High tide, a calm morning, and up early enough to finally take my kayak out on the bay. Â A perfect start to my work day.
For some odd reason, the large plastic kayak felt heavier after spending the winter in storage! Â And, I had to rely on muscle memory to paddle faster than the gnats…
Interesting to see the bay properties from this vantage point. Â Several owners have yet to replace their docks after Sandy.
The BIG news is: Â the sun has returned! Â Beautiful beach weather….finally 🙂
Obviously, flood insurance is a popular topic for shore property owners.
A few key points:
1) The flooding from Sandy is not a factor with your current insurance rate or the elevation requirements. Â Older homes located in “high and dry” locations may still be non-conforming with the elevation levels.
2) Flood insurance is only required by lenders. Â If you are a shore property owner fortunate enough to own your home free and clear, you can weigh the cost versus benefit.
3) The revised FEMA maps for Cape May County will be available within the next few weeks.  Based on the revised maps just released for Atlantic and Ocean Counties, we expect favorable flood zone ratings for most of the island (remaining as A zones).  The elevation requirements will likely stay at the same level as published.  The current link for the FEMA map is: FEMA Map  This may work for the revised maps,too-  if not, I will provide a new link.
Although active sand pumping has not yet resumed, the contractors are working on repairing the dunes and leveling the beach paths in the south end. Â The beach area immediately adjacent to the moving equipment is restricted for safety reasons.
A new web site promoting the Jersey Shore: Stronger Than The Storm
Although it focuses on the harder hit areas in the northern beach communities, it’s a worthwhile web site.
See the many interpretations of our unique seashore environment during the annual Avalon Art Show and Sale.  Friday, June 21st (7pm to 9pm); and Saturday June 22nd (10am to 4pm) inside the Avalon Community Hall – 30th Street and the beach.  A wonderful opportunity to purchase note cards, prints, and original pieces directly from the artist.
Say hello to my uncle (and artist) James Ryan. Â Two of his water colors are hanging in my office.
Sights on my early morning walk before work:
1) Winter pale arms and legs finally exposed to the sun (mine)
2) Bare feet finally walking along the ocean’s edge (mine)
Sorry…will leave you with a better visual  😉
Thinking of my father today. He worked 6 days a week, so Sundays were a sacred day…at the beach.
My dad was blessed with hardy Irish skin that turned dark brown in the summer months. Sunscreen and the giant yellow umbrella with the lethal metal pole were for the rest of us who just freckled and burned!
My mother laughs when decribing all of the equipment hauled to the beach, along with 4 little girls: a large playpen (even heavier than the massive umbrella), beach chairs, buckets, coolers, etc. And of course, my father’s fishing gear. At a certain age, my sisters and I were permitted to walk back to the house to retrieve more food and beer for the grown ups (wrapping the beer in foil to trick the lifeguards??)
The Sunday tradition continued with the next generation. My sons enjoyed beach days with “Pop Pop” and followed the rules at the end of the day: 1) “call” your turn for the outside shower, and 2) hang bathing suits/towels on the line. All beach items were thoroughly rinsed, set in the sun to dry, and of course, neatly stored by night fall. Even though we grew up by the beach, sand was NEVER permitted in the house!
Long beach days are an ongoing family tradition. My father’s rules are now enforced at my house (I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown the day this picture was taken…I am my father’s daughter!)
The love of the beach…and family time together.
Thanks Dad.
A beautiful Saturday following a few days of unsettled weather. Â We were rewarded last night with a double rainbow! Â Enjoy the weekend…
Next Saturday- Triathlon in Avalon
Race Director Midge Kerr, needs volunteers for the bike course portion of the race. Â This is a closed course event for the safety of the participants (when you see how fast the riders pass, you will understand!)
Saturday, June 29th between 7:15am and 9:45am. Coverage requested for each block on Avalon and First Avenues along the course. Volunteers will receive FREE logo wind jackets.
Please let me know if you are available to help: Â ann@anndelaney.com
For more information regarding the event: Tim Kerr Charities Web Site
Thanks!