Larry Payne took the first leg of the trip from Melbourne to the Manatee Pocket.
Due to our late departure, we anchored at Grand Island just as the sun set. There is not much room here between shallow water near the island and the ICW channel. I am setting the anchor drag alarm here.
Shortly after dark, a tug and barge came chugging up the channel and played his light on us. Fortunately, he stayed well within the channel and all we got was a small wake.
This day saw a lot of wind. As we started, we could just barely make it down the ICW without motor. In fact at a couple of red marks, we had to start the motor briefly as we cleared. Then the wind built but it got scary. Between Vero and Ft. Pierce we were okay. South of Ft. Pierce I had to reef in the main. Later, on that leg I decided to just drop the main. Winds were showing 27 kts. sustained.
No sooner did we arrive in Manatee Pocket than we had a visitor. He strode all around the boat. Apparently he mistook us for a bank as we discovered after he left that he had left a large deposit. For those who are interested, this is a Great Egret.
Larry and I anchored the boat and dinghied in to Shrimpers for dinner. We turned in early as we had started early that morning. A good thing.
This day got off to an early start. There was the plan. The plan was that Sue McNeil started over from Sarasota early and meet Larry and I at Shrimpers at 8:00 AM.
At 2:40 AM, my cell phone went off, I did not get to it in time to answer but a voice mail was left. It was the security guard from the Manatee Marina next to Shrimpers. He had intercepted Sue looking for Incommunigato in the marina. Of course, she did not find me. I gave him a call back and he agreed to get us together. I dinghied back to the marina in the pitch black and picked Sue up. She had decided to drive over Saturday night and not wait for the morning.
Larry took Sue's car back to Melbourne for Don Mueller to use on his trip to Ft. Myers. Sue and I started up the Okeechobee Water Way (OWW).
Left we are at the first lock. Sue is taking up slack in the bow cleat as the water rises. In the background you can see the level west of us. That is where the lock is taking us.
This whole trip could have been ruined by the structure at the left. This is the infamous Port Mayaca Railroad Bridge. Its clearance is variously reported in the guides as 48 to 49 feet, "When the lake is at its normal level." Turns out that it is not the lake level but the level on the east side of the Port Mayaca lock that is critical. Probably related to lake level. The Maine Cat's mast is 47 feet plus wind instruments and a VHF antenna. The wind instruments are reported to be 48 feet.
I hailed the bridge tender many times with no response. Finally, I hailed the Port Mayaca Lock. The operator there informed me that the bridge was remotely controlled and I could hail forever. He said his measurements at the lock indicated 48 feet, 3 inches. Must have been my lucky day.
We proceeded under only banging the antenna on the bridge structure. On the far side a family on a trawler was anchored. They were cheering and clapping. The guy was holding up his arm like my VHF antenna and slapping it with his other arm as the bridge had done.
The picture is from the west side of the bridge after we were safely through.
Got up early and proceeded through the Port Mayaca Lock . I was not prepared for the lake. We had pulled anchor quickly as I saw a boat headed for the lock and did not want to miss his opening. When we cleared the lock and hit the lake, what a shock. Winds went from 5 to 15 and suddenly there was a two foot chop. I still had the screens in from the previous night.
We proceeded carefully until I could get the boat ready for lake conditions.
Shortly after we got the boat under control, we passed a wreck just north of the course across the lake. On the wreck were parked a flock of white pelicans. We saw several other flocks on the trip across the lake.
We stayed at the Glades Marina. Well, it's not really a marina. But, there are plans to increase it to 100 slips from the current 10, plans to expand the golf course to 18 holes, plans to get someone to lease the restaurant and open it back up .......
Not so fast there. We pulled into the Fort Myers Yacht Basin to gas up and get directions to our mooring. But the weather forecast was for 15 to 20 and I decided to get a slip instead. As we were leaving the gas dock, the deck helper said, "You can't get this under the Port Maraca RR Bridge can you?"
"Of course you can." I said. "It just touched the radio antenna as it went under?" I pointed up to show him but hey, the radio antenna was gone. How this happened I do not know. Tuesday morning I had noticed that I was not getting good reception on the weather channels of the VHF but I put that down to being in the middle of the state. Wednesday's project, new antenna.
Sue and I had dinner at the Terra Cata Cafe in downtown Ft. Myers. On the recommended list. The owners are Maine Cat owners and we discussed frayed halyards and missing antennas. Their antenna also went missing once and they did not even go under the accursed RR bridge.
Talked to Lynn at the factory this morning. She said I have a Mertz antenna.
Spent the day chasing the replacement part for the antenna. Never could find one. West Marine no longer carries Mertz. Finally West Marine found one at their Sarasota store. Left over stock from last year. The plan is for Sue to go buy it when she gets home and mail it to me at the Plantation Yacht Basin.
Don and I went out to dinner. Don wanted a nice bottle of wine and the menu at this place seemed to fit the specifications, not. We went back to the Terra Cata Cafe for a nice dinner and advice on what to do next. The weather forecast for the next four days is terrible, 15 to 25 every day.
We headed out to Ft. Myers Beach. Were able to sail down the river and to the Sanibel Bridge. After the bridge, the wind was on the nose at 20 and we motored into the anchorage at Ft. Myers Beach.
We had been told there were moorings and that the town had, "Cleaned out the anchorage of derelicts." Yea right. We finally anchored amongst mostly wrecked or run down boats. Here is one of three wrecks visible from our anchorage.
Wind was still 20 with gusts to 25 and I decided to stay on the boat rather than explore Ft. Myers Beach.
|
|
This day started early at a little after midnight. The wind died and the current reversed. Incommunigato drifted right over the top of the anchor and when I awoke found the anchor line going between the hulls and exiting somewhere under the starboard hull. Tried all sorts of engine maneuvers to get free and failed. Because we were sideways to the current, we were in danger of hitting other boats in the anchorage. Finally at 1:00 made a dive and was able to free the anchor line. It had wrapped around the bumper keel and went off perpendicular to the boat. Unfortunately, in getting all this fixed, we had shortened scope. But the anchor held firmly all night.
Don and I went ashore in the morning to explore Ft. Myers Beach. At the dinghy landing we met 3 boat people. They were complaining bitterly that the city was trying to kick them out. One fellow was ranting that he was getting the ACLU involved for sure. They can't do this. His complaint would have rung more true if he was not smashed out of his mind at 9:15 in the morning.
On the way south we went inside to Lovers Key. Unfortunately, when we got there the bridge tender said, "Sorry, electrical malfunction. Standby and I'll see if I can get you through." He got us through on a test opening and warned that we could probably not come back through.
