An Invitation to a Gale

A forecast for future gale force S/W winds had us moving along in search of a sheltered anchorage. 

The red sky in the morning, as well as the clouds during the day foretold of the weather that lay ahead. 

Our plan was to anchor in the Fort George River and shelter behind the George R. Kingsley Plantation (M735).....a location we'd visited before.  We arrived 1 hour before low tide (5') and try as we may we couldn't find enough water to carry us in. 

We moved on to the next option which was the Sister Creek anchorage - just above the St. John's River Inlet (Jacksonville).  The coast guard was advising of a whale sighting in that location.  While preparing to anchor we noticed a dock on the west side of the Intercoastal Waterway.  A quick check of our guide books told us it was a free, public dock .... 72 hour maximum stay.  

We were very grateful to securely tie on (2nd boat in) and weather the storm there.  

The rain and wind picked up through the night.

On Sunday, Jan. 16th a weather alert was being broadcast on the VHF radio.....gale warning, very rough on the intercoastal waters, 100% chance of showers in the morning.   Winds in the morning S/W 25-40 mph, afternoon W 20-25 gusting 45 mph.

Monday - Winds W 15-20 mph Gusting 30, Monday night - patchy frost  - Wind N/W 10-15 mph