Does this count? We moved the boat from my marina to the T-Dock at the Melbourne Yacht Club. Now I am not starting on a Friday or the 13th. Silly me. I did not have to worry.
No picture today.
We are still secured to the dock and have to put up with a parade of people stopping by to say, "Thought you were supposed to be gone already." We still have a bunch of tasks to do and most of the provisioning to accomplish.
Note the large yacht behind us. We be livin large now.
Jack and Jackie came down to ask if we were staying for the St. Patrick Day dinner on Friday night but we said we best be long gone by then.
We stayed on the boat tonight. Is that the beginning of the trip?
We are still at the MYC dock. The dock master came down and assured us that we could stay another night. No problem we said, we are out of here tomorrow for sure. He reminded us that there was a St. Patricks dinner on Friday night. Yea right. We just have to get off the dock tomorrow.
Finally at 4:00 we are ready to move off the dock. But, I had gone home to lock up the house and took a look at the weather channel. A big storm was treatening to come down on us. We elected to stay on the dock. We talked to Jackie to see if there was any extra food so that we could have the St. Patrick dinner. "Oh", she said, "I signed you up on Wednesday." Thank you Jackie.
It sprinkled just a bit but the major part of the storm stayed north of us. We could have left. But, the dinner was fabulous and we got to explain again why we still in town.
Of course this was a perfect day to cross the gulfstream but we were not in position.
Start of the voyage? The plan was to head for Faber Cove in FT. Pierce, a favorite anchoring spot. Did I mention that plans on a sail boat are how God gets his grins?
We were doing fine until about 4 miles south of the Wabasso Bridge. The the starboard motor stopped abruptly. It started back up but ran only a minute or so.
We radioed the Loggerhead Marina just north of Vero and confirmed that they had a slip. We have friends with a condo overlooking the marina and figured we could get transport if a part was needed.
Again I did not take pictures of me removing and cleaning the carburetor. There was a lot of blue smoke in the air. Can't say I found a smoking gun but after some TLC motor started right up.
And we are off again with two motors running. Well, almost. As we came into the marina yesterday, I noticed that the port motor was not responding quickly to the throttle. It came up to power and ran a power but it took it 10 to 30 seconds to spool up. Hmmm
Off to Manatee Pocket. Yesterday along the way we saw two boats hard aground. The one on the left looks like it may have been there a while.
As I anchored in Manatee Pocket, I sort of tested out the port motor. Sure enough it was slow to spool up but finally caught. Of course I was unaware that my test had dislodgec the anchor. Found out at 4:00 AM. A goat rope but no harm done.
We headed to North Lake Worth to anchor. The forecast from wunderground says Thursday might be a good crossing day. We will have plenty of time to get to Ft. Lauderdale and cross from there.
The draw bridges on this leg are a mess. While waiting at one, I almost could not get the port motor to power up in time to make a turn I needed.
We gassed up in North Palm Beach. Gas at the marina was well north of $4.00 a gallon. I got most of my Boat US membership dues back on a fill up.
Meanwhile, the radio is not agreeing with the internet forecast on the Gulfstream. Hmmm
Because things are thawing out in the fridge, Faye and I have been forced to eat surf and turf for a couple of nights. My new grill, pictures sometime, is working out very well.
We decided to stay here and do some work on the boat. No hurry to get to Ft. Lauderdale as the Thursday weather window has vanished. Where did it go. Looks like maybe Friday night late and Saturday.
The plan (there is that word again) is to head out early and go part way to Ft. Lauderdale tomorrow. But Faye suggested that we get up early and check the weather before heading out. What a great idea.
Bonus Picture. A barge that we passed a couple of days ago. Don't know what these are but they are massive. From head on you just saw the black end caps and I thought they were huge Weber Kettle Grills.
The fun started early. Really late Tuesday night. I got up to check the dinghy about 11:50. On shore I noticed a large fire. Looked like one of the million dollar houses. Faye and I discussed the situation and I finally called 911 figuring better to be safe than sorry. She thought she could see someone near the fire. Perhaps it was a bonfire? Monster bonfire in 20 kts of wind.
Well, you should try telling the fire department where you are on a boat, observing a fire on shore. Lat/Lon. Doesn't really cut it. What street are you on.
