Tumbleweeds down at the Shore!

Recently at the beach, I noticed a lot of seaweed and debris down along the Ocean Avenue Walkway shoreline of Cape May Point: 

Perhaps, this is connected to the $8 million dredging project to restore and build up the Cape May beaches that started in December off the coast

or from strong winter storms or both. 

See related story in the Cape May County Herald: http://www.capemaycountyherald.com/article/government/cape+may/89636-dredge+forifying+cape+may039s+beaches

The area looks swept by water and wind, leaving behind along the shore 

many tumbleweeds - 

weeds as in 

seaweed! 

The balls are a mixture of seaweed, grasses, and debris.

There must be some tasty treats inside, too, as the birds pick them apart, apparent
by the many footprints. 

A Dune Crawl!

Just a month later, met by a cheerful greeting written in the sand to celebrate Martin Luther King Day,

I was surprised to see water and wind erosion and signs of high water up to and 

into the dunes on the Point.

The remains of the Beach Christmas Tree are still to be seen, as it was pushed northwest a couple of blocks and now rests at the bottom of the Stites Ave. walkway.

On the Stites Avenue walkway, the dune has moved onto it, with the walkway now completely covered in sand up to the handrails.

It looks like the walkway is now part of the dune.

Servin' up some Grinders!

In early December, when I was visiting the Point for the day, I could hear the waves crashing from a far 

and ran down, expecting to see the waves up to walkways and the beach washed away. 

I was glad to see that the beach was intact and the ocean 'in its place'. 

It was a glorious sunny day and the waves were rolling in and crashing right at shore - 

we had some of very own 

Cape May Point Grinders!

There was an offshore wind, creating perfectly shaped waves. 

I was pleased to capture some of the barrels or tubes.

Here are some fun wave terms: 

and more on this site: 

http://www.surfing-waves.com/waves/wave_terms.htm

Treasures to Share

Combing the beach for items recently washed up, always brings me joy and I'm always feel the urge to collect everything that is beautiful or unique to me.  Before long though, I have so many items, that they are spilling out of my pockets.

Why not leave them for others to admire and enjoy! At least some of them!

By capturing them in a photo, I can visit them anytime and also share them with you.

I hope you enjoy:

A closer peak: 

What a Catch!

On a sunny day in mid-summer at Lake Lily, while admiring a Great Blue Heron, I looked up and noticed a osprey circling over head.

At closer glance, one could spot a fish in its talons.

As seen here, it is typical for the Osprey to catch and then carry fish head first, which allows for less wind resistance. Osprey are the only hawks that eat almost exclusively live fish. 

For most recent Osprey conservation efforts in NJ, visit the blog listed on my side bar: NJ Osprey Project and this site: http://www.njospreyproject.blogspot.com/

Winter Storm Draco Impacts the Point

After the storm, there was a lot of debris on the beach,

including the remnants of the Beach Christmas Tree.

The newly planted grass from October was almost completely covered by sand

and there was evidence of high water reaching up into the dune at the end of Ocean Avenue.

Winter Storms have been named for years in Europe. It is interesting to see the US follow along, apparently to help with preparations and raise awareness. 

See the article: 

http://www.weather.com/news/why-we-name-winter-storms-20121001

Christmas Lights on the Point!

Enjoy some Christmas Lights Cheer from the Point. 

Here are some beautiful ones on the circle:

And more from around the neighborhood . . .

Merry Christmas!