AVALON, NJ — Typically, I spend one week out of the year completely off-line. That was this past week when my family visited the Jersey Shore. This was the first visit back since a “reality” show about over-tanned, obnoxious New Yorkers cast the Shore in a bad light. Thankfully, Avalon and Stone Harbor were the same as always — a relaxing 7 mile island of sand, surf and relaxation. Well, not really the last part — have you ever spent a week at the beach with a 2 year old? That is not relaxing, but it is really, really fun. The Ombudsman even made a cameo appearance! Photos for family and friends on flickr are up.

All in all, a great vacation, though I could have done without the upwelling (Star-Ledger).