26 February, 2020 Caught a mooring ball at the oldest city in USA.

2nd cold front almost here.  29 SM; 4.5 engine hours

Uninterrupted night at the park last night.  Not a whisper or wave.  Sound sleep all night.  Only a foot of water under the keel as low tide approached.  Second and more powerful cold front entering the northwestern edge of the state this morning.

Red sky warning, sailors take warning

Certainly taking heed of the approaching weather, not supposed to arrive at our destination until later this afternoon.  So with breakfast complete, planning complete and untie the lines checklist complete we got underway at 0745.  Wanted to go a bit earlier, but water so skinny was waiting a bit for the incoming tide.

Serenity at county park dock

Really pretty cruising today.  Calm, interesting wilderness areas and waving people.  I have seen an Eagle smack an Osprey mid-air and pick up the dropped fish.  But from a distance.  Today, I witnessed this amazing event right in front of the boat.  Eagle smacked the Osprey, dropping the fish, then the Eagle swooped in and picked up the fish from the water surface all the while the Osprey is dive bombing all over the Eagle.  What a sight of nature.  Check out YouTube for videos.

Deer seen in this area

Headed to St. Augustine today.  Two to four MPH tides at the municipal marina where we will check in, get fuel, water and ice, then reposition to a mooring ball.  St Augustine Muni Marina

Approaching St Augustine from AICW

Tide was on the way down but only half way and the currents were not too bad as we tied up to the fuel dock.  Logistics completed we maneuvered to the mooring field; our designated ball was close to the town and marina due to shallow water.  Once again good to be in a shallow draft boat.  A strong outbound current combined with a quartering 15 knot wind actually almost countered each other as we slowly approached the mooring ball.  POC at the helm, she deftly positioned Serenity up current and close enough that it was an easy reach with the boat hook, I snatched the pennant and rigged our lines.   Firmly attached at 1300; secured to earth via double lines from our bow to the mooring ball heavy duty pennant.  (map)  Our first mooring ball

All set for a few days

Rain showers began later this afternoon, becoming strong and steady.  The marina provides a shuttle from the mooring field to the facilities.  Declined this afternoon because of the heavy rain.  Will ride tomorrow to shower and pick up Amazon packages.  Plan to be tourists for a few days and preform a few maintenance tasks while we are here.

1443.8 Hobbs; 2258 SM elapsed

25 February, 2020 Cold front coming through

More river like AICW.  36 SM; 5.2 engine hours

Great holding last night at the anchorage inside of Ponce Inlet.  Ponce Inlet lighthouse kept us illuminated.  Strong tidal flow, stronger than the southern winds.  Sunrise nearly calm again.  Dolphins and pelicans feeding early around Serenity.  We decided to press early and further today and get to St. Augustine a few days early.  We got underway at 0730 and headed north in the AICW.  Cold front on the way later today; forecast risk of lightening and thunderstorms but nothing severe.  Trying to get to a couple of potential good anchorages to wait out the frontal passage.  Quiet day on the waterway, few boats.   Only a couple of larger motor yachts or trawlers creating large wakes.  Otherwise, pretty smooth.  Once north of Ormond Beach, waterway narrowed and became more manmade canal, the spoil islands have vegetated nicely and sable palms are thick.  Housing much different than south Florida.  Still a huge mansion now and then, but most of these homes are more modest and reasonably sized.  First intended anchorage was ok, but we arrived at 1130.  Too soon to stop with the later afternoon rains.  We made good time due to few no-wake zones.  We continued northward with skies darkening.  Check of the weather radar on the iPhone showed the approaching front ahead of us.  We passed another anchorage that would have offered good protection for a park/boat ramp just one and a half mile further.  Arriving we noted floating docks, a marked short channel off the AICW and a park.  We eased in and did a 180 turn and tied up port side to.  No other boats around.  Secured at 1230.  Still a bit early, but if we are not asked to leave, then this is an excellent location to wait out the weather.  (map)

Boat ramp, docks and park

Herschel King Park 20 acres with baths, trash receptacles and lights all around.  It is noted as a sunrise/sunset park, but the boat ramps are listed as 24 hours.  No one has kicked us out yet.  We are going to stay here and ride out the approaching thunderstorms.  We hiked around twice while dodging the rain showers that have come and gone.

Almost sunset and we are still here

1439.3 Hobbs; 2229 SM elapsed

24 February, 2020 Lovely day in Indian River and Mosquito lagoon

Draw bridges, tall bridges and wilderness.  45 SM; 7 engine hours

Such a lovely morning next to KSC.  What a difference 10 hours makes.  Polished mirror smooth at sunrise.

