Week 18: Jan. 30- Feb. 5, 2013 (Day 120-126)

Week 18:

Wed. Jan. 30, 2013—Day 120:

Destination:  Georgetown

Winds:  E 15-20K                                Seas:  1-2 ft.

Weather:  mix of sun, blue sky & clouds

Ladies Luncheon on Sun Cat

This is the beginning of our 12^th  day here because of the winds, & these high winds are to continue.  Chris predicted moderation this afternoon & more so tomorrow; this moderation did not materialize today but sure hope it does tomorrow.  I am very tired, fed up, frustrated of all the salt water showers with dinghy rides!  Salt & more salt everywhere!  I did some head cleaning this am, imparticular the glass & mirrors while the Net was in progress, then quickly passed a fresh water cloth to some areas of the cockpit later in the afternoon.  Yoga at 0900 hrs. followed by a drenching of salt water on the ride home.  Josh & Mike McGoldrick visited just after we got home; in fact I had quickly removed my salty shorts & rinsed them out & had to quickly pull on my PJ bottoms as they arrived.  How cute was that!  They had dinghied to see the catamaran that had crashed on the coral reefs in the vicinity of Fowl Cay.  While they were visiting I made my fruit salad for the Ladies Luncheon on ‘Sun Cat’ I had been invited to.  Also I prepared & cooked my one pot meal for supper tonight when Pam & Greg arrive.  Shortly after noon I received a phone call from Greg from Chicago; they had missed their connecting flight & would be in Miami tonight & would be flying to Georgetown tomorrow arriving at 1130 hrs.  Graeme ran me down to Monument Beach to attend the wonderful luncheon with 8 other women while he visited Joe.  There was no hurry to get home now.  But another moderately wet ride home.  Then off to ‘Kathrian’ for more socializing but also to say our good byes to Doug’s family as they were leaving in the am as well as Mike.  Again, a bit of a salty shower.  I missed the sunset again tonight.  The night though was dark, no moon till very late, a clear sky littered with stars.

Thurs. Jan. 31, 2013—Day 121:

Destination:  Georgetown

Winds:  EàSEàSàSE 10-15 all am to flat calm after sunset    Seas:  1-2 ft. to flat calm

Weather:  mostly sunny

Hurray, the wind was less than 10K at dawn!  And more moderation was predicted on SSB & for tomorrow am; but in pm Chris said the cold front would hit Georgetown & blow X 2-3 days from a northerly direction.  Some last minute cleaning ,  yoga & then the winds kicked up just in time for the ride home; and yes, we got wet with salt water again!  Once cleaned up & fully clothed in foul weather gear we dinghied to shore & met Pam & Greg at ‘Bikini Bottoms’ soon after noon; a round of drinks.  We had lunch & internet at Eddies &  did groceries at Exuma Markets.  Now 1500 hrs. Greg & Graeme rode the dinghy to the boat while Pam & I, luggage & groceries took Elvis’ Water Taxi ($10.00 ea one way, $24.00 return).  The winds now shifted due south & decreased in intensity.  The groceries were packed all away & Pam & Greg organized themselves in the aft cabin.  Supper at sunset & so again I missed whether a red sky followed or not.  Absolute no wind, mirror like water & stars galore with a late rising moon again tonight. 

Fri. Feb. 1, 2013—Day 122:

Destination:  Georgetown

Winds: flat calm in am, slowly building from N to NE up to 20-25K with gusts approaching 30K

Weather:  mostly sunny, some cloud & increasing

V-Ball Beach resident rays

A very warm & humid the night & similar in the am with much moisture clung to windows, deck, etc.  We woke in time to hear Chris’ continued prediction of NNE winds in the 20-30K  range X 1-1/2 days with some improvement later Sunday & decent winds Monday to Wednesday.  After yoga the wind started increasing.  Sitting on the deck reading we spotted a turtle that surfaced several times.  Some snorkeling for Pam & Greg off the boat, Graeme removed stain spots off the transom while I read.  Early afternoon we dinghied to Volleyball Beach & feed the rays, tried taking movies & photos of them as they circled around our legs; so cool!  We toured the hurricane holes in & around St. Francis Resort.  After Cherry & Doug had done their business in Georgetown they reanchored close by & despite the high winds we hosted a happy hour.  Not very hungry after devouring the late afternoon snacks, supper was simply leftovers but we ate in the cockpit, something we have not done in a while.  Then we watched a short British comedy clip on computer.  The increasing cloud at sunset wiped out any visible sunset & red sky following.  A dark, howling windy night with zillion stars in the sky at bedtime, then the skies became a mixture of clear & clouds.

Sat. Feb. 2, 2013—Day 123:

Destination:  Georgetown

Winds:  NE to ENE 20Kà10Kàcalm                       Seas:  minimal secondary to wind direction

Weather:  cool as a result of wind, light clouds that increased to heavy

Foul weather gear to keep dry

Fairly good protection from the strong NNE to NE winds during the night.  The message received from Chris this am was the moderating trade winds after Monday; gosh I hope so!  Herman (White Wing) was back as host of the Net after a short vacation.  Graeme put a request out on the Net for a source for a M19 or20 fan belt (spare) & received a positive response. Going in for yoga we sighted a pair of dolphins.  Once again a little wet driving home.  It was a lazy day of reading or napping because it was not a nice day, although the winds late in the pm decreased.  I did go ashore with Cherry & Doug & listened to the discussion re going south; this freed Graeme to do the adjustment on the water pump to now accommodate both a M19 & 20 size belt.  Thank you Greg for cooking supper—very good.  No sunset, no moon or stars.

