All's swell

We were five and a half hours under way today in mostly calm, placid water. The winds kicked up from the south as we arrived, so we were left with the decision to anchor for the winds as they were or for the winds as they were forecasted to be. I opted for the latter, figuring that wind from an unforecasted direction would probably not remain long. That was the case, as it turns out.

It's usually preferable to anchor on the side of the bay from which the wind is blowing because the land dampens its velocity and because there is less distance for the waves to build. Swell from the open water outside the bay will also be bigger on the downwind side as it refracts around the point where it enters the bay.

We can tell the wind is blowing outside the anchorage because there is substantial swell rolling us about, but it must have backed from the north because the hills are offering protection and we're not feeling it. We have no wind, but a lot of swell rocking us about.

We might have a few days in this anchorage, partly because it's lovely and there is recreating to be done, and partly because the next good anchorage to the north is a good ten hours away. We'll want to do it on a calm day or a day when the wind is from the south.

Mmmm... It smells like dinner is nearly ready.

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