 Well, the weather report was correct after all.Â
The warm temperatures lasted through the morning.  Clouds, light rain, and cooler air this afternoon- but still a decent day overall.
The soccer families staying in local motels are roaming the downtown shops and enjoying the restaurants- greatly appreciated  in the off season.
And a brilliant sunset to end the day…
 The news reported falling temperatures, but it’s still 70 degrees at the shore.
Perfect weather to enjoy the local soccer tournaments, the Avalon Seafood Festival (30th and the beach), and the Stone Harbor Art Show (96th Street).
Or, take a walk along the beach and see the odd looking jelly fish. Quite pretty actually…for jelly fish.
Have a great weekend!
Welcome to the off season.Â
The comfortable sea breeze we love in the summer becomes plain old wind that challenges our outdoor activities.  Â
I walked on the beach yesterday morning- the sand was still wet from the rain, so I wasn’t completely sand blasted. The trick is to head into the wind so that the walk back is easy!
 Worth the extra effort to see the ocean and sky after the storm 🙂
http://idx.sitesbyjoe.com/agents/powerplay/
Use the above link to access the entire inventory posted to the Cape May County Multiple Listing Service. Define your search by location and price- you might be pleasantly surprised by the options available to suit your needs.
I appreciate the opportunity to help if you are thinking about a seashore purchase! ann@anndelaney.com
 Be sure to look both ways as you enter the beach from the path- vehicles are permitted on the beach this time of year (with a valid municipal permit).
Also permitted in the off season- dogs. But only when on a leash. The police do their best to enforce this rule to keep the walkers (like me) and the dog owners happy.
A very pretty sight- the full moon over the ocean.  A cool, clear night to enjoy the view!
Too foggy this morning to take a picture.  Kayaked on the bay- a bit eerie because I really couldn’t see! Figured I would hear a boat coming- plus, boaters are usually smarter than kayakers about going out in the fog 😉
I scared a few ducks (they couldn’t see me either until I was next to them on the water), but otherwise, had the bay to myself.  Very peaceful.
I recently read an interesting article about the distinct odor of the back bay marsh. The smell is actually caused by decay and rot, and people either love it or hate it. We call it the “low tide” smell- but don’t find it offensive- it’s just part of the seashore experience.
Interest rates took an unexpected drop last week. Citizen’s Bank and Wells Fargo are quoting rates under 5% for conforming 30 year fixed rate loans. Jumbo loans (those over $417,000) are less than 6%.
Good timing for our fall market!Â
If you need contact information for an area lender, please let me know.
During my walk after work yesterday, I passed another “local” on the beach.
Like me, she grew up on the island, and has lived/worked here her entire life. As we said hello, she commented “Isn’t it beautiful tonight?….this never gets old”. That says it all.
Even though we live at the shore full time, the appreciation for our surroundings doesn’t fade. In fact, I think we value it more as we “mature”!
Glad to see the regulars out on the sand, and glad to share their enthusiasm about our quiet little island at the shore.
http://www.capemaycountyherald.com/article/55144-sevenmile+schools+examine+consolidation+options
An article regarding the ongoing debate to consolidate the 2 elementary schools on the island. The State of New Jersey will eventually force action, so the hope is that the 2 communities can work together to determine a positive solution.
Back in the dark ages (when I attended Avalon Elementary), new families were moving to town and the school population was growing- even prompting an addition to the school in the early 1970’s. Stone Harbor’s class size has always been smaller than Avalon’s- creating social issues for the students.
Now, both schools rely on tuition students to partially fill the classrooms.Â
The Avalon Land and Homeowners Association has scheduled a meeting on October 7th at 7pm in the Avalon Elementary School- looking for public comment.
 A stroll after dinner is now in the dark.
And because the “critters” are active at that time of night, the best place to walk is in the street (the bike path is ideal).
Thankfully there are only a few cars on the road mid-week – so not a safety issue. In fact, wondering if the street lights should have motion detectors so that they only go on when a car or person is passing by?? Think of the energy savings!  😉