Sun. Feb. 3, 2013—Day 124:

Destination:  Georgetown

Winds:  N-NE

Weather:  sunny & cloudy periods

Super Bowl at St. Francis

About or soon after midnight the winds decreased to perhaps the 10K range.  The guys went across to Georgetown for 2 jugs of water, then Pam & I were dinghied to Beach Worship for 0930 hrs.; the message given was unusually long, too religious, heavy & too serious & negative.  Sans Graeme the 3 of us in swimsuits & foul weather jackets jumped into the dinghy & hiked part of Treasure Trail then to a well identified path off of Sand Dollar Beach to South Beach.  Five foot waves were pounding & crashing as we walked the beach finding only tiny shells, no sea glass & soft white sand.  We had an early happy hour/lunch on ‘Moma Cal’ as we were all attending the Super Bowl Feastivities at 1600 hrs. at St. Francis & wanted a good seat.  Photo shot of the coi & turtles in their pond; dinner & drink specials.  The Baltimore Ravens defeated the San Fran 49’ers 34:29, a good 2^nd half.  The party was well supported by the cruisers.  A dark dinghy ride home at 2300 hrs. despite numerous anchor lights & star studded night sky.

Mon. Feb. 4, 2013—Day 125:

Destination: Georgetown

Winds:  NE 10-12K, increasing to +/- 15K by afternoon from the E

Weather:  mainly sunny

We had a funny incident with a flashlight in the toilet when I took my 1^st pee of the morning—a good story.  An encouraging week of weather if the predictions hold true; we will attempt to depart tomorrow.  In light of this after yoga we loaded 4 bodies, garbage, laundry cart & supplies & computer into the dinghy & headed across the pond.  Georgetown Cruising Regatta regalia was on sale at Bikini Bottoms.  Two loads of laundry (2 wash + 2 dry) = $13.00; freshly clean foul weather gear for me!  Pam & I visited a few shops, then we all had lunch at Eddies as we did internet.  At 1500 hrs. the guys took the dinghy back to the boat (very wet) & Pam & I waited till 1600 hrs. to take the Water Taxi with clean laundry, few groceries & computer; $20.00 but a dry ride.  We barely arrived back when a big surprise occurred—Terri & Bill dinghied over, after having anchored at Sand Dollar Beach about 1 hr. ago.  They had had a great sail from Little Farmers Cay.  Lots of conversation & showing of pics of their new granddaughter over a cold beer; they were experiencing some fridge problems & may have to stay longer in Georgetown; when solved we hope to meet up again.  Good bye hugs to Cherry & Doug & later over the VHF to Donna & Jack as they are leaving in the am for Rum Cay then further on eventually to Puerto Rico.  Since we were leaving also in the am we said our good byes to ‘Sea Camp’, ‘Truansea’, ‘Southern Bound’, ‘Fire Cracker’, & ‘Slow Flight’; unable to hail ‘ Valda IV’ or ‘Sun Cat’, ‘Cool Cat’ & ‘Two of a Kind’.  We will miss you all & hope are paths will soon cross again!!!  A nice red sky after sunset & very dark but clear night sky filled with more & more anchor lights as several boats arrived today & of course those spectacular stars.

Tues. Feb. 5, 2013—Day 126:

Destination:  Gerogetown to Thompson Bay, Long Island

Departure:  0855 hrs.                 Arrival:  1600 hrs.                            Distance:  approx. 30 NM

Winds:  E 10-12K, decreasing to 6-10K                  Seas:  2-4 ft. decreasing to 1-3 ft. + 2-3 ft. swells

Weather:  mainly sunny, some cloud

White Cay Bank

The gang was up early with the VHF transmissions between ‘Kathrian’, ‘Moma Cal’ & us; they motored passed about 0745 hrs.  A moderating north easterlies forecasted for today & more so tomorrow per Chris.  The Net was long today as there were many new arrivals announcing themselves as well as few departures including ourselves.  Surprisingly an ease up anchor after 15 days anchored in the same spot.  We motored passed ‘Second Option’ & hurray there fridge was working; the sensing probe had been jammed up against the wall.  You never know we might meet up again sooner than later if they are not caught in Georgetown.  There were 3 boats departing via Three Fathom Channel to Channel Rocks when suddenly 2 returned to Georgetown.  The waves were 2-4 footers then 1-3 ft. in the deep water to Pigeon Cay & on SE to Hog Cay.  At that waypoint we turned east to White Cay Bank, passed Indian Hole Point to Thompson Bay.  We saw 4 dolphins + 1 baby dolphin!  The east winds unfortunately were on our nose so we motored & charged all devices.  Greg & I were the 2 man coral head brigade at appropriate times.  Approaching Indian Hole Point we saw a fair number of boats tucked up into the Thompson Bay anchorage + a few in Salt Pond off of the government dock & Long Island Breeze.  An impromptu Cruisers Happy Hour was announced on the beach at 1700 hrs., bring boat cards, drinks & a snack to share.  And the same munchies type food was continued afterwards on the boat for supper.  We did have a short interval of red sky after sunset, then a clear starry sky followed.  Suddenly it became cloudy & a heavy rain prevailed X 5 mins.; this was welcomed to clean all the salt from the decks, hatches, ports & enclosure.  A very warm, quiet night though.  I almost don’t remember this kind of night without howling winds & no boat movement.    

Week 17: Jan. 23-28, 2013 (Day 113-119)

Week 17:

Wed. Jan 23, 2013—Day 113:

Destination:  Georgetown

Winds:  E 15-20K                      Seas:  1-2 ft.

Weather:  cloudy, a rain shower—I not very often have had to leave out the word sun

Monument Beach, Stocking Island on a good day

A rain shower at 0400 hrs. had us scrambling to close hatches & ports & cockpit enclosure; slept lightly afterwards.  Chris talked of the cold front from the Abacos reaching Central & Southern Bahamas today on his SSB broadcast, with strong northerly winds continuing through Fri. afternoon; well it started earlier after the morning rain & gusted & howled throughout the day.  Day 3 of yoga & started to feeling more comfortable with the moves.  Graeme did an engine oil change in my absence.  We started finding new storage homes to clear the aft cabin for our guests.  Joe Frost (Gemini) arrived in Georgetown yesterday afternoon & contacted us this am.  He was having dinghy engine problems, brought it to Minns this am & this aft Graeme dinghied him to town from his boat anchored at Monument Beach.  They both arrived back here wet to the gills.  We had sometime catching up with his news.  Otherwise it was a day of reading in the cockpit, watching boats around us at anchor & the weather, just too wet of a day to be out running around in the dinghy.  There was only a single conch blower heard when the sun set behind the landmass with a brief time of red evening sky.  The east wind continued to blow & howl, the wind generator worked overtime  the night was quite bright because of the ¾ moon in a partially clear sky with stars.

