March 27, 2011

Sunday Sights

By ann

Today is the Ocean Drive Marathon.  The racers started this morning in Cape May at 9am in 32 degree weather and a moderate north wind (that’s right…they are running into the wind for the entire 26.2 miles).  We will see them passing through Stone Harbor and Avalon as they head to the finish line in Sea Isle City.

I am not a runner, but have cheered on the sidelines for athletic family members many times.  And working for Power Play Realty, I volunteer during the summer TK races and triathlon. 

Glad the sun is out and the snow flurries were chased out to sea.  My wool hat is off to the participants of today’s race!

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March 26, 2011

Sunshine & Sea Glass

By ann

Bright sunshine and COLD temperatures this morning on the beach. 

 On almost every beach walk, I find a piece of sea glass. Thinking through the math, that’s  over 300 pieces a year (allowing for a few days missed and time away).  Is this considered hoarding?? 

I’ve even become particular- passing over those not weathered enough or look too much like a recent bottle of beer!

So if any of you want to start your own collection of Avalon and Stone Harbor sea glass and need a few pieces to get started, I am happy to share  🙂

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March 25, 2011

8 Bridges = Shore Marathon

By ann

Sunday, March 27th is the 13th annual Ocean Drive Marathon.

The race starts at 9am in Cape May.  26.2 miles and 8 bridges later, participants cross the finish line in Sea Isle City.

Whew!

Runners are likely to be greeted with a salt water shower as they approach the Townsends Inlet Bridge.  The weather forecast is not looking good…maybe even snow.

For more information and race results: http://www.odmarathon.org

Good luck to all of the runners!

P.S. Road closures in Cape May and Wildwood, and north bound lane restrictions between North Wildwood through to Sea Isle City on Sunday morning. If you get stuck, at least get out of your car and cheer for the participants!

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March 24, 2011

Beach Preparations

By ann

In anticipation of the federally funded beach fill, snow fencing was removed along the beaches in Stone Harbor.

Dune restoration (including dune grass planting) will be included in the project.  New fencing will be installed prior to the summer season.

For more details regarding the Avalon and Stone Harbor, NJ beach fill, see my post from March 3rd: https://anndelaney.com/2011/03/03/new-sand-coming/

Update 3/26/11- news reports indicate a start date in mid-April. The entire beach fill project to be completed in 90 days – with the Avalon restoration first, followed by Stone Harbor.

Posted in Avalon, New Jersey- News, Life at the Shore, Stone Harbor, New Jersey- News | Comments closed
March 22, 2011

Work Perks

By ann

I missed my morning walk, so planned accordingly and tossed my sneakers in the car.

Instead of driving to check a house, I changed my shoes and walked south along Dune Drive. 

A real treat to see the mini-mansions in the dunes up close.  And I spotted the wild turkey hanging in the woods at 49th Street (see previous post)  https://anndelaney.com/2010/11/22/the-avalon-turkey/

P.S.  on 3/24/11 -This morning, I saw the wild “Avalon turkey” hanging out on the 56th Street grass median with a crew of landscapers.  He has definitely become the dune area mascot!

On my return, I walked through the 50th Street path to the beach.  Useless trivia:  this was “my” beach path as a child…until our family moved to a new house just a few blocks south-  and then used the 57th Street path. 

I was able to walk under the Avalon Fishing Pier before returning to my office.  A unique break to the work day and a perk of working at the shore!  Happy Spring 🙂

Posted in Avalon, New Jersey- News, Life at the Shore | Comments closed
March 21, 2011

NJ Monthly Magazine

By ann

http://njmonthly.com/articles/best-of-Jersey/best-blogs.html

My humble beach blog was named as one of the best New Jersey blogs by New Jersey Monthly.  Very flattering.  

Maybe my readership will expand beyond family members??    😉

Posted in Life at the Shore | Comments closed
March 20, 2011

Avalon, Stone Harbor stats

By ann

There are 8,709 dwelling units on our seven mile island:  5,281 in Avalon; and 3,428 in Stone Harbor.

To put the current sale inventory in perspective, just 6% of the total number of units are available for sale.

Single family homes: 317 on the active sale market, ranging in price from $469,000 to $11,900,000.  The median asking price is $1,725,000.

Condo/townhouse units: 131 on the active sale market, ranging in price from $429,000 to $1,895,000.  The median asking price is $749,900.

If you have questions regarding market values in the Avalon or Stone Harbor, NJ area, please contact me:  ann@anndelaney.com

Posted in Avalon, New Jersey- News, Seashore Real Estate, Stone Harbor, New Jersey- News | Comments closed
March 19, 2011

Last Weekend of Winter

By ann

Not as warm as yesterday…but not bad for March.

Today is the Stone Harbor Shiver polar bear plunge.  Crowds will gather just before 12 noon on the 96th Street beach to watch the crazy people jump in the water!

This little guy may still be around to watch the festivities.  A baby seal enjoyed a perfect beach day yesterday in the south end of Stone Harbor.

A woman from the Cape May County Zoo was nearby to keep curious beach walkers at a safe distance.  She estimated that the seal was just 3 months old.  Say it with me: aww   🙂

Posted in Activities, Stone Harbor, New Jersey- News | Comments closed
March 17, 2011

Irish Roots

By ann

Happy St. Patrick’s Day.

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!

Posted in Life at the Shore | Comments closed
March 14, 2011

Favorite Destinations

By ann

I love to travel.  Some destinations leave an “I’m glad we went, but no need to go again” feeling.  And then others have me thinking about a return visit before arriving home!

So what creates our connection to certain locations? Is it vacation memories from childhood?  The environment?  The people?  The accommodations? 

I grew up in the high dunes section of Avalon.  That explains why I am drawn to the woods/beach combination (Kiawah Island, SC and Carmel, CA are 2 favorites that come to mind).  And we live on a low key island year round, so Lana’i (Hawaii) with a population of 2,800 seemed just right.

I often hear tenants and owners say they take a deep breath as they cross over the bridge into town- instant relaxation.  Avalon and Stone Harbor have the qualities that bring families to our island year after year. 

Those of us who live here understand…and appreciate our unique surroundings.

Posted in Avalon, New Jersey- News, Life at the Shore, Stone Harbor, New Jersey- News | Comments closed
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