I'm Back! So Is Eastern Standard Time.

Afternoon!  It's 56° in Wildwood NJ.  Ms Sun's shining through hazy, milky clouds and the winds are stiff out of the E-NE at 15-20mph.  It's going to be a mix of clouds and sun today with temps around where they are now and E-NE winds at 15-20mph.  Tonight... partly to  mostly cloudy, low of 46° and NE winds at 10-20mph.  Tomorrow... mostly cloudy, high of 58° and those E-NE winds again at 10-20mph.  It's Fall at its finest.  Especially "down the shore" with that almost warm sun, crisp briny sea-air and those seagulls always chattering and adding perfect ambiance to life along the Coast.  It's really good to be back home whether on the chilly side or not.  As I turned my back on summer, a 2,800+ mile road trip including passing through 7 States with a Key West destination including 5 overnighters down South, I'm grateful to be home and back on my island after 38 days away.  I can't recall if I was ever away from home for that length of time before but one thing's for sure... my bed felt remarkable!  Speaking of time... it's time to "turn the clocks back" an hour before turning in tonight as Daylight Savings Time is heading out.  I left Wildwood the end of September (the loveliest time of the year here regarding our "weather") and the sun was still very warm while the trees leaves still green were just beginning their metamorphosis. Upon returning the other day, the trees colors have peaked with their bright reds, yellows and oranges colors while those Jersey pines stood tucked around all those lovely colors with their dark greens along the GSP (Garden State Parkway) and what a perfect painting to behold.  We're just getting off a "new moon" along with a strong southern low pressure that's responsible for coastal flood warnings and advisories happening at the moment.  The Tides without question are in "extreme" mode. I just returned from the grocery store from the mainland and while traveling along Rt. 47 through the wetlands and marshlands (which would normally be down a significant drop from the shoulder of the road), I saw some of the highest tides I've ever seen. The marsh water was level with the highway with barely any marsh grass (no longer green but gold) visible out on the watery horizon... strange phenomenon.  I'm grateful that I experienced only pleasant weather on all of my travels to and from the most Southern Point of the United States.  But as I type, Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas and Virginia are getting nailed by this thing.  Lots and lots and lots of rain along with major winds and flood watches posted everywhere.  Apparently, Wildwood won't feel the same effects thankfully as there is no rain on our forecast until this time next week.  It's just that low pressure just south of us, and the wind and moon that are all creating a bit of "crazy tide havoc" for us.  Be aware of low-lying areas and where that vehicle gets parked.  And, remember that the tides on the marsh side of the island are always an hour later than the ocean side of the island.  Time to remember to change the time tonight and you might want to change the batteries in all those detectors.  See you on Standard Time!
High tide: 9:48AM and 10:15PM
Low tide: 4:13PM
Ocean temp: 62°
Sunrise: 7:33AM
Sunset: 5:53PM