Thurs. Jan. 24, 2013—Day 114:

Destination:  Georgetown

Winds:  E to NE then NE to NNE 12-20K with frequent bursts of over 20K            Seas:  1-2 ft.

Weather:  partly sunny & cloudy

Atlantic Shore of Stocking Island 

Not encouraging weather report for several more days per SSB & later confirmed on Wind Alert.  Another yoga morning with great attendance despite the wind conditions.  Only minimal housecleaning but Graeme requested a haircut (#2).  Then early in the afternoon we dinghied to town; surprisingly a dry ride across the harbour surfing on the waves.  The waves increased closer to Kidd Cove.  I bought only a minimum of groceries at Exuma Markets, a very brief time checking emails at Eddies, checked the Corner Laundromat hours (M- Sat. 0830-1630 hrs.), another case of beer & bank withdrawal for Graeme at Scotiabank.  We saw Joe being towed into Lake Victoria to Minns; ? fuel pump.  ‘Moma Cal’ moved to Exuma Docking Marina ($2.00 per ft., electricity $20.00 per day) as they were awaiting the arrival of family guests this evening.  Then it was a VERY wet dinghy ride home.  ‘Kathrian’ invited us over for some socializing as we really had not seem much of them for a few days.  And not such a wet ride over or back, but the temps dropped after sunset.  A minimal red sky tonight but a bright night sky due to a near full moon despite the clouds.

Fri. Jan. 25, 2013—Day 115:

Destination:  Georgetown

Winds:  ENE to E 13-18K, gusts 20K+               Seas: 1-2 ft.

Weather:  mostly cloudy unfortunately with a few sunny periods in the afternoon, H=87F & L=66F

Yoga Classes on Volley Ball Beach by this sign

We didn’t lose much sleep despite the high winds howling with the occasional very brief periods of no howling & light winds; in fact we woke up unusually late & caught Chris already in progress.   A large number of us attended yoga; it was quite cool on the beach & the dinghy ride there & back was amazingly dry.  Doug’s family guests arrived & happy campers there.  Joe’s dinghy engine problems continued despite all the new replacement parts & labour at Minns (expensive); he tried to purchase a new Suzuki 6hp 4 stroke engine from the marine past Red Shanks yesterday but the credit card machine was not working; with persistence today the transaction was approved so the purchase was made.  Graeme followed Joe from his boat at Monument Beach to town & didn’t the old engine quit just as he was approaching the dock.  In the meantime with the change of wind direction + the trawler to our port put out a 2nd anchor 1-2 days ago , we were no longer swinging similarly & coming too close for my liking.  I contacted Graeme to get back here ASAP as I could not do anything on my own & I could not hail the trawler on VHF.  He was drenched on arrival & assured me all was O.K.  Then suddenly the occupants of the trawler came outside.  They were very amiable & understood my concern & said they would readjust their anchors; by evening with the wind clocking from ENE to E we were now directly in front of them & over their anchor.  No social tonight but we met ‘Kathrian’, ‘Sea Camp’, E2Motion’ & ‘Slow Flight’ at Chat’n Chill & Joe arrived as well.  Unfortunately it was too far, too lumpy & too wet a ride to attend the Department of Tourism Appreciation Party at Peace & Plenty.  Quite cool tonight & a somewhat wet ride home.  I never saw a decrease in winds this aft as Chris predicted.  I phoned Mom tonight. No red sky; bright night with a very near full moon & stars visible in the clear patches of sky between the cloud patches.

Sat. Jan. 26, 2013—Day 116:

Destination:  Georgetown

Winds:  E 12-20K                               Seas:  1-2 ft.

Weather:  sunny & cloudy periods

Some of the boats anchoring off Stocking Island

The winds & seas calmed down a bit during the night.  I woke at 0400 hrs. & had the full moon shining in the starboard deck window + a large anchor light from the trawler behind us shining in the companionway.  SSB & Cruisers Net at 0630 hrs. & 0800 hrs. respectively.  Yoga at 0900 hrs., then with the laundry sorted & organized, computer in backpack bagged & garbage we set off for shore.  3 washers ($2.50 ea) & 2 dryers ($4.00 ea X 40 min.)—Total= $19.50.  I was able to do a little work on emails at Eddies between loads, then we attended St. Theresa’s Catholic Church fund raising BBQ lunch ($10.00 ea) for steak/chicken huge backed potato, corn & salad with Joe, Ted & Ginnie (Fire Cracker—Saga 43); ‘Kathrian’ & ‘Sea Camp’ finished as we arrived.  We introduced our lunch guests to Shop Rite & purchased long life milk, then a round of beers at Bikini Bottoms.  A VERY wet dinghy ride home but only the pillowcases, the bottom of the laundry trolley & the bottom outside of my backpack got a little wet.  We were a bear for punishment—we donned our wet foul weather gear back on & met the ‘Moma Cal’ clan & Joe at Chat ’n Chill & fed & played with the rays again.  Once home we both showered.  We did not take note of the sunset sky, but officially it was full moon tonight, therefore it was very bright, fleeting clouds + stars.

Sun. Jan. 27, 2013—Day 117:

Destination:  Georgetown

Winds:  E 10-20K                                   Seas:  1 ft.