We proceeded to Naples. A bit of a change. Don thought he smell money as we came into the harbor but it was only the holding tank. No really. It was money. We took a mooring from the city of Naples Dock. From about 6 till 9:00 there was always a private jet in sight lining up for a landing at the airport. We later confirmed with the dock master that yes, these were folks who flew in for dinner and a sail on Saturday and then back to where ever they came from.
We took a long walk through Naples this morning and came upon the Naples Art Show. These sculptures are made in fiberglass. The fellow on the left is the artist.
The head continues to function badly. Went in the water today and unclogged the inlet so that it can suck water in. Still the inspection port leaks. I now have a theory and will work on it tomorrow.
Am I a prophet or what. This morning the head quit working completely. Could not pump it out.
I called West Marine early and found that they did not stock parts for my type of head. Finally broke down and disassembled the pump. This is no fun. Found the problem and re-assembled. I have a picture of this but Don thinks it does not belong on a family web site.
After a late start we went outside down to Marco Island. Just as we cleared the channel at Naples the wind started its shift to the west. Once that was done, we were able to reach down the coast at 7 kts. I had planned to sail outside to Goodland but discovered that a big shoal meant 20 miles on the outside but only 8 on the inside. So, we cut in at Marco Island and took the back way.
Arrived at Goodland about 3:30 and anchored. Mango Mike McCarron had suggested a trip into the saloon here. But, I think we got to the place a little late. Seems the muscle boats with the BB's were just leaving when we arrived. Did get this shot of the band. Check out the bass player. This guy was really into it.
Discovered that they roll the sidewalks up in Everglades City about 6:00. Don and I had taken a walk for an ice cream cone. No cars on the street and all the ice cream shops closed.
We left Goodland and the Coon Key Pass was alive with birds working the water. Put out a line and got two Spanish Mackerel before we cleared the pass. Then picked up a third out in the gulf.
I had wondered why I had not been see the Ospreys around the marina bending wind instruments. It's spring and they are on the nest with the kids. Seems every marker had a next and they all had chicks and one parent looking out.
Arrived in Everglades City with the intent of tying up at the Rod and Gun club. We got close when Don said, "Are you going to clear those wires?" Yokes. The chart said authorized clearance 49 feet but the wires looked much higher. I called the Rod and Gun Club. Oh it's 80 feet they said. But my chart says 49 I said. Then believe your chart. they said. Don flagged a boat with a better perspective and they said no sweat. So we went and easily cleared. Talked to a guy later at the dock who had brought his 55 foot mast through. So what does 48 feet authorized clearance mean?
Meanwhile, the guy at the desk said he had talked another guy in a couple of years ago. He had an 82 foot mast and hit the wires. He is suing the power company for having wires. The park service is suing the guy cause he screwed up an eagle nest on top of one of the poles and the power company is suing the hotel guy for not warning the guy on the boat. Is this a great country or what?
We left Everglades City late and headed for Little Turkey Key. Little Turkey Key has a park service primitive campground and nothing else. We were alone in the anchorage with no evidence human activity in site.
Here Don fishes in the sunset. No fish but a beautiful, secluded place.
Left Little Turkey Key and headed for the Little Shark River. As we left, Don noticed a feeding frenzy in progress. Tossed in a lure and came up with two fish on one lure. Unfortunately, the fish were small and the picture really does not do the situation justice.
Headed up the Little Shark River. This is another very secluded area. Near the mouth of the river were a few mother ships anchored with dinghies out for fishing. We anchored in Oyster Bay to await the arrival of some friends. They are renting houseboats in Flamingo and motoring up inside to the Little Shark.
Just before dusk, a dolphin leapt out of the water behind the boat. What a splash.
So far, the bugs have not been bad although the wind unfortunately died at dusk.
We met with the two Harris houseboats on Thursday about noon. Went fishing with McGinn and Amadon but did not catch anything large enough for dinner.
Jeff McGinn took this picture of Incommunigato back in the everglades and e-mailed it to me.
Current back in Oyster Bay is a bear. For the third time on this trip the anchor line wrapped around the bumper keel in the night. With little wind, the boat travels right over the anchor line in the middle of the night. Then wraps around the keel when the boat moves a little sideways. Friction on the keel makes it near impossible to pull in the line. Unfortunately, I am getting good at getting this problems fixed. But, what is the prevention?
Don and I were up before the crack of dawn to head for the keys. The wind was shifty and variable but we managed to sail at least half the distance.
Sailing was easier if you could stay just inside the park boundary. 100 yards or less outside the boundary was a thicket of buoys. Lobster season was over two days ago so I think these are stone crab traps.
Wind was out of the south and southwest and we anchored behind Cotton Key with a big power cat.
As early as the marina would have us, we moved to the Plantation Key Yacht Basin. They had received the replacement antenna whip but were worried that it rattled in the package. Turned out to be the two parts for the replacement. Thanks for the antenna Sue.
The wind died and Don cranked me up the mast.
After the radio antenna was fixed, Don and I got a rental car and headed for Miami. I dropped Don at the airport and had 3 hours to kill before Bill and Gayle arrived. I drove to the Apple Store in the Falls Shopping mall and updated the web site. I also checked and saw that their plane was arriving a few minutes late.
After some delays, we were able to find each other in the arrival area and headed back down to Islamorada.
My son Brian says that every Arnold movie has a "load up sequence." Sunday was a load up day for Incommunigato. This is a picture of only part of what we loaded on. We set a new shopping record of $224 before we stopped at the liquor store.
We stayed at the marina again Sunday night and planned what to do the next day including dropping the rental car back off. The tentative plan was to go south for a day and then look for a weather window. The forecast was for lots of wind until Wednesday.
As Monday progressed, the weather forecast was changing. By noon the wind was dropping and the forecast for later in the week was getting worse. We decided to go north through Barne and Card Sounds and anchored near Angle Fish Creek. Angle Fish Creek has an opening to the Atlantic and is about 22 miles south of Bimini.
From there you can see the Ocean Reef Club on North Key Largo and the Turkey Point Nuclear Plant on the mainland. There were several other boats anchored nearby at sunset.
The plan was to get up at 1:00, take a look at the weather, listen to the radio and make a real time decision.
Sure enough at 1:00 AM the weather was nice and the forecast for later in the week was bad. So, we set off for Bimini. Tuned out to be a very benign crossing. Little chop and long period swell no doubt left over from the northerly winds earlier in the weekend.
