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