We returned last night from our vacation on another island- Kaua’i, Hawaii.
The beaches are beautiful, yet it’s not the “lounge in a beach chair reading a book” type of environment. Â
 To really SEE the island, you have to hike remote trails- and wear serious footwear!
The Power Play backpack came in handy, too!
This is my official “Out of the Office” post.
Leaving the Seven Mile Beach to walk along another beautiful beach!
No blog posts until I return. However, I may post a few pictures on Twitter, so follow along!
We received a great response from property owners providing their 2013 rental rates and availability.
We are now actively sending leases to repeat tenants in order to confirm those reservations.
If you are searching for a vacation rental for 2013, only those properties with confirmed rates will show in the results. Check back again if you are unable to find a suitable property…we will have more options over the next 30 days.
Our web site: www.powerplayrealty.com or e-mail me direct with your request.
Thank you for your interest!
This week, I was able to kayak on the bay, spend a few hours in a beach chair, walk in the (still warm) water, ride the island on my bike, and of course take my regular beach walks. Rough life.
And, yes…I DO work full time, too 😉
New Sale Listing:Â Completely renovated 1st floor bay front condominium with easy access to the bay, dock, and boat slip.Â
3 bedrooms, 2 full baths.  A wonderful year round get a way. $725,000 furnished.
1322 Ocean Drive, Unit 12, Avalon NJ 08202
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The annual Avalon Chamber of Commerce Seafood Festival takes place this weekend.
29th Street and Avalon Avenue (beach parking lot); Â Saturday and Sunday between 11am and 5pm.
Local food vendors, music, and crafts.
Also, on Saturday, walk next door the Community Hall for the Green Fair- 10am to 3pm.
The retail shops in Avalon and Stone Harbor are open for the long weekend, too-Â showing their appreciation for your business with end of season sales!
The golden glow at sunset on the Avalon Fishing Pier…
…and, a dramatic spot light on the Stone Harbor ocean front homes at sunrise.
Because we work weekends, Fridays are our opportunity to live as “tourists”. In the fall, we enjoy the added advantage of fewer crowds and beautiful weather.
Yesterday, we rode the island on our bikes- with pit stops along the way (mostly to check out homes under construction…I’m never completely off duty!) This is the view from the end of the 8th Street jetty. A unique perspective of the north end beaches.
Another pit stop: lunch at the Windrift (pictured- our view from the outside bar). A relaxing meal, sunshine, and a water view. What’s not to like??
Back to reality and the office today 🙂
P.S. During our bike ride Friday, we saw participants of this event : NJ Run for the Fallen  (at the time, we didn’t know what we were watching).  We wondered when we saw 3 vehicles stop on Dune Drive around 55th Street; with the occupants wearing matching t-shirts. I noticed a remembrance marker at that spot today. Now I realize they were family /friends of that particular soldier. Sad…
September has always been a big month for demolition and construction starts.Â
And based on the number of homes going down, the local contractors and suppliers should find steady work all winter.Â
All good news for our local economy.
By the way, the Stone Harbor “house” pictured was purchased in the spring for $6,600,000! Ocean front location, and an over-sized lot.
Lessons from Vacation
For example, I appreciated that our rental cottage was immaculate and thoughtfully equipped. The owner supplied all of the extras needed for a comfortable week. And, she provided instructions regarding disposal of trash, recycling, and even composting (a container in the yard).
The best meals were in restaurants that also happened to make us feel the most welcome. We called for a reservation in a popular beach side restaurant. The hostess said they were filled for the night, yet suggested that if we come early, we will be able to sit in the bar area and enjoy the same view/menu.  It worked out perfectly- an outdoor table with a front row view of the sunset.
My final lesson was from the attendant at the car rental return. He was so upbeat as he asked us “How are you this evening?” When I replied that we were sad to leave, he gave the best response ever: “No need to be sad. The island will always be here- so come back!”  What a nice thought.
The attendant then mentioned that he loves to visit the Philippines- it’s his favorite place. So here is this man living in Hawaii…yet talking about vacationing somewhere else. We laughed because we understand that even when you live by the beach, it’s normal to be drawn to other destinations.