I found the anchorage area in the harbor too hard so we took a slip at the Sea Crest Marina.
Gayle is a fancier of conch salad. The End of the World Bar was recommended and we wound up there for dinner. Conch salad and a conch and lobster pizza. Try to get that at your local Pizza Hut.
American Idol was on the TV at the bar and the bar tender was quite involved was swinging her knife as she cheered. We decided her favorite was ours as well.
Left Bimini Harbor and went down to Atlantis. This is the first place I tried out my underwater camera housing. The fish at the left is a Queen Trigger. Not a great picture but my first.
After the dive at Atlantis, we anchored in Honeymoon Harbor on the north end of Gun Key. About a half an hour later a 60 footer with I think 20 boy scouts on board pulled and anchored next to us. I do mean next to us. I objected and he moved, where another boat objected. This went on for some time and he again anchored close to me. I have a picture you would not believe. They could have handed me a burger from their grill. When he did see his final position, he moved again but not before he suggested that I should move.
We headed out in the pre-dawn and went through the Cat Cay pass. Wind was about 15 from the south and for the first two hours we were averaging better than 7 kts. It finally died a little but we were doing fine on our plan for a 70 plus mile day.
At 3:00, the drag on Bill's reel went off big time. That was a three foot barracuda. I think the fish in this area feed on the hour. At 4:00, the drag went off again and dinner in the form of this snapper appeared. Nice fishy.
The way the wind was blowing, I was not happy with the kind of protection we could get a Chub Cay so we diverted to Joulters Cay north of Andros. I little tricky getting in there but we had protection from the wind were completely alone.
This was an area I had visited 25 or so years ago with Larry and Margie Payne on a 24 foot formula. I told Bill and Gayle the reefs near here have many groupers and snappers.
Next morning we stopped at a small reef on the way to Chub Cay. Once again, North Andros did not disappoint. Bill spotted this hog fish and kept him in sight until I arrived with the spear. He didn't look that big from the surface but this was one big hog fish.
We sailed to Chub Cay at a leisurely 3 kts in a following wind. I tried to go in and fuel up but two bad things happened. First, the starboard engine quit shifting into reverse. I was in a tight harbor with many boats coming in from a day of fishing. Second, the fuel dock was completely taken up with boats that seemed to be doing nothing. Finally I was informed that all those folks were tied up there while they went to the airport to clear customs. Could be an hour. We left and anchored out in front of the marina. As we were anchoring, two more boats flying quarantine flags entered the harbor. Our only critical problems were garbage and ice. Bill and Gayle took the dinghy in and solved those two problems.
From there we proceeded to an anchorage at the north end of Whale Cay to spend the night.
We went back down south to Chub Cay and anchored near the resort. Took the dinghy out to Mama Rhoda Reef. This was a really nice day for the snorkel there and gave my camera housing a second test. Took a bunch of under water shots and they all had a fuzzy spot in them on the left of the frame. We still have not figured out what this is.
When we got back to the boat, a school of Remoras was under us. I had never seen Remoras school up like this and they were the largest I had ever seen. Gayle saw one small one attached to a large one.
After the snorkel we headed back up the Berrys and anchored between Whale Cay and Little Whale Cay.
Several people had recommended a stop at Little Harbor Cay and dinner at Flo's Conch Bar. We finally raised the restaurant on the radio and reserved three dinners for 6:00.
We got into the harbor about 3:00 and Gayle went out for a snorkel. She found a really beautiful helmet conch. Not to worry, he went back in the water after his photo shoot.
Dinner at Flo's was excellent and Chester even turned on the Weather Channel for us. No good news there.
The view from Flo's is spectacular. Of course it is made better by the handsome boat in the harbor. That's the photo below the conch.
There was a plan. We decided that the weather forecast was grim and projected to get worse. Seemed like our best bet to make to Eleuthera was to go today. The plan was to wake up at 4:00, check the wind and start before the wind built up.
At 4:00 the wind was already at 20 kts in the well protected harbor. I am writing this at 7:30 as the tide runs out. You can see the cut between islands that we came in. It looks like Sebastian Inlet on a bad day.
Four o'clock in the afternoon and the wind has finally died way down. I think we will try the 4:00 AM plan again tomorrow morning.
At four o'clock things looked grim. We waited till 5:00 and started to get ready. Almost ran into a rock island on the way out of the harbor. The pass to the ocean was in a rage but we got through.
Out side in the Northwest Passage the sea was three to five. No fun but quite doable. The forecast was for the wind to swing to the south and then southwest so we figured to be able to sail to Egg Island pass on Eleuthera. The wind did not swing and we were not quite able to hold the course. About half way over, the radio came alive and we coordinated a passing scenario with the guy in the picture. The crew came out near the stern. I thought to wave to the crazy yacht. Bill thinks the captain had scramble these guys to man the Gattling Guns. We were closer probably than the navy likes in this day and age.
Finally got to the harbor at Royal Island. Quite well protected which was a good thing.
2:30 AM, the wind switch finally came in the form of a front with a squall line. Wind switched to the northwest, blew at 25, and heavy rain.
Next morning we explored the ruins on Royal Island. An extensive estate was built on the island by the Stewart family who also owned Casa del Sol on Merrit Island. This is stranger than the abandon cruise ship terminal Millions spent by an individual to build and not falling apart.
And in the small world department, my crew, Bill and Gayle Plaia know a man who was a guest at the estate while it was being maintained. He has slides of the before condition. They will be trying to get some photos for a before and after comparison.
This photo is of the garage where Mr. Stewart kept some of this antique car collection.
We had checked with a pilot in Spanish Wells on Wednesday but he did not like the weather for the passage to Harbor Island through the Devil's Backbone. Did not much like the forecast for Thursday or Friday either. But, when we got up Thursday, the wind had dropped to 10 to 15 and we called Bradley Newbold, the pilot again. He said he could take us through so we left Royal Harbor and met our pilot in Spanish Wells. He had us in Harbor Island by noon and threw in a fresh loaf of bread his wife had just baked.
Harbor Island is not like any other Bahama out island I have visited. There are a couple of marinas but I think most folks here fly in from the continent. The yachts in the marina would mostly not carry Incommunigato as a dinghy.
One thing that is not over hyped is the ocean side beach. It is beautiful. Sugar sand with specks of pink coral mixed in.
Today we made a dive with Valentines Dive Shop. Okay dives but I don't think Harbor Island is diving vacation destination.
