Avalon, NJ-Â Update on the spring beach fill:
 Trucks are actively delivering the large metal pipes used to pump the new sand, and the dredge equipment was spotted this morning off of Stone Harbor heading north.Â
The sound of beeping tractors can’t be too far behind!
Chilly again this morning, but warming up with the sun.
A few of my summer neighbors are down for the weekend. I said hello to a neighbor this morning: he was walking his dog wearing shorts and a long sleeve t-shirt; I was wearing my winter coat, hat, and gloves! Once I walked over the beach path, I was glad for the extra layers.
I took the lower picture late Thursday afternoon. The beach survey tower is on site in preparation of the Borough of Avalon beach fill project.
After the Avalon beaches are replenished, the equipment will move south to Stone Harbor.
The wind- a major factor when you live near the beach.
The direction and mph effect decisions ranging from outdoor activities to trash can placement!
Last night, the sustained south winds created a “sand blizzard” on the beach.
I posted a short video on YouTube:Â http://www.youtube.com/anndelaneybeach
On a positive note, we could consider this natural beach replenishment…blowing the excess sand from North Wildwood to Stone Harbor!
Thinking of my father today. He worked 6 days a week, so Sundays were a sacred day…at the beach.Â
My dad inherited hardy Irish skin that turned dark brown in the summer months. Sunscreen and the giant yellow umbrella with the lethal metal pole were for the rest of the family who just freckled and burned!Â
My mother laughs when decribing all of the equipment hauled to the beach, along with 4 children: a large playpen (even heavier than the massive umbrella), beach chairs, buckets, coolers, etc. And of course, my father’s fishing gear. At a certain age, my sisters and I were permitted to walk back to the house to retrieve more food and beer for the grown ups (wrapping the beer in foil to trick the lifeguards…) Â
The Sunday tradition continued with the next generation. My sons enjoyed beach days with “Pop Pop” and followed the rules at the end of the day: “call” your turn for the outside shower, and hang bathing suits/towels on the line. All beach items were thoroughly rinsed, set in the sun to dry, and of course, neatly stored by night fall. Even though we grew up by the beach, sand was NEVER permitted in the house!
  Long beach days are an ongoing tradition with our family. My father’s rules are now enforced at my house (I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown the day this picture was taken…I am my father’s daughter!)
The love of the beach…and family time together. Thanks, Dad.
I attended an interesting seminar today regarding flood vents (I am such a house nerd).
The cost for flood insurance is based on the elevation of the home (how high it sits off of the ground), and proper venting of the structure.  If the venting does not conform to current codes, the home owner will pay a substantially higher insurance premium.
Interesting facts: the bottom of all vents can be no higher than 12″ above grade (for example- the upper row of vents shown in the photo are disqualified); the standard sliding aluminum vents must be disabled in the open position to qualify (not practical in the winter months with exposed pipes); garages and detached buildings must be vented; and if the inside grade on all 4 walls of the crawl space is lower than the outside grade, insurance regulations classify the space as a basement.
Engineered vents (such as SmartVents) are common in new construction and to retrofit an exisiting house to conform to the codes. For more information: http://www.smartvent.com/ or contact your insurance agent.
I am honored that my beach blog was named one of the “best New Jersey blogs” in the April issue of New Jersey Monthly Magazine (page 76…by the way).  There is also a nice feature piece about the gardens at Hereford Inlet Lighthouse in North Wildwood (page 64). Otherwise, it’s hard to find a reference to any town or business south of Toms River in the publication.
In contrast, I am a long time subscriber of Philadelphia Magazine. It keeps me connected to our customer base.  And, when the magazine references the Jersey shore, our beach communities are included.
The north/south divide in New Jersey is the subject of a popular blog: http://nsjersey.blogspot.com/ – funny observations on everything from sports teams to food preferences. We really are a state divided!
Reasons to visit the shore:
Warmer temperatures (okay- not warm, but better than yesterday!), more daylight hours, and downtown restaurants/shops open for the season.
Great to see lights on in neighboring houses, and people walking on the beach. The early birds were rewarded with a beautiful sunrise this morning.
Enjoy the weekend!
Yes, it’s cold and damp. But thankfully no snow or nasty nor’easter as predicted.
And there are signs of spring: local restaurants and retail stores opening for the season!
Just 55 days until Memorial Day weekend 🙂
Every potential buyer or tenant has a vision of their ideal property at the shore. It may be a basic summer cottage, a condo on the bay, or a newer home with a pool.  A few suggestions:
55 32nd Street, Avalon NJÂ $559,000
3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, and located just 1/2 block to the beach! 2nd floor condo unit with a glimpse of the ocean. Attractively furnished and a popular summer rental property (8 weeks booked so far).
http://www.powerplayrealty.com/sales/detail/250
295 65th Street, Avalon NJÂ $799,999
Spacious 3 level side by side townhouse with 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, plus a loft. Totally renovated interior- definitely has that “wow” factor! Exceptional southend location- just 2 blocks to the beach.
http://www.powerplayrealty.com/sales/detail/245
169 31st Street, Avalon NJÂ $849,000
Charming “grandmother’s house” cottage located east of Dune Drive in a residential neighborhood. Convenient to both beach and downtown shops/restaurants. 50′ X 110′ lot allows for future construction of a 3000+ sq ft home.
http://www.powerplayrealty.com/sales/detail/248
161 8th Street, Avalon NJÂ $1,450,000Â Under Contract as of 4/7/11
Elegant 3 level home totally renovated in 2009. 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, family room, and 5 decks. Quiet residential location near the beach and recreation areas. Quality amenities and furnishings.
http://www.powerplayrealty.com/sales/detail/249
222 104th Street, Stone Harbor $1,299,000
Vintage Craftsman home built in 1946, and thoughtfully restored in 2005 incorporating quality amenities and materials. 5 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage, wrap around porch, and an oversized 65′ X 110′ lot.  Convenient to the beach and within walking distance of town.
http://www.powerplayrealty.com/sales/detail/244
For more information on sale or rental homes in the Avalon, Stone Harbor area, please contact me ann@anndelaney.com
I appreciate the opportunity to help!
Today is the Ocean Drive Marathon. The racers started this morning in Cape May at 9am in 32 degree weather and a moderate north wind (that’s right…they are running into the wind for the entire 26.2 miles). We will see them passing through Stone Harbor and Avalon as they head to the finish line in Sea Isle City.
I am not a runner, but have cheered on the sidelines for athletic family members many times. And working for Power Play Realty, I volunteer during the summer TK races and triathlon.Â
Glad the sun is out and the snow flurries were chased out to sea. My wool hat is off to the participants of today’s race!