Thursday February 26, 2009
We were back at Marsh Harbour and up early to listen to the Cruiser's Net. Winds were 20-25 knots out of the south east and that would make getting into Treasure Cay today somewhat of a disaster. So this was our dress rehearsal for the trip home. You decided where you are going and the weather fouls that plan so you just have to wait for a new opportunity. I was seriously wondering how I was going to do with all this as the desire to return home is very intense and the more frustrations to accomplish this will be interesting. For this day it was like a joke. Not even an issue. We cannot get through the Whale until Saturday so we will just be chillin today. We went up to the Gib Room to get some showers and stopped to check in with Steve on Searcher. He had crossed the Gulf with us and we were checking in to see when he would like to go back. As we were sitting in his cockpit we looked out the channel and a small sail boat was knocked down by a gust but did not right itself and immediately sank. Dick and Steve took off in our dinghy four horsepower. Needless to say by the time they got half way across the anchorage there were about 5 other dinghys with bigger engines assisting the poor guy.
Friday February 27, 2009
Leaving to go to Treasure Cay
As we were lifting anchor George and Georgina from Agapi returned to Marsh Harbour and they have decided to do the whale with us and are planning to cross on the Gulf when the time comes. They have a grandchild coming to Disney World in Orlando so they want to get back to Florida early March. We are so grateful to have people to join us on those passages. The wind was a following sea and we were able to sail to Treasure Cay and we just ran the motor to charge our batteries :0) Treasure Cay is a beautiful community if you like condos and gated community type living. There is the most beautiful beach in the whole of the Abacos. Our mission today was to find the Treasure Cay Golf and County Club and get our dear friend Peter a score card. As we headed down the hot dry road to the golf course, walking, walking, walking and we were picked up by a golfer from Cleveland in a golf cart. He took us right up to the pro shop and told us to talk to Ronnie. Wow Ronnie had an amazing resemblance to Tiger Woods. We asked Ronnie if we could have or buy a score card and he of course was gracious enough to give it to us. Mission accomplished we headed back to the town to check out the stores. One of real interest to me was Bill's Canvas Company. Bill was in and sewing up a storm. He said he was running out of bags and had to stop his upholstery business to get some bags done. We finally were able to get to a post office (even though our postcards are on board) and I asked the woman on the desk how much to mail a letter to Canada and she said $.65 which is cheaper than the US $.72 The weather today was seasonable and days like today make it harder to head out.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Treasure Cay
One more day in Paradise. Beach at Sea of Abaco called Crossing Bay. The colours were exotic. We hope to head through the Whale Cay tomorrow and stop at Green Turtle one more time and touch base with Peter and Heather from Radical Jack.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Last Days of the Trip
Monday February 23, 2009
Captain Barr and his wife Trish came by for a cup of tea in the morning. The weather for the week is going to be winds of 20 knots and so we decided to join them on a tour of Man-of War and Hope Town
Their boat the Road to the Isles is a 65 foot Schooner that draws 6 -7 feet so they anchor off most places at the outside of the harbour. Something we have never been confident to do. I so enjoyed their mentoring and confidence boosting, they have provided us with.
In the afternoon we did our errands in town and got ship shape to take off early in the morning. I decided to prepare a big patch of chili and have it ready for the next couple of days.
Tuesday February 24, 2009
Up and tripping over each other in a hurray to make provisions to be ready to leave on scheduled time with the Barr family. We were anxious to raise our anchor and be ready when it was time to go. No realizing they had two anchors down we were up and free and half way across the Sea of Abaco before we could see them coming. We got to the mouth of the Harbour at Man-of War and there was a light chop and about 20 knots of wind. The water is deep up to the shore so here we were doing something we never do by ourselves. ;)
After we had set the anchor (not really confidently) the Barrs arrived and set their hook and the Captain said it was a good hold. We are still skeptical but love the confidence that years of experience produces. They invited us aboard to have a coffee while we waited to make sure if the anchor was going to hold. True to his word the anchor held so we decided to go into town and check out the village again. It was fun to show someone a place we had been and so we hit all the high lights. We went out for lunch at the Dock and Dine and headed down the dock to look for the masts. Sure enough they were at the end of the harbour. The North east wind was continuing to increase to 25 knots so when we arrived at Hopetown it was rougher than at Man-of War so but we dropped the anchor and radioed to the Barrs. They were experiencing some discomfort but their boat (full keel) will hunker down and ride into the wind. Our boat has a fin keel and likes to dance around in the waves. Dick decided we would move into the harbour and take a mooring. I tried to hail a Marina but they leave at 4:00 pm. A fellow boater told us the one with the bottle was available. Inside the harbour it was much calmer but the wind held all night. Fortunately for the Barrs it rounded to the east and they were able to have some shelter from the end of the island. I had invited the Barrs to have Chili with us but that will have to wait until tomorrow.