Nary a ripple

Just a relaxing coffee morning.  Last night there were 1000s of Buffelheads (cornell lab)  Never quite close enough to capture with the iPhone camera, so here they are.

Male (white) Female: MDC photo

Early this morning they were taking flight to go forage in shallow water.  Migrators. Aweigh at 0810 following bread crumbs from anchorage back to AICW.   Dolphin were extremely plentiful all day.  Pelicans to include large flocks of white pelicans throughout both Indian River and Mosquito lagoon.  Beautiful natural environments because of the wildlife preserves. Merritt Island National Wildlife Reserve and Mosquito Lagoon

NASA Railroad bridge

SE winds finally picked up this afternoon to 10-15 and forecast to remain fresh from the south all night.  We took a look at free docks in New Smyrna Beach, listed within the no-wake zone by a bridge.  Between stout southernly winds and wakes, we passed on the face dock.  Just too rough and would not have been preferred for the night.  Tho a walk around the town would have been fun.  We cruised on exploring one unchartered anchorage west of the ICW that had decent depth but not enough swing room with tide changes.  We are next to Ponce Inlet (town and ocean) (Ponce) and today/tomorrow there are three foot tide change.  We experienced 1-1.5 knot tidal current early today approaching the area.  We proceeded along the ponce inlet cut-off and have found a decent location with some protection from the forecast 10-20 southerly winds for tonight.  So far great holding at bottom low tide and slack flow.  We secured all at 1505.  (map)  10 feet of cooler water, then down south.  68 degrees SST.

1434.1 Hobbs; 2193 SM elapsed

23 February, 2020 Anchored by a Ghost town

Little back track, bridges and big open skinny water of Indian river; 37 SM; 5.4  Engine hours

Just a beautiful day.  Easy morning calm at the Patrick AFB marina.  Crystal clear blue skies behind the cold front.  Quick load of laundry, Mending Fences Cowboy Church courtesy youtube, fill the fresh water tank and disconnect shore power.  Ready to cast off the lines at 1000.  Was a good morning to practice springing away for the dock with bow spring line.  Good technique if pinned against face dock with wind or current.  It worked pretty good, need to practice again.  During yesterday's vessel safety check, I asked the USCG auxiliary man about proceeding up the banana river to the Canaveral barge canal.  He said it was doable with my draft, but really took a bit of local knowledge to know when to exit the marked channel that ends and proceed by chart and sounder 10 miles until charted/marked channel resumes.  Hum.  Why stress if I don't have to?  So we followed our electronic bread crumbs back south, well charted and marked and once again passed through the opening swing bridge and reentered the AICW and turned north.  Just a beautiful day for cruising.  Only one jerk today that passed very close aboard, between us and the fender boards of a bridge.  He never slowed down.  Very dangerous.  Winds have picked up this afternoon, 10-15 mph from the ESE.  Forecast to diminish this evening.  Suspect large component of the wind is due to the sea breeze.

Approaching our anchorage which is on the north side of the NASA causeway bridge, the giant Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) came into view.  Also, KSC space museum shuttle liquid oxygen tank with two solid boosters also came into view.  KSC visitor center

VAB in days past

It is sad for me to know the USA space greatness is now mostly rubble, museum pieces and wonderful memories and sad memories for those of my generation.  As a youngster, I had scrapbooks filled with space stuff.  Glued to TV during Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo man on the moon and back.  Remember where you were when Armstrong took that small step.  I had the great honor of being a family guest when a former squadron mate "Scorch" Hobough USMC (Scorch) invited us to KSC for his Space Shuttle launch.  The sight and sound will not be forgotten as the Shuttle fired up and lifted off into space.

I have had the privilege of flying low approaches to the shuttle landing runway, before waving off and continuing on the Patrick AFB.  Cape Canaveral and KSC a special place in my memories; seemed to have known this place for a long time.

A bit lumpy anchorage, 9 feet deep.  Anchor set very well at 1515.  (map)  Beautiful clear skies.  Next launch not scheduled until 2 March.  Space X scheduled.  Hopefully, we will be able to see it as we continue north.

1427.1 Hobbs; 2148 SM elapsed

21-22 February, 2020. Gale force winds

Late Thursday night in the marina--note nearly 40 mph gust

Friday was horizontal rain with extremely strong gusts and sustained 20+ winds.  Accomplished bookkeeping, tidy up inside of the boat and generally checking lines and bumpers/fenders.  Our position in the marina along with the wind direction, kept all of the flying limbs and debris away from Serenity.  Grateful for that.

