I used to “teach” ninth graders about weather. Kind of funny looking back on it, because I’ve come to realize over the past eleven weeks how little I truly understand weather. So any former students who may be following me, you go ahead and chuckle now.
I’m obsessed with the weather. I have never spent so much time checking land and marine forecasts as I have these past eleven weeks. I repeatedly check the My Radar app and our real-time on board radar for hours as storms play around and approach us, simultaneously watching the skies and trying to read patterns. I hope that as I continue to watch over time, the skies will make more sense and I won’t need to stare at the radar for hours. I religiously check the (sometimes inaccurate) marine forecasts so I know what kind of ride we’re in for on days when we move to our next location. I don’t mind a bumpy ride, but I prefer our bow seats are not repeatedly dunked into the sea. My hope is always to make it to anchor before any predicted afternoon thunderstorms. Although, really, being at anchor during those hasn’t been great. Our four anchor dragging experiences haven’t helped my state of mind regarding storms. The last one hit us in Smith Creek with 45+ knot winds and a wall of water we couldn’t see through. We dragged about 200’ in the short time it took us to take evasive action to avoid the pylons that were suddenly about 150 feet behind us. We have decided that we will be purchasing a new style anchor soon so we can sleep on stormy nights.
I never worry about thunderstorms when I’m home, but on a boat in the middle of the water I feel very tiny and exposed, even if land and civilization are only a couple of hundred yards away, like in Smith Creek. Mother Nature’s power is awesome, and I respect it…and fear it a little out here. I have been amazed and entertained watching rain clouds approach only to mostly pass us to starboard, lightly showering us with rain from the edge, while the port side remains sunny. At a fireworks display in St. Michaels, we watched Mother Nature compete with her own light show. (I was very thankful that stayed in the distance!) and I’ve been equally terrified by how quickly she can get cranky.
Fortunately, there are weather classes for cruisers. I plan on taking a few to combat my ignorance and increase my peace of mind. Why wait? First one is a webinar next week.
Life on Lady 
Sounds like late afternoon in Florida. Travel safe and enjoy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Do you remember Uncle Weatherby? Years and years ago, he was the big weather guy in New York. Maybe you weren’t able to see him in New England. Anyway, I just thought he knew everything about the weather. That’s so laughable because he probably not only didn’t have any satellite info, but no computer either. No wonder those guys back then missed the mark so often, and were the butts of so many jokes.
Yes, that old Mother Nature can be tempermental , can’t she? Even people living in solid houses aren’t totally secure. So I can only imagine how vulnerable you must feel at times. That new anchor should help you sleep nights.
I’m sure you’ll learn a lot. Let’s face, you’re taking a crash course in weather right now. A year from now, you’ll feel like a pro. Smooth sailing. Pat H.
LikeLiked by 1 person