Wednesday February 25, 2009
Monumental Day for Us
Dick and I got up in the morning and decided to move back out to the anchorage out side the harbour and drop anchor by the Barrs. We have become more accomplished at the art of anchoring and are getting a lot better at doing it in a variety of conditions. We grabbed the camera and headed into Hope Town to take some photos. Hope Town is our last destination and from here on in we will be heading back HOME. The Barrs invited us aboard to have the Chili and we toasted the end of the trip with them. What a wonderful moment to go so far and finish it in the fellowship of people you have come to love and respect. After lunch they will continue on to Cuba and we will return to Marsh Harbour for the night and then make our way up toward the Whale for there appears to be a window coming on Saturday. My joy is intense deep and quiet. Thank you Lord for this wonderful moment in time.
We were happy to return to Marsh Harbour as the confidence of having been there and then done it so reduces the stress of coming into a new place. The trip home will offer this many more times and the daylight hours will increase so now we are looking forward to getting in the that Gulf Stream and riding it North east to Fort Pierce. (Weather permitting)
Captain Barr and his wife Trish came by for a cup of tea in the morning. The weather for the week is going to be winds of 20 knots and so we decided to join them on a tour of Man-of War and Hope Town
Their boat the Road to the Isles is a 65 foot Schooner that draws 6 -7 feet so they anchor off most places at the outside of the harbour. Something we have never been confident to do. I so enjoyed their mentoring and confidence boosting, they have provided us with.
In the afternoon we did our errands in town and got ship shape to take off early in the morning. I decided to prepare a big patch of chili and have it ready for the next couple of days.
Tuesday February 24, 2009
Up and tripping over each other in a hurray to make provisions to be ready to leave on scheduled time with the Barr family. We were anxious to raise our anchor and be ready when it was time to go. No realizing they had two anchors down we were up and free and half way across the Sea of Abaco before we could see them coming. We got to the mouth of the Harbour at Man-of War and there was a light chop and about 20 knots of wind. The water is deep up to the shore so here we were doing something we never do by ourselves. ;)
After we had set the anchor (not really confidently) the Barrs arrived and set their hook and the Captain said it was a good hold. We are still skeptical but love the confidence that years of experience produces. They invited us aboard to have a coffee while we waited to make sure if the anchor was going to hold. True to his word the anchor held so we decided to go into town and check out the village again. It was fun to show someone a place we had been and so we hit all the high lights. We went out for lunch at the Dock and Dine and headed down the dock to look for the masts. Sure enough they were at the end of the harbour. The North east wind was continuing to increase to 25 knots so when we arrived at Hopetown it was rougher than at Man-of War so but we dropped the anchor and radioed to the Barrs. They were experiencing some discomfort but their boat (full keel) will hunker down and ride into the wind. Our boat has a fin keel and likes to dance around in the waves. Dick decided we would move into the harbour and take a mooring. I tried to hail a Marina but they leave at 4:00 pm. A fellow boater told us the one with the bottle was available. Inside the harbour it was much calmer but the wind held all night. Fortunately for the Barrs it rounded to the east and they were able to have some shelter from the end of the island. I had invited the Barrs to have Chili with us but that will have to wait until tomorrow.
Wednesday February 25, 2009
Monumental Day for Us
Dick and I got up in the morning and decided to move back out to the anchorage out side the harbour and drop anchor by the Barrs. We have become more accomplished at the art of anchoring and are getting a lot better at doing it in a variety of conditions. We grabbed the camera and headed into Hope Town to take some photos. Hope Town is our last destination and from here on in we will be heading back HOME. The Barrs invited us aboard to have the Chili and we toasted the end of the trip with them. What a wonderful moment to go so far and finish it in the fellowship of people you have come to love and respect. After lunch they will continue on to Cuba and we will return to Marsh Harbour for the night and then make our way up toward the Whale for there appears to be a window coming on Saturday. My joy is intense deep and quiet. Thank you Lord for this wonderful moment in time.
We were happy to return to Marsh Harbour as the confidence of having been there and then done it so reduces the stress of coming into a new place. The trip home will offer this many more times and the daylight hours will increase so now we are looking forward to getting in the that Gulf Stream and riding it North east to Fort Pierce. (Weather permitting)
Monday, February 23, 2009
Week at Marsh Harbour
Wednesday February 18, 2009
Morning Routine is get up have breakfast and listen to the Cruisers Net on VHF Radio for weather and community events. After you know the weather then you make plans. The winds has become a way of life. We head over to the Gib Restaurant Marina to buy showers. Showers are $4.00 and we are thankful that someone provides them to the boaters on anchor. Another cruiser need is movie rentals and used books, there is a group of woman that are raising money for the Horses of Abaco and they provide used books for a $1.00 and movie rentals for $1.00. There are only 8 horses left at this time and they have suffered ill health from pesticides and they are trying to impregnate them but nothing has took yet which would mean extinction of that species. Their coats are beautiful and it would be very sad to loose this breed. We took a walk down the tourist side of Marsh Harbour and went for a walk over to the other bay to see if Captain Barr had made it to the Anchorage.
