The ever changing landscape of Stone Harbor point.Â
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.
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!
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.
My “commute” home from work includes bay views as I drive along Ocean Drive.Â
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!
After October 1st, our island towns turn completely WILD!Â
Parking restrictions end, and meters are pulled. 2 traffic lights return to blinking signals. Right on red is permitted at the 96th Street intersection. Vehicles with permits can drive on the beach; and leashed dogs can walk on the beach.
Enjoy the weekend 🙂
My work computer is once again “talking” with my cell phone for e-mail and pictures.
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For those of you missing my exciting beach walk photos…   😉
By the way, the Ocean Drive toll bridge between Avalon and Sea Isle City will be closed for approximately 3 weeks starting next Wednesday (10/6). After looking at the corroded metal while waiting for a boat to pass under, I can confirm that this bridge is in SERIOUS need of repair!
A very pleasant transition to fall. This picture was taken yesterday…a perfect beach day 🙂
At the shore, our fall colors include blooming Golden Rod in the dunes, and the marsh grass fading to a soft yellow.
Seasonal stores and restaurants are posting their closing dates. Some will wrap it up Columbus Day weekend, while others will remain open through Christmas. We appreciate the hardy business owners who stay open year-round!
Warm temperatures, a steady sea breeze, and bright sunshine…the Jersey Shore’s transition to fall.
And tonight, an almost full moon rising over the ocean at sunset.Â
Another sign of fall? The seagulls wandering the beach are the size of small dogs!
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Powerful waves late yesterday when I walked along the beach after work.  Even the fishermen at Stone Harbor point were being cautious.
Fall officially begins later this week…but I’m counting on a few more beach days!
It’s not unusual for those of us who live on the island to start and end each day by the water. My view this morning as I crossed over the beach path for a walk.  The sun rising over the ocean…very pretty.
On my way home from work, I noticed the calm bay and higher than average tide- perfect conditions for kayaking. Watched the brilliant red sunset over the marsh before returning to dry land.Â
Whew…a productive day all around!