Anchored, Key West

Sometime early yesterday afternoon it became clear that I am not going to reach Key West today. The 20+ knot winds dwindled to nothing, making it impossible to average the 4.9 knots required for a daylight arrival. There are so many derelict vessels cluttering the anchorages of Key West that I am not going to risk a midnight arrival with no moon. I’ll loiter off the sea buoy if necessary, and then pull in Thursday morning.

Drifting around sweating as love bugs took over the ship was not pleasant. I thought perhaps I had brought them with me, so I set about smashing them by the dozen, turning the cockpit into something resembling Gettysburg, the day after. Alas, before I had even rinsed away the carnage, a whole new batch of bugs had taken the places of their fallen comrades. Apparently they are capable of flying 10 or 12miles out to sea, copulating all the way.

Were I a more experienced sailor, I probably would not have been surprised by the rapid increase in wind speeds as soon as the sun set both Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Within 10 minutes the winds increased from 10-12 to 22-25, with gusts of 29. Reefing and unreefing took me frequently from the cockpit, and the wild gyrations of the boat in beam seas required a firm handhold at all times. Neither night allowed for much sleep, but both days provided opportunities for some naps.

Barry’s been on a PR campaign of sorts. He has volunteered to help with some basic chores, and insisted on letting go the anchor this morning. He was nearly drowned when his opposable thumbs became jammed in the chain, but I was able to winch him back aboard without serious injury.

Once things cool down a little I’ll be making a dingy run to get some fuel and water. Neither is really necessary, but it seems prudent to top off whenever the opportunity presents itself. The forecast is calling for strong easterlies for at least the next few days. I don’t mind being stuck in KW for a while waiting on the wind. I detest motoring, especially into the wind, so some uncharacteristic patience might be called for. Perhaps I can introduce Barry to some of the interesting types than inhabit Key West.