
FYI- as reported, the beach fill project will continue through the early part of the season. Â In the meantime, sand paths over the dredge pipe will allow for safe beach access.
Sorry- I need to vent!
First the official rules:  In Avalon, dogs are not permitted on the beach between March 1st through September 30th.  In Stone Harbor, dogs are permitted between September 30th and June 1st any time during the day; and after June 1st, from 7pm through sunset.  In both communities, the dogs must be on a leash year round.
The reality: many owners use the open space of the beach as an opportunity to allow their dogs to run.
Unfortunately, a loose dog can be a nuisance (or worse) to others on the beach.
If a dog aggressively approaches me, barks at me, jumps on me, or chases me…it’s not my fault (despite being told otherwise just this morning!). Â And frankly, it’s not even the dog’s fault. Â The dog owner has the responsibility to maintain control of their pet- preferably with the aid of a leash.
I don’t want to hear “He’s just saying hello”, or “Don’t worry, she won’t bite”, or “He’s just a puppy”, or today’s classic line “It’s because you are afraid”.
I am nervous around dogs, so I purposely move out of their way while walking on the beach. Â But, walkers/runners should not feel intimidated by dogs…or their owners.
End of rant- thanks!
Monday 5/27 Â UPDATE: the work will continue through this week. As of June 1st, the project in Stone Harbor will temporarily stop while the dredging company completes a small job in Wildwood. Once that work is complete (approximately 30 days) the beach fill project will resume in Stone Harbor. The crew will work 24/7 and progress north to 79th Street. Beach access will be restricted in the immediate pumping site (usually 3 blocks at a time) for safety reasons.
The inconvenience is necessary to take advantage of Federal funds available to restore our beaches after the storms.
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The weather has improved, and the crew is back at full speed.
As of this morning, beach access is closed between 111th to 109th Streets. Â The dune paths are open- allowing spectators to watch the fascinating process. Â All other beach access points are open.
A (very) short video: Â Nuns’ Beach, Stone Harbor
The repairs and painting are complete- time to unveil the Stone Harbor landmark.
The rain stopped, and brilliant sunshine returned for the 8:30am ribbon cutting on the Avalon beach.  What a great community event.
Beach fill progress: sand pumping and grading, and actively building a new beach on 113th Street as of this morning. The equipment and crew members will steadily move north until the project is completed.  Beaches south of 115th Street are open, and sand  paths will be built over the rubber pipe that carries new sand to the beaches.
For more info: www.dredgingtoday.com/2013/05/21/usa-stone-harbor-renourishment-moves-ahead/
Foodie news: although Bradley’s Steaks moved to 83rd Street and Third Avenue, their former location will continue to offer sandwiches and cheese steaks to the hungry south end crowd. Sunset Steaks & Shakes will join Clarke’s Sunset Market next door. Â 108th and Third Avenue.
Noticed the return of a concession hut on the beach the other day.  And today, I heard the details.
Three years ago, the DEP forced the Borough of Stone Harbor to remove the wooden sheds because they viewed the structures as permanent. Odd, because the huts were placed on raised platforms and hauled off the beach each fall.
Obtaining the proper permits took several years…and now, we can once again buy ice cream without tracking down the Fudgy Wudgy guy 😉
The stand locations will remain the same as in years past. Some will offer beach item rentals, too.
Most of the vehicles on the island this week? Contractor and delivery trucks.
Trades people are working long hours to complete projects in time for Friday; outdoor furniture and gas grills will be delivered to numerous homes; food stores and restaurants are stocking up; and Borough workers continue to prep the beaches and town for the big holiday weekend.
Stone Harbor will officially “open” the beach on Thursday, 5/23. Avalon will join other Jersey shore communities for a symbolic ribbon cutting on Friday, 5/24.  The mile long ribbon will be held by local business owners, residents, and school children.  8:30am on the 30th Street beach.  Should be a nice event.
On Memorial Day (Monday), there will be 2 parades: Â Avalon at 9am; and Stone Harbor at 12 noon. Â A great excuse for a bike ride to catch both events.
P.S. Stone Harbor will also join in with the Jersey shore ribbon cutting Friday morning. Â 9am at the 95th Street beach. Encouraging business owners, residents, and visitors to help with the event. Â This will replace the Thursday beach opening.
