Stormy Weather

Beaufort   

Morning broke with the wind whipping, but no rain. We did what we are trained to do in advance of a storm -- we made a grocery store run. Fernando and Judy joined us as we borrowed Town Creek Marina's courtesy car for a run to Food Lion. We did not purchase much, but it was a good diversion. Upon our return we were greeted at the gate by our life sling that had blown to a new position. The wind was definitely picking up, hitting us hard on our starboard stern. I attached another dock line for a bit more security. We then went on the upper deck and removed the cover from our dinghy before Mother Nature could do the same. All around us, canvas was flapping and the marina staff was busy going boat-to-boat to adjust dock lines and lash down items that might take flight. 

I read a bit in the pilot house watching their progress. As night fell, the wind continued to build to 40 knots (approx. 46 mph). Lightning flashes illuminated the creek behind us. The wind is predicted to build until midnight and clock around 90 degrees overnight. By morning, we're hoping the large sport fisher on our port side will block a bit of the blow. At first light, we'll take a look outside and assess our situation.