5 March, 2020 Whew did not see 40 MPH gusts coming

Windy windy. 35 SM; 5.6 engine hours

Our intended relaxing cruise up the St Johns river has been with challenges today.  I knew about the 2-3 knot tidal current potential this morning, but our timing was perfect and we got under way at just about slack tide.  I knew about potential risk of limited severe thunderstorms later this afternoon and evening but the risk was low and acceptable since we were planning to anchor in a very protected location.  There was a brief period of fog forecast and fog was present, but not below 500 feet and visibility below was greater than three miles with ceilings and visibility improving.  No problem.

Park walk in the fog downtown Jacksonville, FL

We untied at 0800 with slack tide, and calm winds.   The backing out of the slip and around the corner and out of the marina was one of the easiest we have accomplished.  Exiting the marina mid-river we picked up an extra one MPH with a still gently flowing tide up river.  Nice.  Leaving Jax behind it was a pleasant morning.

Requested opening of RR bridge downtown Jacksonville

About two hours in as the fog dissipated, the south winds picked up.  Forecast 10-15 with gusts to 20.  Secondly, I did a really terrible chart study--cruising up river how hard is that.  We faced as the winds came up a wide and long stretch of river aligned north south with the southerly winds. About a 15 mile fetch. Initially, just light chop and we pressed on.  About 1200 and still two hours from our protected anchorage, we were plowing into three foot short period waves with 20 gusting to 30 plus.  We spotted a small indent on the western shore that looked like it offered some relief.  Took almost an hour to get over there and search for a suitable anchorage.  Do to shallowing water level we ended up anchoring in six feet about 1/4 mile from shore.  Still exposed, but maybe not too bad later tonight as the cold front passes and winds swing around to the NW.

During all of this with an approaching thunderstorm and heavy rain, we were putting in a side canvas/isinglass panel when a sudden extremely strong gust hit and our panel flew off.  We quickly did a 180 degree turn and had sight of it, but it became water logged and joined Davy Jone's locker.  We are now searching for a canvas shop on our journey up river.

Going to be wet and chilly with this opening in the canvas

We dropped anchor at 1330 and it has held. (map) I have 90 feet of rode out.  Have experienced sustained 20 MPH with gusts still mid 30s.  Anchor has held.  There remains one footers in this little cove with white caps.  Forecast to decrease around sunset in an hour.  Winds are not to be so strong as the front approaches; after frontal passage, NW winds only supposed to be 15 or so. Sure hopes so.  Showers all around, no strong thunderstorms yet.  Should be a wild night.  Not much sleep keeping watch on the anchor.

1466.0 Hobbs; 2349 SM elapsed