Looking for “views” on a dreary day:
The Armacost Park on 74th and Ocean Drive, and the Stone Harbor public marina on 80th and the bay.
Category: Life at the Shore
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Listening for Nature
With fewer cars on the road and only a small percentage of homes occupied, the early morning “quiet” is remarkable.
We are able to focus the distinct cry of an osprey overheard, and the thump of the waves against the jetty rocks.
I want to appreciate this peaceful time rather than stressing out over the future (I save the stressing for AFTER the walk!)
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Memories While Walking
Today’s long walk included my childhood neighborhood in Avalon.
Although I’ve lived and worked on the island forever, I find that walking past a specific location or building triggers long ago memories.
The slower pace of our lives has allowed me this gift.
My husband and I started dating in high school, so he is often part of those stories and tolerates my nostalgia!
For example- from the 55th Street Bay Park, the neighborhood kids would take row boats or a Sunfish over to the sandy beach near the end of Fourth Avenue that we considered our “swimming hole” 😎
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Sunrise Walk in North Wildwood
Last week, we saw a sign posted for the North Wildwood sea wall permitting access between 5am- 8am.
We headed over around 6am and realized we aren’t the only ones happy to see the sun rise over the ocean!
The walkway starts on Angelsea Drive, and hugs the jetty rocks and dunes along the inlet. At the end, you can continue onto 2nd Ave and JKF Beach Drive and follow the bike or walking path for several blocks. We turned around at the boardwalk ramp at 15th (boardwalk is closed).
A nice option until we can resume our normal beach walks!
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Looking for Water
With the beach paths closed, I have to be creative to get my daily dose of “water views”.
Fortunately, we live on an island!
This morning, we walked toward the Townsends Inlet Bridge. This is the first time I’ve seen the seawall up close -usually I’m there for a photo op during a storm with the waves splashing over!
Our return route along Ocean Drive provided additional bay views, and some salt air breezes.
Grateful…
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Vision for Summer 2020?
Government officials are beginning to prepare us for the new normal. We will not be suddenly freed from our homes to resume our prior lives.
So what should we expect this summer at the shore?
My random thoughts:
Beach tag inspectors enforcing social distancing between family groups (will be challenging on the busier beaches).
Extra life guard stands so that guards can spread out.
Designer cloth masks to match bathing suits and beach cover ups (idea for the local surf shops!)
Restaurants with outdoor dining will be preferred- and should definitely incorporate air circulation for comfort, and to ward off those pesky gnats!
Families will be comfortable vacationing in properties where they can control the cleanliness. Homes with pools will become even more popular because the occupants can isolate and enjoy their time away.
We are fortunate that Avalon and Stone Harbor offer plenty of open spaces- allowing residents and visitors the opportunity to safely navigate a much needed break this summer.
Think positive 😎
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Walks Around the Island
With the beach off limits, we are now exploring all of the neighborhoods of the island during our daily walks.
Thankfully, as a real estate agent, checking out houses is my favorite pastime!
Today’s walk covered from downtown Avalon, and north to the inlet. Loved seeing the ocean at the turn around.
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Easter Sunday
An early morning walk over a deserted bridge to catch the sunrise, while wearing our “Easter” jeans 😉
Wishing you a peaceful day…
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Island Views
I had to venture out this morning for a doctor’s appointment.
A few observations:
It looks like fewer homes are occupied compared to the past 2 weeks. Year round residences make up a small percentage of property owners on the island, so we all tend to notice those “with lights on” during the off season. From a practical perspective, maybe it was time for some owners to return to their primary residence to tackle projects and/or be closer to family?
Almost all of the vehicles on the road were for contractors and landscape companies. That’s common for April either way!
Easter weekend will not include a sunrise service on the beach…or breakfast at Uncle Bill’s.
But I’m safe and healthy…and wishing the same for all of you, too.
