Day 102-103 – 1/12-13/24

Starting location: Anchorage in Mullett Key, FL

Weather: high 50s am, low 70s pm. Had some light rain overnight, then partly sunny to overcast. Winds increased to 20s mph sustained, 40mph gusts – Friday 1/12. Light rain overnight. Low 70s am, muggy. Low 50s pm, more dry. Winds still strong, but decreasing. Partly to mostly sunny – Saturday 1/13.

Ending location: Anchorage behind spit at Desoto Point, East side of Tampa Bay on Manatee River, FL

Statute miles: Approximately 12

General summary: Heard howling winds from the Gulf overnight in Mullett Key anchorage, but anchor held well and we were protected on all sides by mangroves. Got ready to head out as soon as the sun came up as there was only a few hours of calm weather predicted before another storm was supposed to blow through. Worried about crossing Tampa Bay again, but the chop wasn’t bad. Followed the channel markers into Manatee River (no manatees seen) and motored behind a spit with land surrounding us except for the East side, then dropped anchor in 7 feet. Storm was supposed to come from directly South so we should be fine, but let out lots of rode and set anchor alarm.

Took dinghy to land and walked on the trails in DeSoto National Park. Dogs on leash are welcome, so Cocoa enjoyed herself. Much of the trail follows the sandy beach, then there is a boardwalk through mangroves. There are informative signs about the Spanish explorer DeSoto and his crew from the 1500s, a visitor’s center, and historical demonstrations on weekends.

This anchorage is nicknamed the “Holy Hole” by locals due to this cross on land. It is a memorial to the DeSoto expedition as one of the purposes (aside from obtaining land, gold, and other riches) was bringing Catholicism to the New World.

We chose this anchorage, partly because we wanted a break from marinas and for shore access, but also because reviews indicated it was a good place to wait out bad weather. Someone actually rode out a tropical storm successfully here. We found this to be true, as our anchor held well overnight and wake was minimal. Some derelict boats on shore indicated others did not have as much success with recent Hurricane Idalia.

What broke: Noted the starboard running light (green) not working when I accidentally turned on the running lights overnight, rather than the anchor light.

Boater information: Good anchorage for bad weather. If North wind, can anchor on other side of the river. Nice trail and dogs allowed. Grocery store a bit of a walk, but we didn’t need anything this time.