Boy did it get breezy in Cazadero.
January 24 - 31, 2017: The weather during this 7-day wind event seemed to follow a general diurnal pattern followed by a general nocturnal pattern. During the daylight hours, the wind blew from due W to due N, increasing from the mid-teens to the mid-20s. On January 27 we saw a few gusts in the low 30s. Wind velocities at all times were lower in the Cazadero anchorage than either the AmigoNet or Sonrisa Net reported each day from various other locations. Which was very nice. The Fox's forestays began to shake whenever the gusts blew in the 20s or above, but we still experienced good shelter slightly east of the easternmost panguero camp. (Protip: the depth contour along the entire length of the panguero camp seems steeper-to than just a few yards further east of the easternmost camp.)
In these stronger-than-typical wind conditions we could easily see the anchorage's wind shadow, because the tall whitecaps running the length of the San Jose Channel to the west of us defined its edge so well. As the week progressed The Fox tended to hunt from W to N and back again while the wind remained in the low 20s or higher, but our anchor held fast throughout. Overnights followed a lighter pattern, dropping to the mid-teens or less just after sunset. However, the lighter breeze caused the swell to increase the anchorage's rolliness. It was never so rolly, though, that we had to sleep sideways in the bunk, so: Winning!
Meanwhile, GB concluded that the pesky alternator/battery recharging problem was a connection/linkage issue instead of failed equipment. Meaning, our primary and backup alternators are just fine, thank you. Nevertheless our wee Honda generator had gamely taken up the slack while GB figured out the mechanical dilemmas. There was obviously no way we could swim, kayak, or go ashore; nor in these wind conditions did either of us want to. So we stayed aboard. Paid close attention to the weather. Many books were read and crossword puzzles completed. The fluorescent bulbs in our salon's Alpenglow lights finally burned out after 10 years of reliable use and we were ready with replacement bulbs. So much amusement to be had, in such a small space.
January 28: we saw our last strong gust come through at 30.7 knots. During the following days the wind gradually tapered from the 20s to the teens. Buffaloes were still running in the San Jose Channel, which continued to push some swell into Cazadero but less strongly than before. January 30: heavy dew has reappeared on deck. This wind event may indeed have blown over...
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