Thanks for putting all the time and effort into this article, and into all the articles on your site. I always learn something, and I always smile as a result of reading your material. Keep up the good work, please!

Thanks for your notes. I was worried and even inquired on the C&S forum as to your safty. Stay safe and be happy.

Glad to hear you, Skipper, and Seaweed are fine. It looked like the worst missed you but I still worried a bit. Thanks for the detailed advice on hurricane prep. You've been there, done that more than once - and I respect your insights. Did the storm at least disperse the red tide?

What a nice person you are, and how very kind of you to say younliked the article. I appreciate that. Thanks Captain.

All is well here. Your concern is appreciated. It's been busy here. When compounded with the reemergence of red tide, concentration and energy to out the portlights.

Hoping all is well with you too. I am starting to get ready for winter. It is too early but digging out the winter blanket was easier while I was already in the locker.

It was sort of like sitting down on the floor and looking around to see what else can be done while I am down there! I put the 12-volt electric blanket back on my bunk just in case there is a cold snap. Now I am ready.

Thanks so much for your comment and concern. Both are appreciated. J.

Alas the red tide returned after the storm. It does seem a bit better today than yesterday so that is a good thing. The water is greener too. My eyes still feel gritty however less so than earlier this week.

Have you started your winter preparations? I got out Halloween and thought of you. Happy candy day.

P.S. - There is a hidden critter in one of the photos I took, in case you wondered. Your friend, J.

Yes, I have my special gift Halloween ceramic pumpkin (with fresh teas) and other decorations out. :) *Manatee in the water by the mangrove tree! As for winter prep, my fake fur ankle length coat is ready to snuggle in. Deck plants brought indoors. Furnace filter changed. Bring it, Winter! BTW: The photo of your Grand and the ocean is precious.

We just got rain for Michael over here on he east coast. I'm also in a good hurricane hole, and Wind Trails rode out Irma here with no problems. A couple of the dockhands helped me get the bimini down and supports folded and secured, and the sail well and truely lashed. Janice, I"m with you. I watch the NOAA reports and start preparations well ahead of the storm. Hurricanes don't always go where thy are forecast to go. I remember when Hurricane Charley went up Tampa Bay. It was supposed to hit Tampa, but took a turn and hit Punta Gorda on the nose. My uncle lived in Punta Gorda. So he went to Coral Gables to stay with his daughter. Got hit again. Came back to Punta Gorda just in time to get it again. In all, he got hit with four hurricanes that year. I told him maybe it was time to come home to Ohio. He wasn't interested. 8g

It is always nice to be within a short trip of a hurricane hole. Congratulations. That is wonderful.

I've been partial to tributaries. Because Seaweed has a low air draft I am able to get into places that larger boats cannot. She draws 3' too which is helpful.

Still, it is A LOT of work to prep a boat. And the stress levels increase too.

You are correct regarding getting things in place before a storm gets close. It seems easier when there are no time pressures. And too, I need time to think about things -- to make sure I'm not forgetting anything critical. Lists help.

Thank you so much for commenting. I really appreciate comments. J.