Shore Sunrise

Now, THAT’S a nice sunrise 🙂

Posted in Life at the Shore | Comments closed

Wednesday Island Tour

After retrieving my car from the other side of the bridge, I was able to drive around and post pictures/ updates on Twitter. See my Twitter site to browse through.

Overview: the bay front and adjacent streets took the brunt of the storm. Many docks were damaged. Marsh reeds everywhere. Flood waters entered low lying areas 🙁

The flood waters and heavy rain had nowhere to drain, and therefore traveled much farther than we have ever seen. Marsh reeds and debris were carried in the water and deposited in yards all around the island.

On the beach side of the island, the dunes held strong. There was serious beach erosion, yet no worse than I have seen in past major storms. Most beach paths end with a steep cliff (blocked off for safety). The dune fencing washed away – leaving just sticks in the sand. Wood ramps are in pieces; hanging in mid-air.

The inlet area of Avalon was battered.  This is the one area where I saw sand in the street.  At the First Avenue and 7th Street parking area, there were jetty boulders that actually washed over- as well as a section of the metal sea wall.

The lagoon area of Avalon is in good shape.  Homeowners reported that the bay did rise over the bulkhead (not a common event)- and there is extensive dock damage.

The business district in both towns were hard hit. Many ground level buildings had several feet of water inside. It drained by the following day, yet left major damage. Today, weary business owners were tossing, mopping, and cleaning their way through.  Sad…

As a community, we are grateful. The devastation in nearby shore towns puts it all in perspective.

Posted in Avalon, New Jersey- News, Stone Harbor, New Jersey- News | Comments closed

HOME :-)

10pm- It was a creative entry- no vehicles permitted, so residents had to leave their car on the other side of the bridge, show ID, and request a police escort (or walk to your home).

Grateful to see our home intact, and no sign of “Sandy”. Will be anxious to inspect more in the daylight, and of course walk around the area.

In the meantime, we have heat, electric, and even cable. Incredible.

We are heartbroken for those who experienced damage. That reality will be more evident in the next few days.

Posted in Life at the Shore | Comments closed

Tuesday Night

We read a notice earlier today that island residents were permitted to return. We checked out of the hotel in PA and drove back…only to be turned away at the bridge!

Free loading for the night at a friend’s house in South Dennis – gave her a whole 5 minutes notice 😉

Hope to be HOME tomorrow!

Posted in Life at the Shore | Comments closed

Hello Tuesday

No Wi-Fi, so posting this from my phone (a first). Waiting for word that we can return to the island.
Like you, devastated by the pictures posted yesterday . So many people and businesses effected.
Trying to remain optimistic. Will post pictures and info as soon as possible.

P.S. Just heard from Stone Harbor business owner- he was not permitted on the island. Parkway open, yet causeways on to island blocked.

Posted in Life at the Shore | Comments closed

Feeling Sick

Hard to maintain my optimism while viewing the many awful pictures posted on Twitter and Facebook.

Glad for the connections to know what’s happening…I think.

Trying to maintain perspective- objects/property versus safety. But it’s SO hard not to dwell on the potential loss.

Posted in Avalon, New Jersey- News, Stone Harbor, New Jersey- News | Comments closed

Worry…and wait

We left the island at 3pm yesterday. It was very hard, but I guess because Irene gave us a practice run last year…I wasn’t a complete basket case this time.

If you are reading my blog, I know you understand.

My “home” is not just the 4 walls and a roof. It’s the entire island. I am worrying about every block, every sand dune, every business, every landmark.

Also thinking about adjacent shore communities – home to family and friends.

Grateful to be in a safe place while we wait.

Posted in Avalon, New Jersey- News, Life at the Shore, Stone Harbor, New Jersey- News | Comments closed

Sunday Sights

 High tide this morning- taken from the 117th Street beach path in Stone Harbor, looking north.  Big waves and a steady north east wind.

Around the corner at the Bird Sanctuary, the water flow pipes were working over time…providing plenty of salt water for the shore birds (the sanctuaryhas both fresh water and salt water ponds).

The back bay was high- with much of the marsh grass covered.  No street flooding that I could see as I drove into the office.

Now at 10:20am, the skies are gray and the wind has picked up.  I’m watching the flags over Hoy’s 5 & 10 in Avalon – surprised they didn’t take them down, yet glad for an easy reference of the wind direction!

Based on current weather reports, we are feeling a bit more optimistic about this incredible storm.  That doesn’t mean we won’t evacuate…just that I won’t have a complete nervous breakdown while away (well, maybe).

Will post a few more Avalon and Stone Harbor pictures on Twitter before I leave.  And then will wait and pace until we are permitted to return.

Posted in Life at the Shore | Comments closed

Construction, etc.

Local contractors have crews on their construction sites today to stabilize and secure the many new job starts.   Extra lumber has been added (cross bars) to the framing, and loose materials stored.   Hopefully the Porta Potties will be hauled away, too!

As I walked by this ocean front house in Stone Harbor, I thought it would be helpful to explain that its condition has nothing to do with Sandy.  A demolition sale took place last week and obviously, someone purchased the sliding glass door and much of the interior components.  The house is scheduled to be torn down this week.

Just didn’t want this pre-demolition look to become labeled as a post-Sandy look!

Posted in Life at the Shore | Comments closed

Prepare and Wait

We noticed the trucks with  snow plows just before “Irene”, too.  The purpose (certainly not for snow!): to move debris and/or sand from the streets and near beach paths after the storm.

The island is very active today with owners in town preparing their properties.  Avalon Coffee and Wawa have a steady flow of customers- as well as Hoy’s and Seashore Ace.

Effective tomorrow, there is a mandatory evacuation of all New Jersey coastal communities.  It’s very hard to leave my “home”, yet foolish to think I can out wit Mother Nature by staying on the island.

Will continue to post here and on Twitter…

Posted in Life at the Shore | Comments closed
Tim Kerr Sothebys Logo