 The temperatures are still a bit cool, but seeing the calm water at high tide this morning makes me anxious to go kayaking. Our back bays warm up earlier than the ocean (my feet get wet as I launch the boat- but I make every effort not to flip over)- and it should be tolerable by next month.Â
I definitely have spring fever!
I’ve commented on this before- selling real estate on the island for 25+ years, I can’t tell you how many home owners proclaim that their property is located “on the highest part of the island”.  I’ve even heard my husband make the claim when talking with neighbors!
Well, the Borough of Stone Harbor provides supporting data – a color coded brochure mailed to each property owner (and available on their web site):
http://www.stone-harbor.nj.us/elevation.asp
The green sections are the “highest points” in Stone Harbor. Most are along the beach/ dunes, and in the south end past the Bird Sanctuary. The white areas are next, and cover most of the blocks between First and Second Avenues. The blocks between Second and Third Avenues are a mixture of white and yellow elevations. In my experience, the yellow areas will see standing water in the street during a heavy rain storm/high tide combination. The bayside of town is mostly orange, with sections of pink (the lowest elevation). These areas will flood during severe storms. Residents are told to move their cars to avoid salt water damage. Flooding may be limited to the street and just over the sidewalk- but potential buyers in those areas should be aware of the situation.
When you live in a beautiful community surrounded by water, understanding the lay of the land is just part of the deal 🙂
Yes…snow showers on the first day of spring.Â
This is the time of year when we are turning on the outside water…rinsing off the layers of salt from our windows and deck furniture…and looking forward to more time outdoors. I should be more realistic about spring, but the warm sunny days give us so much hope.
 It will be better for the weekend, I’m sure!
 Have you booked your family vacation at the shore?  We have a wide variety of homes and condominiums still available for prime weeks this summer- check out our web site for more information: www.powerplayrealty.com
Or send me your specific request, and I will e-mail a list of  options: ann@anndelaney.com
Thanks for the opportunity to help with your 7 Mile Beach vacation!
 St. Patrick’s Day is a good day to answer that question. My grandparents on my father’s side were both from Ireland- arriving in the United States as young adults.
While raising their family and living in Philadelphia, they spent summer vacations in Stone Harbor (I have a picture in my office of the family in front of one of their rental cottages- my father looks about 8 years old- ironically in a house literally behind my current home).Â
In the late 1950’s, my grandparents built a home in Avalon and moved here full time. My parents followed in 1963 (with babies in tow).  We lived in the high dune area of Avalon- which was a bit more desolate than today.  The beach and the dunes were our backyard play areas!
My grandfather loved the area- I think the ocean and damp weather reminded him of home. After visiting Ireland last spring, I can see the similarities (although no sheep on Ocean Drive…just an occasional turtle).Â
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!
The locals and seasonal residents appreciate the additional dining options on the weekends: Marabella’s in Stone Harbor has been open the past few weekends; The Concord Cafe will be open as of March 27th, and The Windrift (newly renovated) will be open next weekend.  Peeked in the windows of Henny’s- the carpet has been ripped up and the restaurant is empty- heard a rumor last fall that an Avalon restaurant will be moving in this summer.   P.S. Just read a post on Jen Miller’s Blog confirming that Black Fish from Avalon will be moving to the Henny’s location- grand opening on May 8th.
http://thelatestdish.wordpress.com/2009/03/11/chef-chip-roman-to-open-blackfish-stone-harbor/
Open for Business– a sign of spring at the shore!
 As expected, I saw hundreds of footprints on the sand when I walked after work this afternoon. It was a beautiful weekend for strolling along the beach.  But it’s still a bit chilly for bare feet!
I read a great quote recently: “Spring is the shore’s dirty little secret”.   Our wonderful summer sea breeze is here year round. And while it can be warm and sunny off the island (or even a few blocks off the beach)- you will likely need a jacket (and maybe a hat/gloves) for a walk along the ocean.  The cool, damp sea air is refreshing 🙂
 New for 2009- walking paths through the Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary- 2 paths are  in place with access off Third Avenue at 114th Street. Another path will be added on Second Avenue this spring.
 And, check out the view from the new bird watching platform built next to the dunes at Stone Harbor Point (access from the 123rd Street parking lot).  360 degree views of the ocean, inlet, wetlands, and the bay- impressive. Oh…and I guess you can look at the birds, too!
Exceptional weather this weekend- great excuse to visit the shore!
 Other than the deep snow on the beach path and the 25 degree temperatures, it looked like a summer day! A clear blue sky, warm sunshine on my face, and calm winds made for a nice walk this afternoon.
 The spring flower bulbs don’t seem to mind the snow- a postive sign of warmer days to come.
Spent the weekend in sunny Denver, CO- busy visiting family, going to the museum and walking around the zoo in a light jacket- did not pay close attention to the Philadelphia area weather until shortly before my return flight last night.
Lesson 1- just because a plane can land at the airport, doesn’t mean the passengers should drive home from that location.
Lesson 2- sometimes the Weather Channel doesn’t over play a weather event- when they said you “would be nuts to be on the road at 2am”- they were right!
Lesson 3- a simple rest stop on the Expressway can look like a palace in the middle of the night- a warm, safe place to wait out the storm.
  Thankfully, I made it home before the 2nd band of snow arrived at day break.
    And, very happy that today’s snow driving is limited to Dune Drive 🙂