August 7, 2008

Open for Business

By ann

lifeguards.jpg The water temperature is finally in the 70’s.  Time to get back in the ocean!  The local newspaper is calling it  “Lake Atlantic” due to the lack of waves.

I miss my early moring beach walking companions- the dolphins, and hope the warmer water brings them back closer to shore soon…

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August 5, 2008

Back Bays

By ann

marsh.jpg  Even if you don’t live on the bay- there are opportunities to enjoy the calm (and usually warmer) back bay waterways.  Avalon and Stone Harbor have several public docks. The easiest for parking:  Avalon Bay Park with a fishing/crabbing dock on 53rd Street, and swimming dock/ kayak launch area on 57th Street.  Other docks: 8th Street, over the 21st and 25th Street bridges, 23rd Street, 81st Street, 83rd Street, and 113th Street.

Tide schedule available on Avalon Anchorage Marina’s web site: http://www.avalonanchorage.com/

Posted in Activities, Avalon, New Jersey- News, Life at the Shore, Stone Harbor, New Jersey- News | Comments closed
August 3, 2008

Weekend Wrap Up

By ann

Another big weekend along Seven Mile Beach.  The first Saturday of August is traditionally our busiest rental check in day, with the popular Arts and Crafts Show one of the main attractions.  A fast moving thunderstorm rolled in early Saturday morning.  The gusty winds toppled several deck tables- a frustrating mess because the tempered glass breaks in to a billion pieces! (a practical reason to always secure your deck umbrella when not in use).

twilight.jpg  A Walk After Sunset Tonight

It was wonderfully cool along the beach- and the lights of Wildwood boardwalk glowed in the distance.  One bright star over the calm ocean, and a crescent moon over the bay.  Most decks were in use as family and friends enjoyed the night (this is the true sense of a seashore vacation).  I also appreciated the opportunity to see inside the well lit homes as I walked by (totally real estate related…not just me being nosy!)

 

Posted in Activities, Life at the Shore, Seashore Real Estate | Comments closed
July 31, 2008

No Gas Worries Here

By ann

kayaking2.jpg  Back bay kayaking- an economical way to see wildlife (and houses!) up close.  I was out the other night just before sunset…a comfortable breeze and the opportunity to watch graceful snowy egrets as I paddled near the marsh.

This morning, the bay was completely still.  It was an equilibrium challenging combination- the reflection of the clouds and houses on the bay, plus a light mist. A great way to start the day  🙂

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July 29, 2008

Safety on Vacation

By ann

There was a segment on The Today Show this morning about staying safe on vacation.

The statement that caught my attention- “parents let down their guard, and don’t always enforce the same rules that apply at home”.  Unfortunately, very true.

Two recent examples that I observed: bike riders (including several adults with their kids in the attached buggy) out during the height of the severe thunder storm Sunday-  hopefully they were rushing home, but it was hard to tell; and a young girl at the beach by herself in the early morning hours to collect shells- I’ve seen her each morning this week- no adult in sight. Noticed her walking off the beach and she is staying 2 blocks back. 

We may feel that we live in “Utopia”, but the shore is still part of the real world (thankfully a modified version). 

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July 27, 2008

Not a Beach Day :(

By ann

raindowntown.jpg  I didn’t believe the weather forecast (I prefer to live in denial) – and made plans for some time on the beach after work this afternoon.  The heavy rain caused minor flooding along Dune Drive, and our visitors to run for cover!  Messy afternoon- but the sky is looking brighter.

Posted in Activities, Avalon, New Jersey- News, Life at the Shore | Comments closed
July 26, 2008

Cheers For The Beach Cleaners

By ann

sandsculpture.jpg  This artistic sand sculpture remained intact over night.  The beach cleaner was kind enough to circle around it, so it could be admired for another day.

I feel guilty if I am the first set of foot prints over rows of freshly raked sand.  It’s like walking on just vacuumed carpet! 

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July 23, 2008

Gang Wars at the Shore??

By ann

The seagulls have had the stronghold on the shore for years- a rival group was bound to hear about the opportunities and try to move in. 

Has anyone else noticed the black crows?  They are breaking in to trash bags and wandering the beach like they own the place. 

I see them nesting in the center island trees, and stalking the streets on trash day.  The other evening on the beach, the crows were all around, surrounding my chair- very creepy! 

crows.jpg Crows on the wire.

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July 22, 2008

Hot Wind v. Ocean Breeze

By ann

I live 1,125 feet from the beach (375 yards for those who golf).  The hot air hit me as soon as I walked out of my house.  Thankfully, the beach has a separate weather system.  The cool air hanging over the ocean could be felt as soon as I reached the beach path.

During my walk, there was a constant battle between the steady south west wind and the cooler ocean air.  The swirl of hot and cool surrounded me- with the hot air winning the battle once the sun broke through the clouds.

Keep cool- sit by the water, and root for the sea breeze!

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July 21, 2008

Fog and Dogs

By ann

I was composing today’s entry in my head as I walked along the beach this morning.  It was all positive: a cool and eerie fog, the sweet smell of salt water, a man playing a bugle (seriously), the sun breaking through the clouds…UNTIL an unleashed German Shepherd appeared out of the mist!

I stopped dead in my tracks- and asked the owners to please leash their dog.  They looked confused- why would I mind a large dog running toward me???  I think I may have encountered this same dog last summer (one of many), prompting a similar “vent” in my blog!

Sure enough- on my return, the dog was once again off the leash.  The owner had a difficult time catching the dog- and I had to wait through this process, and endure nasty looks. 

I am not comfortable around dogs, and afraid of certain breeds.  So it’s frustrating to feel intimidated when I just want to enjoy a walk along the beach.

Posted in Life at the Shore | Comments closed
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