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
This picture was taken yesterday.  Not as promising today…so far.
Surfers were out in the rain this morning enjoying the big waves.Â
A calmer ocean and more sun expected for the weekend.
Labor Day weekend ended with good crowds, big ocean waves, and overcast skies- thankfully, the rain held off until last night.Â
Planning ahead- the Wings and Water Festival sponsored by the Wetlands Institute is just 2 weeks away- September 17th/18th:Â http://wetlandsinstitute.org/
And, that same weekend, The 16th Annual Nun’s Beach Surfing Contest– all day Saturday, September 17th on 111th Street (in front of Villa Maria by the Sea). Watch the surfers and purchase a sweatshirt with the popular “Nun’s Beach” logo!
Excellent turn out for the annual Tim Kerr Run. Based on registration numbers assigned, over 1200 participants!
Race results will be available on:Â Â http://www.compuscore.com/cs2011/sept/index.htm
A fun family event for the runners, walkers, and the loyal cheering sections!
Okay, I will avoid wearing white…but I will not declare summer over just yet!
A beautiful 7 mile island with so much to see and do.
See you on the beach…or bay 🙂
A friend and long time Avalon property owner who works for the American Red Cross contacted me last week. While she is personally thankful for the outcome at the shore, the needs in other areas of New Jersey are overwhelming.Â
For additional information, and to donate:
Owners and visitors returning to the island for Labor Day Weekend.
 Downtown Stone Harbor is busy with the (postponed) annual sidewalk sale. Avalon Coffee and Kohler’s Bakery have lines out the door!
My niece and nephews (and their parents) enjoyed a great week in Avalon- a slightly delayed vacation after Irene.Â
Tim Kerr 7 Mile/ 5K Run – tomorrow morning at 8:30am. Registration later this afternoon and early tomorrow morning before the race. Avalon Community Hall. 30th and the beach.
Another beautiful day! A welcome relief, especially for the tenants delayed by Irene.
Owners and tenants are asking for guidance regarding time missed due to the hurricane. Thankfully, evacuations are not common at the Jersey shore. The last mandatory evacuation for Avalon/Stone Harbor was in 1985 (in October- so far fewer tenants on the island).
This is an excerpt of a letter from Power Play Realty to our property owners:
Last week was overwhelming for all of us. A major hurricane on a direct track toward the shore during a busy summer weekend is a worst case scenario for emergency management officials.
 On Thursday, August 25, the evacuation orders were in place. We contacted the current tenants, as well as those due to arrive on Saturday. Earlier that day, we thought the tenants had until Friday evening to leave. However, by the afternoon, the order specified that non-residents should leave Thursday evening, and residents by Friday.Â
The current tenants were very gracious with our requests to secure outdoor furniture and trash cans prior to leaving the island. The incoming tenants were told they were not permitted to check in due to the mandatory evacuation order. Obviously, there was much disappointment all around.
Because the property was not available during the mandatory evacuation period, tenants are requesting a refund for days lost.
Some property owners are providing additional time, and others are pro-rating the weekly rate and returning money to our office for us to process a refund to the tenants. This is an unusual situation, and we appreciate the cooperation of both the landlords and tenants.