 For the best view of a Nor’easter- head to the inlet in Avalon. I couldn’t see over the 7th Street sea wall from my car (I think that’s the point of the sea wall)…so had to get out for a better look.
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 Refreshing! A salt water shower for me and my car. So much for my comment about the crazy people driving through the flooded streets this morning  😉
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 A sand blasting on the 10th Street beach path finished my “storm chaser” field trip. Ouch!
Island:  noun. A piece of land surrounded by water.
Yep…that’s us this weekend!
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 This morning’s high tide caused flooding in the usual sections of town. Fortunately, no rain right now to make it any worse.
Saw cars driving through the deep water- I guess they don’t realize the water is from the bay (AKA- salt water) ??
 First the Bad News: the coastal storm is causing some beach erosion along the Jersey Shore. Just checked out our beach- which was already in bad shape from previous storms. These pictures were taken at 5:30pm tonight - one hour before high tide.
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 Sand dunes- the most valuable real estate on the island- protecting our shore line.
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Nun’s Beach (111th Street) looking south.Â
Now the Good News: the Stone Harbor beach fill project is scheduled to start within the next 2 weeks. The dredging company is still working on the North Wildwood beaches (can you imagine that job in this weather??)
Dreary, wet, windy, and chilly. But the power of the ocean is so mesmerizing… you have to check it out!
 Coastal storms in the early fall catch property owners off guard.  Damage is most likely to occur from unsecured household items:  outdoor furniture; trash cans sitting in the side yard; awnings and umbrellas on the deck.Â
Make sure your beach house is ready for the weather later this week.  Also on the “to do” list: close the crawl space vents and drain the outside shower.
 I’m feeling pressure to take advantage of the warm sun and moderate temperatures.  It sounds like we will be wearing SHOES and SOCKS later this week  🙁
The bay was a bit choppy, but with high tide conveniently at the end of my work day- kayaking was on the schedule.
A snowy egret and blue heron watched me pass from the marsh. Otherwise, had the bay to myself.
 Well, the weather report was correct after all.Â
The warm temperatures lasted through the morning.  Clouds, light rain, and cooler air this afternoon- but still a decent day overall.
The soccer families staying in local motels are roaming the downtown shops and enjoying the restaurants- greatly appreciated  in the off season.
And a brilliant sunset to end the day…
Welcome to the off season.Â
The comfortable sea breeze we love in the summer becomes plain old wind that challenges our outdoor activities.  Â
I walked on the beach yesterday morning- the sand was still wet from the rain, so I wasn’t completely sand blasted. The trick is to head into the wind so that the walk back is easy!
 Worth the extra effort to see the ocean and sky after the storm 🙂
 Be sure to look both ways as you enter the beach from the path- vehicles are permitted on the beach this time of year (with a valid municipal permit).
Also permitted in the off season- dogs. But only when on a leash. The police do their best to enforce this rule to keep the walkers (like me) and the dog owners happy.
A very pretty sight- the full moon over the ocean.  A cool, clear night to enjoy the view!
Too foggy this morning to take a picture.  Kayaked on the bay- a bit eerie because I really couldn’t see! Figured I would hear a boat coming- plus, boaters are usually smarter than kayakers about going out in the fog 😉
I scared a few ducks (they couldn’t see me either until I was next to them on the water), but otherwise, had the bay to myself.  Very peaceful.
I recently read an interesting article about the distinct odor of the back bay marsh. The smell is actually caused by decay and rot, and people either love it or hate it. We call it the “low tide” smell- but don’t find it offensive- it’s just part of the seashore experience.
During my walk after work yesterday, I passed another “local” on the beach.
Like me, she grew up on the island, and has lived/worked here her entire life. As we said hello, she commented “Isn’t it beautiful tonight?….this never gets old”. That says it all.
Even though we live at the shore full time, the appreciation for our surroundings doesn’t fade. In fact, I think we value it more as we “mature”!
Glad to see the regulars out on the sand, and glad to share their enthusiasm about our quiet little island at the shore.