Chased off the Beach

Chris and Mary in the Ocean
Jupiter Island, FL
June 30, 2023

Yesterday was the last day of the first half of the year! Along with four friends, Chris and I determined to make yesterday a beach day. We have been enjoying the beautiful, but changeable, South Florida weather and wanted to enjoy some beach time.

We arrived with friends at the beach about 11 AM, but already to the south the storms were forming. Usually the storms arrive during the mid-to-late afternoon, but yesterday, sadly, they started forming during the late morning. 

Storm Clouds Forming 
Jupiter Island, FL
June 30, 2023

We set up our camp on the deserted beach. Yes, during the summertime in South Florida their care many beaches which can be considered deserted. There were no other beachgoers within a mile of us on this sandy ocean beach. The tide was low and we were able to access a sand bar and walk a couple hundred yards out into the gentle surf. The water was a very pleasant at roughly 85 degrees and we were planning for a full day beach excursion having brought sufficient food and water to support us. 

It was not to be. 

The storms formed to our south and wrapped around behind us to the west. As we had arrived at the beach via boat, I did not want to get caught on the open water while motoring about an hour back to the marina. So, sadly, we left our private beach and began the journey back to the marina. Towards the end of our trip the open water of the Saint Lucie river began to get very choppy and I was happy that we departed earlier than we had planned. 

Were we actually chased off the beach? In point of fact no. It is not like the rains were beating down upon us with lightening and thunder, but the storms did seem to be closing in and we chose to depart upon our terms rather than letting driving winds and rain force our departure. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL