Warm salt air, fog, and occasional rain…the makings of a spa day at the beach.
Steady rain this morning for my walk. Then bright sunshine.
From my office window, it looks dark again over the bay. Might be a challenging few days for outdoor activities!
During the summer months, the beach cleaning tractors keep me company during my morning walk.Â
Yesterday, the beach remained in it’s natural state- the tractors are officially retired for the 2011 season.
Next up? As of September 15th (Avalon) and October 1st (Stone Harbor) approved vehicles are permitted on the beach.
Look both ways when entering from a beach path!
Walked by several dedicated beach bums this morning.Â
All were bundled up- with their chairs facing the sun!
Temperatures expected to be a bit warmer today; with another round of “summer” later this week 🙂
This was my view yesterday morning as I walked along the beach.  I wore a light jacket, and the sun was making an effort to warm the air.
By late morning, the clouds took over and the temperature dropped a few degrees. The light rain around noon turned into heavy rain at the end of my work day.
By the time I arrived home, I was SO tempted to turn on the heat. But the air conditioning was running only a few days before!Â
Just before sunset, the clouds over the bay parted.  The blinding sun looked like a movie spot light on the ocean side homes. And then…a rainbow.
Weather forecasts call for temperatures back in the 80’s by mid-week. Don’t put away those beach chairs yet 🙂
Nun’s Beach Surfing Contest is underway. 111th Street and the beach, Stone Harbor.Â
The sky was an incredible mix of colors early this morning. Beautiful…
Posted a video, too: Â http://www.youtube.com/user/AnnDelaneyBeach?feature=mhsn#p/a/u/0/xiE5Tx3dFc0
Perfect fall weather for the annual Wings n’ Water Festival- events throughout Avalon, Stone Harbor, and Middle Township.
And, a busy weekend for real estate showings, too. Sale activity is picking up!
Note the hawk on top of the cross at Villa Maria by the Sea retreat house- perfect lead in picture for my post!
The 16th Annual Nun’s Beach Surf Contest will be held all day Saturday, 9/17. The IHM Sisters will be on site at 111th Street and the beach in Stone Harbor selling their popular “Nun’s Beach” wear. For more information, contact Sister James 609-368-5290.
The 29th Annual Wings n’ Water Festival takes place Saturday and Sunday- with events held at various locations in Avalon and Stone Harbor:Â Â http://wetlandsinstitute.org/
The view from my kayak early this morning.Â
High tide, nice breeze, and a calm bay (until I reached the inlet!)Â -Â then off to work.
The quiet of the bay gave me time to reflect on yesterday’s events. Through Twitter, I was able to follow first person accounts from family members of victims, survivors, and those attending the services- it was an incredible way to experience the anniversary.
Walked on the beach prior to watching some of the TV coverage of the 9/11 memorials.
A peaceful way to start such a sad day.
The birds were the grand finale before I walked up the path: a synchronized pattern in the sky over the ocean and back on to the sand.
Another day of big waves for the surfers.
Okay- it’s time for calmer water for the wimpy ocean kayaker who wants to hang out with the dolphins while it’s still warm 😉
There is a Craft Fair on 30th Street in Avalon today. The sun is out- a perfect day to wander around the downtown shops.
And tomorrow, a 5K Hero Run in Stone Harbor:  http://www.walkjogrun.net/events/running/9-11-Heroes-Run-Stone-Harbor/1970526
Live Like a Tourist
We spent a few hours in Cape May Point yesterday- walking from the sunken ship to the World War II bunker. Returned to the street by way of the lighthouse so that we could see the charming cottages surrounded by trees.Â
It was a good reminder to take advantage of our convenient location- and appreciate the local attractions that draw visitors from much farther away.