Weather:  sunny & blue sky

Beach Worship

A sleep in morning & a glorious sunny day.  Net at 0800 hrs. & Beach Worship at 0930 hrs.; so well attended again this Sunday & just as warm & welcoming.  Thank you Chip, Elena & John for the ride there & back & your warm hugs.  A number of boats were changing their location today.  SCT Barber Shop set up shop for a brief time; just simple clean up jobs for Joe & Jack’s hair in the neck area below their hairlines & Graeme showed Jack how to trim his beard with the electric trimmer.  We sited turtles swimming around the boat just before we were off in our dinghies with Joe to Sand Dollar Beach.  No sand dollars but we hiked the Cliff Path, Sally’s Path & Lavender Path to the caves & blow holes X 2 hrs.; not the blow holes of Warderick Wells.  Then to Volleyball Beach where there was lots of people & activity.  We met the NSC gang & others for some socializing.  We got home just before sundown.  The chop was slightly less this evening & there was a magnificent red sky.  By darkness the winds were blowing & howling 15-20K, so the wind generator was having a hay day.  In fact between the sun & solar panels & the 15-20K for most of these winter days & the wind generator,  Graeme has been very pleased with the charge of the batteries.  Nevertheless we are careful & conservative.  A starry night with a bright moon.

Mon. Jan. 28, 2013—Day 118:

Destination:  Georgetown

Winds:  E 15+K to ESE 10-12K                         Seas:  1 ft. with 2 ft. rollers, calming to < 1 ft. chop

Weather:  sunny & blue sky

The Ottawa Gang (except one)

As usual the day began with SSB at 0630 hrs., followed by breakfast & the Net at 0800 hrs.  And after a day of rest it was back to yoga at 0900 hrs. while Graeme changed a fan belt that we dug out from the back of the garage; it was nearly totally destroyed.  I spent the rest of the morning removing stuff from the aft cabin for our guests.   Just after noon we dinghied down to Monument Beach; 9 of us hiked Isis Path, Nev’s Trail to Nev’s Beach (long, no sea glass, no beans & only tiny shells); I detoured up the Slide to the Monument & back to the beach.  At the private homes we turned around & hiked Marie’s Path to Intrepid Path (steep) to the Monument—a spectacular view, then back to the dinghies, where we stood in the water chatting & watching 3 boats arriving.  Could one be ‘Second Option’?  Joe & Ginnie & Ted met Terri & Bill at Staniel Cay.  All the bars were closed till 1800 hrs. today as it was election day in the Bahamas, even Double D here on Monument Beach.  Joe & I dinghied out to see if the center cockpit Hunter that anchored off Monument was ‘Second Option’, but it was not.  To ‘Firecracker’ (Saga 43) & given a tour—lovely.  To ‘Gemini’ for a black & stormy & a few nibblies until the sun had set behind the cloud & landmass.  Joe started the conch blowers in this part of the anchorage.  We declined supper but were sent home with homemade cookies, the seas had calmed so the ride was not a wet one as expected.  Another magnificent red sky, then a diminishing full moon & clear starry night sky.

Tues. Jan. 29, 2013— Day 119:

Destination:  Georgetown

Winds:  E 15K with gusts to 20K                          Seas:  1-2 ft. with 2 ft. rollers

Weather:  sunny

Mike McGoldrick & Josh Rausson--Azeroth

The persistent windy conditions were getting a bit depressing.  At least there were no westerlies predicted & not losing any sleep, but we would like to move on once our guests arrive tomorrow & after Super Bowl Sunday.  I have enjoyed yoga; at least it was an hour of stretches & relaxation & not thinking about being wet & salty & tracking salt on & into the boat.  We had a good dry ride into town mid am, refilling 2 jerry cans of water, garbage, few groceries & emails, some of relieved & happy news & not so happy news about friends.  The ride home mid afternoon was quite the opposite.  The dinghy was filling with salt water as we hit waves upon waves that cascaded in.  Groceries & backpack with laptop were covered with plastic within plastic.  As Graeme drove facing forwards I sat with my back to the bow & continuously sponged water from the dinghy floor; the waves won.  The aft cabin was completely cleaned & freed of “stuff” & fresh linens laid out.  Arrangements were made for a social at Chat ‘n Chill; Joe joined us, ‘E 2 Motion’ & even Mike & Josh, who had returned from a few days in Rudder Cut Cay, Little Darby, Williams Cay & Childrens Bay Cay area, catching a mahi mahi nearing Conch Cut, but ‘Moma Cal’ never showed.  I missed the sunset.  It seemed slightly less windy driving home.  A darker night as the moon was rising later & less full, so the stars were more brilliant in the clear night sky.                                                       

Week 16: Jan. 16-22, 2013 (Day 106-112)

Week 16:

Wed. Jan. 16, 2013—Day 106:

Destination:  Little Farmers Cay to Rudders Cut Cay

Departure:  0940 hrs.                          Arrival:  1145 hrs.                           Distance:  approx. 9 NM

Winds:  E 12-16K; SE 13-18K after sunset                       Seas:  1-2 ft. chop

Weather:  cloud rain showers cloud with sunny breaks mainly sunny

Musha Cay

Piano & Mermaid at Rudder Cay

I woke at about 0200 hrs. as the sea state had changed & became a little bouncy; also I started calculating when low tide was next & if we would touch bottom this time, but fortunately not.  There was a change in the weather forecast especially for those waiting to cross from Florida & in the Abacos on SSB this morning.  We planned our departure to coincide with a rising tide as we were taking a shallow VPR (visual piloting rule) route to our destination today.  A great 30 min. sail with the jenny on a close reach (5.7-6.3K) via the deep route from the anchorage to Big Farmers waypoint, then we had to turn east or port toward Galliot Cay so had to roll the sail in. Then we turned to starboard past Big Galliot Cay to Cave Cay.  We had a good view of the sea state on the Sound as we crossed Galliot Cut; very doable & tempting!  But we really wanted to see the many very small Exuma Cays that I have only read about even though most are private.  Cay (a narrow but marked channel into the marina—hurricane hole) then Musha Cay, absolutely stunning waters & palm community with resorts & homes, all private.  We completed our VPR route at Rudder Cut Cay, also impressive with it’s beaches & caves but also private, anchoring in the 2^nd anchorage in 12 ft. water & 100 ft. chain.  The passage today was done on a rising near high tide & the least depth we saw was 10 ft.  It was a good thing we arrived when we did as now 9 boats were anchored in the vicinity.  ‘Moma Cal’ invited us for drinks & nibbles at 1230 hrs.; lots of chatter & laughs & book exchanges.  The crew from ‘Truansea’ dinghied over from Little Darby anchorage where many of “the gang” were anchored—no more room; they mentioned a very neat snorkeling treasure close by.  So before it got too late Jack, Bud & I grabbed our snorkeling gear & cameras & checked out this special snorkeling site.  Low & behold, we found a stainless steel baby grand piano & bench & mermaid just offshore not far from Rudder Cay Cut!  How cool!  A quick shower then to ‘Sea Camp’ for Happy Hour & watching the sunset which was obscured by clouds, but a good orangey sky did follow.  A well defined ¼ moon, some cloud, lots of clear sky & stars+++ were visible tonight.

