Wasting Away Again

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Wednesday, 1 December, 2010

We left our anchorage yesterday morning and headed back west about 3 miles to a marina in Pensacola Beach. The wind had blown all night Monday night, and while our anchors held well, none of us slept well with the noises made by wind and creaking lines along with the swinging on anchor. Tuesday was supposed to be windy again with winds from the south and southeast turning to northerly once the cold front passed. Choppy to rough in the inland waters didn’t appeal to any of us. Our best bet was to head to a marina and wait it out.

The wind shift in the early afternoon was sudden and drastic. The temperature dropped, the wind blew out of the north, and the rain came down. Little Sabine Bay got pretty choppy. A sailboat across the bay was blown aground and even at high tide late last night the wind was so strong it just blew him farther up the sand. He’s high and nearly dry this morning.

It rained all night and the wind at times seemed to be at gale force. We were so happy to be in a sheltered marina. But even so, the waves beat against the boat and the lines creaked and the fenders squeaked. Another noisy night.

This morning the winds were still blowing and the sound still looked pretty choppy. We decided another day in the marina was a good choice. Besides, there was no one at the marina, and we were told they were closed due to financial difficulties. That means free dockage for us. Another plus as far as staying goes. So we rented a car and went into Gulf Breeze to the movies and Walmart. We got a few groceries, had a prescription refilled, ate lunch and watched Harry Potter.

After returning to the marina, we went across the road to Hemingways for $4 mojitas and $1 fish tacos. Then a trip to Alvin’s Island souvenir shopping and back to the boat. The winds are much calmer tonight and tomorrow looks like a go for heading east again.

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Photos

near Monday's anchorage
We hoped these high rises would block the winds. They didn't.

Pelicans
I sure love to watch them dive.

Sara and Trevor
tying up in Little Sabine Bay

Little Sabine Bay
Light chop before wind shift

Sailboat aground
We all felt pretty badly for this poor guy.

Comments

[Barbara]

Keep going, you'll hit calm seas and warm weather soon!!!!!!!!!!!!