This grouper insisted on posing for the camera. If started to back away, he came forward and turned another direction as if to say, "Hey, you haven't gotten my good side yet." Bill, Gayle and I got laughing so hard I spit my regulator out and nearly choked.
Had a very nice $18 Bahamian Buffet for dinner. Unfortunately, they charge $35 for that meal on Harbor Island.
We went up to Man Island early but did not find much. Then back to the Harbor Island where we called for a water taxi. The water taxi came right to the boat and picked Bill and Gayle up for the trip to the airport.
I did my laundry duties, updated the web site and passed out.
A new physical principle has been discovered. Conservation of Arrival Time. Yes, Sue McNeil arrived 6 hours early. So, when I went to the ferry dock to await Will and Karen, I should not have been surprised that they were not there. An hour and a half after their scheduled flight time, I broke down and took a cab to the airport. Will and Karen were there but shades of my charter cruise, their bags were not. But, "No problem mon, they likely be on the next plane." So, we waited. By some miracle, the bags did arrive 3 hours late.
And in another baggage related incident, Karen had brought some water and rice in a checked bag. The water bottle had broken in half, reached the rice and a bag explosion followed.
Still, we were able to salvage a great dinner from food Karen had checked through.
Went shopping in Dunmore town and decided to leave beautiful Harbor Island. We sailed back up to Man Island and explored the shore. Had already done this with Bill and Gayle but this time we did find some little coral formations near shore in front of the caves. With a little luck Will has some video of a big Angle Fish.
The plan is to run to Spanish Wells tomorrow on the morning tide and then be ready to make the passage to Abaco Wednesday or Thursday. The last Barometer Bob forecast was for it to lay down to 4 to 6 on Wednesday. Lay Down??
Earlier on Harbor Island, saw this bumper sticker. I think you need to have been there to appreciate it. Here is a high end resort area with roosters running all over the place and crowing through the night.
We went back through the Devil's Backbone to Spanish Wells. My worse fears were realized when we met the high speed ferry from Nassau at the narrowest part of the passage.
In Spanish Wells, a young man recommended a restaurant to Karen. Excellent and cheap. If you are in Spanish Wells, try The Gap.
From Spanish Wells we continued back to Royal Harbor for another tour of the ruins.
Plan to make the run to Abaco tomorrow.
|
|
The wind did lay down early and we left Royal Harbor early. Three boats left ahead of us. Looked like a good day to make the passage. Early on we were running the reacher and making excellent time. The the wind and seas picked up and we furled the reacher but were still making good time.
For a week I had been seeing another Maine Cat near Eleuthera. We heard Meadowlark on the radio asking about the conditions of the passes at Little Harbor and North Bar. Strangely, folks were recommending Little Harbor, a pass I had heard was tough the first time. I radioed Meadowlark and ask that they give me a report as it seemed they were about an hour ahead of me.
About that time some sort of local clear air turbulence hit the boat. The wind indicator said only 20 kts but the sails did not want to behave at all. Turned into the wind and furled the jib and dropped the main. Just as the main came down, the reacher halyard snapped and dropped the sail and hardware onto the trams. Lucky I was into the wind. After some struggling, we wrestled the reacher and hardware into the bridge deck.
Under motor we headed for Little Harbor. When we got close, it looked impassable to me. I radioed Meadowlark and they said the worst part was that it was scary. I was still unsure but the reports from North Bar was that it was breaking all across. It was a good time to have two surfers on the boat. Will said that he had seen a lot of waves from the back and he was confident that we could get through. Mumbled something about conflicting goofy footed breaks. I think what he really meant was, I don't want to be out in the Atlantic anymore. Get this boat in.
Sure enough, when we got close, a break in the breakers appeared and we were through. Anchored next to Meadowlark. They sported us to some fresh dolphin. Not only did they make the passage in style, they caught a 15 pound dolphin in the process. That's Meadowlark on the left with Sinjon and Robin getting in the dinghy.
We stopped at Sandy Cay for a quick snorkel. As usual it was packed with fish. At the left, Will tries some video.
From there we headed for Tahiti Beach and anchored there. Tried to raise Patti and Eddie at the Summerview Cottage on the radio but no luck. Went over to Cracker P's for happy hour and a dinner and confirmed that the next full moon party is on May 4. I am hoping to get a bunch of Melbourne people there.
Oddly, I had a strong Wi-Fi signal while anchored at Tahiti Beach and was able to access mail and the web. I am back at Tahiti Beach as I write this. Anchor only couple hundred yards from where I was. Can see the signal but it is too weak to connect.
Went on up to Hope Town and took a mooring there. Discovered that I had a strong Wi-Fi signal there and an even stronger competing signal from oiinet. I was able to instant message with my son from the bridge deck.
We did the normal Hope Town things including a snorkel off the beach and a lighthouse climb. Can you see the two Maine Cats in the picture from the Lighthouse? Note that I am reacherless.
As it was Friday night, the band played on for some time.
We sailed over to Marsh Harbor. Photo on the left is of the crew checks for solar activity. Relax now, stress is on the way.
We had a smooth sail to Marsh Harbor until we tried to drop sail at the harbor entrance. Shades of last year. A batten had broken, moved forward in the sail and was caught in the lazy jack. We tried to use the boat hook to free the batten but it was not happening. Finally Will hoisted me up in the bosuns chair and I extracted the broken batten.
This was a different failure mode from last year. The batten had broken offright at the a carrier on the mast. Shortened the batten by about 5 inches.
On to Marsh Harbor for a snorkel at Mermaid Reef.
Karen and Will departed on the 11:00 to Melbourne and Scott arrived on the 12:44 from Ft. Lauderdale. After shopping, Scott and I headed for Tahiti Beach. During the sail to Tahiti Beach, it became apparent that the sail was going to behave badly without the batten in place.
I anchored very near the place I was last time but this time the internet signal was too weak to make contact.
Cosmic Mariner, one of the charter boats, and Red Sky from Deltaville were also anchored at Tahiti Beach.
Scott and I made a fix to the batten using a piece from last years broken batten and waited till morning for the glue to dry and make an installation.
We headed up to Green Turtle Cay. The water colors on the way were spectacular. Hard to catch on the camera. Hope this gives you an idea.
We anchored in White Sound and explored the Green Turtle Cay Marina and resort. Decided not to eat there as they had a restrictive dress code for dinner including gentleman not wearing hats. What kind of place is that.
We also arranged with Brendals Dive Shop for a dive on Tuesday morning,
Finally went to the Bluff House for dinner. Quite fine and Scott ate in his bathing suit. No problem, Bahamas.