Noon Hour Happy Hour 

Thurs. Jan. 17, 2013—Day 107:

Destination:  Rudder Cut Cay to Williams Cay

Departure:  0915 hrs.                      Arrival:  1145 hrs.                              Distance:  approx. 9 NM

Winds:  SE to S to E 8-11K                 Seas:  0 to minimum waves, 2-3 ft. swells with occasional 4 ft.

Weather:  sun heavy dark clouds sprinkle of rain cloud with some sun rain X 2 min. mostly sun with some cloud

Rays at Childrens Cay

The winds through the night had calmed by morning; a bright start to the day.  SSB received at 0630 hrs. but very interrupted reception from Blue Yonder; SE winds were predicted to moderate today as well as the sea & even more tomorrow.  ‘Moma Cal’, ‘Kathrian’ & ourselves decided to give a departure a try, but ‘Sea Camp’ decided to wait until tomorrow instead & meet up with us in Georgetown tomorrow.  We put a general call out & received favourable feedback from ‘Hey Jude’ out on Exuma Sound.  It was a rising tide, therefore a 3K current against us going out Rudder Cut, but very doable & not uncomfortable.  Out on Exuma Sound there were no to minimal waves & just 1-3 ft. swells with an occasional 4 footer.  We were able to motorsail with a 10-11K wind for a short time until the wind dropped & shifted on our nose as weather & clouds came & went.  The first rain cloud passed to our west, but there was a good shower in the anchorage we had left according to Bud.  In the distance we saw a squall like cloud, which for the most part also passed us to the west; there was no wind in it, just very calm & 2 min. of rain as we approached Adderley Cut.  Also there was a dark cloud at our stern to the north & this current cloud appeared to be moving also whence we came.  It was quite a gentle passage in past the awash rocks at Adderley Cut & good depths.  Some sailboats were anchored off Leaf Cay to starboard.  We motored to port around & past the Caribbean Marine Research Center on Lee Stocking Island & could hear the sound of birds singing, a sound I have not heard in a while; we understand the research center may be closed due to lack of funds, but mooring balls still in place.  Instead we moved down the lovely shoreline with it’s sandy beaches  here & there & anchored in near 9 ft water & 80 ft. chain.  Graeme lowered the dinghy & topped up the boat’s diesel tank (shy of 2 gal.).  We explored the south end of Williams Cay, across the shallow, gorgeous, unbelieveably clear & unimaginable pristine colour of aqua water between Wiilimas & Childrens Bay Cays, where we saw large groups of rays, near 20 in total; we visited ‘Fair Winds’ anchored here; Louiselle even trimmed the back of my hair.  On our return trip we ventured up a dredged basin of a perspective marina on Childrens Bay Cay, travelled along it’s west shoreline & the west shores of Williams Cay, making a close pass of a couple of sandy beaches.  We were invited onto ‘Valda IV’  (Tom & Mary), a 34 ft. catamaran.   ‘Sweet Chariot Too’ hosted Happy Hour & yes, we saw our 2^nd green flash at sunset!  A glorious red sky, calm+++, clear night sky & stars+++.

Jack cleaning coconuts

Fri. Jan. 18, 2013—Day 108:   

Destination:  Williams Cay to Stocking Island-Georgetown

Departure:  0850 hrs.                    Arrival:  1350 hrs.                              Distance:  approx. 25.1 NM

Winds:  N 1-3K, increased to 4-6K, then NE 10-12K + gusts by evening   Seas:  gentle rollers only

Weather:  warm+++, brilliant sun & only clouds in the periphery 

Amazing blue of  Exuma Sound

I can’t remember such calmness during the night & in the am.  It has been so long, I would have to refer to my records.  Looking through the wide open hatch during the night & predawn, the stars & milky way were spectacular.  The sound of birds in the early morning hours was so delightful; large fish, probably a ray jumped out of the waterclose by shore twice, although I was not quick enough to see but just heard the splash & saw the rippled water.  Calm weather conditions were forecasted for today with increase  winds by the evening.  A flotilla of boats were heard leaving Rudder Cut Cay & Little Darby Cay; in contact with ‘Truansea’ & ‘Sea Camp’.  On a rising tide we slowly motored W & S of Windsock Cay (8ft.), SW of Childrens Bay Cay (20 ft.) between Rat Cay & Pigeon Cay (24 ft.).  There was a 1-2K current against us motoring out of Rat Cay Cut that was calm, no breaking waves & no waves in Exuma Sound, only long gentle rollers + a long flotilla of boats ahead & especially behind us.  ‘Moma Cal’ & ‘Kathrian’ peeled off & filled their boats with fuel & water in Emerald Bay Marina ($1.00/ ft. with free WiFi & laundry); perfect sea conditions to enter their cut.  The N winds increased just shy of the Conch Cay waypoint, the turn in point to the route into Elizabeth Harbour.  We first set anchor in Kidd Cove, right by Georgetown but the water depth was only 7.4 ft. at high tide & no northerly protection.  We reanchored X 2 in 18 ft. & 100ft. chain off Black Point, between Volleyball Beach & Sand Dollar Beach off Stocking Island across from Georgetown.  Once the dinghy was set we crossed Elizabeth Harbour for Georgetown where we met some catamaran friends from Staniel Cay & browsed through Exuma Markets, liquor stores, hardware store & topped my Bahamian phone with $50.00 worth of minutes.  The north winds had increased to 10-12K with increasing consistent gusts of 15K.  An enjoyable time & dinner was spent with Cherry & Doug & others were frequently have travelled with.  I missed the sunset but the night sky was mostly clear with ½ moon & stars galore.

