Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Category: Life at the Shore

  • Cooler by a Mile…finally

    Ahhhh….

    We can finally turn off the air conditioning and open the windows after WEEKS of high temperatures.

    The strong north west breeze = cool, dry air.

    P.S. A seabreeze as of mid- afternoon…our favorite 🙂

    Beautiful this morning on the beach. 

    Rays of sunshine peeking out behind the clouds provided a dramatic backdrop over the ocean.

    Busy weekend ahead- the Home/Health Show at Avalon Elementary School on Saturday http://www.caperegional.com/  and a Seafood Fest at St. Mary’s Church- 95th and Third Avenue in Stone Harbor (lunch and dinner Saturday).

  • Driving in the Real World

    For years, I resisted buying a GPS for my car- for obvious reasons:  I live on a 7 mile long barrier island with numbered streets 😉

    But, then again, maybe that explains why I find the device so helpful when I’m out in the “real world”!

    A recent family visit in the mountains of North Carolina required a 3 hour drive from the Charlotte Airport- and I welcomed the confident woman’s voice providing instructions along the way.

    Glad to be back navigating Dune Drive!

  • Stormy Day

    A light mist turned in to a steady drizzle during my beach walk.

    Still dreary this morning…hopefully the sun returns later today for our vacationers.

    The tents are already in place on the 80th Street field for this weekend’s Arts & Crafts Show.   This is a BIG event…secure your parking spot early!

  • Wetlands Institute

     A unique perspective of the Wetlands Institute– from the calm tidal basins on the south side of Stone Harbor Boulevard. 

    I was able to kayak through this area yesterday, and even spotted an osprey diving in the bay for breakfast.  Might have been one of the “Real Ospreys of New Jersey” ??  For more information on the programs/events at the Wetlands:   http://wetlandsinstitute.org/    and to view their special osprey cam:  http://wetlandsinstitute.org/education/osprey-camera/

  • Beach Tags

    I estimate that only 1/3 of our rental property owners provide beach tags for their tenants; and the number of tags varies based on the owner’s own personal use.

    If a tenant has rented homes in prior years with beach tags included, they are disappointed to find no tags at the current rental.  I understand their perspective- they paid a substantial rental fee, and are surprised by an additional expense when they arrive. 

    As a local resident and taxpayer, I purchase at least 6 tags every summer to help off set the town’s cost to maintain and guard the beaches.  I consider this a “user fee”.  If my family didn’t go to the beach, tags wouldn’t be needed (but of course, we do!)

    The revenue generated by beach tag sales is used specifically for the care of municipal beaches.  Therefore, it makes sense for all who enjoy the beach to chip in.

  • Slow, No Wake

    Crazy weather this afternoon. 

    Heavy rain, thunder, and lightning.  Borough of Avalon emergency vehicles running back and forth along Dune Drive (2 fire calls so far). Power surges…

    Waiting for the water to recede so that I can leave the office (that’s not my car, thankfully- mine is high and dry, but the roads are not).  Every time I think it’s looking clear, another heavy downpour arrives.

  • West Wind

    The only positive aspect of a west wind in the summer- a calm ocean for kayaking.

    I don’t mind a few waves as I head out- nice, cooling splash or two as long as I am paddling directly into the wave.  The return to shore is more of a worry.

    I try to judge the series of waves and wait for a lull to quickly paddle to the water’s edge.  This morning, a couple was sitting in the shallow water in their beach chairs…and had to witness my awkward dis-mount!  I’m sure it was good for a laugh 😉

    Unfortunately, it won’t be much of a beach day until the wind shifts back to a south or east breeze.  The black flies were already out in force early this morning.  In the meantime…stay cool!

  • Sweet and Sweat

    Sweet: Watching a family walk down to the beach early this morning to “say good-bye” to the beach and ocean.  And a father surf fishing with his daughters- one even had a pink fishing pole!

    Sweat: Sauna like weather today…even by the water.  I keep the thermostat in my house set at 78 degrees (I’m eco-friendly…and cheap!)- it felt like a refrigerator when I returned from my walk.

    Keep cool. Sea breeze expected later today 🙂

  • Cooling Thoughts…

    Grab your beach chair, umbrella, and a good book.  That’s my plan after work!

  • Foggy Morning

    Sincere statement: There is nothing more peaceful than an early morning beach walk  in the heavy fog…(now, for the sarcasm) until, a barking German Sheppard appears out of the mist!

    Just as my heart rate returned to normal, a Great Dane lumbered onto the beach.  Seriously?

    I recently shared my dog experiences with a member of Borough Council, and received a quick response from the Chief of Police.  He agreed that the regulations are not clear to our visitors (leashed dogs are only permitted on Stone Harbor beaches from 7pm to sunset).  And, the leash laws need to be enforced.

    I appreciate the difficult role of the police force- a fine line between ambassadors and enforcers.  So my mission is to share the point of view of the “dog-less” walkers and ask dog owners to abide by the leash laws  😉