    Kayak on the bay at high tide…and then
 
 take a long walk on the beach and watch the dolphins play.
Somehow, appreciating our beautiful surroundings and the simple things in life puts it all in to perspective. Not much else we can do at this point anyway…
 I have been selling real estate in Avalon and Stone Harbor since 1979 (a mere child when I started!) Our market has weathered many volatile cycles…and we will survive this crazy time as well. Frustrating that critical decisions may be based on political motives rather than what’s best for the country.Â
 The wind direction has thankfully switched, giving our battered beaches time to recover from last week’s storm.  The tide reached the dune line in most areas, and the mightly Atlantic Ocean took down some snow fencing (not sure why we call it snow fencing when it’s in the dunes and rarely touched by snow?). I think the missing sand is gathering at the point- that area extends farther south each year.Â
We used to joke that the Avalon and Stone Harbor sand washed down to Wildwood- but their beaches have dramatically changed in recent years. There are tide pools adjacent to the boardwalk, water under some of the amusement piers, and smaller beaches overall.Â
 The activity at the Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary is increasing- both human and bird traffic. The new walkways and gardens are very attractive- worth a visit.Â
Park at 114th Street and Third Avenue, and wander around the park area. Then cross the street to the bay and watch the evening sunset. It’s a very peaceful area of town.
Ignore the weather reports! The sun is out and the temperatures are warm. Even yesterday turned in to a decent day by the afternoon.
Thursday’s storm caused some beach erosion along the Seven Mile Beach- but not as bad as anticipated.
I watched a segment on the Today Show about real estate, and the advice was to buy in an area that will appreciate once the market turns. I believe Avalon and Stone Harbor fit that definition perfectly. We are a popular name brand seashore destination, and therefore a solid, long term investment. Â
 Plus…it’s a beautiful place to live 🙂
 Often it’s the “no name” storms that cause the most concern. The strong north east wind blows the soft sand sideways (ouch- that stings), and causes some beach erosion (that stings even more). We expect a few days worth of high winds, rough seas, and at least one day of heavy rain 🙁
 Another cool windy day at the shore. The trick is to stay in the sun…and out of the wind! I try to plan my walks accordingly- a challenge!
This is an ideal time to visit a few of the local restaurants- most will be open through the holidays. Last call for Henny’s- haven’t heard a final closing date, but it will be in 2008. Have you tried Jay’s on Third? Fewer children screaming in Uncle Bill’s makes for a relaxing breakfast! Ditto for dinner at Marabella’s. A burger at the Princeton sounds good on a chilly night. So many choices…
 Vehicles must now be permitted at the point- it was very active there this afternoon with families fishing and just hanging out at the beach. It’s worth the long walk around the end of the island to see a true natural beach.
There was an odd bird sitting by the water’s edge- much larger than a New Jersey seagull, with icy blue eyes. It looked like a prehistoric type featured on a brochure for the Galapagos Islands! I guess he took the wrong exit…
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Very chilly this morning- but the sun is starting to warm the air. The 96th Street shopping district looks great with traditional fall decorations. A beautiful weekend…enjoy!
October 1st