March 3, 2023 Back to Butchers Bend

March 3, 2023 Sanford to Butchers Bend - 7 miles

Fri. March 3, 2023 Time to get moving off the lake as we have 2 days of SW winds blowing a steady 15-20mph with gusts over 30. We decided to make the short trip back to Butchers Bend which offers a secure anchorage. We'll still have a bit of exposure to the winds but nothing that should be too uncomfortable. Winds have died down each night to 10 or less so that will keep us oriented but not swaying or rocking. Anchor up at Sanford before the winds pick up so easy enough getting off the lake. Glad the anchor washdown is working as chain had lots of mud imbedded in the links. Off the lake we hit the RR bridge which again was down. Nice bridge tender says train is just a few minutes away and then will quickly get it raised. Once past the bridges, it's a short trip to our anchorage. Relatively quick day. We take it easy doing nothing. Watch a few fishermen try their luck and spy a rather large gator first in the lily pads on one side of us, then sunning on a bank on the alternate shore.

We wondered where the riverboat turned around when we saw it leaving the docks in Sanford.
Now we know - Butchers Bend!!

Sat. March 4, 2023 We stay put another day as wind is still blowing. Another day of reading and watching nature. We had a couple on another boat come in and drop anchor right in front of us. Typical go-fast boat owner. Undersized anchor tied to some rope. Surprised he didn't snag our anchor chain or drift back on us. I cannot understand why people feel the need to get so close in a wide-open area. They stayed a few hours and then headed out.

Not really sure what these two are getting ready to do.

I guess our patience waiting to see manatees finally paid off today. We had a herd of them rolling in the waters around us late afternoon. We couldn't figure out if they were mating, birthing, or just cavorting but they gave us a nice show for over an hour. Not sure exactly how many were there but guessed it was probably six.