Made the dives with Brendals. Pretty nice dives. The first place was a giant formation of coral with the bottom at about 45 feet and coming to within about 10 feet of the surface. We circumnavigated this formation in about an hour. Brendal chided me for rushing.
Second dive was in about 30 feet of water. Lots of fish on this reef. Many suitable to invite for dinner but not on this trip.
I took numerous photos till my battery ran out. None of them were in focus. I think the anti-fog stuff Canon recommends fogged the lens.
After the buffet at the Bluff House, Scott and I settled in for the night, not. The predicted front came through and the anchor dragged. I thought we had it set again when it dragged again. But, we could not get the anchor up. It had snagged the chain on an abandon mooring. At about 10:30 I began the second unscheduled night dive of this trip. I finally connected the redundant anchor line to the chain on the mooring. Picture from the next morning.
After getting off the mooring, we headed for Guana. Early going was good with 20 kts. of wind and a reach. I had decided that the Whale Cay passage was not going to be fun in 20 kts. from the NE so we went through the Don't Rock channel. Had to motor that and the rest of the way to Guana. I don't think I have ever seen more rollers and chop on the Sea of Abaco.
We wound up at Nippers and encountered the passengers from a mega yacht we had seen pull into the Orchid Bay Marina. As they exited down the gangplank they seemed like a conservative, sophisticate group. Oh what a few Nippers will do to you.
Ask to see a private showing of the movies I made. Or listen to the audio. Experimental link for me.
Left are the pool rules for the re-opened Guana Beach Club.
More wind on Thursday. We started to sail down to Tahiti Beach from Guana. As we neared the Point Set waypoint, Scott noticed that a small tear in the main that I had patched with sail tape, was expanding. We tried reefing down to a point where the tear would be reefed but the reef lines got hopelessly tangled and we had to drop sail.
Had a short visit with Eddie and Patti on Lubbers and then lunch at Cracker P's.
Back on the boat we started the sail repair but were interrupted by a series os squalls. These were not in the Barometer Bob forecast. Got the sail taped and partially sown when darkness fell.
Still windy. Finished up the sail repair and headed for Little Harbor. Early on we were able to sail, again on a reach. Had 20 kts apparent wind and the sail repair held.
We got to Pete's Pub at Little Harbor about 2:00. Sad to say, Pete's has made improvements! A new deck has been added on the harbor. But, the main bar is still funky as ever.
We went back for dinner and met the youngest ring game hustler in the Bahamas. She has to stand on a chair but is an ace at wrapping the ring around the pole, letting it unwrap, and catching the hook on the third swing. Her technique is to swing the ring, jump off the chair, run and sit by her mom, and run back on the second swing if the second swing looked pro mising. Scott and I got worn out just watching.
Scott and I sailed to Marsh Harbor on the jib alone in less than 5 hours. Plenty of wind in the morning.
Once anchored we actually managed to run the reacher halyard back down the mast and raise the reacher during a brief lull in the wind.
I did not take any pictures today as I should have. So, time for this years contest. The vessel on the right was anchored in Hope Town. The question is, "What is the name of its dinghy being towed behind?" If you cannot read the boat name in the photo, it is "Yellow Brick Road."
Jay and Anna arrived at 1:00. We lunched and shopped and then headed for Great Guana Cay. After mooring in the settlement harbor we headed for the dinghy dock. Lying on the dock was a fetching young lady wreching. We tied up and started the walk to Nippers. Even as we made the turn to Nippers she was still prone on the dock. Worse yet, I think once she moved her friends were going to pour her into a 24 footer for a 7 mile ride back to Elbow Cay. This into a 2 foot chop. Gotta watch those nippers.
We think her friends took exception to our attitude although we really did not have one. When we got back to the dinghy dock we found our dinghy untied and floating in the harbor held only by the stern anchor. Scott had on the bathing suit so we asked him to please bring our dinghy back.
Monday morning the weather report sounded bad for the Full Moon Party at Cracker P's. Wind strong from the north on Tuesday night. That would make the anchorage near Cracker P's unworkable. Then on the Cruiser's Net we heard that Froggies was running a shuttle to Cracker P's from Hope Town. With that we motored to Hope Town into a 20 kts wind on the nose.
In Hope Town we found a mooring and signed up with Froggies for a ride to the party. Not a perfect arrangement but workable.
Had dinner on the boat. I took this shot with the self timer but had trouble getting everyone in the picture. Pay no attention to the wine bottles on the table.
We headed down to Little Harbor and picked up a mooring.
While many people visit Little Harbor to visit the primitive Pete's Pub, this crew instead toured the Little Harbor Natural History Museum. That is where we found this interesting exhibit.
Pete's pub was hosting a fishing tournament and had a Cinco de Mayo party for the participants. Fortunately they were a rather subdued bunch and quit screaming and dancing around midnight.
The wind did not shift to the east as hoped so we had to motor back up to Hope Town. We picked up a mooring away from Capt. Jacks and the Harbor Edge. Good thing as it was raggae night at the Harbor Edge.
After we anchored, what to my wondering eyes did appear than Shagg on her third scheduled arrival date. To celebrate, I let her drive while we were on a mooring in Hope Town.
We proceeded from Hope Town to the Guana Sea Side Village for lunch. Then on to Bakers Bay and a tour of the old cruise ship terminal.
We had noticed this boat as we entered the cruise ship terminal and thought he must plan to be here for a long time. When we went back to our dinghy, two folks were standing looking their boat. They hailed us over. They had been told that low tide was at 1:00 so when they tied off to the old cruise ship dock at 1:00, they figured they were okay. Oops. Low tide was 4:00. We tried to move the boat but it was too heavy. Fortunately they had a hand held VHF supplied by the boat rental and were able to call for assistance. Un-aided I figured they were at least 2 hours from being able to float this boat.
Back to Marsh Harbor and good-bye to Jay and Anna. I now have 4 days before I leave for home and then Kansas City.
I went below to update the web page out of the sunlight. When I came back up, I was greeted by this sight. Sharone was perpendicular to all the other boats, not anchored, and not moving. It was hard to believe they were aground as I was sitting in 10 feet of water. But, aground they were. It took another hour of tide coming in before they could move.
And I wondered why Stardust had elected to wait for high tide before entering the Port of Call Mariana. Get a cat.
I have a long list of tasks to do in Marsh Harbor before leaving for Hope Town on Tuesday. Today's major task was a complete laundry load. Oops. The laundramat was closed for Mother's Day. No sign. No notice. Just closed, I surmise for Mother's Day. Must have been 8 people waiting for it to open. Add it to the Monday list.
