I am grateful to live near the water; and the ability to walk along the beach every day…year round. Â A chilly morning feels much warmer with the sun reflecting off the ocean, and the dunes buffering the wind.
And, I am grateful for the opportunity to travel (usually to other beautiful beach locations). Â Each trip expands our view of the world, and encourages us to add more destinations to the “list”.
Yet…
“There’s no place like home”Â
Twenty beach bums 🙂 Â July 2013
P.S.  As of 11/14/13, the count  increased to 21.  Excited for my nephew and his wife…and for Nanna and G-man!
A “check list” time of year – preparing our house for colder temperatures and the WIND!
Drain the outside shower and non-frost proof faucets (FYI- most water faucets on upper decks are NOT frost proof).
Disconnect hoses from all outdoor faucets (even the frost proof type- Â water in hose will freeze and cause damage to faucet).
Close crawl space vents (air flow is great in the warmer months to keep the crawl space dry- but  cold air will freeze pipes even if the house is heated).
Lock all windows- especially casement style with a crank (the wind will rattle the window, allowing it to open and possibly blow out).
Secure storm doors, outside shower doors, and trash cans.
Remove outdoor furniture (or at least turn it upside down).
As an optimist, I left a kayak out in our side yard…hoping for one more bay paddle on a warm day 😉
I often “write” my blog posts as I walk along the beach. Â Yesterday, as I enjoyed the solitude of an empty beach, I started thinking about our vacation, and my conversations with a few of the island residents.
For example, our guides for a rain forest hike were born and raised on Nevis.  Both briefly ventured out in to the real world, but prefer their simple life on a quiet island.  One even mentioned living on nearby St. Martin:  “It was crazy- all hustle and bustle”.  Isn’t that’s how we describe New York City??
Another Nevis resident told me they ride the ferry over to St. Kitts if they want more activity. Â That would be Wildwood or Ocean City for us.
Just like islands in the Caribbean, the communities along the Jersey Shore have distinct personalities- and therefore, appeal to different vacationers.
This 7 mile long stretch of sand suits me just fine 🙂
Was definitely over dressed for my walk this morning. Â Calmer wind and bright sunshine to warm the air.
The beach “hiking” shoes!
We were cautious with looking at the sun (used the “selfie” mode of my phone to take a picture during the eclipse). Â Either way…a nice morning for a beach walk.
Yes, we have fall colors at the beach. Â The high dunes and lush beach paths in Avalon…and the Bird Sanctuary and the Point in Stone Harbor offer beautiful views this time of year.
I have been selling properties in Avalon and Stone Harbor for 30+ years, and can speak confidently regarding long term appreciation. Â After several years of a declining, Â then a leveling shore market, we are grateful for modest appreciation.
Three interesting examples of long term growth:
215 53rd Street, Avalon
An original “Golden Home” built in the 1960s. Â 60′ X 110′ lot.
The home had value for the earlier sales- now it’s all about the land value. Â Structure will be torn down to make way for a new single family home.
$915,000 October 2013, $855,000 January 2009, $750,000 January 2004, $131,000 December 1983, $85,000 April 1979.
25 East 17th Street, Avalon
Beach block property. Â 50′ X 110′ lot. Â Street has under ground wiring (allows for a better view).
Seller purchased the property in September 1989 for $115,000. Â The existing raised rancher was torn down earlier this year and the seller built brand new.
The new home sold in October 2013 for $2,600,000.
316 92nd Street,Stone Harbor
Bay front Cape style home situated on a 60′ X 90′ lot facing Snug Harbor. Extensively renovated.
Sold in September 2013 for $1,903,000.
Prior sales: $1,555,000 in March 2012, and $170,000 in October 1982.
Beach Parking
The fishermen are out in full force at Stone Harbor Point…waiting for the striped bass to arrive.
A nice distraction this morning- dolphins feeding just past the wave break. One of the fisherman said dolphins will scare away the stripers, but he was enjoying the rare November sight.