Just Waiting Weather

It was time to go.. That anchorage at St Augustine is okay but the derelict boats there really take something away. The one that was dragging around the first night we were there was re-anchored yesterday and it dragged again last night. I thought about going into the marina to sit out this weather system but why should I spend $200 for that!! After discussing the plans with the Canadian contingent and hearing thoughts of anchoring at different spots across the ICW on the way to Fernandina we decided to leave this morning and run 15 miles to Pine Island anchorage and anchor there. Funny thing happened though.. Almost all the Canadian cruisers changed their minds underway and all took slips at Palm Cove marina in Jackson beach. We are the only ones anchored here in Pine Island this afternoon. Now there are two other boats a smaller sailboat and a trawler anchored here too but none from my group.

Hopefully it will not be too bad. There has been a Lake Wind Advisory in effect since 11am this morning which surprisingly is when the winds really piped up and should be over by 7pm tonight. This afternoon it has been blowing a steady 20+ kts with gusts to 30. This anchorage is exposed but short fetch so not too bad. Just the usual anxiety of an anchor drag but it seems to be stuck well here – so far. Forecast is for thunderstorms later this afternoon and tonight with very heavy rain. We will see.

The Easter parade was interesting yesterday with the usual contingent of baton twirlers, motorcycle clubs, race cars (with bunny ears), and assorted other groups looking for any excuse to parade. It was all right.

There was a group of 16 cruisers gotten together for dinner at Harry’s on the waterfront and that was great fun and good food except just before ordering Ian and Sharon received a call that their boat was dragging anchor and had to leave to address that. What a bummer for them!! Fortunately nothing bad happened and they anchored near me!! They didn’t drag last night.

Tonight we will just sit tight and take what weather we get. Not one of the more fun days when cruising but all part of the experience. Depending on how fast this system moves through tonight we may stay again tomorrow or [possible leave mid to late morning and head for Fernandina. Time to leave Florida