Beautiful early morning

Saturday, took a long 3.5 mile walk.  Tried to get to beach which is only 1/2 mile away, but exiting the base south gate we were faced with a four lane causeway without shoulders or sidewalk.  Traffic was crazy fast so we abandoned that idea and returned back inside of the base and just walked around the marina and golf course.  The base north gate which exits to the beach highway is a 3 mile on-way walk around the runway.  Decided not.  Windy, but sunny day.  Did outside boat cleaning tasks.  Walked 1/2 mile to commissary and back with more supplies.

Ibis feeding.  They are like chickens, pretty tame once associated with  people

Will get underway tomorrow.  Headed for St. Augustine, Fl.  135 miles or so north.

20 February, 2020. Hunkered down at the Space Coast

Swing bridge, airplanes to watch.  30 SM; 4.8 engine hours

Beautiful anchorage last night, smooth, no storms or wakes.  A few fishing boats this morning, small gentle wakes.  Significant weather approaching tonight and Friday.  Gale force wind warnings, small craft warning even on protected waters have been issued.  Have been following for a couple of days.  Did not like the anchorages for the next 30-40 miles for holding or wind protection for a day of sustained high winds.  I called Patrick Air Force Base manatee cove marina. Patrick AFB  Surprisingly, they had slips available.  Pretty surprised because we have tried to get campground sites at most of the military bases in Florida and they are generally full during the winter season with the snowbirds and military families camping.   So, to get a slip at the base marina is a great deal.

Anchor was well set, had to drive forward a bit before the muddy chain and anchor came up at 0815.  Using my free raw water wash down system--plastic bucket and line, I washed chain, anchor, rode and foredeck while POC maneuvered Serenity along our route coming into this anchorage.  Tricky navigation but following our electronic bread crumbs, we never saw less than 5 feet of water as we slowly returned to the AICW.  Headed north, easy following well marked channel with tall red/green day markers.  Exiting to the east we need to get over to the Banana river for our approach to Patrick.  One swing bridge, opens on request.  Radio call on channel 9 and bridge tender swung it open.

Bridge opening

Approach into the Manatee Cove marina while a bit shallow, it was well marked.  Dockmaster had a face wall that we tied to.  All secure at 1300.  (map)  Checking in the folks mentioned that on Thursday nights there is a grill and chill event at the Tiki Hut adjacent to the office.

Trivia question:  Where do you find big rocks in Florida?

You bring your own meat the they grill your food.  Excellent.  Once we completed securing Serenity; shore power connected, electrical power working good and all DC systems turned off we checked the  base map and commissary only 1/2 mile away.  We hoofed it over and bought steaks, eggplant, zucchini and french bread.  

Tiki hut, Serenity, Compass call?

Beautiful late afternoon with cooling sea breeze while we relaxed before getting our food cooked.

Mouth watering

We certainly ate too much, but excellent.  It was nice to have grilled veggies, bread and meat.  Our little grill just not the same as real charcoal cooking.

Peaceful calm before the rain and big blow around midnight

1421.7 Hobbs; 2111SM elapsed

19 February, 2020 Real skinny water to tonight's anchorage

A couple of real nice Captains.  47 SM; 7 engine hours

Great sleeping night as wakes and wind came to halt.  Sunrise glassy smooth, pods of dolphin throughout anchorage.  Beautiful morning.  Coffee and light breakfast, this looping does not get done sitting around.

Smooth as glass in the anchorage. 

We had  planned a route just north of Vero beach to an anchorage that had favorable comments.  Chart study, check.  Weather study, check.  Tides, check. Underway checklist reviewed, check.  Fired up the diesel, energized the electronics and weighted anchor at 0800.  Re-traced our bread crumbs back to the AICW and turned north.  Glassy smooth with excellent visibility.  Tropical looking day as off to the east were thunderstorms brewing over the Gulf Stream, low angle sun light filtering through.  Haze gray and underway--kind of, but a beautiful morning.

