20 January, 2020 Freezing wind chill on the way!

20 SM; 3.8 engine hours, one fuel/ice stop

Strong winds about midnight as cold front passed, so was up and adjusting lines and fenders. North wind pushed boat forward and anchor was hitting front of slip.  Had to wander back to stern and tighten stern lines and move a couple of finders.  All squared away, finally went back to sleep.  Pretty strong wind after breakfast, pushing us into the slip; we needed to back out and get underway.  First we disconnected the shore power and filled the fresh water tank and stowed all gear adrift.  Discussed strategy, fixed a spring line and it was time to get going.

UW at 0845, only hour and a bit transit to Cape Haze marina for diesel. Lowest price in SW Florida! Strong NE wind of 12-15 but mostly protected waters once we backed out of slip. Getting out of slip worked pretty good without drama or incident.  The voice activated headsets worth the price.   The marina fuel dock was tucked back off GICW and wind blanked by tall condos making a very easy docking to include backing up to a starboard tie.   Took on 31.5 gallons, bought two bags of ice, reviewed course to the anchorage 20 miles away and we were off the dock.

Fuel dock, Cape Haze Marina

Little Blue Heron in mangrove leaving fuel dock

Car ferry across the GICW--was not expecting this.

Crossing Charlotte harbor was not too bad with wind and waves aft of the port beam.  Nearing the ocean inlet on-shore swells from yesterday’s strong westerlies interacted with the northern wind wave making for interesting passage the last 30 minutes.  We are proceeding to Pelican Bay, Cayo Casta State Park.  Entering the narrow and confined passage with shoaling left and right we entered the small bay having decent depth of 5-8 feet of water.   Many sailboats, several large trawlers dotted the anchorage.  We threaded our way in and around, picking a spot close to loopers we met back in Carrabelle.  Small world.
Cayo Casta State Park
Cayo Costa State Park protects the Charlotte Harbor Estuary and provides visitors with a majestic piece of untouched Florida.
An unspoiled Gulf Coast island evokes images of wind-shaped trees, dunes, beaches and freedom to explore. This especially rings true for Cayo Costa Island. Accessible only by boat or kayak, this former fishing ground of the Calusa Indians features nine miles of undeveloped shoreline for swimming, snorkeling, shelling, fishing, birdwatching and exploration along with several walking and bicycling trails through the island’s interior. Shorebirds are numerous and one might spot manatees, porpoises and sea turtles offshore.

Safely and securely set the hook in eight feet of water at 1305.  SST 72 degrees.  (map) While we are protected from the brunt of the 20 knot north wind, we still have a pretty good chop and the boat is swinging left and right.  Will be a bumpy night.  Have spotted a pair of adult Bald Eagles in the near by trees.  Ospreys, pelicans and plenty of sea gulls throughout the anchorage.  Anchor alarms set, senses alert.  Another beautiful sunset observed from Serenity.  Hope to paddle Kaos to the park tomorrow and hike the trails.  Winds tomorrow are forecast to increase in strength with gust to 30.  Wind chills Tuesday and Wednesday morning forecast near freezing!  Got to get my sleeping bag back out and the little propane heater!   May reposition anchorage tomorrow for a bit more  protection.  There is a small mangrove island to our NE about 1/4 mile from our anchorage.  Not sure if I can maneuver closer--gets pretty skinny quick.

Not a bad view

1331.1 Hobbs; 1581 SM elapsed