Finally they got the idea and said they would take a look. Of course just as I hung up, the figure in the chair got up and turned the fire off. It was a monster gas fired outside flame pit. The Olympic Torch has nothing on this thing. I called back and called off the fire department.
But the fun had just started. When we got up it was blowing a steady 20+ kts and we decided that a motoring trip through the draw bridges was not going to cut it. Stay here another day. Besides, the weather window appears to be slipping again.
Then about 8:00, the wind really picked up. 30+ kts steady and the midnight regatta got under way. Several boats decided to re-position but then could not get their anchors to hold in the wind. Hard to get an anchor set in a blow like this. Meanwhile, Sea Tow shows up and takes a guy in tow. Not sure from where but down wind of us. I figure they are taking him to a marina. In my dreams. They towed him to a spot directly in front of us and he dropped his anchor. No motor and no sails and up wind of me. I gave them a two hands on the hips but no help. There he is on the left.
The forecast was for the wind to subside and switch to the southwest, west, and finally to the northwest in the afternoon.
To avoid a drawbridge that does not open much in rush hour, we left at or before the crack of dawn. Objective, hit the bridge at the one scheduled opening at 8:30. Sound like a "plan. "
Left, sunrise over Singer Island shortly after we left the anchorage.
We got to the bridge just in time with the help of somc current from Lake Worth Inlet. Oops. New schedule this year. The opening is now at 8:45. Oh well. At least we were there.
We were racing drawbridges most of the day and about 4 hours out of Ft. Lauderdale after flogging the engines hard, I throttled back. The port engine never again came up to speed. It would run but not throttle up even in neutral. Would run though.
We made Ft. Lauderdale about 6:00 and pulled into Larry's dock with the help of his dinghy acting as a tugboat. On one engine his dock was not possible.
I was up early and started to look for the engine trouble. As soon as I opened the hatch to access the motor, we noticed the smell of fuel. I thought that was good. Should be able to find the problem. Unfortunately, the first thing I did was disconnect the carb. For those familiar with my motors and the well that they are in, taking the carb out is reasonably easy, getting it back in is very difficult.
As soon as I had the carb disconnected, the problem became apparent. The screw that goes into the bowl to drain the carb was missing. Not loose but gone entirely. How the engine ran with that screw gone is beyond me. The good news is that I had an old carb on the boat and I had a spare screw. Later we found the screw in the bowels of the engine but could not see it at first.
I had the feeling while working on the carb that someone was watching me. Sure enough. Found the fellow on the left watching from the dock. Apparently a frequent visitor.
The engine started right up once we got the carb re-installed and has been running fine.
I think today must be how "Goat Rope" got defined. Today was a goat rope day.
While Faye was out for a walk, I checked the Gulfsteam forecast and found it had changed over night. Looked like a good day to cross except now it was so late that I could not get there before dark. And about then it was supposed to swing north. Not so good. But, when Faye got back we decided to go for it.
But, while heading to a marina for gas and a pump out, the we listened to the weather radio. Yes, the Gulfstream would be fine it you did not count the fact that a warm front and cold front were going to fight it out right in our path with possile thunderstorms, 50 kt winds, heavy rain, and possible hail. I decided to bail out.
We cruised up the New River looking for the Ft. Lauderdale Marina on the New River. Never found the place but wound up in heavy traffic featuring the Jungle Queen and Mega-Yachts mixing it up with three drawbridges. All this in tight quarters.
Back down the river to the marina where we got gas, for a mere $4.76 a gallon. Oops. Our pump out does not fit your port. Don't you carry an adapter.
After some discussion we went back up the ICW to the Ft. Lauderdale Marina next to the Las Olas bridge and "got a pump out." The boat us book said it was free. Yea and cheap at twice the price. They loan you a hose and an adapter and it is a do-it-yourself project. Problems with hose, problems with the pump and a minor accident with the hose near the end of the operation.
We stayed at the marina for the night and walked to a Bubba Gumps for late lunch/early dinner.
Left a site you don't want to see often. Yes, a Tow Boat US towing a Two Boat US. The guy waved real friendly until he saw me get the camera out.
Back to Larry's dock in Ft. Lauderdale. If the weather forecast does not improve, we may be here for a while.
The weather forecast has not improved.
