Nice sunset as we approach Florida. Photo by Larry

After two and a half months away from the Independence it is nice to be back on board. Our flight back to Fort Lauderdale, Florida from SFO was great. We really appreciate that direct flight on JetBlue. We arrived at The Bluffs Marina in Jupiter, FL with plenty of time to put extra lines on the Independence in preparation for Isaias. Isaias is the ninth named tropical storm of the 2020 hurricane season and the name is Spanish for Isaiah (Kyle Whitfield, staff writer for nola.com). The marina was humming with activity as vessels from ‘non hurricane hold’ marinas moved their boats to The Bluffs. Some of these vessels that arrived were around a 100 feet long so they took the extra precaution to set anchor in the marina to avoid swinging if the winds picked up. Initially, the weather reports were calling for a category one hurricane with winds over 70 miles per hour. However, as the storm approached the East Coast it disorganized and thankfully downgraded to a tropical storm (tropical storms have sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph). Before the storm was due to make a possible landfall at West Palm Beach we ran out to take a peek at the beaches and have a quick beer at one of our favorite bars (yes, outside & yes, with masks) here in Jupiter. The kite boarders were having a blast with the increased surf and the beaches were busy with sunbathers. Eventually, the tropical storm brought us a deluge of rain and some gusty winds but happily that was all.

Hurricane preparations…more lines, more fenders & remove all canvas & covers

Our neighbor First Chapter & Next Chapter have returned from the Bahamas to take shelter at The Bluffs

Crew from two large yachts work to set their anchors in the middle of the channel at The Bluffs

Larry watching the surf at our nearby beach

Kite boarders further down the beach enjoy the enhanced conditions

The surf is a little high but otherwise it is a lovely day at the beach

Gathering storm clouds over the yacht Northland

Watching the weather on the local news. Initial reports had the storm making landfall right at our doorstep.

Looks a little menacing at this point…we are very happy Isaias downgraded to a tropical storm.

Visiting Jupiter…love this mural someone did in town

Dinner at our favorite restaurant, Calaveras Cantina

Calaveras Cantina table-side guacamole & chips & a flight of Fortaleza

Another favorite place Tequesta Brewing Company is open too! — Another favorite place Tequesta Brewing Company is open too. (Mask a Merrill Walker design)