Watching the wind blow

1-21-20      We departed Fort Myers Yacht Basin at 9 AM on 1/15 and arrived in Pelican Bay also known as Cayo Costa State Park 6 hours later. Since that time we’ve been wrestling with weather, more exactly strong winds. We moved Mango to a new more secure anchorage Saturday anticipating strong north winds and I’m glad we did as winds have since touched 30 knots. We had thought to move down to Fort Myers Beach however according to reports there is no room available due to the weather issue, so here we sit safe and secure. Mango has faired well in the new anchorage and so has her crew since there is considerably less swell. 

Flag hasn't needed a change the last several days

Beach crab ready for a rumble

Yesterday the wind fell midday allowing the crews of Mango and Fracas to visit the beach for a walk. After exiting the dock which was crowded with departing Boy Scouts the beach was deserted due to cool temps and strong winds. It was nothing like last week when I couldn’t wait to swim in the water to cool off from the 87 degree heat.

Late last night the temps dropped into the 50’s which made for great sleeping, however the wind piped up which causes Mango to drift side to side at anchor. This isn’t really a problem other than the occasional sharp jerk which can cause sleepless moments. It really doesn’t bother me too much but wakes me enough to cause me to look outside to verify Mango’s position. I have an anchor watch set which I trust but Karen’s rubbing off on me so I need to peek outside to verify. Karen said she slept well which is good to hear since she’s been up the past several nights verifying Mango’s position as well as others nearby. Several nights ago a cat dragged anchor onto another boat downwind. After our time at the beach wind stayed low enough for the crew of Fracas to come over to Mango for dinner which is always nice. Before they came over the captain of Fracas decided to pickup anchor and come over and drop anchor near Mango. Fracas anchored far enough away I didn’t have to give him the “you anchored too close” stink eye.

Nice secluded wind blown beach

Just after sundown as seen from Mango's port rail

BTW, it does get cool down here.

Last Mango's new anchor location.
Sheltered from the north winds.

Last Mango's anchor track for the
last 24 hours.

22 knots on the water, nice being sheltered from
the wind.

Today the wind dropped enough for me to go out for a row near the leeward edge of the mangroves in the new dinghy. I noticed my oars entering and exiting the water scared oodles of fish prompting my plan to go fishing tomorrow if winds allow. Currently winds are 20.6 knots which will not be conducive to fishing, hopefully there is a forecast lull tomorrow. Although it’s nothing like up north tonights forecast lows are in the high 20’s, the cool temps are compounded by sustained winds in the low 20’s. We’ve gone from record highs a few days ago to near record lows, not complaining. By the way the Marine Kinetics wind generator is earning its keep.