Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Category: Life at the Shore

  • Beach Report- Avalon, Stone Harbor NJ

    The stormy winter months can be hard on our beautiful seven mile island beaches.  Thankfully, the erosion has been minimal along our coast. 

    My observations from recent walks along the beach:

    Avalon:  The beaches from 8th through 18th Streets are in great shape.  Beach access between 19th to 23rd Streets is blocked at the paths (a steep drop to the sand below).  The Borough of Avalon will make the necessary repairs to allow safe beach access this summer.  Beaches between 20th and 30th Streets are not as wide as in past summers- hopefully Mother Nature will return the borrowed sand.  The section between 30th Street through to 80th Street is fine.

    Stone Harbor:  The dunes and beaches are in great condition between 84th through 94th Streets. Some erosion of the dunes in the downtown area and south to 111th Street- otherwise, the beaches are fine.  The dunes south of 112th Street have recovered from last year’s storms and the beach is back.  The beach becomes narrow between 122nd Street and the jetty just before the point (Hobie Cat/ kayaking beach).  And of course the beach at the point is huge!

    A good day to think about warmer days on the beach 🙂

  • Island Living

    When you live on an island, driving over bridges is a necessity.

    The accident on the bridge between Sea Isle City and Ocean City on Tuesday is a scenario we have all thought about:  http://tinyurl.com/4hl9fdp

    Thankfully, the two teenagers survived- but I can’t imagine how scary it was for all involved.

    Extensive rust on railings does not provide confidence about the structural integrity of a bridge.  I kayak under a few local bridges and can verify that salt air is brutal on the metal components. 

    I hope that this accident is the incentive to find the funds and make the deferred repairs.

     

  • Shades of Gray

    My morning view last Tuesday…ahhh.

    Looking out from my office window today, I see wet roads (at least no snow) and gray skies.

    We count on a pretty sunrise or sunset to provide some color to the shore in the winter.  Otherwise, it’s mostly shades of gray in the sky, sand, and ocean. 

    Counting down to spring 🙂

  • January Thaw

    Warmer temperatures at the shore this weekend.

    In fact, all of the snow has finally melted from the beach!

    I am leaving tomorrow for another island…one with even warmer temperatures.  Time for my “January thaw”  🙂

  • Winter Humidity

    A shift in wind direction this morning.  

    Two clues of a south east breeze: you can hear the waves breaking in the ocean several blocks away; and the moisture level in the air increases.

    The slightly warmer temperatures are off set by the dampness.  Thankfully, the sun has arrived to make for a beautiful January day!  Enjoy the weekend.

  • Avalon, NJ- Beach Update

    Good news:  the beaches in the north end of Avalon are holding their own. 

    The dunes and beach paths constructed last year are in intact. 

    Top picture was taken this morning- looking north toward the 9th Street jetty.

    The not so good news:  beach erosion has effected a 5 block stretch of Avalon’s beach.  The section between 19th to 23rd Streets is currently not accessible from beach paths.

    The Borough of Avalon is committed to safe beach access and will make every effort to repair the damaged beach entrances prior to the summer season.

    P.S.  If you collect sea glass, I found several “prize” pieces along the high tide line in the north end.

  • Snow Fencing

    So that’s why we call it snow fencing…

    Thankfully, only a light coating of snow last night. 

    The roads are already clear after bright morning sun and slightly warmer temperatures.

  • Snow on Shells?

    More seashore snow expected tomorrow. 

    Plan your day accordingly :) 

    For predicted local snow totals: http://www.erh.noaa.gov/phi/StormTotalSnow/index.php

    I will post pictures and updates on http://twitter.com/anndelaneybeach

  • Ode to Sisters

     This post was originally published in January 2010.  The “girls” are another year older…and wiser??

    I’m one of 4 sisters, born within a 6 year span.  A fine example of the rhythm method at work!

    We were fortunate to be raised at the beach – our summer friends would ask if we had classes on the beach instead of inside a school?  We made elaborate forts in the dunes (sorry- that was wrong) and the back bay was our swimming hole.

    We learned early on that a beach day is never considered a waste of time – and have passed along our love for the shore to the next generation.

    As we face the 1/2 century mark together (gulp), the beach has been our constant.  It’s our place to talk, laugh, walk ,and eat snacks without guilt.  And, it’s the place that holds our best family memories.  

    A sentimental thought for the January birthday girls…plus the oldest one in the lead since May  😉

  • Feeling Cold?

    Planning time at the beach will help!   We are actively working with property owners and tenants to reserve vacation weeks for summer 2011.

    Visit our web site to preview properties for sale and rent:  http://www.powerplayrealty.com/

    Or send me your “wish list”, and I will provide a more specific list of options:  ann@anndelaney.com