There were two large motor yachts that actually hailed us on channel 16 requesting to pass and would we slow and they would slow.   Absolutely.  going to idle the yachts slowly over took us with nary a ripple.  What courteous captains.  Later on we were hailed by a very large sailboat requesting to pass.  Doing almost 10mph, two faster than serenity, we acknowledge, slowed and the sailboat eased along the port side and pulled away.  Switching to a working frequency, we chatted.  Vessel flying large Canadian flag with a USA signal flag.  We chatted about the loop and we asked about weather and our thoughts on when to be in Canada later this year.  The captain keeps his sailboat and lives on the Trent-Severn waterway.  We intend to travel this waterway later this summer.  Bidding farewell, the larger and faster sailboat continued northbound.

We revised our anchorage plan later this afternoon based on current weather and approaching forecast weather.  Continuing a bit further north we selected an unnamed and certainly not on any of the charts or active captain an anchorage up the Sebastian river.  This river is west of the Sebastian inlet web cam and bisects the AICW.  There were private markers but depth into was questionable.  I saw a pontoon boat exit the waterway heading into the river.  I followed but much slower, hawking the depth on the sounder.  It was slack low tide, not the best time to try this but.  Lowest reading was 4’6”.  Our draft 2’6” but I don’t like pressing 3’.  Plenty of water and tomorrow early morning at departure time is high tide.  Next challenge was highway 1 bridge with chart indicating plenty of clearance.  We eased under with plenty to spare and 5 feet under the keel.  Natural river depth improved as we went west, improving to 10 feet.  Proceeding to a cove, pointing into the se wind we dropped anchor at 1445. (map) Water temp 80 degrees.  Rain showers all around, dry at 1600.  Nice homes in this cove.

Nice homes

 No waves, no wakes.  A passing heavy rain shower came and went around sunset.

Beautiful end of the day

1416.9 Hobbs; 2081 Sm

18 February, 2020 2000 Statue miles traveled

Bridges, barges and solar power.  35 SM; 5.5 engine hours

Beautiful morning at our stealth boat camping spot from last night.  But the SE wind never let up and was actually a bit stronger this morning.  After walking, dumping trash in the bins on the beach we assessed how to leave the docks.  We were pretty close to shallow water off the stern, needed to swing the stern to starboard exiting the docks then swing the bow port into the wind before returning to the AICW.  We had a plan, another boater was there to assist with the lines.  We untied at 0730 and began to ease back out of the slip, but the wind was stronger than anticipated and could not get the stern to behave.  Full helm port, forward, bump throttle; opposite helm starboard and reverse, what a show.  Our gracious dock hand was there to give a push as needed and no paint swapped, no fiberglass chipped and no feelings hurt.  Underway.  Returning back into safe water we watched and captured the moment we passed 2000 SM in Serenity.

Yahoo 2000 miles

At the junction of the AICW a large power cat was approaching slowly, surprisingly we were going to overtake.  I called on the radio, making a courtesy call saying we would overtake.  We ended up switching to a working frequency and chatted.

Solar powered CAT

Captain said he was an environmentalist, what ever that means and said he had built the boat as a demonstrator .  He bought a 2019 diesel powered catamaran, gutted it and installed 5KW of solar, twin DC electric motors and a high efficient BMW generator.  He had a electric powered dinghy and said he had enough energy to run A/C 24/7 and cruise at 6 knots.  5kw of solar is huge.  Boat was for sale.  He had taken it to the Miami International boat show.  Not sold.  Price $1M +

Interesting areas traveled today, passing Jupiter Inlet, the water was spectacularly blue and clean. Would have liked to visit the light house, but no free docks or decent anchorages close.

web cam

Wind has picked up to a strong 15 MPH from SE.  We initially anchored near Jensen Beach north. Jensen Beach   I miss read the charts and dropped the hook in a cable area.  Since we were close to a public boat launching ramp, we splashed KAOS and rowed the trash and ourselves in and spent 45 minutes walking the park area.  Back aboard Serenity, we stowed KAOS and repositioned and reset the anchor at 1530 in 8 feet of water.  (map) The anchor came up clean, no fouling which is very good.

Sign on park ground.  Hope to see a whale?

  Windy and lumpy anchorage tonight.

1409.9 Hobbs: 2034SM elapsed

17 February, 2020 Stealth camping at state park island

Waved at Mar-A-Logo on passing.  41 SM; 6.7 engine hours

Filled the fresh water tank, three buckets of free ice for the cooler then untied the lines at 0900 under bright sunny skies and departed Sands marine for the AICW.  Amazing day on the water.  Gentle southern breeze, clear skies and warm temperatures.  Impressive homes, impressive Yachts.