Thursday February 19, 2009
The temperature has gone up about 10 degrees. The dinghy ride to the dock is more pleasurable than it has been. We are on a mission to find some “rake and scrape” music. The local radio channel plays fantastic gospel music and then in the afternoon it puts on the Bahamian dance beat music. I found a beautiful fabric store and the ladies that were working asked me if I knew that Friday was the Junkanoo Festival and Friday night there is a parade and Saturday there is the adult parade. We spend the day quilting and Dick did some water colours. The days are so relaxing and I know it will all end soon.
Friday February 20, 2009
The big event today was the evening children's Junkanoo Festival. The parade was scheduled to start at 7:00 pm but it did not get started until closer to 8pm. The children were dressed in bright costumes and learning co-ordinate a dance to the music and the drums at the end of the procession for each entry.
It was great to see so many people out on the streets having a good time. There was food vendors and some trinket carnies.Tomorrow night is the adult parade.
Saturday February 21, 2009
Senior Junkaroo was on and there were even more people out than last night. The photos only show a portion of the moods and music and community effort. This event is supported by the youth workers as a way of keeping the kids off the streets. All the costumes are hand made.
Sunday February 22, 2009
After seeing all those Bahamian well dressed people out last night my husband is having an argument about going to church in his shorts. In the middle of the tete I look out and see Road to the Isles anchored off our port stern. We are overjoyed to see the Barr's again and do a catch up. Their daughter Cheryl is with them and she is working on another cruising guide to Cuba via the Abacos. We stopped by to say hello and got back to the boat about 11:30 pm. Mr. Shorts is off the hook. Quiet day finishing the quilt. Had a long walk with Cheryl Barr around Marsh Harbour.
Morning Routine is get up have breakfast and listen to the Cruisers Net on VHF Radio for weather and community events. After you know the weather then you make plans. The winds has become a way of life. We head over to the Gib Restaurant Marina to buy showers. Showers are $4.00 and we are thankful that someone provides them to the boaters on anchor. Another cruiser need is movie rentals and used books, there is a group of woman that are raising money for the Horses of Abaco and they provide used books for a $1.00 and movie rentals for $1.00. There are only 8 horses left at this time and they have suffered ill health from pesticides and they are trying to impregnate them but nothing has took yet which would mean extinction of that species. Their coats are beautiful and it would be very sad to loose this breed. We took a walk down the tourist side of Marsh Harbour and went for a walk over to the other bay to see if Captain Barr had made it to the Anchorage.
Thursday February 19, 2009
The temperature has gone up about 10 degrees. The dinghy ride to the dock is more pleasurable than it has been. We are on a mission to find some “rake and scrape” music. The local radio channel plays fantastic gospel music and then in the afternoon it puts on the Bahamian dance beat music. I found a beautiful fabric store and the ladies that were working asked me if I knew that Friday was the Junkanoo Festival and Friday night there is a parade and Saturday there is the adult parade. We spend the day quilting and Dick did some water colours. The days are so relaxing and I know it will all end soon.
Friday February 20, 2009
The big event today was the evening children's Junkanoo Festival. The parade was scheduled to start at 7:00 pm but it did not get started until closer to 8pm. The children were dressed in bright costumes and learning co-ordinate a dance to the music and the drums at the end of the procession for each entry.
It was great to see so many people out on the streets having a good time. There was food vendors and some trinket carnies.Tomorrow night is the adult parade.
Saturday February 21, 2009
Senior Junkaroo was on and there were even more people out than last night. The photos only show a portion of the moods and music and community effort. This event is supported by the youth workers as a way of keeping the kids off the streets. All the costumes are hand made.
Sunday February 22, 2009
After seeing all those Bahamian well dressed people out last night my husband is having an argument about going to church in his shorts. In the middle of the tete I look out and see Road to the Isles anchored off our port stern. We are overjoyed to see the Barr's again and do a catch up. Their daughter Cheryl is with them and she is working on another cruising guide to Cuba via the Abacos. We stopped by to say hello and got back to the boat about 11:30 pm. Mr. Shorts is off the hook. Quiet day finishing the quilt. Had a long walk with Cheryl Barr around Marsh Harbour.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Back to Marsh Harbour
Sunday February 15, 2009
Michelle and Ian on Southern Flite were heading back to the States today and going through the Whale was going to be the best opportunity today. They were up early and headed out. It feels a little melancholy and we will miss having their company. Michelle ran down from the bridge deck to get the camera and take a picture of us standing on the dock waving good-bye so I guess she was feeling the same. I could feel the cold steel of self survival clench around my heart and when we got back on board the VHF had someone hailing Road to the Isles. We could only hear one side of the conversation but we gathered that they had arrived in Green Turtle and were heading to this area by Wednesday. Dick and I had to wait for high tide to head back to Marsh Harbour. When we got back to the harbour we anchored closer to the mouth of the harbour so we would not go aground during low tide. The tides have been very intense due to the Full Moon. It was Sunday night so we ding hied to town to find an evening church service. Most of the services did not start until 7:00 pm and we were not comfortable being uptown that long with the forecast that was predicted for Sunday evening. We came back to the boat and had dinner and watched a movie Dick had purchased at the garage sale.
