Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Category: Life at the Shore

  • Sunshine & Sea Glass

    Bright sunshine and COLD temperatures this morning on the beach. 

     On almost every beach walk, I find a piece of sea glass. Thinking through the math, that’s  over 300 pieces a year (allowing for a few days missed and time away).  Is this considered hoarding?? 

    I’ve even become particular- passing over those not weathered enough or look too much like a recent bottle of beer!

    So if any of you want to start your own collection of Avalon and Stone Harbor sea glass and need a few pieces to get started, I am happy to share  🙂

  • 8 Bridges = Shore Marathon

    Sunday, March 27th is the 13th annual Ocean Drive Marathon.

    The race starts at 9am in Cape May.  26.2 miles and 8 bridges later, participants cross the finish line in Sea Isle City.

    Whew!

    Runners are likely to be greeted with a salt water shower as they approach the Townsends Inlet Bridge.  The weather forecast is not looking good…maybe even snow.

    For more information and race results: http://www.odmarathon.org

    Good luck to all of the runners!

    P.S. Road closures in Cape May and Wildwood, and north bound lane restrictions between North Wildwood through to Sea Isle City on Sunday morning. If you get stuck, at least get out of your car and cheer for the participants!

  • Beach Preparations

    In anticipation of the federally funded beach fill, snow fencing was removed along the beaches in Stone Harbor.

    Dune restoration (including dune grass planting) will be included in the project.  New fencing will be installed prior to the summer season.

    For more details regarding the Avalon and Stone Harbor, NJ beach fill, see my post from March 3rd: https://anndelaney.com/2011/03/03/new-sand-coming/

    Update 3/26/11- news reports indicate a start date in mid-April. The entire beach fill project to be completed in 90 days – with the Avalon restoration first, followed by Stone Harbor.

  • Work Perks

    I missed my morning walk, so planned accordingly and tossed my sneakers in the car.

    Instead of driving to check a house, I changed my shoes and walked south along Dune Drive. 

    A real treat to see the mini-mansions in the dunes up close.  And I spotted the wild turkey hanging in the woods at 49th Street (see previous post)  https://anndelaney.com/2010/11/22/the-avalon-turkey/

    P.S.  on 3/24/11 -This morning, I saw the wild “Avalon turkey” hanging out on the 56th Street grass median with a crew of landscapers.  He has definitely become the dune area mascot!

    On my return, I walked through the 50th Street path to the beach.  Useless trivia:  this was “my” beach path as a child…until our family moved to a new house just a few blocks south-  and then used the 57th Street path. 

    I was able to walk under the Avalon Fishing Pier before returning to my office.  A unique break to the work day and a perk of working at the shore!  Happy Spring 🙂

  • NJ Monthly Magazine

    http://njmonthly.com/articles/best-of-Jersey/best-blogs.html

    My humble beach blog was named as one of the best New Jersey blogs by New Jersey Monthly.  Very flattering.  

    Maybe my readership will expand beyond family members??    😉

  • Irish Roots

    Happy St. Patrick’s Day.

    This picture was taken in Belfast, Northern Ireland in 2008.  My husband was disappointed that the restaurant didn’t sell logo t-shirts. The owner said that’s an “American thing”!

    On my father’s side, my grandmother was from County Clare in the Republic of Ireland, and my grandfather grew up near Ballymena in Northern Ireland.  A real mixed marriage!

    They vacationed in Stone Harbor each summer when their 6 children were young, and eventually built a house in Avalon in the 1950’s.  A family business brought the grown sons and daughters (with spouses and young children)  from Philadelphia to Avalon shortly thereafter.

    After visiting the beautiful windswept coast of Northern Ireland, I can better understand my grandfather’s love of the shore.  We have sand in our shoes… and salt water in our blood  🙂

    Sláinte!

  • Favorite Destinations

    I love to travel.  Some destinations leave an “I’m glad we went, but no need to go again” feeling.  And then others have me thinking about a return visit before arriving home!

    So what creates our connection to certain locations? Is it vacation memories from childhood?  The environment?  The people?  The accommodations? 

    I grew up in the high dunes section of Avalon.  That explains why I am drawn to the woods/beach combination (Kiawah Island, SC and Carmel, CA are 2 favorites that come to mind).  And we live on a low key island year round, so Lana’i (Hawaii) with a population of 2,800 seemed just right.

    I often hear tenants and owners say they take a deep breath as they cross over the bridge into town- instant relaxation.  Avalon and Stone Harbor have the qualities that bring families to our island year after year. 

    Those of us who live here understand…and appreciate our unique surroundings.

  • Sunday Sights

    Incredible morning for a walk before work.  Warmer temperatures called for a downgrade from my winter jacket to a fleece!

    People out on bikes, lights on in houses, and “open” flags in front of businesses- a true spring weekend at the shore.

  • Beach Wear

    This picture is deceiving. 

    Watching the forecast on TV and checking the outside thermometer can be as well. 

    I often leave the house feeling a bit over-layered for a walk, but I know there can be a major difference in “weather” once I reach the beach! 

    We are grateful for the sun, more moderate temperatures, and signs of spring around the island.  Dress warm, and enjoy the weekend 🙂

  • Stormy Day

    So far…so good. 

    It looks like Avalon and Stone Harbor will miss most of the heavy rain- at least for today.

    The ocean is churning, and lapping the beach paths at high tide. 

    Repeat after me: “it’s almost spring…it’s almost spring…it’s almost spring”  🙂