And still has not improved. But there was some excitement today. An odd bird showed up on Larry's lawn. I finally got a good picture.
This is the Yellow Crowned Night Heron. Not to be confused with the Black Crowned Night Heron. He is not supposed to be here. Should be living in the Bahamas or other islands. But, Larry says he is a frequent visitor.
So far Friday night is holding as a possible crossing.
Meanwhile we put the finishing touches on shades for the back of the boat. I think these are going to work out well in the islands if we ever get there.
Had Larry over for dinner on the boat last night. Of course I forgot to take any pictures.
It is Thursday morning and amazingly enough, the weather window is forecast to expand a little. Looks like we may leave before the crack of dawn on Friday morning. The plan is to leave the dock here this afternoon an grab a mooring in the field just north of the Las Olas Bridge. Then I only have a high rise bridge between me and the inlet.
The excitment just does not end here. This afternoon a Hooded Oriole showed up here. Another bird that should not be here. Unfortunately, he would sit still for a picture.
We moved to the mooring field near the Las Olas Bridge in anticipaiton of an early Friday crossing.
Got up at 4:00 and looked at the weather information. I did not like what they predicted for later in the day and went back to bed. Too bad, Friday would have been a great day to cross. Later in the day we listened to radio traffic tha report the ocean as 6 to 18, Inches that is.
Had dinner with Larry at the Bahia Cabana overlooking the Bahia Mar Yacht Basin. This place is on the approved list.
Again set the alarm for 4:00 to check the forecast. It was okay when we turned in.
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Up at 4:00 to check the weather. The Gulfsteam forecast had just been updated. Okay early but then predicted to kick up in the afternoon. Okay, fool me once shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me. We dropped the mooring and headed out.
Note to mariners. Saturday morning is when all the cruise ships head back into the inlet, in the pre-dawn period. We passed 8 cruise ships getting out ot the inlet. One we had to pass in the inlet. I got clear out ot the channel in water that I figured would ground him.
Left, a picture of the sunrise on the ocean after we cleared all the cruise ship traffic.
Sure enough, the early part of the trip was peaceful but then it kicked up. I thought it was going to continue to build and hammer us but about 2 hours out of West End the wind slacked some and we had a good approach. Left also, a picture of Old Bahama Bay.
Customs and the gas dock were efficient as usual and we were on our way to Mangrove Cay in an hour.
Out on the bank, the wind died further and it actually was foggy in our after dark approach to Mangrove Cay. At the time we arrived the water was glassy. Faye could see the anchor go down from the light of the foredeck light. Once we shut the lights down, the stars were fantastic. No light polution and the moon was not up yet.
So much for this forecast of wind. Yea, right.
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We started for Great Sale Cay pretty early. Wind was out of the east so we could not sale. And, it was 8 kts when we started out.
Left, our first Bahamian sunrise at Mangrove Cay.
First stop was my waypoint Big Head a place that has been good to me over the years. The first thing I saw a Lion Fish. This is the first one I had seen in the Bahamas. Later I saw a second Lion Fish. This is a bitter sweet thing. I wanted to see a Lion Fish but I hate the fact that they are reproducing like crazy in the Bahamas. They gotta be eating somebody.
Fortunately, the second thing of interest was a Mutton Snapper. Biggest thing I have seen on this little rock. He finally agreed to join us for dinner after Faye promised him a Mango Rum marianaede.
I fiddled around in this area two long visiting two other spots before we headed to Great Sale Cay. About the time we headed for Great Sale, the wind piped up to 20 to 25 on the nose and we made very slow progress toward Great Sale. But, when we finally arrive the anchorage was good and we had a nice dinner with the snapper.
And then another dinner and then another dinner.
The only weather forecast we can get here at Great Sale is the Florida and Gulfstream forecast on NOAA radio. It sounded bad and we decided to take another day in Great Sale . Two boat left here early and came back within an hour. The anchorage is nice but once you leave the ocean looks pretty bad.
Did a bunch of tasks on the boat including a bottom cleaning. Very interesting. 90% of the bottom is good after a little better than a year. The other 10% was a mess. I spent the better part of an hour scrapping and prying on barnacles. Shoud make better time now.
No pictures today. This will be a theme for a while.
