This time of year, I’m usually out on my kayak several times a week. Â Unfortunately, I’m getting a late start this summer.
Today, the conditions were just right: Â early morning high tide and calm winds. Â Wind is a big factor- prefer not enough to produce white caps on the bay, but a light breeze to help me paddle faster than the gnats!
Peaceful way to start my day 🙂
Two recent opportunities to walk down memory lane.
On Tuesday, I attended the premiere of “Stone Harbor Stories”, a movie celebrating the Borough’s Centennial (DVD is available for purchase at the Stone Harbor Museum- 93rd Street).
I have only been around for half of that time 😉 yet so many of the old photos were familiar.
On Wednesday, a summer class sponsored by the Avalon Library was held in a classroom of the adjacent elementary school (my 6th grade classroom if I remember correctly!) In the hallway, there is a collage of prior students. How on earth did those “kids” get to be so old?
These situations jog forgotten memories…and make me smile!
This morning’s beach walk: entertained by skillful Osprey fishing for breakfast…with the opportunistic seagulls trailing close behind!
Plus, a beautiful sky.
I actually prefer when Avalon and Stone Harbor fireworks are scheduled on different nights.
Last night, we were able to sit on the beach at 95th Street, and see the Stone Harbor display…along with Sea Isle City ‘s and Ocean City’s in the back ground.
As we left the beach, we could see Wildwood’s fireworks in the distance.
Tonight, we will have the bonus of Avalon!
Obviously, no beach day for me yesterday. Â Even after the skies cleared, the gusty wind discouraged me from venturing to the sand.
When we walked later, the beach was very active… including surfers taking advantage of “September” waves!
Our office is closed tomorrow…and I am counting on a beach day.  Hoping Arthur rides out to sea!
One of my favorite  4th of July activities?  Walking along the beach and checking out the lifeguards.  And not in a creepy, old lady way!
All of the stands are decorated, and the guards compete for best holiday spirit (often by gathering everyone on “their beach” to sing the Star Spangled Banner). Â A wonderful tradition.
P.S.  Stone Harbor Recreation Department postponed all activities until Saturday, 7/5 Â
Enjoyed a unique opportunity to actually MEET a few fellow Twitter friends from Cape May last night.  We joked that we would get together…and then “tweet” back and forth.
Fortunately, our phones sat idle while we engaged in real live conversations!
A common theme- winter at the shore.  We compared notes…and interestingly…the Cape May residents were curious how WE managed  living here.  This struck me as funny.  Yes, Avalon and Stone Harbor are quiet in the off season.  And we don’t have the numerous dining options.  Oh, and we can’t walk to the Acme or CVS.  Okay…maybe they have a point 😉
One Cape May resident (an artist) said it best: “People either get Cape May…or they don’t”.  That’s so true about all of the local beach communities- each offering a different quality of life.
Thankfully, our little (quiet) island suits us just fine 🙂
Music, bike races, sand sculptures, a boat parade, and fireworks…oh my!
Live entertainment Tuesday evening below the Stone Harbor Water Tower – 7pm. Â Same night: Big Beach Movie (Monster’s University)-Â 8:45pm at 30th Street beach in Avalon.
More live music on Thursday evening at Veterans Plaza, 21st Street circle- 7pm.
Friday the 4th- a full day of events. In Avalon: 10th Street field for races at 9:30am; boat parade at 1pm (starts at Avalon Point Marina); music at the Community Hall (30th Street) starting a 6pm.  AND a huge fireworks display at 9pm.   In Stone Harbor:  9am sand sculpture contest at 80th Street and the beach; foot and bike races at the 80th Street field; live music starts at 6pm; AND another option for amazing fireworks at 9:30pm.