I should note for any MYCer's tracking the web, MYC's own Richard Oliver has taken over sports reporting duties on the Abaco Cruisers Net. In addition to all the mundane hockey, basketball, and baseball scores, we now also get brought up to date on the Cricket World.
4:45 I am listening in on a Mayday call from the north end of Guana Cay. Lost snorkeler. Standby for a live report. BASRA has scrambled about 7 boats. The lady has been found. Sounds like the current swept her out the cut. I was impressed by the speed with which BASRA scrambled assets and eyeballs to this problem.
And I had a plan today that included getting the laundry done early on. The dinghy motor crapped out about a quarter of the way to the Union Jack Dock. I rowed back to Incommunigato just in time for open mike on the Cruisers net. Patti directed me to a place within walking distance of the Union Jack Dock. And, as soon as the net was complete, the dinghy from Dock No More showed up and offered me a tow over to the dock. He said he had used these guys and they were indeed okay.
I should have paid more attention to what I had in the dink. But I was so happy to have a ride that I just jumped in. The place was closed but the fellow at Rainbow Rentals next door said he had seen him but he must be out on a call. I could have gone and done laundry or a host of things but all I had was me and a dead dink. They showed up about 10:00. The owner said he was too booked to look at the motor. But he had a friend with him who agreed to take a look starting about 11:00. By twelve he had me running fine.
I'm writing this while waiting for the VPJ plane in the Marsh Harbor Airport.
Finally got the laudry done on Tuesday and then moved to a mooring in Hope Town. Booming Wi-Fi signal there. I am on one of Ron Engle's Abaco Multihull moorings as he had no charters this week.
Left is a picture I found on the Abaco Bulletin Board yesterday. I cannot be sure but I think that is Incommunigato just behind and right of the Trimaran in the foreground.
Next few days I am in Melbourne and mostly Kansas City. Standby for gradualtion pictures.
Got up early and flew to Mel bourne. Pictures from the VPJ plane did not come out well. But, here is a picture of the VPJ plane on the tarmac at Marsh Harbor.
|
|
Got up early again and flew to Kansas City. I have a host of pictures from the graduation ceremony and other events. Here are a couple that sum up the weekend.
At the top, we stopped for some famous Kansas City Ribs after a picture taking session. By now everyone has slipped into more informal attire.
Standing in the back from left to right.
Hendrix, brother
Doris, aunt
Charitty, sister
Grandmother
Gregorio, uncle
Heather, friend
Ericka, the Graduate
Mario, father
And in front, Alix, mother
People from Florida, N. Carolina, Rhode Island, Venezuala, and Colombia
The school has a wonderful place to hold these ceremonies, the Music Hall in downtown Kansas City.
After the ceremony on Sunday morning, Ericka and two of her professors. How about that smile. It lasted all day and is probably still going.
I finally got to my hotel near the airport about 10:00 for my 5:55 flight back to Melbourne and then on to Marsh Harbor. Everything went fine and I am back on the boat in Hope Town.
Tuesday I rested up from the weekend and did a few minor chores on the boat.
On Wednesday morning, I was down below working on something when I was hailed on the radio. Stardust was calling. I went up to answer the radio and discovered that Stardust was on the adjacent mooring.
We lunched at the beach side grill in front of the Hope Town Harbor Lodge.
The picture is Stardust with the Hope Town sunset.
I left Hope Town Thursday and headed down to the south end of Lubbers Quarters. There is a wreck down there that I had wanted to snorkel. On the way down, I passed this sailboat on the left. Yes, he is just sitting there. No anchor down. He is out behind the boat with his boat hook sounding the water. Hard agound and it is still an hour and half to low tide.
I am thinking I need to compose a song. Music is from "I Enjoy Being a Girl." But this one is "I Enjoy Sailing a Cat."
The wreck dive was lack luster but I did find Gary Calloway on the way back and arranged to meet him at Cracker P's for happy hour. As happy hour wound down, the boat was still still aground behind us. He got off sometime before I left.
Friday I went to Marsh Harbor for laundry and shopping. I should have spent more time resting up for Saturday. But what did I know at the time?
For video of the Incommunigato Crew doing "If I Could Turn Back Time", Link to Video
Lots of pictures today. Nancy and Midori arrived and we decided to go to a beach cook out at Bakers bay. One of the Cruiser Net Anchors, Jeff Reid, put this together as an informal cookout with Kareoke. Little did we know.
Pictures from the top, counter clockwise.
34 dinghies showed up on the beach plus one power boat
The Electric Slide on the beach!
My crew known as the Tall Rock and Short Rock wow the crowd. They are now known as the Rockettes. And, in Kareoke it is okay to move your lips as you read. Video coming soon. It's here. See beneath the picture
Harvey Milfi performs Margaritaville with Jeff and Mary Reid, the organizers. Margaritaville Video Link with a surprise ending.
Don't know who these folks are. The woman in white can really sing and was backed up by the chorus/dancers. They did, "Don't Wear Your Panties to a Party" from The Sweet Potato Queens Guide to Love. Here is the Video .
Videos are a little slow to load but now should be playing on all popular computers. The files are AVI.
We went out past the end of Bakers Bay and snorkeled the outside reef. Nice but I did not see anything that looked like dinner.
Motored down to Fishers Bay and got up to the Nippers Pig Roast late, 2:00. After lunch at Nippers, no pig this trip, we ambled back down to the Sunset Beach Bar and Grill. This place is aptly named. It is on part of the site of the old Guana Beach Club and as part of the acquisition, they obtained the Guana Grabber recipe.
This picture was taken from our mooring in Fishers Bay. The sun went down over the water, no clouds, but alas, no green flash. I guess I will just have to keep doing this sort of thing till I see one.
Barometer Bob's forecast this morning was not all roses. A depression is forming south of us and he expects it to move east of us on Tuesday swing the wind to the northeast at 20 kts. We decided on going to Green Turtle today riding the east southeast wind and then heading back to Hope Town tomorrow ont he northeast wind. We will see.
The first part of the plan worked. We were able to sail all the way to Green Turtle and arrived about 12:30. Got rid of the garbage, did some shopping, ate lunch and made the obligatory visit to Miss Emilly's Blue B Bar. Better yet we did find the seafood store behind Miss Emilly's had fresh grouper.
Before dinner we visited Pineapples for a drink and basket of conch fritters. Ran into some folks that said we left Nippers too early and things did get rowdy about 5:00. Oh well.
