This historic find has become a tourist attraction.
To visit the site: park at the lot on 123rd Street. Â You can access the beach from either path, and then walk south for approximately 25 minutes. Â Yes, that’s North Wildwood just across the inlet!
Head down around low tide in order to view the shipwreck.
Pictures from Christmas morning and again today:
Santa– the life size plywood cut out version- has been an important part of Christmas for as long as I can remember.
Santa began his life of service in the early 1960’s at my parents’ first house in Avalon. He was surrounded by big, multi-colored bulbs on the newly planted shrubs. Inside that modest Golden Home rancher, 4 little girls hung their stockings on a cardboard fireplace with a plug in red bulb that magically turned the metal wheel to create “fire†.
In the 1970’s, Santa moved with our family 5 blocks south in Avalon to a larger, 2 story home with a real wood fireplace. The colorful exterior lights were eventually replaced with more subtle white bulbs, but the spot light literally remained on Santa.
In the off season, Santa hung proudly on the garage wall- watching us all come and go. Those little girls grew up and moved out, bringing back grandchildren for days on the beach. In the 1980’s, my young sons were fascinated by Santa, and maybe a bit intimidated based on our attempts to use him for improved behavior!
When my parents downsized to a townhouse in the early 1990’s, my father asked if I wanted Santa for our home. Of course, I was thrilled- and Santa didn’t complain as he was forced to leave Avalon and move “off shoreâ€.
Santa loyally followed us on each move- knowing that he would be given a prominent position (with a flood light) at Christmas.  Years later, he gratefully moved back to the island to become a Stone Harbor resident!
Now coasting past his mid-50s, Santa was showing signs of wear (aren’t we all).
For several years, I thought about arranging a touch up, but it just didn’t feel right.  Thankfully, our niece offered her artistic talents - a perfect fit!
So the newly refreshed Santa is back in his designated spot in front of our home- ready to face another 50+ years by the beach 😎
I love receiving holiday photo cards from customers.
For many, I’ve watched their children grow up…and now their grandchildren!
I’m so grateful for the long term relationships and friendships in my business.
Merry, Merry!
Saw a bit of sun early this morning…
In order to accommodate the travel schedules for a few out of state family members, we celebrated an early Christmas yesterday.
EVERYONE was able to attend, and my youngest sister was a good sport to host the crowd!
This is a picture of the “kids” with Mom Mom. Â Her grandchildren range in age from 18 to 38. Â And the great grandchildren range from 8 months to 11 years old.
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I follow a number of professional writers on Twitter, and often see the phrase: “Don’t read the comments”.
Yet the other day, an old time photo was posted by the Avalon History Center, and I made the mistake of scrolling through the responses- ugh!
I understand nostalgia, but why use those fond memories to complain about your view of the current state of our community? Â Realistically, the “good old days” where not perfect either.
My husband and I are both shore kids- he grew up in Wildwood, and I was raised in Avalon. Â The beach towns provided tourist related jobs during our teen years, and ultimately our adult careers.
Even back in the day, Avalon and Stone Harbor did not have a booming a year round population. Summer residents made up the majority of home owners -then and now.
Year round property owners were not “driven out by increasing property values”. In fact, some cashed out due to changes in life circumstances and benefited from the equity. During my 38 years of selling real estate, I helped several older property owners moving to senior living communities closer to their grown children. Â They specifically mentioned their inability to afford the facility without the profit.
Other full time residents sold and purchased homes off the island free and clear- with a remaining nest egg for the future. Â It’s a personal financial decision, and we are fortunate to have that option and a solid asset!
Change is hard. Some regulars didn’t know if Avalon would survive when Donnelly’s Deli closed; or refused to return to Stone Harbor without Henny’s!
Yet life goes on.
The island remains a premier destination for all the right reasons: strict zoning, diligent public works personnel maintaining the streets, beach, and parks, top notch recreation areas, and wonderful downtown shopping and dining options.
Oh, and happy residents willing to share their town with seasonal visitors 🙂
It’s easy to search vacation rentals on the Tim Kerr Sotheby’s International Realty web site ;
As well as sale opportunities on the Tim Kerr Sotheby’s International Realty MLS search page
And I am here to help!  ann.delaney@timkerrsir.com  or  609-967-7950
Cold mornings mean it’s time to change up my daily beach walk routine.
1) Sneakers are not warm enough for me in the winter. Â I wear sturdy hikers for warmth and stability.
2) Our wonderful summer “breeze” changes to a chilly winter “wind”; most often from the northwest. Â Walking near the dunes provides some protection from the gusts.
3) Beaches are not groomed in the off season, allowing the soft sand to pack down. Â Plus, the moisture in the sand freezes, creating a firmer surface for walking.
4) Â Hat, gloves, and a winter coat are necessities. Â I also swear by wool socks and ski pants. Â Occasionally I leave the house thinking I am over dressed for the walk…until I reach the path!
See you on the beach 🙂
Looking outside this morning, I could only see a huge dark cloud over the ocean. Â I bundled up and headed to the beach… not expecting to see much of a sunrise.
Yet once I crossed over the beach path, the view vastly improved!
Today’s beach walk pictures:
Happy New Year!
Hello 2019 😎