22 January, 2020 Day III anchorage

41 degrees outside, clear, windy.  Wind has shifted more toward north and we have more protection from the small barrier mangrove island to our north/east.  Serenity more stable, minimal swing and the canvas enclosure no longer buzzing due to the wind.

National Weather Service

Nws issued iguana falling out of trees alert.
'Falling iguana' alert issued in Florida due to cold temperatures: 'Don't assume that they're dead'
Iguanas slow down or become immobile when temps drop into the 40s.
"They may fall from trees, but they are not dead."
Green iguanas are an invasive species in Florida known for eating through landscaping.
We are not making this up.

The National Weather Service in Miami has issued an unofficial warning for falling iguanas on Tuesday night due to the unusual cold snap that's hit the Sunshine State.

"This isn't something we usually forecast, but don't be surprised if you see Iguanas falling from the trees tonight as lows drop into the 30s and 40s," the weather service tweeted. "Brrr!"

"Iguanas are cold blooded. They slow down or become immobile when temps drop into the 40s. They may fall from trees, but they are not dead," the weather service said.

Once temperatures reach a certain level, iguanas stiffen up and fall out of trees, according to Chris Michaels, a meteorologist with WSLS-TV in Roanoke, Virginia, who said this is something that has been observed over the years in south Florida.

"At about 50 degrees, iguanas can become lethargic," Michaels said. "It’s when the temperature drops to about 40 degrees or lower that their blood doesn’t move around as quickly. As a result, they can stiffen up and fall out of the trees in which they frequent."

The night the iguanas fell::Cold snap chills Florida and now iguana meat is up for sale

During a similar cold snap and iguana warning two years ago, well-meaning residents finding stiffened iguanas were advised to leave them alone, as they may feel threatened and bite once they warm up.

“Don’t assume that they’re dead,” Kristen Sommers, who oversees the nonnative fish and wildlife program for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, said in during the January 2018 cold spell.

Green iguanas are an invasive species in Florida known for eating through landscaping and digging burrows that undermine infrastructure.

A two-week cold snap with temperatures below 40 degrees in 2010 killed off many iguanas, along with Burmese pythons and other invasive pests that thrive in South Florida’s subtropical climate.

This week's cold snap should be short-lived, the weather service said, as temperatures are forecast to rebound into the mid-70s for highs in Miami by Thursday.

Contributing: The Associated Press

When you are in the Keys, these invasive reptiles are everywhere

Wind cranked back up--steady 20 knots which is making a lumpy anchorage this afternoon.  Decided to remain; our planned exit had us in exposed water for a couple of hours, winds/waves probably on the stern but decided to wait for tomorrow.  Many boats remain here in anchorage today.  Just too “cold” and windy, did not splash the dinghy.

Mangrove island to NE of Serenity

Piddled several hours practicing tying rolling hitch then, actually tying spring lines onto main anchor rode and routing back midship to cleats.  My attempt at a DYI bridle.  Adjusted several times without the success anticipated.  Was hoping to reduce/minimize  swinging in the higher winds.  Serenity really sails +- 60 degrees on the hook with a strong wind and reaching each end of the arc, it places a pretty good strain on the anchor.  The Mantis oversized anchor has worked great along with the attached 18 feet of chain then new rode, but the abrupt jerk bothers me.  Will continue to experiment with my DYI bridle.

Plan to get underway early tomorrow as the forecast is northerlies at 10-15.

Cloudiness at sunset