A sign of fall?Â
The birders are returning to Stone Harbor Point.
I noticed a couple sitting IN the water this morning to capture their shot. And another woman was walking toward the ocean with a large camera and tripod.
‘Tis the season!
P.S. A fun treat- this is what happens when a photographer/videographer vacations in Stone Harbor: http://vimeo.com/47427544
Was able to walk between rain showers this morning 🙂
Have a nice weekend!
A few tips for those interested:
I initially started kayaking on the bay in an open hull boat. The owner of Harbor Outfitters recommended this style because it’s reasonably light weight, stable, and I stay dry (especially important when I go out in the spring and fall).
A few years later, I ventured out in the ocean when the woman renting a neighbor’s property asked if we wanted to buy the “purple monster” (pictured) after her vacation. She had purchased it new just 2 weeks before, but did not want to take it home. The boat’s nickname should have been a clue!
The ocean kayak is a solid, sit on top model. It’s heavy (when it hits you) and you definitely get wet!
So when to go?
For the bay, high tide is the main preference. I love when the bay looks like a sheet of glass; however the still air can also mean the gnats will be brutal. A light breeze and a calm bay are ideal. The current in an open channel can be rough- so paddling around the basins is a safer bet. For me, it’s a fun perspective of the homes.
On the ocean, my preference is low tide, and “lake like” conditions. Others may prefer the waves, but that’s not my skill set ;)  Early morning seems to work best- calmer winds…and dolphins!
Bay or beach, I ALWAYS wear a life vest.
P.S. Decided to re-post a picture from last summer.
This is my sister who made the comment about securing (prescription) sun glasses when kayaking in the ocean.
Wonder why??
Only funny when it happens to someone else 😉
This is the “before” picture taken on Saturday morning (105th Street, Stone Harbor):
I posted the “during” shot in my previous blog post (still without a clue of the purpose or event).
And this is the “after” picture- The Sand Guys finished their creation last night:
The artist was hired to create the sculpture for a private individual (depicting his varied interests and activities).  The Sand Guys can also be seen on the Discovery Channel.
Check it out if you are in the area!
I noticed the large pile of sand Saturday morning on 105th Street, Stone Harbor.
It became an immediate attraction for the kids on the beach!
As of late yesterday afternoon, the sand was being transformed into “beach art”.
Will check it out again today after work for an update.
When you live on an island, there are countless opportunities for unique water views; from hazy mornings…
to colorful evenings…
Another busy rental change over day.
When I walked early this morning, I passed several families packing up their vehicles…looking very sad. On the beach, another family was taking pictures by the street number sign to commemorate their stay.
As I drove to work, the cleaning crews were already stalking properties- ready to start their hectic day as soon as possible. They have such a short window of time to complete their many change over cleanings.
The new tenants are excited to start their vacation, and arrive on the island early. We encourage them to eat breakfast, shop, etc. to allow the cleaners time through the property. If the cleaners see a car in the driveway, they think the previous tenant hasn’t checked out and will move on to their next job. The cleaners need full access to the property (and the parking) before the new tenant moves in.
Check in starts in the early afternoon. The rental offices continue to trouble shoot issues brought to our attention as the tenants turn in the keys…as well as the new items discovered by the incoming tenant. We appreciate the responsive vendors helping us with the inevitable repairs!
By day’s end, we hope that everyone is situated and happy to start their week at the shore.
And like Ground Hog Day…we will do it all again next Saturday 😉
Recently, a few family members were talking about how many times they moved. While counting off my moves, I also thought about the actual distance covered.
So, with some stats from Google Maps…
When I was 2 years old, my parents moved to Avalon, NJ. We lived in a simple rancher on 51st Street. As my sisters and I grew, the demand for space (and bathrooms) became apparent, and a new family home was built on 56th Street. A tramatic 5 blocks south– yet we were excited for more room.
My next move was to 68th Street in Sea Isle City- my aunt owned a duplex, and allowed “the newlyweds”  to stay for the winter.
Then, our first “real” home…all the way on the other side of Cape May County: Reeds Beach Road (don’t worry, I had never heard of it either!)  We rented the cottage for one year, and then purchased. So proud to be official home owners at such a young age…even IF we were now (gasp) 12 miles from Avalon.
Although we were near the water (the Delaware Bay), Reeds Beach was not our dream location. The biggest issue? Bugs. The Mosquito Commission building was around the corner, and I swear they were breeding new varieties in our neighborhood!
The next house was located 3.4 miles east (yes, the right direction). Another modest home, with more neighbors and fewer bugs; and on a quiet cul-de-sac. Ideal for our 2 young sons.
Years later, we built a new home close by- heading east by another mile. More space, and amenities (including an outside shower – a unique feature for a house OFF the island).
And, in 2004, we closed the circle (literally) and moved 6.9 miles- and back on the island 🙂
Price reduced by $1000 for next week!
Renovated 2 story home in Stone Harbor NJ with 4 bedrooms (plus a separate den that can be used as a 5th bedroom), 3 full baths.
See more details and interior pictures here.
And search for other rental options in Avalon and Stone Harbor for remaining weeks of summer!   Click here to search   or     ann@anndelaney.com
4pm- the 86th Street house is booked. Thanks!
Borough of Avalon- web site
The Borough of Avalon introduced their new emergency web site recently:
http://avalonemergency.org/
Worthwhile to save this link as a resource for local updates during a storm (along with my blog of course!)