Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Category: Life at the Shore

  • Remember Last Winter?

    This is hard to imagine with current temperatures in the 70’s!  Yet, we know the cold weather will eventually arrive.

    Is your shore house ready?  Last winter was the exception with record snow fall and extended power outages.  Unfortunately, cold temperatures and high winds are still the norm.

    Exposed water pipes are at risk for freezing (outside showers and pipes under the house).  If you don’t drain the inside pipes, is your heat set to at least 55 degrees?  Have you secured your outdoor furniture and trash cans?

    Hiring someone to regularly inspect your property in the off season provides peace of mind.  A winter watch includes: walk through, check of all doors and windows, confirmation of functioning heater, and inspection for minor problems that can turn into a major headache if left unattended for several months.

    If you need a recommendation for a reliable inspector, please let me know.  ann@anndelaney.com

  • Beach Weather

    Such a pretty view.  Of course I think that each day as I start my beach walk.

    We expect temperatures in the 70’s over the next 3 days- not bad for the end of October. 

    Enjoy!

  • Beach Sweep

    Join your Avalon and Stone Harbor neighbors for the 25th Annual Fall Beach Sweep this Saturday, October 23rd.

    Enjoy a morning walk along the sand while contributing to a clean environment.  Volunteers will meet at 9am on 30th Street in Avalon, and on 95th Street in Stone Harbor.  For more information: http://www.cleanoceanaction.org/

  • Before the rain…

    It was mild and sunny this morning for my beach walk. 

    Unfortunately, the afternoon view from my office window is dark and dreary.

    The sun is scheduled to return tomorrow…

  • Seashore Landlords

    Sheets and towels?  Basic amenities for any vacation rental. 

    Yet, summer rentals at the Jersey Shore continue the custom of tenants supplying their own bedding and towels.  Based on my personal travel/renting experiences, we may be one of the last areas with this requirement.

    I met with the owner of www.relaxconcierge.com today and we discussed options for landlords and tenants.  Currently, there are several local companies (including Relax Concierge) offering sheet/towel rentals for tenants.  Another approach would be for owners to contract for the service and offer it as an amenity.

    This “perk” would be welcomed and appreciated by tenants- especially those renting large homes.  The cost (an average of $160 per week for a four bedroom home) could be built in to the rental rate, similar to cleaning fees.

    A unique way to set your shore rental property apart from the competition.

  • Really?

    The fact that we live on the island year round is intriguing to some.  Reactions vary between envy, and pity (which I don’t understand- look at my view as I walk along the beach!) 

    And, I can always count on the same follow up question from a new acquaintance:  “Where are you from originally?”   “Here, actually”  I say.  “I was raised in Avalon, and my husband grew up in Wildwood.”

    This catches them off guard.   We don’t look like trolls who lived under the causeway bridge…with the feral cats!  We’ve had normal lives, with a few added adventures of growing up in a seasonal community 😉   We have full time jobs and love to travel.  And we feel fortunate to call this area our “home” .

  • Stone Harbor Point

    The ever changing landscape of Stone Harbor point. 

    From the parking lot on 123rd Street, you can walk along several miles of beach…practically to North Wildwood!

    Beautiful weather for a long walk on the beach, and the many Columbus Day weekend events.

  • Jeans, Shoes, & Heat

    Last week, air conditioning was needed to dry out and cool off from the tropical rain storm.  In less than 1 week, our thermostat was set to heat to dry out and WARM up from a much cooler rain event.

    Flip flops are optimistically sitting on the front porch…there might be another beach day yet!

  • Driving Hazards

    Well, yes, I was the only car on the road this morning.  Yet, defensive driving skills were needed to avoid 3 separate rolling trash cans!

    Part time Avalon residents often place their trash cans at the curb when leaving town Sunday afternoon.  High winds (common in the off season) topple the cans…and then the sea gulls arrive for a feast!

    A better option?  The Borough of Avalon provides a courtesy trash/recycling collection area at the 15th Street facility (just off Dune Drive).   Open Monday through Friday 7:30am to 3pm; and on Sunday, from 12 noon to 5pm.

  • Fall Activities

    My “commute” home from work includes bay views as I drive along Ocean Drive. 

    If the tide is high, and the water calm, I commit to kayaking before pulling in my driveway.

    And with earlier sunsets, I have to hurry.  There is a great deal of (self imposed) pressure to take advantage of the nice weather and remaining daylight!