Tropical Storm Hermine is on her way. She is forecasted to hit the New Jersey coast tonight. It’s hard not to think of the damage left behind by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. There are still many areas in the state that have not been repaired.

We spent Saturday morning fishing on the beach in Fortescue, catching quite a few small stripers, and watching in awe as the fisherman beside us brought in several good-sized fish, and then wrestled in this large ray.

The hook he used was not large, but the ray sure was a big one. The fisherman landed him on the beach, removed the hook, and sent the ray back on his way.

Later, while lunching at The Landing in Newport, NJ, we watched the Sundog Marina crew pull boats from the water. Many owners are ready to take their boats out of the water at this time of year, and the expected storm surge prompted many to get the job done today.

We’re hoping the next time we visit this charming area we will find no storm damage caused by Tropical Storm Hermine.