Sat. Jan. 19, 2013—Day 109:

Destination:  Stocking Island-Georgetown

Winds:  NE to E 8-10K                            Seas:  <1 ft.

Weather:  partly cloudy, partly sunny, comfortable temps

It was SSB at 0630 hrs. & Georgetown Cruisers Net on VHF 72 at 0800 hrs.  Herman on ‘White Wing‘ was emcee.  At 0745 hrs. he made an announcement on VHF 16 & 68 re the net at 0800 hrs.  He announced to many of us newcomers that VHF 68 is the usual channel of hailing boats in Georgetown.  This year I found the net more businesslike & succinct than in the past, only lasting 30 min.  Slowly we readied ourselves to going ashore with 2 empty water jerry cans, after Graeme had emptied them into the boat tank, shopping list, computer, garbage, & money.  First task was filling the jerry cans of free water, compliments of Exuma Markets & left them in the dinghy. Graeme went to the Scotiabank ATM.  Haircut  for me at Tranees ($15.00), then we browsed through shops & the straw market, & looked for internet as far as Peace & Plenty, whose WiFi cost $5.00 X 1 hour; no internet at the library (hours M-S 1000 to 1200 hrs.). Pett’s Place was closed but sign indicated internet was $5.00 X 1^st hour + $3.00 per additional hour, no internet at Exuma Markets (secured now).  Jack discovered internet at the Medical Clinic & Cherry had access anchored in Kidd Cove.  We walked to Eddies Restaurant; good internet (Edgewater) & had a late lunch.  While Graeme browsed through his emails after I was done with mine & posted my blog minus pictures, I did some grocery shopping next door at the Shop Rite, a more local’s store.  A slightly wet dinghy ride home at 1600 hrs.  Then we both just read in the cockpit until sunset until the lighting was too dark.  One cannot see a complete sunset at Georgetown as it is located on the east side of Great Exuma Island.  But there were a few conch blowers in the anchorages & a lovely red sky. Tonight the ½ moon was bright & the skies were lightly but partly cloudy that cleared later in the night & stars.

Sun. Jan. 19, 2013—Day 109:

Destination:  Stocking Island-Georgetown

Winds:  E to SE 8K                        Seas:  <1 ft.

Weather:  sun & blue sky

Only Georgetown Cruisers Net at 0800 hrs. was available to us.  I attended the Beach Worship (non denominational) at 0930 hrs. at Volleyball Beach; terrific, warm & interactive; special intentions for Linda MacDonald & Kelly Buckley.  A social took place afterwards.  In the meantime Graeme did some dinghy exploring down to Hamburger & Monument Beaches.  Then together we did a dinghy tour of the hurricane holes #1, 2 & 3 of Stocking Island & St. Francis Marina & Resort; met tourists from Constance Bay.  After lunch we dinghied across Elizabeth Harbour to return a loaned book to Josh, ‘Azeroth’ & into Georgetown for water, gas & email, just sitting outside Pett’s Place.  Mid afternoon we dinghied to Chat ’n Chills for their Sunday pig roast ($20.00) & the 1^st NFL playoff game between Atlanta & San Francisco.  A red sky after sunset, a sudden onset of a dark rain cloud with only sprinkles, then clear skies with ½ moon & stars. 

Mon. Jan. 21, 2013—Day 111:

Destination:  Georgetown

Winds:  E-SE-S-SW-E 5K                          Seas:  <1 ft.

Weather:  glorious sunny day with brief rain shower about noon

Flat calm during the night & upon rising.  Chris’ forecast for the day proved to be correct—light & variable.  We listened at the Net as well.  Several attended yoga on Volleyball Beach at 0900 hrs.; the instructor & program was very good.  Graeme in the meantime went to town for ?.  I had to take a dip into the lovely water after yoga as the sand from the beach was sticking to me.  Other adventures of the day included getting another island book from Josh (Azeroth), buying fresh fruit at Exuma Markets, dropping an empty propane tank at Forbes for next day pick up, a visit to the Department of Tourism, Batelco office & internet at Eddies.  We had a sudden onset of rain shower about noon; this was the 1^st time we left the hatches open but it seemed that it may not have rained in the anchorage but only in town as everything was dry.  We took a long dinghy exploring trip along the NE shore of Rolle Cay, in & around Crab Cay, under the lovely Crab Cay Bridge & around George Devine Cay & Red Shanks anchorage; in so doing we were also looking for a new, better & less expensive laundromat we were told about in the vicinity than Corner Laundromat in town but were unsuccessful.  A spectacular sunset sky tonight.  We invited Cherry & Doug over for just a simple spaghetti dinner; a great evening with old friends.  And we were still up after 2200 hrs.  An equally spectacular night sky; flat calm, stars+++ & 2/3 moon.

Tues. Jan. 22, 2013—Day 112:

Destination:  Georgetown

Winds:  S to SW then by evening W                         Seas:  calm

Weather:  sunny, occasional cloud, warm & comfortable temps

I guess we will be in Georgetown for a while longer; (1) guests are arriving Jan. 30^th, & (2) weather on SSB, NOAA, Nassau Net, & Wind Alert were predicting a strong & lengthy cold front with northerly winds arriving later today.  Crusiers Net surprisingly has continued to be streamlined & concise.  Yoga on Volleyball Beach with good attendance at 0900 hrs.—back & joint class, followed by another skinny dip sea bath to get rid of sand.  Then across the pond to town for water, a can of gas, a short internet session including lunch at Eddies & to pick up the refilled propane tank at Forbes ($15.00); new propane place in town with wait & fill service not far from Palm Bay Resort & “very reasonable prices”.  Graeme saw a shark under the dinghy as we were scooting across the harbour; the water was flat calm.  We explored more by dinghy in the afternoon-- to hurricane hole #1 (2 houseboats), to the lagoon with private homes around the perimeter, beached the dinghy & walked up the hill to the main beach—miles of glorious white sand both of the baby powder nature & coarser, tons of tiny shells, gently crashing waves & so few people, then to Volleyball Beach where the conch shack is set up.  Here we touched & photographed friendly rays that would swim up to you & brush against you, eat conch from your hand; they felt like soft suede.  Mike McGoldrich arrived at evening time as a guest on ‘Azeroth’, so Josh hosted a social on his cat; we all brought nibblies & we got to sample some of the mackerel he caught & coconut curry rice.  There was a red sky & clouds after sunset; a clear star filled night sky & 2/3 moon.

