Key West - A stormy night

 

The coming storm, yesterday

The storm was predicted far in advance and we could see it coming on weather radar. It marched across the Gulf and hit us around 3:00 or so with an initial gust of 40.2 kts! Even after its passage, the wind only decreased to 30 to 35 kts. After a bit, we started to bump up against the dock head and had to start the engine in reverse so I could tighten the lines and put us farther away from the dock face.

Here’s what the local weather on a 60 degree day - long pants, hooded sweatshirt, gloves, etc.

All through the night, it was noisy but after our adjustment with the engine in gear, at least we no longer hit the dock. It was just bouncy with wind in the rigging. It was still blowing in the 20s this morning but it gradually tapered off to around 15 kts or so in the afternoon. With the front came cold air (cold to Keys residents).  With a low of 60, all the locals were wearing hooded sweatshirts with long pants, with the hood pulled tightly over their head. Once you’re used to high 70s and 80s, 60 feels cold! 

We celebrated surviving the storm with Ann buying a new hat

The kids are due to arrive Monday afternoon now, after the Saturday flight was cancelled. They have leave their house at 2:15 am to make the 5:00 am flight to Chicago where they will take a flight to Key West. I wonder if they will be tired when they arrive? We will have Cuban sandwiches that night, quick and easy and good tasting.