1 December, 2019 Bouncing up, down, left and right

Rough night, thunderstorms had diminished in intensity by arrival here in the Mobile area, but the south and southeast wind increased all night.  Mobile bay is large and pretty shallow; wind will pile up water during a strong blow. Last night about 0200, around high tide, we were wakened because the boat rub rail was hitting a pylon.  I got up and one fender/bumper was out of place.  With high tide + 1.6 feet and the strong southerly wind pushing water into the bay, Serenity was riding higher than one of the fenders.  Adjusted all and went back to sleep for a while.  0400, up again, boat bouncing all over the place in heavy rain.  Put on my rain coat and went out on deck and inspected all lines and readjusted a couple of the fenders.  Stayed up and read.  Line of showers and thunderstorms pushing East now.

NWS MOBILE  Today.  Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8am, then a slight chance of showers between 8am and 9am. Cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 70. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

We took a long walk around the area early this morning.  Several marinas within a couple of miles; fun to look at other boats, power and sail and all of the ones in the dry storage/work areas.  Skies were clearing, but windy conditions prevailed.  Early lunch then off in the courtesy van to our home away from home--Walmart.  Replenishment complete, we stowed everything and visited with new friends.  Our friends Larry and Linda live full time aboard their Kadey Krogen Manatee.  (manatee) Beautiful boat.  We met them this summer when they pulled into Cedar Creek Marina.  Gracious couple; they have shared pointers and remained in touch.  They have been full timer cruisers many years, having many miles under their keel.

Wind is not as strong as sunset approached; maybe tomorrow morning will be favorable.