First of Many

1.18.13 We made it safely to West Palm Beach yesterday afternoon before the sun set and had the anchor safely down in one of our favorite anchorages, along with about 30 other boats. Sean caught a spanish mackerel yesterday while we were motoring so he made up some ceviche and we dug in for some celebratory appetizers and sundowners. We knew that there was an impending storm coming our way with strong winds and rain and as we settled in for the night, we could see the front rolling in.

With so many boats in our anchorage and not having anchored much on our new anchor, we were starting to get a little nervous. Brad let out a bit more anchor line and we sat back and waited. As the wind piped up, we went below decks to stay dry and warm but kept a close eye on the GPS and the boats around us. With winds gusting into the twenties, we knew we wouldn't be getting much sleep. We each took a turn overnight, staring at the GPS and making sure the anchor held. Sean had the last shift and by the time Brad and I were awake this morning, he was outside fishing and had already caught a fresh snapper and a catfish! It is pretty chilly this morning and the wind is supposed to stay strong for the next few days, so I think we will hunker down here for a few days, get some things accomplished and wait to head farther south.