Beauty.  Real wood all around topside

Easy day, many wakes from big boats and careless Captains.  We slowed for a kayaker and they were gobsmacked by the gesture.  Don't think they had seen a south Florida boater show courtesy.  Many bridges today, most we cleared, two at or below 9' so we queued up behind the big boys and waited for the opening.  Planned to anchor in Lake Worth, pretty well know area for boaters waiting for a weather window to cross to the Bahamas.  Surprisingly, all three anchorages were pretty full and not appealing.  We continued north another 9 miles.  We passed Mar A Logo, easily visible from the AICW.

Continuing a few more miles, we even did a couple of u-turns, close but will pass 2000 miles tomorrow.  We noted on the electronic charts free day docks at Munyon Island State Park.  Active captain reviews mention that it is a day facility, but folks said paying the park fee at the self serve box and nobody bother them.   So we eased Serenity around a very solid sea wall and there were at least 8 floating slips.  We found 7-8 feet of water so are good to go even at low tide.  We tied up at 1500.  (map)

Serenity at Munyon Island

Once secured we walked around the beach and portions of the boardwalk.

Boardwalk

 Munyon Island  Neat place and we are looking forward to spending the night.    Found a coconut at high tide line and when shook still had liquid inside.  I found a rock near the sea wall and was able to open the husk and peel and get to the nut.

Fresh coconut.  It was tasty and will be even better once dried a bit

Sun has set and no one has kicked us out.  Good to go.

1404.4 Hobbs; 1999 SM elasped

16 February, 2020 Rain at the beach

Rain and more rain.  After coffee this morning went across highway to the beach.  Strong NE winds, high surf--4-6 feet with rip tide.  Was going to walk pier but rain showers came hard and heavy. Ran and hid in a parking garage till the rain let up.

Sun out there somewhere

Pier closed for renovation 

Scrambled eggs and hash browns for breakfast. These new dehydrated products are not too bad.   Loaded up laundry and rain gear and hiked 0.3 mile to laundromat.  Rain and drizzle on way back to boat.  Laundry in trash bags--good to go.  This afternoon more sun than rain.  Walked to Publix for supplies while looking at the high end boats and restaurants.  Warm day.  

Serenity next to the big boys.

Returned to the beach later this afternoon.  Discovered pier closed. Pompano Beach Lots of folks walking along the waterfront park/boardwalk.  Restaurants are full.  Returning to our little boat home, we have special treats for supper.  Brie and crackers along with rotisserie chicken from Publix.  Excellent.

Underway tomorrow.  Making a slow journey north toward St. Augustine Fl.  We have never been there.  Reserved a mooring ball for a week.  Last adventure planned before leaving Florida and entering Georgia; unless it gets cold, then may venture down St Johns river for a few days.

Zero miles traveled today.  Zero engine hours

15 February, 2020 Pompano Beach, Fl

Rain, rain, rain.  7 SM; 1.3 engine hours

Heavy rain last night about midnight, but winds and cold front did not come through until later today.  We planned a short day, returning to Sands Marina with the cheap diesel fuel to top off and get a slip for two days.  Get off the AICW and the weekend traffic and secondly, we need to clean the boat, do laundry and we want to go to the Atlantic ocean while it is still nice and warm down here.  Was forecast to be a windy and wet day and for most of the day the forecast was accurate.  20 MPH north winds and heavy rain showers throughout the day.  Hard to tell if we were getting more water into the boat from the rain or the cleaning.  Good news I really have not needed to wash the salt spray off the topsides.  Marina web site list much better amenities than available.  We have a good slip that we maneuvered into without hitting the pointy noise of a 118 foot yacht that is poking out at us.  However, washer and dryers are inoperable, yet the showers have great water pressure and sufficient hot water.   Publix grocery store and laundromat only 1/2 mile walk.

Captured along the AICW

While waiting behind a large luxury yacht waiting for a 15 foot clearance bridge to open another boater (jerk) decided he was more important and went ahead of the captain who had called the bridge tender and was waiting patiently.  Amazing group of rude boaters down here in south Florida.

Heavy rain

At the fuel dock I hope I got more diesel in than rain water.  It was really raining hard.  All secure for the day, the near by mediocre band has started to play at sunset.  Instrumentals OK, vocals leave much to be desired.  POC has put in ear plugs.  Ah, the big city on a Saturday night.  Tomorrow, sunrise walk on the Atlantic beach, church via youtube, laundry, groceries and route study.

