Anchoring Circus in West Palm Beach

2-4-16 We set the alarm hoping to get an early start on the day and so it was. The winds had calmed from yesterday and we had dolphins escort us out of the Peck Lake anchorage and down the ICW a bit. South winds did pickup thought the day and slow our progress but we also picked up favorable current from tides. Entering Lake Worth from the ICW our progress was slowed to 3 knots at time due to the high wind and waves, 25 knots straight out of the south at times.

We made it to the Clematis anchorage in West Palm Beach and just south of the city dock and found it to be very crowded. Soul Serenade was there snuggly anchored in the NW corner of the anchorage. We motored Mango between boats trying to find an area large enough for Mango to lay down her anchor and some chain because the forecast is calling for these south winds of 20 to 25 to turn north and howl at 20 with gusts to 40 starting at midnight tonight. I found an area, planted the anchor and payed out what I thought was sufficient chain for our needs. Unfortunately that brought us in very close proximity to what once may have been a sailboat. This floating pile of crap was anchored in place with what looked like a jump rope I used in fourth grade. I sat there on back of Mango and thought about the situation, I looked at the surroundings and could envision my night sleepless wondering when the piece of jump rope would give up. I could tell already what Karen thought so I rested a moment and we restarted Mango and motored over to the east side of the ICW where there was much more room but also much more open to wind. If picking my poison I’ll pick a bit more wind and plenty of swing room. We motored around and laid down the anchor and started to pay out the chain but the tide and wind were opposed which made it near impossible. We finally got it down and realized we were too close to another vessel. Lets relocate and try again. We did this several more times and thought we were successful to no avail. We found that there was a buried cable that we were too close to another time after getting out in the dinghy and measuring water depths we thought we may run aground once the wind changes. My arms getting tired setting and retrieving anchors so much the captain of a 90 foot motor yacht recommended we anchor behind him, he stated there was plenty of water which there was. We thank you captain of M/V Anna Marie.

Two beautiful things in West Palm Beach. Trees and Karen

Another view next to the Flagler Museum

Sun set and water side concerts commenced. Karen and I cleaned up and cooled down. Karen was very comfortable with our new location stating she will sleep better tonight. Karen popped a pizza in the oven which we ate while listening to the concert and sipping on something cool. Hopefully our wind shift tonight will be uneventful.

2-6-16 Yesterday the 5th was a day spent on the boat. Winds blew anywhere from the low 20’s to 36 knots out of the north all day long. Karen and I sat on Mango and did some chores, took naps and otherwise kept ourselves busy. We felt comfortable leaving Mango but did not feel comfortable getting in the dinghy to venture across the ICW to the town of West palm Beach. Mango held her anchor with grace as she tried to mirror our boat neighbor turn for turn, the 90 foot motor yacht Anna Marie.  For a grand finally last night we started Mango’s motor to generate a little hot water for showers which made both Karen and I feel wonderful. Winds calmed as the night progressed and we slept well for the most part until the anchor alarm activated shortly after midnight. This was not a reason for worry since it only alarms because the winds had calmed and the tide switched directions. I did have to climb out of bed and shut it off, no big deal.

Mango looks tiny compared to our neighbor M/V Anna Marie

We awoke today, Saturday to thin clouds overhead which quickly cleared to show the sun which is much needed by Mango’s battery banks. Other than running the motor Mango has no other source of energy other than solar, you can ask Floridian and they will tell you that it’s been a cloudy, rainy winter. We certainly agree since last year at this time our batteries were topped off typically by noon. Seeing such good weather Karen and I decided to hope into the dinghy and motor across to the West Palm Green Market. Good farmers market with good coffee for Karen and food for me. We felt energetic and walked around the downtown area and the beaches. I got my fireman fix as West Palm’s finest gave us advise on our surroundings. They also invited us to watch the Super Bowl but we declined as they gave us a couple of good sports bar options close by.

Royal Palms Blvd. Lined with palm trees and financial institutions.

We strolled our way over to the bridge to the Flagler Museum and the on to the beach. I got to see Royal Palm Boulevard lined with banks and investment houses. Rumor is that Bernie Madoff was a big man down here. We had a grand day as we stopped by Bradley’s bar for a rum runner while sitting in the sun before we returned to Mango. Great rum runners as Karen and I both looked at each other as we exited our bar stools. My heart was asking for another but I’m glad my head prevailed. We got back to Mango and solar panels were doing great. The batteries were getting close to topped off. Lets see what tonight brings, it’s supposed to rain but we have faith.

Another view of Anna Marie