Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Category: Life at the Shore

  • So Far…So Good

    Well, thankfully we are still here  ;)  and we continue to prepare for Memorial Day weekend!

    Exciting to see all of the businesses open and owners/visitors walking around downtown.

    The beach fill project in Avalon stalled last week due to a combination of mechanical problems on the dredge and rough seas.  The equipment is on 21st Street, and will continue to 30th Street through next week.

    Once complete in Avalon, the entire project moves south to Stone Harbor, with the staging area adjacent to the 123rd Street beach entrance.  The dredging company will work their way north to 80th Street during the month of June.  There will be some inconvenience- beaches on either side of the work area must be closed for safety reasons.

  • Creatures of Habit

    Routines are a source of comfort in our often unsettled lives.  Maybe that’s why most of us are creatures of habit.

    Happy to see the return of the summer “creatures”: my fellow beach walkers, the dedicated early morning surfers, and the regular bike riders passed on my way to work.  All strangers…yet we are connected by the routines in our daily lives.

  • Time to Plan

    Schedules have been posted for the 4th of July weekend in Avalon and Stone Harbor, NJ.

    Saturday, July 2nd– TK Charities Triathlon and Youth Triathlon (adult race sold out). 7am at 30th and Avalon Avenue.  Road closures that morning from 9th through 40th Streets.

    Sunday, July 3rd– 12th Annual Sister Blister 5K and 2 mile walk. 8 am – 80th Street.  That evening, enjoy the Bay-Atlantic Symphony Concert at Avalon Community Hall at 7pm, followed by the Borough of Avalon fireworks display at 9:15pm – 30th and the beach.

    Monday, July 4th– field races at the 10th Street field in Avalon at 10am.  The 80th Street field in Stone Harbor hosts a full day of family events starting at 9am.  Bring a beach chair to stake out your spot for the 9:30pm fireworks- food vendors and music add to the tailgating atmosphere  🙂

  • Hidden Treasures

    There are many unique spots on the island best discovered while walking or bike riding.

    For instance, the Stone Harbor Garden Club maintains a beautiful plot of land adjacent to the beach parking lot on 123rd Street. 

    In that same vicinity, check out the bird watching platforms accessible from the clam shell drive way on the right hand side of the parking lot.

    On your walk/ride home, stop by the new paths in to the Bird Sanctuary on the Second Avenue side.

    Speaking of our island treasures: this time of year, I see a disturbing number of balloons washing up on the beach or stuck in the dunes.  Celebrate birthdays, graduations, and weddings with flowers instead of balloons…better for our environment!

  • Sightings in May

    Caution: after a long winter of warm layers and hats, the beach walkers are exposing pale legs and poofy morning hair…while singing along to an iPod, forgetting there are a few more people on the beach.  Sorry about that 😉

    BTW- the opening date for Carney’s of Stone Harbor is Friday, May 20th.  Hopefully, third time is the charm for a restaurant/bar in that  location (97th and Third Avenue).

  • A Favorite Quote

    Printed on a college graduation program, and very appropriate on Mother’s Day.

    “To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a little better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition.; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is the meaning of success”   —  Ralph Waldo Emerson

  • Happy Mother’s Day

    Happy Mother’s Day to my mother, sisters, daughter in law, and women friends.

    Our unwavering support for each other…and a healthy sense of humor, are essential to surviving the job of motherhood  🙂

  • View From a Beach Chair

    Yesterday, my beach chair spent 2 hours in the sand (near the dunes to block the cool wind).

    Pleasant weather again today for the Avalon Yard Sale and Stone Harbor Sail Into Summer event.

    Busy real estate day, too.   Thankful for the return of buyers and renters to the shore!

  • Do You Fish?

    The State of New Jersey requires recreational salt water “fisher-people” to register with the state.

    Registration is free, and the data obtained is used to comply with NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Association)  guidelines.

    Forms are available online:  

    http://www.nj.gov/dep/saltwaterregistry/index.html

  • Peaceful

    The colors of the ocean and sky appeared different to me this morning. 

    The reality of world events reinforces how fortunate we are to live in a simple, peaceful place.