As those who follow The SandPaper know, I have written many columns based on day trips accompanied by my daughter, Claire, to Long Beach Island, especially in the last eight years since my husband, Stanley, passed away. Each year we have checked out changes to the Island, especially after storm damage like Sandy in 2012. Every summer brings new surprises.

It was no different this year. We usually come down in August near my wedding anniversary on Aug. 12.