Monday February 16, 2009
Today we spent a reflective day. The weather was beautiful in the morning but we had been warned by the Cruisers Net on VHF not to be deceived. Within a matter of an hour the wind had picked up and the chop in the harbour had increased. We decided to go to town to check our email and pick up some bakery bread. By the time we got back to the dinghy it was time to get back on board and hunker down for the winds that were coming. When we were at the Internet Provider place we received an email from Karen on Whippoorwill and Vertigo 1 and they are apparently back in Miami as Vertigo 1 had engine trouble after they were at Bimini and they had to go back to the States. We were very sorry to hear about that and as always things play on your mind and you have no way to change it. Whippoorwill will have to make a decision to stay or go back to the Bahamas. We recommended the Abacos or the Florida Keys. It would be wonderful to catch up with them when we get back to Florida.
I got out the sewing machine and spent the whole day making another quilt top. I had packed a bag of patches and bought some fat squares in St. Augustine but if I what to quilt these I need a fabric store to buy the backing. There is a decorator store downtown Marsh Harbour so I will check that out when I know what I will need. Meals were on board and I whipped up a potato chowder to use some of the food I had brought to the Bahamas. The wind howled all day and all through the night. Not much sleep but the Anchor held just fine.
Tuesday February 17, 2009
Sewing Morning. :)
In the afternoon stopped by a boat that was at the Conch Inn with people we knew from Green Turtle,
Joan and Ed on Willem a 36 foot Monk from Dunkirk on Lake Erie.
Michelle and Ian on Southern Flite were heading back to the States today and going through the Whale was going to be the best opportunity today. They were up early and headed out. It feels a little melancholy and we will miss having their company. Michelle ran down from the bridge deck to get the camera and take a picture of us standing on the dock waving good-bye so I guess she was feeling the same. I could feel the cold steel of self survival clench around my heart and when we got back on board the VHF had someone hailing Road to the Isles. We could only hear one side of the conversation but we gathered that they had arrived in Green Turtle and were heading to this area by Wednesday. Dick and I had to wait for high tide to head back to Marsh Harbour. When we got back to the harbour we anchored closer to the mouth of the harbour so we would not go aground during low tide. The tides have been very intense due to the Full Moon. It was Sunday night so we ding hied to town to find an evening church service. Most of the services did not start until 7:00 pm and we were not comfortable being uptown that long with the forecast that was predicted for Sunday evening. We came back to the boat and had dinner and watched a movie Dick had purchased at the garage sale.
Monday February 16, 2009
Today we spent a reflective day. The weather was beautiful in the morning but we had been warned by the Cruisers Net on VHF not to be deceived. Within a matter of an hour the wind had picked up and the chop in the harbour had increased. We decided to go to town to check our email and pick up some bakery bread. By the time we got back to the dinghy it was time to get back on board and hunker down for the winds that were coming. When we were at the Internet Provider place we received an email from Karen on Whippoorwill and Vertigo 1 and they are apparently back in Miami as Vertigo 1 had engine trouble after they were at Bimini and they had to go back to the States. We were very sorry to hear about that and as always things play on your mind and you have no way to change it. Whippoorwill will have to make a decision to stay or go back to the Bahamas. We recommended the Abacos or the Florida Keys. It would be wonderful to catch up with them when we get back to Florida.
I got out the sewing machine and spent the whole day making another quilt top. I had packed a bag of patches and bought some fat squares in St. Augustine but if I what to quilt these I need a fabric store to buy the backing. There is a decorator store downtown Marsh Harbour so I will check that out when I know what I will need. Meals were on board and I whipped up a potato chowder to use some of the food I had brought to the Bahamas. The wind howled all day and all through the night. Not much sleep but the Anchor held just fine.
Tuesday February 17, 2009
Sewing Morning. :)
In the afternoon stopped by a boat that was at the Conch Inn with people we knew from Green Turtle,
Joan and Ed on Willem a 36 foot Monk from Dunkirk on Lake Erie.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Heading back to Marsh Harbour
Just discussed with the Captain and Grace C will be returning to Marsh Harbour to hunker down for a couple new cold fronts that will be arriving this week.
Celebrating our 34th Wedding Anniversary
Friday February 14, 2009We got up early to tour the flee market before the ferry crowd arrive. There were lots of vendors and craft people to. The food was all homemade but rather expensive. No one seemed to mind as there were long lineups. In the afternoon we took the dinghy over to the Atlantic side to look for the reefs. There was a bit of a chop so we decided to return to the protection of the harbour. I was still not feeling comfortable with my breathing and the snorkel. When we got back to the Marina I took the snorkel equipment and went in the pool and after a few practise tries I felt really comfortable. I will try again when we get to a reef. Dick and I made dinner on board and had a candlelight meal in the cockpit.
Touring Man of War
Friday February 13, 2009
This photo is for Paula our treasurer at the PSSS. The other shots are of the Albury Sailing Shop where they make beautiful bags and totes from sailing materials. Diane and Karen I hope you are still reading the blog.