1397.7 Hobbs; 1958 SM elapsed

13-14 February, 2020. State parks, downtown Ft Lauderdale

 13 Feb.  We remain anchored in the nice little cove adjacent to Oleta River State park.

Urban wilderness with 21st Century skyline

30 minutes from downtown Miami, this gorgeous park is bisected by its namesake waterway that breathes life into this spectacular natural oasis of hardwood hammocks and mangroves.

While biking the 15 miles of off-road bicycling trails or paddling along lush mangrove forests on the Oleta River, it is difficult to believe Oleta River State Park exists in the shadow of downtown Miami. 

At just over a thousand acres, this natural oasis—Florida’s largest urban park—is a haven for mountain bikers, paddlers, anglers, swimmers and for families out to enjoy a picnic along scenic Biscayne Bay. Feel free to release yourself from the stress of the city at one of the picnic areas or unwind at the end of a fishing pole.

We took KAOS ashore and walked the trails, visited the outdoor center and sat at the beach 2/3 of the day.

Excellent mountain bike trails through out this park.  We hiked a few miles.  The rental prices were a bit steep in our opinion.  I guess this close to Miami, prices reflect the population/tourist density. We wanted to rent, but did not due to $$.  Hiking was fine.  Park also had kayaks, canoes and paddle boards to rent.  We have kayaks and used to guide in canoes so did not rent these.

Rental Yaks

While we were walking we came across a familiar vine that grows near estuaries.  Nickernuts

I harvested a few of the hard seeds out of the spiny pods

Nickernuts are also used as marbles by native islanders of the Caribbean and have been exported to Europe for buttons. In fact, "nicker" is an old English name for marble and a slang word for one pound sterling. The curious name "burning bean" comes from the fact that when the seed is rubbed vigorously on clothing it becomes quite hot. The heat from friction is apparently accentuated by the numerous concentric fracture lines on the seed coat. Touching a hot seed to the skin of an unsuspecting victim is a favorite game of children. Another bizarre use for nickernuts in the Virgin Islands involves the eviction of undesirable land crabs from their burrows in urbanized areas. A single nickernut placed in the crab burrow reportedly distresses the crab as it tries unsuccessfully to grab the smooth seed with its claws. (see web page above)

Returning to Serenity, we washed the mud and sand from KAOS and secured back on the boat.  Grilled a few brats, while the last of the daylight faded.

Crowded anchorage

Zero miles traveled today; zero engine hours.



14 Feb.

21 SM, 3.9 engine hours

Time to move on.  We pulled anchor at 0850 and eased out of our little cove back into the AICW.  Not far this morning, we are repositioning just across the waterway to the Bill Bird marina.  We need ICE.  We secured along side a day dock at 0915.  We bought two bags of ice for the coolers, left trash in a receptacle and I bought POC a hat for valentine.

Temporary berth to buy Ice

Untying the lines at 1000, we once again headed north toward Ft Lauderdale.  Mega yachts, mansions and three cruise ships in Port Everglades shipping channel.  Waterway very crowded.  We wanted to take a short detour up the New river to downtown Ft Lauderdale.  New River  Narrow, twisty waterway with several 90 degree bends.  Mega yachts travel this route as do water taxis and pleasure craft.  Everyone monitors channel 9 on VHF and called their location for deconfliction.  We waited several times for mega yachts to come around corners.

North river

We made a deposit on our new Loop boat; I need to renew my medical and currency to fly the helicopter

Exiting New River we continue north on the AICW with intended stop at the Hugh Taylor State Park  There is a floating face dock where first come boats can tie up and visit the park.  Day use only. At arrival there was plenty of room but the wakes from passing boats were so bad we elected not to tie up and visit.  This was in a no-wake zone.   The blatant disregard for the speed zones around here is frustrating.  Our planned anchorage was on the west side of the waterway across from the park.  So we eased over to the anchorage; two mega catamarans and two sailboats anchored but there was plenty of room for Serenity.  We dropped the anchor in 10 feet of water at 1330.  (map) SST 79 degrees!  SE winds of 10-15 are to decrease as cold front passes then shift to NW later tonight.  Rain showers around.  Splashed KAOS for an early morning paddle tomorrow and I went for a swim in the warm water.  Anchorage surrounded by mansions, condos and a yacht club.  We are being waked nearly constant, hopefully, after the sun goes down boat traffic will decrease with a smoother night.  Spicy V8 juice on the bow watching the sun disappear behind a thunderstorm.  Not bad, not bad at all.

End of the day.

1396.4 hobbs; 1951 SM elapsed