Barometer Bob was half right. The wind did swing to the northeast but stayed below 15 kts the entire day. We were able to sail all the way from Green Turtle to Hope Town. For the last 6 of so miles, the wind dropped into reacher speeds. This was the first time since the reacher repair that I had been able to deploy it and then get a good furl. Worked like a champ.
I had been waiting for this picture. We sailed the Don't Rock Channel to Hope Town. From left to right, Don't Rock, Tall Rock, and Short Rock.
The wind dropped to nil Tuesday night in Hope Town. Good thing most folks were on a short leash at mooring as boats were pointed all over at dawn.
This was another picture rich day. From 12:00 and going counter clockwise.
Sunrise at Hope Town. Note that the boat is behind is pointed west as was Incommunigato.
As we headed for Little Harbor, we saw a barge with tug in front of us. When it took the short cut across Tillo Bank, I said, "I hope he knows what he's doing. Must have local knowledge." Not. He was still stuck here two hours later when Harvey and Nancy on Stardust came by. That was near high tide.
Ran into some other folks from Melbourne. We traded picture taking on the second floor of Pete's
We had anchored at Lynyard Cay. Made a liesurely trip up to Sandy Cay for a snorkel. Unfortunately, we got there at near low tide. Ron had warned me that there was a current at low tide. He was right in spades.
But, we had a good snorkel and near the end of the dive four Spotted Eagle Rays came by. What beautiful and fluid creatures.
After the dive, we sailed up to Lubbers Quarters and anchored near Tahiti Beach. Had dinner at Cracker P's and settle in for a quiet night. Yea Right.
|
|
6:45 The situation has worsened. Low wind but it shifted and actually tensioned the trawler anchor line. But, the line I had on it from Incommunigato is preventing Incommunigato from swiinging properly in the wind. I added more line.
7:00 The owners show up and apoligize profusely. He had been unable to get his "storm anchor" to hold so he deployed his backup Fortress. I suspect both anchors had been in grass and the Fortress had grabbed a little but never really dug in.
Damage assessment on Incommunigato is that the decal on the reacher pole was partly scrapped off. Crusising is fun.
I am writing this at 2:58 AM but I don't think I will be sleeping again tonight.
1:30 AM, I was awakened by a small unfarmiliar noise. I was deciding whether to get up when there was a large crunching noise. A 40 foot trawler had drug down on me and was harpooned on the reacher pole.
1:35 AM, the crew had "stabilized" the situation with the trawler across my bow but no longer being speared. I got on the radio. No answers on any channel. I wondered what would have happened if I had a real life threatening emergency. Perhaps if I had used the M-word on the radio someone would have answered. I tried waking some folks on other boats in the anchorage. No luck. Top picture at the left, for web and/or insurance puposes.
1:45 I boarded the other vessel. No one on board. We had met these folks in Green Turtle and believed their kids were in the Sea Level Cottages on Lubbers. I pulled on their anchor line and it just came up. It was not their primary anchor and I suspect insufficeint scope.
1:50 We rigged a line to their bow cleat, depolyed fenders, and walked the trawler to my starboard side. I was on the trawler with Nancy and Midori on Incomunigato. We got the trawler tied off to the stern of Incommunigato. I tried the radio again. Same result.
2:00 I had dropped the trawler anchor when I was on board. Now I made another unscheduled night dive and tried to swim the anchor out. While this was somewhat useful, the anchor was in grass and I would not trust it to hold. Fortunately, the wind has stayed down.
2:30 With the trawler tied off, I got back on the radio. Tried 16, 68, Blue Dolphin on 73, and BASRA on 72. No answers.
2:45 I got a call on the radio. Turned out to be Truman Major. He tried calling the Sea Level Cottages but got no answers. Looks like we will have the status quo till dawn. Maybe then I can rouse the owners. Fortunately, my anchor is holding.
Bottom left, my new dinghy.
3:36 Think I will try to get some sleep. More later.
6:30 AM I got Patti at the Golden Dolphin on the radio and explained the situation. She said she had some phone numbers that would rouse the Seal Level Cottage folks. She confirmed back at about 6.45 that the owners were going down to the cottage to send their guests out to the boat.
A busy day. Nancy and Midori left on the 11:00 plane and Jeff and Kathy arrived on the 4:00 plane. Between was the laundramat, the grocery store, and the liquor store.
Sunset was more than adequate .
We decided to make a long run south. Were able to sail from Fishers Bay to Point Set Rock but then had to motor over to Elbow Cay and down beside Luibbers Quaters. As we passed Tiloo Cut, we saw this trawler agound in the cut. It was near low tide at this time. He must have run agound near high tide to be this far out of the water. With luck he got off about 6:00 PM as there was a really big high tide tonight.
We stopped off of the north end of Lynyard Cay for lunch and a quick exploration ashore. Not much there but an old abandon house. Looked like it was a nice place in its day. Jeff did a quick snorkel here over some grass transitions that had some depth to them. He saw only a small grouper but did come across two Bahamian lobster traps, both empty.
Continued on to Little Harbor for Blasters and dinner on the boat. A quiet night at Petes.
In the morning we did a quick tour of Little Harbor including the cave, the lighthouse, and the beach. Jeff took this artistidc shot of Incommunigato framed in flowers. (Sound Oohh, Aahh)
The gallery was still not open by noon so we moved on and anchored in the Bight of Old Robinson. The plan was to catch some bone fish. We timed this, so we thought, to catch the flood tide onto the flats.
We were off on timing slightly. Jeff waded much of the flats and saw only one school of bone fish. But, about 2 hours after low tide, the current at the cut we came in was running strong. It was raging over a little bar at the entrance. Casting into that area Jeff was getting small groupers and snappers on almost every cast. We feasted Tuesday night.
Wednesday morning, we exited the Sea of Abaco through the Little Harbor Pass. Much calmer than when we came in from Royal Island. We were able to sail almost all day up to North Man-O-War channel. The objective was to troll and catch fish. We got not a single strike all day.
About 3:00 the wind died and I began to worry that we would not make Man-O-War before the stores closed and we were out of ice. So, we fired up the motors and headed for Man-O-War. Got to the store with 40 minutes to spare. For future reference, they close at 5:30.
Anchored north of the harbor in a nice little cove. Amazingly, the strongest Wi-Fi signal I saw on the entire trip.
Our objective for Thursday was the Full Moon Party at Cracker P's. On the way we stopped briefly at Hope Town for more supplies and a quick walking tour.