         

Week 15: Jan. 9-15, 2013 (Day 99-105)

Week 15:

Wed. Jan 9, 2013—Day 99:

Destination:  Black Point

Winds:  E 15-25K with gusts especially after sunset upper 20’s           Seas:  near 1 ft. chop

Weather:  mix of sun & cloud, warm & less humid        

The Girls at Work

And the Boys Concept of Work

The easterly winds kicked up sometime during the night, but it was interesting that there were cyclical, brief periods of much calmer winds then back to the howling gusts.  The winds remained strong with white crested chop all day, maybe slight moderation in the afternoon, but increased significantly after sunset.  Also of interest was the little number of boats who called into Chris Parker after his synopsis & forecasted weather yesterday & today; I guess most boats were staying put for this prolonged blow till next week.  About 1100 hrs. we dinghied to shore & connected up to the net for some emails but finally posted pictures on my blog for the last 4 weeks, a very time consuming job.  Now I see that since I have increased the prose to the template of my blog, pictures etc. are not set up as attractively as I have in draft; another project when I get back to Ottawa.  Cherry was at Lorraine’s doing real work & laundry, & Jack & Donna did projects on board before coming to shore to do internet & laundry.  I was glad Jack checked our Wind Alert as I had forgotten to do so.  Later in the afternoon once the day’s projects were done we collected at De Shamons for a drink, then continued Happy Hour till 2000 hrs. on ‘Kathrian’.  The wind was quite fierce & perhaps it appeared so because the night was so black, which added to the eeriness.  No moon, amazing stars & howling winds.

Thurs. Jan. 10, 2013—Day 100:

Winds:  E 15K & gusts to 20K                               Seas:  white crested 1 ft. chop & rollers

Weather:  mostly sunny, few clouds, warm

Terrible, scratchy reception by Chris this morning & very late broadcast as well.  While the tide was high we went ashore to fill 2 jerry cans of water from the town spigot, emptying 1-1/2 cans into the boat tank & to shore again to refill 1 jerry can.  Late morning we arrived at De Shamons & got Graeme set up to do emails while I walked X 1-1/2 hrs. to the north end of the island & checked the beach for sea beans on the return route.  We sat & talked to Jackie & Roger (‘Audacious’) over the lunch hour.  The mailboat was in Staniel Cay this am & finally arrived here at about 1400 hrs.  There was a line up at Atterley’s; people had been waiting an hour while they were still unloading supplies from the mailboat.  We went home for lunch then returned 1-1/2 hrs. later for some fresh veggies & fruit; NEAR NO SUPPLIES LEFT!  To say the least, I was very disappointed; no butter, no ground beef, no bananas, poor pick of apples & tomatoes only.  I drowned my sorrow at Happy Hour at Scorpios with their 2 for 1 rum punches.  Kidding, only partly but shared conversation with treasured old friends & new friends.  We had a quick but substantial supper at home despite the late hour & too much rum.  Another dark night but amazing clear sky of stars+++.

Fri.  Jan. 11, 2013—Day 101:

Destination:  ancora Black Point

Winds:  E 15-20K                                              Seas:  1 ft. chop & rollers

Weather:  partly sunny & cloudy

Excellent SSB reception this am; what a difference a day makes.  And the best news was the improving/ moderating easterly wind conditions over the coming few days & week.  This was all supported by the weather report from ‘Blue Yonder’.  Extreme high & extreme low tides were observed today.  After breakfast it was a morning of cleaning the main cabin above the floor level, washing the cockpit cushions & cockpit & changing the bed linen.  As a departure day appears to be in sight, the laundry was organized & it was off to Rockside Laundromat late am; 3 loads of washing & 2 loads of drying ($17.50) + internet + charging cell phones, toothbrush & iPod.  Unfortunately the laundry was still damp after the drying cycle & required it to be spread throughout the boat.  An impromptu social lunch was held with Cherry & Doug.  Jack & Donna had relocated their boat to a more eastern, more protected part of Black Point.  Happy Hour again at Scorpios, but I was better behaved tonight.  We met friends of Dave & Wendy McConnell of Winnipeg (‘Sa’ Yes’).  Although another dark night with no moon, the stars in the clear sky were phenomenal.

 

Sat. Jan. 12, 2013—Day 102:

Destination:  Black Point—I sound like a broken record

Winds:  E 13-17K                        Seas:  1 ft. chop

Weather:  mostly cloudy but frequent sunny periods

Wow, another morning with good SSB reception & with news of improving, moderating trade winds.  There was a possibility of leaving tomorrow but most likely Mon.  The propane tank in use since Nov. 23 ran empty at breakfast.  We topped up the boat water tank with 1-1/4 jerry cans, washing the cockpit floor with some fresh water, then to shore to refill the jerry cans.  I purchased a raisin cinnamon bread, checked on a friend that required some medical attention at the Government Clinic, while Graeme added gas to the dinghy fuel tank, all in preparation of a departure soon.  Then the rest of the day was just relaxing & reading; one would have thought it was Sunday.  The mailboat returning to Nassau arrived near 1300 hrs. loading a car, empty propane tanks etc.  A Skipper’s Meeting was held at Lorraine’s to discuss our probable departure on Mon., slowly hop scotching down the chain to set ourselves up for the best day to go out into the Sound.  We saw less moderation of the winds although on Thurs. on Wind Alert than seen yesterday & this am.  Graeme & I watched a fabulous quarter final NFL game between Denver & Baltimore; Baltimore, the underdogs, won in the 2^nd quarter of OT on a hail mary pass.  We dinghied home on a high tide on another dark night but stars galore above.

