Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Category: Life at the Shore

  • Beach Update for Avalon, NJ

    The northern end of our island has taken the brunt of several winter storms.

    The Borough of Avalon is working to secure a contract for a beach replenishment project.  The goal is for all beaches to be open and safe for public use.

    Erosion of  sand has created a steep drop off on several north end paths.  Until repairs are made, beach access is closed between 10th and 17th Streets; and  23rd to 25th Streets.

    That said, I am still walking the beach in that area (obviously easier at low tide).    And I will provide updates once a beach fill project is scheduled.

    NorthEndPath

  • Crazy or Lucky?

    Occasionally, I meet someone who can’t understand how anyone could live on the island year round.  “Isn’t is desolate?” (Yes, at times).  “And how about the wind?”  (Our house does rattle a bit in the winter)  “Is anything open?” (We always have Wawa!).

    However...

    BeachViewI see a different view each and every day as I walk over the beach path.

    I have shared my beach walks with seals, snowy owls, and even a bald eagle.

    I have walked along a snow and ice covered beach.

    I feel the warmth of a rising sun reflecting off the ocean.

    I find beautiful sea glass at the water’s edge.

    I have quietly squealed when surrounded by dolphins while ocean kayaking.

    I have ducked from a great blue heron taking flight while kayaking in the bay.

    I am able to breathe in fresh salt air year round.

    I witness the seasonal change of colors of the marsh and dune grass.

    I watch the full moon rise gracefully over the horizon.

    I watch the colors of a setting sun fill the western sky.

    Yes, I’m grateful to live here 🙂

     

     

  • Ready for Spring?

    Snow scrapers, winter boots, sneakers, and flip flops…prepared for March weather 😉

    Porchshoes

  • Irish Roots

    Happy St. Patrick’s Day!  

     Belfast, Northern Ireland–  my husband was disappointed - Delaney’s restaurant didn’t sell logo t-shirts. The owner said that’s “an American thing”!

    On my father’s side: my grandmother was born in County Clare in the Republic of Ireland, and my grandfather grew up near Ballymena and the Antrim Coast in Northern Ireland.  A real mixed marriage!

    They met and married in Philadelphia, and vacationed in Stone Harbor each summer while raising 6 children.  In the 1950s, my grandparents built a year round home in Avalon.  A family business brought the sons and daughters (some with spouses and young children) from Philadelphia to Avalon shortly thereafter.

    After visiting the beautiful windswept coast of Northern Ireland, I can totally understand my grandfather’s love of the shore.  Sand in our shoes… and salt air in our lungs 😉

    Sláinte!

    Pictures from our 2008 trip to Northern Ireland.

    cliffsireland.jpgirelandirelandbeach.jpg

  • Speaking of March colors…

    Wow…such a beautiful sunrise sky this morning.  Shades of pink, orange, purple, red, and yellow.

    MarchColors

  • Wearing of the Green?

    Not quite yet.  The dune grass is still a golden brown.  Will be turning bright green soon!

    dunes

  • Sunday Sights

    Hat and gloves for me…and a wet suit for the early morning surfer!

    SundayMarchSundaySunrise

  • Opening Soon…

    A welcome “sign of the season”!

    Many shops and restaurants are ready for summer 2015, and opening for long weekends.

    Happy to see the island return to life 🙂

    96thStreet

  • Beach Time!

    BeachMarch

  • Shore Work Perks

    I had to drop off documents to another real estate office, go to the bank, and check a house.  I just “happened” to have walking shoes in my car…allowing for a quick detour to the beach 😉

    Beautiful day!

    MondayWalk