 Built in 1895 as a lifesaving station, this classic seashore building located on the corner of 117th and Second Avenue, Stone Harbor is owned by American Legion Post 331. A major restoration project is almost complete, including handpainted murals inside the garage doors.
Hard to do it justice with a camera phone- very impressive in person. For additional information:
http://www.capemaycountyherald.com/article/31184-legion-post-makes-historic-register
 Another cloudless day with the warm sun rising over the ocean. Looking forward to more morning daylight…but I wish it didn’t mean darkness right after work 🙁
Years ago, one of my customers said what she likes best about coming to the shore from her suburban neighborhood is the sky. She can look up and see miles and miles of open sky. I thought of her comment this morning…so true.Â
 
 Beautiful day today- too nice to stay inside (except now at 4pm to watch the coverage of the Phillies celebration at the stadium).Â
Was able to sit on the beach (bundled up a bit), watch the dolphins swim by, and read a book- a good day!Â
Happy Halloween! Â
 Very exciting game last night. After the win, someone was driving around our block honking their car horn- I guess they knew it would be a bit lonely to run out in the street to celebrate!
I have a clear memory of the Phillies’ last win 28 years ago- our oldest son was born that year, and we were in our 1st home on Reed’s Beach Road (almost directly across from Stone Harbor on the Delaware Bay side). We watched the game on a small black and white television- no cable available in our rural area- and we were glad the antenna reception was clear!
Last night, we watched the game in HD, with our son and his fiance- how life has changed 🙂
 Aaaahhhh…back on the beach for a walk after work. The sun was out, and it was a beautiful afternoon.
 But first, I had to get on the beach. This sign was posted on the steps at the end of our street- there was a storm while we were away that caused some beach erosion. Oh well, just had to climb over a railing and around the fence…and jump a bit at the end of the path (the sign didn’t mean that I couldn’t access the beach :)  Once I was on the beach, the damage was moderate. Thankfully, a beach replenishment is scheduled for Stone Harbor this fall.Â
 Typical with our winter storms- items wash up on the beach.  Pieces of a Hobie Cat were scattered on the beach at the Point. Also at the Point- bird watchers. Saw a bird watching couple making out (smooching)…I guess bird watching is more exciting than I thought?? Funny…
http://www.powerplayrealty.com/pages
Check out the Tim Kerr’s Power Play Realty web site- specifically the information page. You will find restaurant information, maps, and links to a variety of local businesses.Â
 Back home from our trip. Spent our last 2 days in San Francisco- the highlight was riding a bike over the Golden Gate Bridge!Â
Glad to be back in New Jersey- even with the dreary weather. Looking forward to a long walk on the beach 🙂
 Took a 4 mile hike through Big Basin Redwoods State Park- the trees are amazing (I am walking through one of the trunks in the photo). The road to and from the park was like a roller coaster ride- we were so glad to eventually reach the coastal road.
 Speaking of the coastal road, the section between Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay is unique. It’s a prime farming area- with large planted fields adjacent to the ocean cliffs- I’m surprised the salt spray doesn’t effect the crops. The largest crop- pumpkins. The farm stands were bursting with supply!
 Now this is the way to end the day…a bag piper on the 1st tee of The Links at Spanish Bay (one of the golf courses in the Pebble Beach area). He walked on just before sunset- in full costume- and played for about 15 minutes- very cool!
 
 While my husband golfed, I walked around Carmel- a perfect little town along the coast with a real sand beach and beautiful views to Pebble Beach.  The homes are modest in size, and an interesting mix of English story book cottages and upscale beach bungalows surrounded by mature trees. The woods/beach setting reminds me of Kiawah, South Carolina- another favorite beach location.
Above Sea Level
New construction requires a first floor elevation of 11 feet. And the rate for flood insurance is based on the elevation- below 10 feet will cost twice as much as above 10 feet (an issue when purchasing an older home that sits low to the ground).
If major renovations are planned on a structure that sits below the required elevation, the Borough (Avalon and Stone Harbor)Â will require the home to be raised to meet code- a realistic factor in the decision to renovate versus tear down.