Coming out of Hope Town harbor and heading for Tahiti Beach Kathy and Jeff looked out at the little resort where they spent their honeymoon. When I saw the place, I could not believe it. Peggy and I had spent a couple of nights there when we chartered a boat out of West Palm in 1969. I never put it together because the place had changed its name when McGinns were there.
Further down the coat, we met another Maine Cat coming toward us with the spinniker flying. Ron Engle was on board and I think it was Jasmine. Beautiful.
Undaunted by our resounding failure to catch fish previously, we decided to go outside and do it again. Fortunately, Jeff and Kathy really liked the blue water sailing.
On the left, we are leaving the Sea of Abaco through Tilloo Cut. Plenty of water on a calm day. The only dicey part was right at the mouth of the cut. The tide had just started to run out and was fighting a southeast wind.
We sailed to Whale Cay passage and came back into Bakers Bay for the night. Again, not a single strike. There was a smaller version of the cookout/kareoke party on the beach but we were whipped and made dinner on the boat. Maybe if we had had some fish to show off we would have gone in.
We got up early on Saturday and set off for Marsh Harbor. I feared we would have to motor the whole way but we were able to play the early morning wind shifts and made it to Marsh on two really long tacks and two short ones at the end.
After some chores ashore, we came back to the boat to find Two-Can anchored next to us. We arranged to meet at Snappas for happy hour and the running of the Belmont Stakes. This is the second annual watching of the Belmont at Snappas for me and Ray and Alix Gogan. Is this the start of a tradition? It should have been even more significant but Smarty Jones ran out of gas in the streach.
Bonus pic at left is that Maine Cat with spinniker we saw heading for Hope Town.
Crew change and on to Fisher's bay.
Beautiful sunrise at Fisher Bay. I said to Mark, "Red sky in the morning, sailors take warning."
"An old wive's tail", said Mark
"And how do you suppose they got that old?", I asked.
We headed for Green Turtle Cay in a nice 10 knot breeze. We could see some rain over great Abaco but it did not look like it would reach us. 10 kts was 15. The wind shifted to beam. 15 was 20. The boat accelerated. Then it went 20 to 25 to 30 in less than a minute. I headed up and dropped sail. We motored through Don't Rock Channel with wind alternately blowing and dying. Just enough rain to be annoying but not enough to wash off the boat. We tried again with the sails. As soon as we did, the wind died and the storm started gaining on us.
About 11:00 we got Stardust on the radio. He informed us that there would be drinks aboard Rainbow Chasher at 5:00 at Manjack. We changed plan and headed to Manjack.
Had a nice get together on Rainbow Chaser. The plan is to snokel the reef outside of Manjack in the morning.
We pulled into Spanish Cay Marina and topped off on gas, and water. We were directed to a "slip" in front of a megayatch on the inside of a T Dock. The photo at the left shows the view forward.
The store, marina office, bar, and restaurant have all been rebuilt after the fire. Much better the bartender told us after we said we had not been there before. Their house drink the "Spanish Fly" is on the approved list.
We also wanted to see the Wrecker Bar but were told it was closed. We walked out anyhow. Really neat looking place. Don't know why it was not in operation. I think cause it was not the season.
Check out was a major goat rope. They could not find our chits for gas or find us in the computer. I opined that meant the stay was free. Finally found the gas chit which said $861 on VISA. I said there is good news and bad news. The bad news of course was that that was a mighty high gas bill. The good news was, it was not my VISA card. After some struggling, we got the right numbers and checked out.
The plan was to sail to Double Breasted Cay. But the wind was shaky and the distance too long. We bailed out to Great Sale Cay going around the east side, a place I had never been. This allowed us to get on a nice reach going south and then back north.
It was a bumpy night with lightening all around us most of the night. Got hit by several showers.
As we pulled in, Mark noticed a trawler coming in behind us. He laughed and ask what color cavas the Gypsy Soul had. Blue, ha, ha. The binoculars confirmed, Gypsy Soul was near us at anchor again.
An ill fated day. We made for Double Breasted Cay with the wind directly behind us. Mark joked that if we did not stay there, we would have beat back to Great Sale.
We got to Double Breasted and saw several boats in the anchorage. We proceeded up the channel but in the gray light, I missed the last turn or tuned too soon and ran aground. Got off of that sand bar and left that anchorage. Went to the other anchorage but in the prevailing wind, it had little protection. Soooo, we beat our way back to Great Sale.
On the good front, 4 times we got a dolphin escort riding the bow wave. As I write this, I have not reviewed the photos but hope at least one came out.
Yes, yes, yes. Wind out of the south and we are reaching to a waypoint Big Rock at 6 to 7 knots. Seas are relatively calm and all the clouds from the past 3 days are gone. Forecast for the gulfstream for tomorrow is good. More later.
The wind died near Big Rock and the sun came out. Good for diving Big Rock and we got three small snappers.
As we marked three more heads near Big Rock, the wind changed direction and died down. Half sailed and half motored to a spot in the middle of the banks about 10 miles from the edge of the bank. It was so calm that I figured we could just anchor there for the night and strike out in the morning closer to Ft. Pierce than either Mangrove Cay or West End. The plan has one flaw. The current kept the boat crossways to the wind all night so that the little sea we had rocked the boat in directions I was not used to.
No picture so I have substituted this picture from Spanish Cay. Some folks think I have a big boat. This picture should put that notion to rest.
This was a really uneventful day, fortunately. The Gulf Stream was as quiet as I have seen it in my life. This of course due to a complete lack of wind. So, we motored across arriving at Ft. Pierce about 5:00 in the afternoon. No pix.
We cleared customs by phone but were told we had to check in with immigration. I was hoping they would tell me to go home. The Abaco Cruisers Net had said that checking in was now at the discretion of the customs or immigraiton folks. The mariana gave me a phone number for immigration at the St. Lucie County Airport. No one answered.
We finally decided to head to Vero Beach before checking in with immigration. Karen Knockel had called from the Atlanta Airport and said they would be home by the time we could get to Grand Harbor in Vero. So we set off.
We met this Harbor Branch Research Vessel at the Ft. Pierce north bridge. Since he had the following current, I radioed and suggested he go through first. Big boat rule also in effect.
About 10:30 I finally raised immigration on a number I found in my last year's log book. Yes, of course you have to come in.
Karen arrived at Grand Harbor about 2 minutes ahead of us after a lost baggage fiasco in Melbourne. Away we went to St. Lucie airport where the immigration guy took our boat name, looked at the passports, and said go forth and prosper. What a waste of time and gas.
7:00 PM and we arrived back home in Melbourne.