We left Marsh Harbour and headed across the tranquil Sea of Abaco to head toward Man-of War Cay. This particular island is a unique community and the island is dry. No alcohol is sold here. It is a Loyalist settlement and they do not work on Sundays. Their brag is their boat building and other island crafts. We had decided to tour this island this week-end as they have a huge flee market and community fair to raise money for their primary school. Bye the time we got the boat tied up the 80 degree temperatures had cooled down as a cold front had come through. We sent the afternoon strolling the streets and bought some fresh baked bread out of the back of a golf cart.
We spent the evening at the Man of War Marina visiting friends on Southern Flite.
This photo is for Paula our treasurer at the PSSS. The other shots are of the Albury Sailing Shop where they make beautiful bags and totes from sailing materials. Diane and Karen I hope you are still reading the blog.
We left Marsh Harbour and headed across the tranquil Sea of Abaco to head toward Man-of War Cay. This particular island is a unique community and the island is dry. No alcohol is sold here. It is a Loyalist settlement and they do not work on Sundays. Their brag is their boat building and other island crafts. We had decided to tour this island this week-end as they have a huge flee market and community fair to raise money for their primary school. Bye the time we got the boat tied up the 80 degree temperatures had cooled down as a cold front had come through. We sent the afternoon strolling the streets and bought some fresh baked bread out of the back of a golf cart.
We spent the evening at the Man of War Marina visiting friends on Southern Flite.
Marsh Harbour and beyond
Wednesday February 11, 2009
Laundry to do and so we headed into town with the load of clothes. When we got to the government dock Buck was there and Dick gave him the buck he promised him from the day before and we asked him where he was. He said he had to help a friend.
Today was a Bahama Beautiful weather day. Finally the sun and warm temperature. It is the first day we felt like taking a swim in the ocean. There is a beach at Marsh Harbour called Mermaid Park and they say it is a perfect place to learn to snorkel. Well the beginner got her first lesson. Michelle and Ian lent me a diving suit and we had purchase the snorkel equipment and brought it with us. We went to the water and the breathing was something else. I could not relax and the breathing through my mouth was such a weird noise in my ears was bothering me. I tried it a few times and kept holding my breath. Then when I started to see things I got nervous and started breathing too fast. I was almost hyper ventilating but not really.:) If I had actually saw a fish I would have been. Dick and Ian Michelle went out and checked the reef and apparently it was beautifully thousands of fish. Ian who is a scuba diver came back to give me a lesson and we decided I should try doing it in a pool first. I got out and was watching the three of them from the beach and I saw a fin. Not sure what it was I waited a minute before I told them to look up and there were about 5 or 6 dolphins went swimming by them. How cool is that. Dick made Barbecued hamburger on the boat and it tasted delicious. What a great day to be here and be alive and enjoying the sun.
Thursday February 12, 2009
This morning we took off to pick up some sugar. We were so happy to see Buck was busy unloading groceries onto a boat. He was to busy to notice us so we went over and waved at him and he gave us a big grin. I told him I was happy to see him working. There was a new fence being built around a vacant lot and gangs of workmen all around. It felt neat to see that there would be work in the neighborhood again. When we came back I said to Buck, “That is not your real name is it.” He gave me a smile and said no. When I asked him his real name he said it was Eliezer.
We went over to use the Internet at a local chafe and when we got to the Marina Ian and Michelle offered to let us try and access it at their boat and so we did. We walked uptown again and got a pizza for lunch. The temperatures are in the 80's. Tonight there is a meet and greet at the Gib Restaurant who offered drinks for half price and people were allowed to bring hores'derves. It is a good way to meet people and see some people that have been traveling the same journey for hundreds of miles. The couple that had made the crossing with us said it was the best crossing they have ever been in in four years of doing it. There boat is an Ericson and it is called LeeAnn. They want us to come back to Marsh Harbour and we can get together and compare notes. Their Ericson was in the Hurricane Jeanne in 2004 and it was on a mooring ball at Man-of -War Cay. It was seriously damaged and they bought it back from the insurance company and did all the repairs. The first year they cruised in the Chesapeake they were hit by lightning. Incredible stories and how they overcame them.
Laundry to do and so we headed into town with the load of clothes. When we got to the government dock Buck was there and Dick gave him the buck he promised him from the day before and we asked him where he was. He said he had to help a friend.
Today was a Bahama Beautiful weather day. Finally the sun and warm temperature. It is the first day we felt like taking a swim in the ocean. There is a beach at Marsh Harbour called Mermaid Park and they say it is a perfect place to learn to snorkel. Well the beginner got her first lesson. Michelle and Ian lent me a diving suit and we had purchase the snorkel equipment and brought it with us. We went to the water and the breathing was something else. I could not relax and the breathing through my mouth was such a weird noise in my ears was bothering me. I tried it a few times and kept holding my breath. Then when I started to see things I got nervous and started breathing too fast. I was almost hyper ventilating but not really.:) If I had actually saw a fish I would have been. Dick and Ian Michelle went out and checked the reef and apparently it was beautifully thousands of fish. Ian who is a scuba diver came back to give me a lesson and we decided I should try doing it in a pool first. I got out and was watching the three of them from the beach and I saw a fin. Not sure what it was I waited a minute before I told them to look up and there were about 5 or 6 dolphins went swimming by them. How cool is that. Dick made Barbecued hamburger on the boat and it tasted delicious. What a great day to be here and be alive and enjoying the sun.
