Not a phrase most expect to hear on the beach.
Yet, valid advice for the crazy participants in tomorrow’s annual Polar Bear Plunge in Sea Isle City.
For more information: Â Â http://visitsicnj.com/events/polar-bear-plunge
Related: the Townsends Inlet Bridge between Avalon and Sea Isle City reopens today at 3pm.
And it will be even colder this weekend 🙁
I talked with a local plumber this morning and he is very concerned about frozen pipes.
It’s not just the low temperatures (and yes, they will be LOW). Â The other factor is the wind.
During similar extreme cold snaps, our 2nd floor master bath shower pipes have frozen (the pipes are on an outside wall). Â And this is in an occupied house.
So, we will turn up the thermostat (even though I’m a cheapskate about the gas bill!) and probably drip the shower head overnight. Â It’s not worth a pipe break and water damage.
If your shore house is not completely winterized (defined by water shut off at the curb, with anti-freeze in the toilets and sinks), it’s worthwhile to take extra precautions this weekend.
Plus it’s a holiday weekend…so come visit the island!
Today’s lunch break: another beach walk (south to 48th Street, Avalon).
Marsh grass at the beach path entrances…evidence of the earlier high tide.
I eat lunch at my desk, so an afternoon beachwalk break is more than justified 😉 Â Plus I missed my morning walk!
The ocean is stormy and tides are higher than normal. Â Disappointed to see a bit more beach erosion since the recent winter storm.
But it was fascinating to watch the wild waves at the inlet (8th Street jetty).
I posted videos on Twitter and You Tube. Â Please forgive the quality…my hands were cold and I was trying to avoid being splashed!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWBOg5njBc8
Moderate tidal flooding this morning in Avalon and Stone Harbor.
Bay water hanging out in the areas that typically flood during storms and extreme tides (most common in the winter/early spring months).
Water starting to recede now (10:30am).
Cold, calm, and colorful morning on the beach (and found a piece of sea glass that matched the sky!)
It’s a tough job, but somebody has to do it!
Between several beach walks and a beach drive, I have personally checked all 7+ miles of beach on the island after last weekend’s storm.
Getting on and off the beach can be challenging due to erosion at the paths. Â Please don’t try to jump- it only causes more sand to crumble from the path.
Best bet for access is from one of the pavilions with a ramp, or a vehicle access driveway.
If you have any questions about a particular area of beach, I am happy to provide my comments.  Also, check my Twitter feed  for beach pictures from all locations.
Should you ride down and check your shore house? Â YES
Even if your property is not located in a flood prone area, the entire island experienced high winds and an extended power outage last weekend.
Important to:
1) Make sure your heat is functioning properly
2) Check your yard for debris or damage from flying objects.
3) Locate your wayward trash cans
4) Place any water logged items to the curb for a special bulk trash pick up
Plus, the weekend weather forecast looks perfect for a beach visit!
Marsh grass, mulch, and muddy debris…Mother Nature’s gifts after the tide receded.
If water entered your garage (see picture below with water line evident on foundation), it’s important to clean the surfaces (not just let it dry)- otherwise it will smell fishy when the weather warms!
The snow and ice a few days prior created icebergs of lawn stones that were then carried by the tide throughout the streets. Â The Borough is busy cleaning those streets now.
Will take more pictures today and post to Twitter: Â @anndelaneybeach
