DON'T NOAA

While in Oriental, as we lamented over weather forecasts, Tom (Whispering Sea) shared a quip I like ... NOAA or Don't NOAA. It often seems that NOAA doesn't get it right with either the wind direction, wind speed or wave height. Well, yesterday was no exception, so I dubbed it a "Don't NOAA" day. We dropped off the mooring in Fernandina Beach (just $15 a night) at 6:30 a.m. and headed out the St. Mary's inlet. That was a great run. We had the current with us and so went about 8.5 knots out the inlet. When we turned south, we set sails and thought we would be able to sail all day. NOAA had predicted 10-15 knots of wind. Alas, the sails came in about an hour later as the wind settled down to less than 10 knots and sometimes less than 5 knots. But all was not lost! We had a wonderful day anyway. Although we had to motor sail, the conditions were calm, the sun was bright, and we had lots of company on the water. Our friend Carey (Catspaw), who had been with us for several days but left us in Fernandina Beach, had taught us Cribbage, so Craig and I enjoyed a few games in the cockpit as we headed south. We arrived at the St. Augustine inlet about 2:45 p.m., in time to make the 3:00 p.m. opening of the Bridge of Lyons Bridge. We anchored just south of the Municipal Marina. I am happy to be back in the Sunshine State!