I walked over the beach path early this morning to an embarrassing view of trash and recycling (much of it outside the cans), along with broken beach chairs and umbrellas. Â Evidence of a busy holiday weekend!
By the time I finished my walk and returned back to the path, the trash was gone, and the sand groomed.
One of the reasons we purchase beach tags!
Why yes, that IS a flag pole in the marsh!
Re-posting a picture from 2012 of an annual July 4th tradition:
The Stone Harbor life guards decorate their stands, and rally the crowd on their beach to sing the Star Spangled Banner.
Because the 4th falls on a weekend this year, Â I am limited to looking at pictures and videos on Twittter while at work!
Frequently Asked Questions:
1) Will the fireworks go off tonight? Yes, unless it’s pouring rain and/or thunder and lightning storm.  Will share updates on Twitter.  9pm in Avalon at 30th Street beach; just after 9pm in Stone Harbor at 80th Street beach.
2) Any parking tips? Sorry, this is the weekend to walk or ride your bike!
3) Will Kohler’s run out of cream donuts? Probably 😉
4) Is it worthwhile to shop for groceries on the island rather than going out to the Acme?  Definitely!
Have a great weekend!
I am proud to support The Brendan Borek High Tides Memorial Fund: a grass roots organization helping Cape May County pediatric cancer patients and their families since 1992.
So many opportunities to participate and contribute.  For the complete list of activities, visit the web site, or the office/store at 2170 Dune Drive, Avalon.
The final surf memorial on August 1st will mark the 25th anniversary of the event. Â Tickets for the Reunion Beef and Beer are available on a limited basis.
Brendan’s legacy will live on through a partnership with CHOP (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia). Â The Brendan Borek Endowment Fund will continue to assist children and families in Cape May and Atlantic Counties.
I’m spoiled.
Selling homes along the coast is different from real estate in a primary market.  This is fun purchase…a dream come true.  And I am lucky to share in the excitement and help with the process.
I navigate the details (flood insurance, riparian rights, zoning issues, inspections, appraisals, lender requests, title work, elevation certificates, etc.) while the buyers make plans for future use.
However, some sales are very emotional.
Later today, I have settlement on a bay front home that I sold to the current owners in 1985. The sellers enjoyed 30 years of family use, but felt it was time to sell.  It’s a huge decision-often upsetting family and friends who have benefited from shore vacations!
A hard day for the sellers, yet exciting for the young family purchasing the house and looking forward to life on the bay.
The ideal way to start, and finish my day.
Beautiful day. Â South end Stone Harbor- catamaran beach.
Heavy rain, clearing skies, and then the sun. Â Oh, and a Portuguese Man O’ War (actually 2) found at the south end of Stone Harbor!
From a distance, I thought the first one was a colorful ziplock bag (and walked over to pick it up and throw it away).  Thankfully, I read the recent posts from Long Beach Island and instead just took pictures!
MONDAY UPDATE: The Wetlands Institute confirmed via Twitter – “Portuguese man of war. They can come ashore in NJ when northerly and north easterly winds pushing the Gulf Stream on shore”.
Quiet Visitors
We are accustomed to summer visitors driving flashy cars and wearing designer clothes.
The nuns on retreat at Villa Maria by the Sea provide a welcome contrast…as do the many Amish families who return year after year.
I took this picture Tuesday evening. Â I didn’t want to be disrespectful, but it was such a beautiful image.