Riding Out the Storm

(This post was written on Wednesday evening, November 11 and updated today. For some strange reason, video was loading really slowly last night…)

Rain, wind, rain, wind, more rain, higher winds, shall we count the numbers 20, 30, 40 mph…

Yesterday morning, in the calm before the storm, we moved Casstaway from our anchorage at Emerson Pointe across the Manatee River to DeSoto Pointe. We did this because Tropical Storm Eta’s wind direction is predicted to change as the storm progresses and we wanted to be tucked-in near land that would help slow wind speed and provide some protection.

By late night/early morning our master cabin was seriously rockin’ and rollin’ and it wasn’t due to romance. Both rain and wind had picked-up significantly. So, Todd donned his foul weather gear, PFD, tethers, and head phone. With me and my head phone at the helm, he went up top to let out additional anchor chain, remove most removables, re-adjust the dinghy, and take down sunscreens. We also took time to review some of our safety procedures – a crisis is too late to make sure captain and crew are in agreement on how to handle it.

The rest of the day has been spent monitoring weather forecasts, making line and dinghy adjustments, checking-in with fellow boaters, reassuring family and friends, and honestly – trying not to pee our pants at each higher gust.

It’s gonna be a long night.

When you’re hunkered down in 30 mph winds and rain waiting for Eta, what’s a hearty sailing girl to do? Make a big pot of chili and listen to Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande singing “Rain on Me”