We pried ourselves away from Vero Beach and headed on down to Peck Lake where
we anchored out and enjoyed the ocean access this spot affords. We finally saw two
manatees today. Peck Lake is a favorite for many people because it is separated from
the ocean by just a narrow strip of land with easy dinghy access and extensive undeveloped
beach. It was sunny and fairly warm even right at the ocean and we walked the beach,
picking up shells to make Christmas ornaments. There was only one other couple there
most of the time we were there.
We are anchored with nine other boats for the night.
The ICW version of highway billboards.
The dinghy landing at Peck Lake.
Enjoying the deserted beach.
42 miles
Tuesday, Dec. 4
Last night was more exciting than we wanted. After dark the wind picked up and when
I checked to see how we were setting to the anchor I suddenly realized we were dragging
and close to another boat and a navigation light in a very shallow spot. It was very dark
and hard to tell our location and the position of the other boats in the area, but we needed
to raise our anchor,find a good spot and reset the anchor. It was a bit hairy but after two
tries we got the anchor set again, only without our trust in the anchor now. We took turns
staying up and watching things until 4:00 am and then went to bed. It held OK but we
decided to bite the bullit and buy a Manson Supreme anchor right away.
We went through seven opening bridges today with four of them having restricted opening
times which you have to time carefully, usually hurrying to make the next bridge by the
scheduled time, which can sometimes be stressful. For us today it was not much of an
issue. We tend to not mind the bridges as much as most people do. The days run was fairly
short and we saw some gorgeous homes down here at Hobe Sound and North Palm
Beach, very high end areas. The water in Hobe Sound was beautiful and clear, getting us
psyched for the famous clear Bahamas water to come.
We decided to stay at Old Port Cove Marina after hearing some great reviews and the fact
they have a nice Boat US discount. We needed to fuel up for the crossing and get our
batteries charged completely. This marina has the nicest docks I've ever seen and the
staff is super. Theer are lots of megayachts around here and they are amazing. Our boat is
dwarfed by them.
The first thing we did when we got here was to visit the West Marine less than a mile
away and buy a 45 pound Manson Supreme anchor, which the marina help were kind
enough to stop and pick up and deliver to our boat. How's that for service? The anchor
is now installed and we are looking forward to being able to anchor with confidence in
the future. The Manson has fantastic reviews, has outperformed all competitors, and all
who have one swear by it.
Right now we plan on leaving 4:00 am Friday to head over to the Bahamas, according
to the weather forcast and will be traveling with "One Love", a catamaran with a great
couple we have met recently. They have made the crossing multiple times. For the next
couple of months over there our cell phones will not be usable but we will often have
internet access for emails and Skype. Perhaps we will get a Bahamian cell phone while
there but it will be best to reach us by email. It will be a few days before we reach
internet access so I will update everyone then.
The new anchor ready to be installed. We hope
it lives up to its reputation.
Finally storing our cold weater clothes and comforter
using the vacuum Zip Lock bags, a geat space saver.
23 miles ( 2160 miles total )
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