We brought along a few beach chairs while visiting family in the mountains of North Carolina last week.
Although we had to dress for the cooler temperatures, time out in the sun felt great. No harm in practicing for upcoming days on the beach!
Only 41 days until Memorial Day weekend 🙂
Avalon, NJ-Â Update on the spring beach fill:
 Trucks are actively delivering the large metal pipes used to pump the new sand, and the dredge equipment was spotted this morning off of Stone Harbor heading north.Â
The sound of beeping tractors can’t be too far behind!
South-end Avalon for $799,999!
Totally renovated interior. 5 bedrooms, 3.5 elegant baths, plus a bonus 3rd floor loft. Gas heat and central air. Sundeck with southern exposure. 2 blocks to a wide beach.
On the market for summer rentals @ $3300 per week in prime time. Purchase before the season and collect the rental income!
Nearby: family owned deli on 68th Street, playground and bird sanctuary on 74th Street; Bay Park boat launch on 55th Street.Â
For more details and interior photos of 295 65th Street, Avalon NJ:
http://www.powerplayrealty.com/sales/detail/245Â Â
and interior videos: http://www.youtube.com/anndelaneybeach#p/u/7/1z2OQdNFcGA
http://www.youtube.com/anndelaneybeach#p/u/11/4WerHGppzBk
Or contact me: ann@anndelaney.com
Thank you for your interest!
Chilly again this morning, but warming up with the sun.
A few of my summer neighbors are down for the weekend. I said hello to a neighbor this morning: he was walking his dog wearing shorts and a long sleeve t-shirt; I was wearing my winter coat, hat, and gloves! Once I walked over the beach path, I was glad for the extra layers.
I took the lower picture late Thursday afternoon. The beach survey tower is on site in preparation of the Borough of Avalon beach fill project.
After the Avalon beaches are replenished, the equipment will move south to Stone Harbor.
The wind- a major factor when you live near the beach.
The direction and mph effect decisions ranging from outdoor activities to trash can placement!
Last night, the sustained south winds created a “sand blizzard” on the beach.
I posted a short video on YouTube:Â http://www.youtube.com/anndelaneybeach
On a positive note, we could consider this natural beach replenishment…blowing the excess sand from North Wildwood to Stone Harbor!
Thinking of my father today. He worked 6 days a week, so Sundays were a sacred day…at the beach.Â
My dad inherited hardy Irish skin that turned dark brown in the summer months. Sunscreen and the giant yellow umbrella with the lethal metal pole were for the rest of the family who just freckled and burned!Â
My mother laughs when decribing all of the equipment hauled to the beach, along with 4 children: a large playpen (even heavier than the massive umbrella), beach chairs, buckets, coolers, etc. And of course, my father’s fishing gear. At a certain age, my sisters and I were permitted to walk back to the house to retrieve more food and beer for the grown ups (wrapping the beer in foil to trick the lifeguards…) Â
The Sunday tradition continued with the next generation. My sons enjoyed beach days with “Pop Pop” and followed the rules at the end of the day: “call” your turn for the outside shower, and hang bathing suits/towels on the line. All beach items were thoroughly rinsed, set in the sun to dry, and of course, neatly stored by night fall. Even though we grew up by the beach, sand was NEVER permitted in the house!
  Long beach days are an ongoing tradition with our family. My father’s rules are now enforced at my house (I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown the day this picture was taken…I am my father’s daughter!)
The love of the beach…and family time together. Thanks, Dad.
I attended an interesting seminar today regarding flood vents (I am such a house nerd).
The cost for flood insurance is based on the elevation of the home (how high it sits off of the ground), and proper venting of the structure.  If the venting does not conform to current codes, the home owner will pay a substantially higher insurance premium.
Interesting facts: the bottom of all vents can be no higher than 12″ above grade (for example- the upper row of vents shown in the photo are disqualified); the standard sliding aluminum vents must be disabled in the open position to qualify (not practical in the winter months with exposed pipes); garages and detached buildings must be vented; and if the inside grade on all 4 walls of the crawl space is lower than the outside grade, insurance regulations classify the space as a basement.
Engineered vents (such as SmartVents) are common in new construction and to retrofit an exisiting house to conform to the codes. For more information: http://www.smartvent.com/ or contact your insurance agent.
I am honored that my beach blog was named one of the “best New Jersey blogs” in the April issue of New Jersey Monthly Magazine (page 76…by the way).  There is also a nice feature piece about the gardens at Hereford Inlet Lighthouse in North Wildwood (page 64). Otherwise, it’s hard to find a reference to any town or business south of Toms River in the publication.
In contrast, I am a long time subscriber of Philadelphia Magazine. It keeps me connected to our customer base.  And, when the magazine references the Jersey shore, our beach communities are included.
The north/south divide in New Jersey is the subject of a popular blog: http://nsjersey.blogspot.com/ – funny observations on everything from sports teams to food preferences. We really are a state divided!
Reasons to visit the shore:
Warmer temperatures (okay- not warm, but better than yesterday!), more daylight hours, and downtown restaurants/shops open for the season.
Great to see lights on in neighboring houses, and people walking on the beach. The early birds were rewarded with a beautiful sunrise this morning.
Enjoy the weekend!
Sunday Sights
The “horizontal rain” caused minor leaks in 2 south facing windows- I could hear the rain hitting our house in an unusual way and was on high alert!
The wind pushed the ocean up to the dunes along the beach. The Point at the south end of Stone Harbor was completely exposed, and flooded over…an unusual sight.Â
This pipe is connected to others that extend out to the inlet. Soon, large metal pipes will be lining the beach to pump in the new sand.
It’s a fascinating process to watch- and I will of course post pictures 🙂