Thursday February 12, 2009
This morning we took off to pick up some sugar. We were so happy to see Buck was busy unloading groceries onto a boat. He was to busy to notice us so we went over and waved at him and he gave us a big grin. I told him I was happy to see him working. There was a new fence being built around a vacant lot and gangs of workmen all around. It felt neat to see that there would be work in the neighborhood again. When we came back I said to Buck, “That is not your real name is it.” He gave me a smile and said no. When I asked him his real name he said it was Eliezer.
We went over to use the Internet at a local chafe and when we got to the Marina Ian and Michelle offered to let us try and access it at their boat and so we did. We walked uptown again and got a pizza for lunch. The temperatures are in the 80's. Tonight there is a meet and greet at the Gib Restaurant who offered drinks for half price and people were allowed to bring hores'derves. It is a good way to meet people and see some people that have been traveling the same journey for hundreds of miles. The couple that had made the crossing with us said it was the best crossing they have ever been in in four years of doing it. There boat is an Ericson and it is called LeeAnn. They want us to come back to Marsh Harbour and we can get together and compare notes. Their Ericson was in the Hurricane Jeanne in 2004 and it was on a mooring ball at Man-of -War Cay. It was seriously damaged and they bought it back from the insurance company and did all the repairs. The first year they cruised in the Chesapeake they were hit by lightning. Incredible stories and how they overcame them.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Marsh Harbour
Monday February 9, 2009
Well the big day had come. We were heading for the Whale. The winds were about 36 km and the sun was out. Apparently the waves are two to three feet so it cannot get much better than that. Things were going along fine and the boat was slamming up and down over the waves until we got to the Shipping Channel. Captain mentioned we were over heated. FM took over the helm and Captain went below to
see what was wrong. The impeller must of lost its prime when we were beating through the waves. We had a favorable wind direction to sail “Praise the Lord” and I just kept sailing until the Captain had it all working again. :) “Three cheers for Dick”
We had not really decided where we were going so we dropped anchor with Southern Flite at Bakers Bay. This island had a huge development (Disney) some years ago and the cruise ships could not regularly get through the Whale to bring tourists so they just walked away from it. When we were anchored there we could see them working on new homes. Agapi was anchored there and came by to tell us they had gotten their own lobsters and George had been diving on the reef and saw a nurse shark. Due to the wind direction we decided to spend the night at Great Guana Cay. We needed to get fuel and when we got to the dock there was a huge wind and current so it took us about ½ hour to get the boat near the dock and all the time the Bahamian Gas pumper stood there looking at us like another annoying tourist sailboat. Anyway we filled up and paid 4. 25 per gallon. We tried to go to a mooring ball in the harbour and went aground a few time. Southern Flite had a deep water mooring and gave it up so we could stay in the harbour. The wonderful part about this part of the Bahamas is you can get up and go through all this aggravation and humiliation and be docked and tied by 2:00 pm and then
head out for a time of touring the island. Our island rendezvous took us along the harbour up a hill and to a place called Nippers. It is a huge bar, swimming pool right on the ocean. It is painted in festive Bahamian colours and has a restaurant and gift shop. After we had bought a drink Michelle decided to go into look at the T shirts and got bitten by a Pomeranian Dog. From then on all their drinks were free and they even through in a T shirt. We decided to stay for supper and a couple we meet on the beach at Manjack joined us. The big highlight of the day was the moon that rose over the ocean and it was bright red. Everyone ran to take a picture of it. When we got back to the dinghy we had been told to put a stern anchor out which we did. Michelle and Ian invited us aboard so we headed out with them and then Dick realized after we were tying up on their swim ladder that we did not have our stern anchor. I guess the knot did not hold. Anyway Captain picked it up the next day.
Tuesday February 10, 2009
On to Marsh Harbour
7:30 am knock on the hull and we were awakened by the Dock master who had come and collected
his mooring ball fee. The harbour had been choppy all night and we decided to head to Marsh Harbour. We were discussing going to Man of War but there is to be a big Yard/Bake/Everything Sale on Saturday and they are raising money for their schools so we decided to do Marsh Harbour today. Ian told us about a Marina called the Conch Inn and since we need showers and to re provision we opt to go to a dock for the night. When headed across the Sea of Abaco with a stiff breeze, stiff enough to loose my cap. I asked Dick about the water depths at the channel to the marina and they were saying 1.5 – 1.7 meters which was not good for us at low tide. When we got to the harbour there were tons of boats anchored and even though the chart said do not anchor in channel it was hard to find our way. We made a quick decision to stay at the anchorage and radioed Southern Flite about our situation.
