Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Blog

  • Beach Walker’s Report

    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!

  • Wednesday Beach Day

    Who would think we could enjoy a beach day in March?

    Found the flip flops and suntan lotion, and spent a few hours on the beach.

    The warm weather also inspired me to wash off some deck furniture, and haul my kayak out from under the house.   Looking forward to more warm, calm days so I can venture out on the bay 🙂

  • Shore Sights

     

    It was low tide last evening as we drove along Stone Harbor Point (vehicle beach permits expire soon, by the way).  I imagine this is image is frustrating to boaters- numerous sand bars in the inlet between Stone Harbor and North Wildwood.   It truly looks like you can walk across.

    Spring flowers have arrived, and the grass is turning green.  Landscapers have already made their rounds giving many local lawns a mid-winter hair cut!

    The grass in the marshes and along the sand dunes is still brown- waiting for the transition to the preferred bright green. 

    Happy Spring!

  • March Weather

    Another mild day (and week ahead).  So much better than our typical March weather at the shore!

    Starting to see “Opening Soon” posted on the doors of local businesses- a sure sign of spring 🙂

  • Summer Rentals in the News

    A bit slow on posting this link: http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/down-the-shore/item/34721-summer-rentals

    The news reports on summer rental activity are accurate-  bookings are ahead of this same time last year.

    The large, newer homes are in demand (especially those with a pool).  And, tenants prefer updated amenities: HD televisions, WiFi access, modern kitchen/baths, and attractive furnishings.

    If I can help with your plans in Avalon or Stone Harbor, please let me know.  I appreciate the business!  ann@anndelaney.com

  • Sunsets

    Starting tomorrow, we gain an extra hour to walk and catch the colorful sunsets. Busy work schedule ahead- sale and rental appointments both Saturday and Sunday.  Have a great weekend!

  • Spring Weekend

    Definitely FEELS like spring: longer days and a chilly sea breeze!  When the weather report predicts 70 degrees, we know it’s likely to be at least 10 degrees cooler by the beach.

    Speaking of the beach- Saturday is the 2nd annual Stone Harbor Shiver.  There will be a pre-plunge party on Friday night, and the crazy people will meet on the 96th Street beach at 12 noon on Saturday.  For more information: http://www.stoneharborbeach.com

    This is also the weekend to spring clean the house and garage, and/or treasure hunt in Stone Harbor.  The first bulk trash pick up of the year is on Monday, March 12th.

  • Shore Storms

    Today is the 50th anniversary of the Storm of ’62, a brutal Nor’easter that caused extensive damage along the Jersey shore.

    My grandparents and several aunts/uncles already lived in Avalon full time, and my parents moved down the following year. 

    Over the years, I’ve heard numerous stories about the ’62 storm- from descriptions of fishing cottages washed away; to owners bragging about their well built, still standing homes.

    When you live on a barrier island, storms and weather become part of your existence.  Residents know the flooding patterns based on tides and wind direction.  And, we are in awe when Mother Nature puts on a good show.

    For every beautiful location, there is an associated, natural risk.  As a real estate agent, I know it’s important to share my experiences, and put the risk in perspective.   The island is my place of business…and my home.

  • Cable Service Update

    Do you have a television set in your shore house that looks like this? 

    As of today, standard TV sets (commonly used in bedrooms) will need a digital box in order to receive ANY channels through Comcast cable.

    Order boxes on-line (Comcast will provide 2 at no charge) or stop in their business office at 32nd and Dune Drive in Avalon.

  • Back on the Beach

    Warm sun and salt air- good to be back to the beach.

    For our family visit, we drove through the scenic mountains of western Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina.   There are beautiful homes throughout that area- sitting high on a ridge -surrounded by acres of open land.   My impression?  I wondered how the residents cope with such an isolated existence.

    So when we drove over the bridge last night, in to our sleepy little beach town; down our dark street with empty homes on all sides…I laughed.  I guess we are equally as isolated in our own way 😉