Avalon 2016

For the fourth (I think) year in a row, we have spent the better part of a week at the shore for our summer vacation. We went many years without spending much (if any) time at the beach, but the kids really love it and now ask for it again every year.

Once again, we stayed at the Windrift, right on the beach on the border between Avalon and Stone Harbor. Can't beat the convenience, with ocean and pool within a stone's throw. Having been to the Windrift now several times, we are learning more and more about what is where in terms of places to eat, and things to do, which is helpful.

One of the highlights for the kids is always the trip (or two) to the boardwalk in Wildwood, a ten minute drive away.

Money's Pier, Wildwood, at sunset

The Wildwood boardwalk is a semi-junky money-leech of a tourist trap, but I can certainly see the appeal for kids. After all, I was once, and can (mostly) remember back that far.

Spinning rides...ugh...

Our inlaws took their vacation at the same time as us again this year, and it was great that the kids got to hang out with their cousins.

Henna tattoo for Grace

Grace and Ines especially liked the rides at Morey's Pier, and are getting braver every year with what they choose to go on.

Hair wrap for Julia

Having spent time getting rid of extra stuffed animals out of the house, we of course had to play some carnival games and win more of them. There's nothing quite like spending ten or twenty dollars in tickets to win a stuffed animal you could buy for three dollars (yeah, yeah, I get it).

Ferris wheel at night

We had great weather in general. It stormed one night, but that was after dark when we weren't doing anything outside and it didn't matter. Grace and I were strolling the beach in the dark when the storm rolled in, and it was really cool to watch the lightning over the ocean in the distance.

Rope pull tower

A good time was had by all, and I suspect we will be doing it again next summer. There has been discussion of our two families renting a house for a week, but it's hard to beat the convenience of the Windrift. We shall see.

Australian Pink Floyd

I had an interesting concert experience yesterday. Anthony and I saw Australian Pink Floyd at the Tower Theater in Upper Darby.

This is my second experience with a tribute band (the first being The Musical Box doing a Genesis show), and to be honest, I went into it with modest expectations. I like Pink Floyd music quite a bit, but will admit to not knowing too much of their less famous stuff. I don't own any of their albums, and never have (which I think makes me one of the few rock music fans in the world that never owned Dark Side of the Moon).

All in all, it was a great show. They had drummer and keyboards in the back. Three backing vocalists (some of whom tour with real Pink Floyd). A lead guitarist on each side, a bass player who sang a lot of the David Gilmour parts, and a vocalist who played some guitar and sang a lot of the Roger Waters parts.

Aussie Pink Floyd

These guys are famous for a reason (having been doing this for a long time). Musicianship was fantastic. Vocals were good. Stage show, video screens and lighting were elaborate and terrific. The lead guitarists in specific were unbelievably good.

Aussie Pink Floyd again

A few links from the show I was at:

• Comfortably Numb
• Wish You Were Here

Thanks to Anthony and a couple of good shows, I think I might be getting over my inherent aversion to tribute bands. I got to see a great concert, hear the Pink Floyd greatest hits catalog performed live, saw a great stage show, and only paid a modest ticket price. Sure, it was't Pink Floyd, but it was a very enjoyable evening in its own right. Take it for what it is.