A Day in the Life (At Anchor)

 

There is not much happening today.  The weather was not really conducive to traveling, so we decided to stay put for a couple of days.  Maybe.  At least today.  So, I thought I would share what happens during those days when we are on anchor and have nowhere to go. 

After sleeping in, 8am, coffee is a priority.  We have a 4-cup pot on board that is perfect for two cups.  During our coffee time we review our sail plan.  This means looking at the weather using two different models.  Predict Wind is the first and Windy the other.  After checking wind direction and speeds, we look at CAPE factor.  That is the energy in the atmosphere and sort of predicts the threat of thunderstorms.  Where we are anchored presently is comfortable (except for the occasional passing boats).  We have two weeks to go less than 60 miles so we can afford to sit tight.  Both the winds and the CAPE factor were elevated this morning so we stayed. 

Usually, I spend part of the morning cleaning or straightening the cabin.  Today I shook out all the rugs and vacuumed.  A small cannister vacuum came with the boat.  Although awkward, I kept it for now since it works fine.  I also washed down all the counter space with a vinegar solution.  I have found this is the best for just about everything!  I use it on the ceilings, walls, cupboards, etc.  Paul reviewed potential anchorages to our north.  Anchorage choice changes based on weather, wind, depth and current.  We always have several picked out in advance. 

Sometimes Paul will check the oil, change a belt, or other maintenance required. There are two engines, a generator and an outboard on the dinghy.

Every day has a goal.  To prevent total boredom, we set goals early in the day.  Today’s goal was to inventory all the spare parts and their location on the boat.  With so many cubbies and lockers, it is easy to forget what is where.  Today we listed everything, how many, location stored and Paul entered them onto a spread sheet.  Now if he needs to find a part it is a quick search. 

Lunch is whenever and whatever.  Almost two weeks since we provisioned there is little fresh stuff left.  I am learning to cook smaller dinners and there are fewer leftovers.  We have not needed to resort to PB&J yet!

I read “junk” while Paul reads the news and updated weather reports from NOAA.  We play cribbage and hi low jack mostly.  Occasionally Yahtzee.  I may spend time organizing the many pictures I take daily.  I have also started painting with watercolors.  I love drawing and sketching but painting is a new skill I hope to master.  We love music and listen all day.  Sometimes dancing must accompany certain songs!  We have danced in the rain and the moonlight!

Throughout the day I take “laps” around the exterior of the boat.  It is usually cooler outside the boat but the horse flies in Georgia have been horrific.  I go fast!  We have 360 views of the river from the salon and will go outside to wave to slower passing boats or to watch the dolphins swim by. 

Dinner is determined early in the morning so if I need to defrost there is plenty of time.  Hah!  In this weather it only takes a couple hours but habit says figure it out early!  Tonight is brussel sprouts with hot dogs.  An odd combination but it is too hot to have something that takes too long and will heat up the cabin.  And it is too windy to use the grill. 

The movie of the night changes.  We did find a DVD player on the boat that actually works and we bought DVDs at the pay by the pound Goodwill store in Jacksonville.  We intend to raid the one in Savannah!  While the movie plays, I blog after downloading the pictures I took that day.    

A fast cold shower to remove sweat before bed is necessary.  Our water tank holds 100 gallons.  This trip is four weeks so we are conserving diligently.  Only showers and washing dishes uses fresh water from the tank.  Unfortunately, the river at this point is too brackish to “make” water.  The filters would have to be changed too frequently to even attempt.  Toilets are flushed with sea water.  Drinking water is bottled and we started with 52 liters.  An additional 4 liters of soda and one case of 16 oz water bottles if needed.  We do not ration drinking water.  It is too hot and we spend hours sweating!  If we start running too low, we will head to the marina early and refill our tank. 

Nights have cooled off considerably and sleeping has not been a problem.  In fact, last night the few times I woke it was so smooth I forgot for a moment was on a boat.  Go figure!  Tonight, might be a little different with potential thunderstorms between 12am and 2am.  While I am not a fan of lightning, I no longer tremble.  Our electronics go in the unplugged microwave and if need be, we have Tow Boat USA.  We have heard of boats being struck and the worst is no navigation systems available to continue.  We can only take so many precautions but nature will do what she wants!