 St. Patrick’s Day is a good day to answer that question. My grandparents on my father’s side were both from Ireland- arriving in the United States as young adults.
While raising their family and living in Philadelphia, they spent summer vacations in Stone Harbor (I have a picture in my office of the family in front of one of their rental cottages- my father looks about 8 years old- ironically in a house literally behind my current home).Â
In the late 1950’s, my grandparents built a home in Avalon and moved here full time. My parents followed in 1963 (with babies in tow).  We lived in the high dune area of Avalon- which was a bit more desolate than today.  The beach and the dunes were our backyard play areas!
My grandfather loved the area- I think the ocean and damp weather reminded him of home. After visiting Ireland last spring, I can see the similarities (although no sheep on Ocean Drive…just an occasional turtle).Â
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!
 January 1st through today:  49 properties posted as sold or under contract in the Cape May County Multiple Listing Service for Avalon and Stone Harbor.  16 of those are the converted condos at 79th and Dune Drive called Ocean View (selling $350,000 to $400,000 range). The highest price for a sale pending is $5 million. The average is $1,085,000.
 As expected, I saw hundreds of footprints on the sand when I walked after work this afternoon. It was a beautiful weekend for strolling along the beach.  But it’s still a bit chilly for bare feet!
 New for 2009- walking paths through the Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary- 2 paths are  in place with access off Third Avenue at 114th Street. Another path will be added on Second Avenue this spring.
 And, check out the view from the new bird watching platform built next to the dunes at Stone Harbor Point (access from the 123rd Street parking lot).  360 degree views of the ocean, inlet, wetlands, and the bay- impressive. Oh…and I guess you can look at the birds, too!
 Other than the deep snow on the beach path and the 25 degree temperatures, it looked like a summer day! A clear blue sky, warm sunshine on my face, and calm winds made for a nice walk this afternoon.
 The spring flower bulbs don’t seem to mind the snow- a postive sign of warmer days to come.
  Thankfully, I made it home before the 2nd band of snow arrived at day break.
    And, very happy that today’s snow driving is limited to Dune Drive 🙂
Stone Harbor Point
http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/209/story/429784.html
Article in today’s Atlantic City Press regarding wildlife at the point.  I haven’t seen the snowy owl yet…will keep looking!