In the afternoon we headed to the public dinghy dock to go into Marsh Harbour and get some groceries.
When we got to the dinghy dock we meet a Bahamian man that offered to take the line and guard our dinghy for us. What's the gig I asked do you want a tip when we come back. Just enjoy the Bahama's Mame don matter what ever y' think. Don't worry be happy Mame.
Well the big day had come. We were heading for the Whale. The winds were about 36 km and the sun was out. Apparently the waves are two to three feet so it cannot get much better than that. Things were going along fine and the boat was slamming up and down over the waves until we got to the Shipping Channel. Captain mentioned we were over heated. FM took over the helm and Captain went below to
see what was wrong. The impeller must of lost its prime when we were beating through the waves. We had a favorable wind direction to sail “Praise the Lord” and I just kept sailing until the Captain had it all working again. :) “Three cheers for Dick”
We had not really decided where we were going so we dropped anchor with Southern Flite at Bakers Bay. This island had a huge development (Disney) some years ago and the cruise ships could not regularly get through the Whale to bring tourists so they just walked away from it. When we were anchored there we could see them working on new homes. Agapi was anchored there and came by to tell us they had gotten their own lobsters and George had been diving on the reef and saw a nurse shark. Due to the wind direction we decided to spend the night at Great Guana Cay. We needed to get fuel and when we got to the dock there was a huge wind and current so it took us about ½ hour to get the boat near the dock and all the time the Bahamian Gas pumper stood there looking at us like another annoying tourist sailboat. Anyway we filled up and paid 4. 25 per gallon. We tried to go to a mooring ball in the harbour and went aground a few time. Southern Flite had a deep water mooring and gave it up so we could stay in the harbour. The wonderful part about this part of the Bahamas is you can get up and go through all this aggravation and humiliation and be docked and tied by 2:00 pm and then
head out for a time of touring the island. Our island rendezvous took us along the harbour up a hill and to a place called Nippers. It is a huge bar, swimming pool right on the ocean. It is painted in festive Bahamian colours and has a restaurant and gift shop. After we had bought a drink Michelle decided to go into look at the T shirts and got bitten by a Pomeranian Dog. From then on all their drinks were free and they even through in a T shirt. We decided to stay for supper and a couple we meet on the beach at Manjack joined us. The big highlight of the day was the moon that rose over the ocean and it was bright red. Everyone ran to take a picture of it. When we got back to the dinghy we had been told to put a stern anchor out which we did. Michelle and Ian invited us aboard so we headed out with them and then Dick realized after we were tying up on their swim ladder that we did not have our stern anchor. I guess the knot did not hold. Anyway Captain picked it up the next day.
Tuesday February 10, 2009
On to Marsh Harbour
7:30 am knock on the hull and we were awakened by the Dock master who had come and collected
his mooring ball fee. The harbour had been choppy all night and we decided to head to Marsh Harbour. We were discussing going to Man of War but there is to be a big Yard/Bake/Everything Sale on Saturday and they are raising money for their schools so we decided to do Marsh Harbour today. Ian told us about a Marina called the Conch Inn and since we need showers and to re provision we opt to go to a dock for the night. When headed across the Sea of Abaco with a stiff breeze, stiff enough to loose my cap. I asked Dick about the water depths at the channel to the marina and they were saying 1.5 – 1.7 meters which was not good for us at low tide. When we got to the harbour there were tons of boats anchored and even though the chart said do not anchor in channel it was hard to find our way. We made a quick decision to stay at the anchorage and radioed Southern Flite about our situation.
In the afternoon we headed to the public dinghy dock to go into Marsh Harbour and get some groceries.
When we got to the dinghy dock we meet a Bahamian man that offered to take the line and guard our dinghy for us. What's the gig I asked do you want a tip when we come back. Just enjoy the Bahama's Mame don matter what ever y' think. Don't worry be happy Mame.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Manjack Tour
Saturday February 7, 2009
The weather is windy and cool but in the lee of the island it is not bad. We had a restful night at anchor.
I was able to chat with Josh of a bit this morning on Google and hear some Grand baby news. She had her 15 month check up and got her needle. She weighs 20 lbs and grew an inch from last time but did not gain weight. Dick did a water colour and I got out the sewing machine and finished putting the border on my quilt. Michelle and John dropped by to talk us into going ashore. When we got there ,there were about 6 other dinghies tied to the tiki pole that someone so kindly installed at the shore to keep the dingies. We took a walk all the way to the north shore to see the ocean and I picked up my first sea bean. I made chili for dinner with a can of Campbell's, tomatoes left from the Bruschetta and a can of corn. Not to bad. Playing a movie helps to pass the very long evening.
The weather is windy and cool but in the lee of the island it is not bad. We had a restful night at anchor.
