Weather forecasts are not always accurate, usually leave you tossing a coin, and are an ever- ready resource designed to provide sailors with information they can gamble with…er…I mean seriously consider when making 'informed' decisions about their route and timing.
The winds so far have not been in our favour but we have been diligently checking the forecasts hoping for an improvement. We are at the dock in Lund waiting for that break and it was supposed to be today. Pre-departure habits include showers, walking the dog, coffee and a quick breakfast and then all that goes into preparing the boat.
Not so this morning. We got through the first two requirements and were planning to leave this morning even though it had been windy overnight. The forecast said the wind would diminish by late morning so we planned to leave about 1000 hrs. The main threat to this plan was a nasty looking black sky firmly hanging over the horizon and moving our way. We decided to stay and wait for whatever was going to hit us but move the boat to the other side of the dock where it would be better protected from the forecasted NW. Having finished the dog walk, and with that plan in mind, Maddie and I headed back to the boat (Kathy was just finishing her shower). We were half way back to the boat when the SE wind that had been cooling my left cheek, stopped. It was followed almost immediately by a blast of NW wind in my face. The NW arrived like a freight train and the plan to move the boat evaporated. By the time we got back to the boat, heavy rain was pelting down like a waterfall. After doubling up on the fenders, checking the lines and snubbers and phoning the Harbour Master to let her know we wouldn't be leaving today, we retreated to the comfort of Shannon's Spirit and turned up the heat.
The new plan (#347😏) has us sitting tight until the weather settles down. Loose plans include leaving Lund, hopefully tomorrow afternoon, and heading to Grace Harbour (which is well protected) for a couple days. For now, we relax with books and the crib board… and keep checking the forecasts. Hope your forecasts are warm, dry and dependable. CJ
Also hope you enjoy these photos. The jelly fish one was taken right beside our boat.
