Tomorrow, Sunday March 29th, is the 17th annual Ocean Drive Marathon.
The race starts at 9am in Cape May.
26.2 miles and 8 bridges later, participants cross the finish line in Sea Isle City.
For more race day information:Â http://www.odmarathon.org
P.S. Road closures in Cape May and Wildwood, and north bound lane restrictions between North Wildwood through to Sea Isle City on Sunday morning. If you get stuck, at least get out of your car and cheer for the participants!
Defined as lights on inside Hoy’s 5 & 10 and the Avalon SuperMarket as they prep for opening day.
Waiting for the return of the flags over Hoy’s  (a nice view from my office…and handy as a weather station!)
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. Â 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). Â Â And I will provide updates once a beach fill project is scheduled.
Occasionally, I meet someone who can’t understand how anyone could live on the island year round. Â “Isn’t is desolate?” (Yes, at times). Â “And how about the wind?” Â (Our house does rattle a bit in the winter) Â “Is anything open?” (We always have Wawa!).
However...
I 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 🙂
Snow scrapers, winter boots, sneakers, and flip flops…prepared for March weather 😉
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Â
 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.
Wow…such a beautiful sunrise sky this morning.  Shades of pink, orange, purple, red, and yellow.
Not quite yet. Â The dune grass is still a golden brown. Â Will be turning bright green 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 🙂
