 Hard to see in this picture (my sneakers got wet even at this vantage point)- but there were 2 youngs girls swimming in the ocean yesterday. It was a nice day…however, the water temperature was only 50 degrees. Their father was standing watch at the water’s edge- bundled up in a sweat shirt and encouraging the girls to make it quick!
On this morning’s walk, I saw my first dolphins of the season. A real treat for April.
According to an article today in The Press of Atlantic City: www.pressofatlanticcity.com
Stone Harbor Mayor Suzanne Walters said the Borough will need a replenishment project, hopefully in the fall. The Borough is seeking state funding for 75% of a beach replenishment, which will likely cost several million dollars.
The erosion effects 98th through 111th Streets. The beach entrances will be graded to make them accessible.Â
As a side note- I walked that section of beach this morning- at high tide. There is definite damage to the dunes and less dry sand- but the beach is still there.
According to an article in this week’s Herald:Â www.capemaycountyherald.com
The Borough of Avalon has secured $1.5 million for an emergency beach fill project this fall. Replenishment in mid-May will open the beach paths on 10th, 11th, and 15th Streets- however the paths at 12th, 13th, and 14th Streets will remain closed.Â
In the past, the Borough has created walkways along the top of the dunes for a more convenient access for residents in the effected areas.
   Cool sea breeze yesterday- but a beautiful day for a walk along the beach.Â
 Waves of sand untouched by foot prints. That will change soon!
Noticed last night that “Quahog’s” is open on 97th Street (just off Second Avenue in the old Tri-Jo’s building).  The owners, who also own Sea Salt on 83rd and Third Avenue, renovated the space over the winter. I heard it will be a casual seafood/clam shack with take- out available. Anxious to give it a try.
 April is a confused month. It wants to be spring-like, but can’t commit. The fog rolling in off the ocean will lower the air temperture by 10 degrees. It can be sunny and bright inland, but cold and dreary along the coast. Or, like this morning- the strong west wind was blocked by the dunes, so it felt warm on the beach.Â
We will continue to ride the weather rollercoaster for the next few weeks- knowing that the best is yet to come!
  
 The storm last weekend caused some beach erosion in the south end of Stone Harbor (getting on the beach is much easier than climbing back up :)  Miscellaneous items washed up along the shore- including this huge buoy!Â
From National Association of Realtors:
The combined total of vacation- and investment-home sales declined with the overall market in 2007, but still accounted for 33 percent of all existing- and new-home sales, which is close to historic norms, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR). The market share of homes purchased for investment last year was 21 percent, which only dropped 1 percent compared to 2006, while the market share of vacation homes was 12 percent in 2007, compared to 14 percent in 2006
Just returned from our trip to Northern Ireland. Of course, the towns along the Irish Sea were my favorite! A unique mixture of massive cliffs and pink sand beaches:
   
   
Before our trip, we heard concerns about our plans to visit Northern Ireland versus the Republic of Ireland. I can confidently say that we felt very safe and welcome in Belfast and all of the surrounding villages. The northeast coast has expansive areas of open space, quiet (but well marked) roads, and charming towns along the sea.Â
Bubble Bath