The beaches along our seven mile island are in great shape for the fast approaching season. In Stone Harbor (picture taken Tuesday after work- LOVE the late day shadows – 114th Street looking north ): newly planted dune grass and improved beach paths in many locations.  And, markers recently installed for the spaces leased for Hobie Cats south of 122nd Street.  Overall, good dune structure and wide beaches await.
In Avalon (picture taken yesterday- 21st Street looking south): beach fill project is complete; providing wide, groomed beaches in our northend. The mid-island and southend beach are likewise in excellent condition.
If you need even more encouragment to come to the beach: yesterday I spotted at least 10 dolphins feeding near the 9th Street jetty in Avalon. Always excited to see my kayaking buddies for the first time each year!
Irish Roots
This picture was taken in Belfast, Northern Ireland in 2008.  My husband was disappointed that the restaurant didn’t sell logo t-shirts. The owner said that’s an “American thing”!
On my father’s side, my grandmother was from County Clare in the Republic of Ireland, and my grandfather grew up near Ballymena in Northern Ireland. A real mixed marriage!
They vacationed in Stone Harbor each summer when their 6 children were young, and eventually built a house in Avalon in the 1950’s. A family business brought the grown sons and daughters (with spouses and young children)  from Philadelphia to Avalon shortly thereafter.
After visiting the beautiful windswept coast of Northern Ireland, I can better understand my grandfather’s love of the shore. We have sand in our shoes… and salt water in our blood 😉
Sláinte!
P.S. Originally posted in 2011- worth a repeat.