Sun. Jan. 13, 2013—Day 103:

Destination:  Black Point

Winds:  fresh E to ENE 10-15K during the day & NE at night     Seas:  1 ft. chop

Weather:  mainly sunny especially in the am with a few cloudy periods in the pm

No weather report this am as Blue Yonder’s source unavailable.  This was truly a Sunday, a day of rest; the only cleaning was that of the head.  I had a near 2 hr. walk out Kings Highway, past sections of corn gardens, to the beach on the Sound side, then onto Little Harbour on the Bank side.  On the Sound beach, 4-5 ft. white crested waves were crashing against rocks & shore; I combed the beach for sea glass, shells or beans but none.  There was only 1 sailboat & 1 trawler in Little Harbour; waters were very tranquil, no chop, powdery white sand & a boarded up windows on a building overlooking this harbour with a sign saying O’Briens Landing.  When I returned to the boat lots of boats had departed.  After lunch I laid on the deck reading while Graeme went to Lorraine’s to watch the 1^st of today’s quarter final NFL games between Atlanta & Seattle; at half time he picked me up.  There were lots of people taking in Lorraine’s buffet supper ($15.00) + 2^nd playoff game between New England & Houston.  I will surely miss this tomorrow.  Another dark night dinghing home, excellent conditions for star gazing.

Mon. Jan. 14, 2013—Day 104:

Destination:  Black Point to White Point, south beach

Departure:  1030 hrs.                           Arrival:  1210 hrs.                            Distance:

Winds:  E 11-14K until nighttime, then 15+k                           Seas:  minimal

Weather:  mostly sunny & some clouds 

SSB was good, except when a rude, ?? person was transmitting /downloading data, whatever on the same frequency on top of Chris; the winds are moderating over the coming days.  I went ashore with Cherry & Doug, laundry for them & to purchase more phone time minutes, but the office only open Tues. & Thurs.  So I skyped Mom instead with a great connection, emails & charged my laptop.  Jack & Donna did laundry & land showers ($4.00 X 8 mins.).  Many, many boats left yesterday but especially today & a new batch were arriving; good for the community.  I actually remembered how to up anchor.  Farewell Black Point!  It was a good motor sail with the jenny only at 5.5K; I suggested to continue sailing for a while before anchoring at White Point.  The anchor was set in sand, 11 ft. of water & 80 ft. of chain.  Then it was time to explore the white, sandy beach shoreline that has been so alluring in the past; the approach was ripply sand then grass to water’s edge that looked like a sopping wet shag rug on the falling tide; both semisoft & powdery white sand with 2 distinct rows of tons of tiny shells.  We discovered a huge falcon’s nest & a resident falcon.  A special sunset tonight; a definite green flash!  A red sky followed, increased E winds.  Lights from Little Farmers Cay were visible.  A dark night, no moon & partly cloudy sky with stars seen occasionally.

Tues. Jan. 15, 2013—Day 105:

Destination:  White Point (south beach) to Little Farmers Cay

Departure:  0945 hrs.                          Arrival:  1110 hrs.                           Distance:  approx. 6.5 NM

Winds:  E 10-18K                                  Seas:  minimal to 1 ft.

Weather:  partly sunny, some heavy dark clouds at times

The east trade winds remained in the 15K range all through the night & decreased a few knots after sunrise.  Weather was received both from SSB & Blue Yonder.  Jack was once again making bread before he departed; little did we know some was for ‘Moma Cal’ & us—can’t wait to try tomorrow morning!  We rolled the jenny out & motor sailed on a beam to close reach at 5.5-5.7K.  Dark threatening squall like clouds were in the vicinity of Little Farmers Cay; thankfully they moved off to the west before we got there.  We anchored on the west side of the cay, in line with the Batelco tower in 10 ft. water (at the time) & 80 ft. of chain, but with a current effect.  Once the dinghy was launched & motor was lowered down & fastened in place, ‘Moma Cal’, ‘Kathrian’, ‘Sea Camp’ & ourselves went ashore.  After a walk about from the west shore over the hill passed St. Mary’s Baptist Church (doors open for us to view—beautiful), along Little Harbour & up over another hilly road passed Little Farmers Cay All Age School, the Batelco Multipurpose Center & back to the starting point, we had lunch at Brenda’s Place, as all the windows were still boarded closed at Ocean Cabin.  After lunch we climbed up to Ocean Cabin now that the windows were open, but there was a $10.00 fee for internet.  Brenda & Tasha secretly told us that we could get internet at the school.  While the others had a drink or 2, Jack & I walked to the school, acquired the security key for internet access from the male teacher who asked us to share it with other cruisers as he knew the importance of communicating with family & the need for weather; how understanding is that!  The children were just finishing school; they stopped & very politely talked with us, answered out questions & let us take their picture in their uniforms & new backpacks they had received for Christmas; so precious!  Oh, & Wind Alert was predicting very favourable weather especially from Fri. through Tues.  We had to hurry back to the dinghies because a large black rain cloud was quickly advancing in our direction; it past mostly to the east in a northerly direction, so in the end we only had a brief shower.  It was now low tide & the dinghies were high & dry.  Also the water depth where we were anchored was only 5’6”!  A clouded sunset & calm, but the winds increased once it was dark & the anchorage became a little bouncy.  It was not as dark tonight, as a sliver of moon was visible + stars in a partially clouded sky.

FYI:  Little Farmers Cay was settled 165 years ago by freed slaves from Exuma.  It is 1-1/4 mi. long & 7/8 mi. wide.  The smaller bay is Little Harbour & the larger Big Harbour, separated by a piece of land called The Point.