Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Category: Life at the Shore

  • East Coast vs. West Coast

    Just returned from a week’s vacation in the San Diego area.  We are so fortunate to live by the beach, and naturally make comparisons as we travel to other coastal communities. Southern California wins on the weather- low humidity and comfortable, sunny days almost year round. 

    But as I looked up from the rocky beach to the homes hanging on the edge of the cliffs- with obvious erosion below- I thought about the successful efforts by Avalon and Stone Harbor to maintain the environment while respecting property rights.  The controversy about the construction in the dunes seems minor when compared with the development issues on the west coast. 

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  • Gossip from the Shore

    The Avalon Sunoco Gas Station is closed.  The repair crew is relocating to the end of Avalon Blvd.  The 220′ X 110′ parcel is owned by Sun Oil.  Not certain of their plans for the site.

    Henny’s Restaurant is closing, too. The liquor license was sold to the owner of the Shelter Haven project (corner of 96th and Third Avenue).  Best guess is that Henny’s will be torn down and replaced with retail shops on the lower level, with residential condos above.  The Shelter Haven parcel has been vacant for many years- so it will be a step forward to see it improved.

    The restaurant addition next to Fred’s Liquor Store is still in limbo.  We were looking forward to another quality eating establishment along 96th Street- maybe next year.

  • What Are You Saving?

    Have you been thinking about a 2nd home purchase? Are you waiting for the ideal time in the market?  How many seasons have passed in the meantime? 

    If there are options within your financial means, what are you really saving?  Time is our most valuable assest…why not enjoy the benefits of your hard work?

    This concept was clear to me the other night as I kayaked on the bay after work (instead of going to the grocery store as planned!).  The water was calm as glass. The moon was rising on one side, and the sun setting on the other.  The sky was pink and orange, and reflected off the bay.  The birds around the marsh were settling in for the evening. What a perfect way to spend my time!

  • Fall at the Shore

    Summer like weather as we transition to our next season.  The sale inventory has spiked up a bit as is typical after Labor Day.  The prime locations (including ocean front and bay front) are selling.  The rental property owners are making decisions about rates and availability for summer 2008. 

    There are qualified buyers still waiting for a sign about the right time to make a purchase along the coast.  Lower interest rates will help, but usually it’s more about fear than actual costs.  This is a “life style” purchase- not a need for housing.  And, if you can imagine the joy it will bring, then it’s the right decision.  In my experience, those who agonize too long may never find the right time and regret the missed opportunities. 

  • Turtles, Surfers, & Nuns, oh my…

    A big weekend for the 7 Mile Beach. 

    The Wetland’s Institute hosts its annual Wings & Water Festival- with events in Avalon, Stone Harbor, and Middle Township.  Visit http://www.wetlandsinstitute.org/wnw.html  for more information.

    On Saturday, join the surfing dudes (young and old) on 111th Street as they compete for the perfect wave in support of Villa Maria By the Sea.  The Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary will be on hand to sell their popular “Nun’s Beach” wear!  The dinner held in the retreat house dining hall is sold out weeks in advance and is great fun for all. 

  • Don’t Question the Dolphins

    I noted in yesterday’s post that there have been fewer dolphin sightings this summer.  They must be reading my blog!

    I kayaked this morning in the ocean and had a great “dolphin encounter”.  A large group (pod?) was heading south- and I was in their path.  A few even circled around for a second look.  Then a dolphin popped up less than 5 feet away and I was face to face with him.  Better than Sea World!

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  • Labor Day Observations

    Random observations of the summer:  A serious market shortage of 1 piece bathing suits…forcing women of all ages and shapes to wear bikinis; similar shortage of beach cover-ups, too (am I getting old or what!); wonderful weather overall- just one rainy week; exceptional weather for Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends; fewer sightings of dolphins – did they vacation in LBI this summer?; golf carts used for in-town driving- I saw one in Avalon and one in Stone Harbor; kite surfing off the 122nd Street beach- very exciting to watch.

    To me, Labor Day does not signal the end of the season.  We have 2 more months of beautiful weather and many beach days still to enjoy.  I hope you can take advantage of our “quiet season”, too!

  • Packs of Dogs

    I look forward to Lisa Scottoline’s “Chick Wit” each Sunday in the Philadelphia Inquirer: http://scottoline.com/Site/Column/

    Back in March, Lisa observed the trend for multiple dogs in a household.  Based on a summer of walks on the beach and around town, I agree that everyone has a dog (or 2 or 3).

    I understand that the dogs can’t read the “no dogs” sign at the beach path (although their owner should know better).  But when I am chased or jumped on during my walk- I become less tolerant. 

    And I become very possessive of my beach and town when an owner fails to clean up after their dog.  I have seen owners look the other way and pretend not to notice (right on the beach path or at the water’s edge), and maybe even worse- toss the used plastic bag down one of the street gutters (which in turn flows right to the ocean).

    Because this will continue to be our reality, Stone Harbor and Avalon need to find the balance of welcoming our summer guests- and enforcing the basic rules.  I have not seen a police officer stop a dog walker on the beach in the early morning hours.  At the very least, I would appreciate the leash rule enforced. No one should feel intimidated to take a peaceful walk along the shore.

  • Stone Harbor in the News- NY Times

    http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/08/31/travel/escapes/31shore.html

    The New York area is discovering the southern end of the Jersey Shore- this is the second article featuring Avalon and/or Stone Harbor in as many weeks.

  • Highest Part of the Island?

    I was reading an article this morning about an historic home in a nearby shore community.  The owner said the house sits on “the highest part of the island”.  I laughed, because I have heard this phrase from almost every home owner I have worked with through the years.  Avalon and Stone Harbor should be covered with mini-mountain peaks based on these statements.  I even heard my husband saying it one day to a neighbor about our block – so it must be true!