Pumped out at the Ft. Myers Yacht Basin yesterday afternoon. Anchored just off the island for the night. Steven registered the dinghy this morning and I got a replacement cover for the dinghy valve as well as provisions such as cool ass sunglasses, dry ice and granolas. Had every intention of heading North to Sanibel but had a hell of a time getting the 2 anchors in. Spent about 3 hours heaving and ho-ing. Steven worked every muscle he had to get the 2 anchors in the boat. I managed the helm. Turns out 70′ of chain is nothing to joke with, and we weren’t. Just as the anchors were on deck a squall blew up and forced us to drop anchor again, just the plow this time, and secure the tarps. In the semi-chaos that is cruising in bad weather the tiller broke down and the engine mounts decided to be a bitch. Neil suggested we spend the night in the marina. Our old slip, next to Neil, just happened to be unoccupied. We docked like pros. Steven washed down the deck, all muddy from the anchor drama, and we met Neil at Bacchus for a late supper and cocktail. Much deserved. Planning to head North again tomorrow.