I was able to chat with Josh of a bit this morning on Google and hear some Grand baby news. She had her 15 month check up and got her needle. She weighs 20 lbs and grew an inch from last time but did not gain weight. Dick did a water colour and I got out the sewing machine and finished putting the border on my quilt. Michelle and John dropped by to talk us into going ashore. When we got there ,there were about 6 other dinghies tied to the tiki pole that someone so kindly installed at the shore to keep the dingies. We took a walk all the way to the north shore to see the ocean and I picked up my first sea bean. I made chili for dinner with a can of Campbell's, tomatoes left from the Bruschetta and a can of corn. Not to bad. Playing a movie helps to pass the very long evening.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Manjack Anchorage
Friday February 6, 2009The small fleet from Green Turtle Marina restless and anxious to set underway decided to go north to Manjack anhorage to ride out the next few days of high winds and wait for the Whale to open. This is a beautiful island and one of the inhabitants offers free wifi to the cruisers as they have been there and done that. There are some deserted beaches so we will be checking that out. Our night here was relaxing and being in the lee of the wind it was quite comfortable on the hook.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Ground Hog Movie - February 4, 5, ???????
I was telling some people today at breakfast I am starting to feel like I am in the Ground Hog Movie. I wake up every morning about the same time at the same dock hearing the same weather report on the VHF and see the same boats at the dock. Think you get my drift. Apparently we are being breezed with our third cold front. How many are there? The Bahamiam waitresses had mittens on this morning serving breakfast on the screened in patio. So what do you do when you are glued to Paradise and have no more idea about how to spend your free time. Michelle and I decided a few nights ago we should try a boat tour night but some bigger brains than ours came up with the idea to do it by the pool so I am making bread for Bruschetta and the resort gave us permission to have a pot luck at the pool/tikibar. Fortunately they built it out of the wind.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
Week-end and beyond
Saturday January 31, 2009
Slept in this morning and tried to work on the Internet but there was no connection. The front came through last night so it is colder and windy. We decided to have lunch at the restaurant. I pulled some material out and started to finish sewing. We went over to view the ocean and the breaker were huge. As the weather had some rain with it we decided to curl up on board and watch some movies or should I say re watch. We have had the same DVD we had when we left and are running out of choices.
Sunday February 1, 2009.
After we got up and had breakfast we went down to the poster board to see what the menu was for tonight and what the weather was going to be like. While we were down there we ran into George and Georgina from Agapi and they invited us to sit down and relax on the patio. I cannot believe we started a conversation in the morning and basically sat there the whole day relaxing and chatting. Different boaters came by and so it continued. We went back to the boat in time to dress for dinner. There were 8 of us that gathered for dinner and when it was over we headed back to the boat to watch a movie. Ian went diving for something and Dick asked him to check our zinc on the shaft. It is totally disappeared from electrolysis. Ian offers to put the new one on and some how accomplishes this by just holding his breath. An amazing guy!
Monday February 2, 2009
Woke up and had breakfast on board. Some of the boats from the anchorage have moved over to the dock. The wind is picking up. It is still sunny and warm so we decide to walk over to the ocean to see the waves and then walk into town. New Plymouth is about 3 miles away. On the way there a woman from the resort comes by with a young boy who she is taking to see the nurse on the island. She offers us a ride and when we return she agrees to pick us up if she sees us. We were very thankful for the lift.
I have some sewing to work on and in the afternoon I lay down for a nap. Dick decided to wash off the waterline. We meet up with some of the boaters on the patio and then went to dinner with the gang from Mystic Moon and Southern Flight.
Slept in this morning and tried to work on the Internet but there was no connection. The front came through last night so it is colder and windy. We decided to have lunch at the restaurant. I pulled some material out and started to finish sewing. We went over to view the ocean and the breaker were huge. As the weather had some rain with it we decided to curl up on board and watch some movies or should I say re watch. We have had the same DVD we had when we left and are running out of choices.
Sunday February 1, 2009.
After we got up and had breakfast we went down to the poster board to see what the menu was for tonight and what the weather was going to be like. While we were down there we ran into George and Georgina from Agapi and they invited us to sit down and relax on the patio. I cannot believe we started a conversation in the morning and basically sat there the whole day relaxing and chatting. Different boaters came by and so it continued. We went back to the boat in time to dress for dinner. There were 8 of us that gathered for dinner and when it was over we headed back to the boat to watch a movie. Ian went diving for something and Dick asked him to check our zinc on the shaft. It is totally disappeared from electrolysis. Ian offers to put the new one on and some how accomplishes this by just holding his breath. An amazing guy!
Monday February 2, 2009
Woke up and had breakfast on board. Some of the boats from the anchorage have moved over to the dock. The wind is picking up. It is still sunny and warm so we decide to walk over to the ocean to see the waves and then walk into town. New Plymouth is about 3 miles away. On the way there a woman from the resort comes by with a young boy who she is taking to see the nurse on the island. She offers us a ride and when we return she agrees to pick us up if she sees us. We were very thankful for the lift.
I have some sewing to work on and in the afternoon I lay down for a nap. Dick decided to wash off the waterline. We meet up with some of the boaters on the patio and then went to dinner with the gang from Mystic Moon and Southern Flight.
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