6 February, 2020 Hunkered down at Indiantown

Short trip.

Up early, 68 outside with freshening southerly winds, getting stronger throughout the day.  Small craft advisory has been issued for inland and coastal waters.  We were underway at 0730 and secure before 1000.

 Originally we planned a few hour stop at Indiantown marina, boat storage and DYI yard.  (Marina) We were told there were no transit slips available, but there might be a small spot temporarily.  We wanted to look at the yard as it has a DYI yard, long term out of water storage and a huge travel life.  Also, there are a hundreds of boats in various states of serviceability. Fun to walk around the yard. Is is also fairly well protected from hurricanes as it is inland from the east coast and tenants have the option of hurricane tie downs.

Upon arrival, with strengthening southern winds we eased into the small turning basin and were being directed to a face dock that was actually down wind and wide open and appeared to be an easy approach.  Nearing, we were waved off and deck hands were pointing to a small opening along a face dock with sailboats on both sides.  We did a 360 turn back into the turn basin to assess and check wind drift.  I decided we could give it a go.  It is surprising how many people come out to watch/help with the lines when you are trying to park a 27  foot boat into a 26 foot space with gusty winds.  Success without drama.  All secured.

Power boat among sailboats

Tight fit

We walked to the office to check in and they were glad we safely maneuvered into the tight space, and there was no way they were going to rent that spot. They have allowed us to spend the night!  Yahoo.  Our intent was to spend a few hours looking around and continue on the  St Lucie canal, clear the last lock and anchor in a creek that has reported great holding and wind protection.  But, the forecast has continued to worsen,  so we are happy to be secured in this protected spot surrounded by very tall lightening rods (sailboats)

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.

.THUNDERSTORM IMPACT...

Scattered to numerous lightning storms are forecast to quickly

move eastward across east central Florida tonight, and then sweep

offshore Martin and Saint Lucie Counties early Friday morning.

While all of east central Florida is at some risk for strong to

possibly severe storms, the best chance for damaging wind and or

brief tornadoes exists from Lake County to the Interstate 4

corridor and east to the Space Coast late tonight and into early

Friday morning. The primary threats will be damaging wind gusts of

60 to 70 mph, and isolated tornadoes.

.HIGH WIND IMPACT...

A Wind Advisory is in effect through late tonight. Strong

southerly winds of 20 to 30 mph with frequent higher gusts of 35

to 40 mph will produce hazardous conditions for boaters on the

intracoastal waters and inland lakes. The gusty winds may blow

around unsecured objects, and snap off small tree limbs.

While we do not have power, the new alternator/regulator nearly topped off the batteries today after two days on the hook.  We do hav fresh water, great showers and laundry.  Also, we walked 3 mile round trip to the local dollar general and IGA and resupplied.  We will be good to.  Weather is expected to be favorable later tomorrow and we anticipate continuing east toward the Atlantic.