The forecast was slightly better today. Two boat left early and reported that the ocean was much better than Monday. I heard the forecast from Florida and we decided to leave and head for Allens-Pensacola Cay. The first part of the trip was "okay" but the last 4 hours was 20 to 25 on the nose.
Fortunately, the anchorage at Allens was not full and had excellent protection from the prevailing winds.
The plan was for an early departure and to head for Green Turtle Cay.
Sorry, again no pictures.
Winds were light (10 to 15) as we left. Soon we had hatched a plan to to bypass Green Turtle and proceed on through Don't Rock Channel and continue to Guana Cay. Then the rain started and with it wind gusts. We hit a calm near Green Turtle and decided to proceed.
But, once we cleard No Name Cay, the swells showed up and we decided that Don't Rock was not viable. So, we turned around and headed back to Green Turtle. Of course the rain had closed in behind us and we hit Green Turtle in a drizzle with thunder in the distance.
Left, construction continues on the development east of Black Sound. Don't know if anyone is buying but building is continueing. (added note. There were lights in one of the buildings later)
Oddly, just off of the Other Shore Club, on a mooring, we have a strong Wi-Fi signal. And so, an update.
The Wi-Fi signal is still strong but they have cut me off. Want me to contact the adminsistrator whoever that is.
We are off before the crack of dawn to try and catch the tide at Don't Rock Channel. Wind is down from last night but still 10 to 15. Don't Rock looked better and we were through at 8:30 and on the way to Hopetown to meet Harvey and Nancy on Stardust.
For those keeping track, Hopetown on April 3 is the first date on my proposed schedule that I have made. And, it could be the last.
We went to lunch at The Harbor Edge and I saw Jeff and Mary from Agur's Wish. Stop to talk and remind them of the parties at Bakers Bay. Funny you should mention it they said. Jeff's birthday is Saturday night and another Kareoke fest is schedule. Wouldn't miss it.
Left, the ferry drops off Harvey and Nancy about 4:30. Is this plan coming together or what.
This was a slow day. No hurry as the weather forecast says on crossing to Royal Island for several days. We got some tasks done on the boat.
Preview picture of tomorrow's party on the left. That is the birthday boy doing the Kareoke.
The big day, or night, is here. The party is at the Elbow Cay Marina complete with fire and a swimming pool. Are we moving up are what?
On the left, the Supremes make a surprise apperance. From the left, Nancy Melfi, Faye, new acquaintance Donna, and Mary (Jeff's Wife).
But for the real fun, try these links for a couple of short movies of the festivities.
Chantilly Lace by Jeff.
The Macarina.
There was a "plan" for this morning. Up early and over to Marsh Harbor to provision. But, early on we got a report from a friend of Harvey that a heavy duty squall line was moving in. We are still waiting at noon. Still, we had to ask if being on a mooring in Hopetown or at anchor in Marsh Harbor was the right answer in a squall. Seemed like a no brainer so we are staying put for now.
One hour past noon we had collected 17 gallons or rain water. The squall was for real. Happy we stayed here.
Same drill as yesterday. We were going to go over to Marsh Harbor. Same warning as yesterday so we stayed put. Got some rain but it was really light.
Meanwhile, back in Hopetown, we had noticed this cat had arrived. A true example of understated elegance. But wait, whose boat do I see next to Alpha Cat, yes Mark from Watercolors. This is the third boat in his charter fleet. And, it is really nice. When we saw this boat over there we went over and got a tour. Check Tuesday for a photo of the interior.
For charters check cruiseabaco.com.
Left, the salon on Alpha Cat. Nice.
Today we left and headed south toward Lynyard Cay. Our intent, plan, was to head out to Royal Harbor in the morning despite a sketchy forecast. We anchored at Lynyard and found a flotilla of 5 boats ready to head south in the morning.
AND, here is this year's boat name contest. The boat is MAKEITSO. I thought this some sort of Japanese word and mangled it on the radio. It does relate in a way to voyages, those of .....
We went to bed waiting to hear the Chris Parker weather forecast at 6:30 before making a final decision.
Another plan shot. At 6:00 Harvey called me and said they had to return to Marsh Harbor and visit the clinic.
Meanwhile, MAKEITSO could not get his anchor windlass to operate and could not raise his anchor. I already had decided it was a better day to visit Pete's Pub than sail the ocean blue with forecast 8 to 11 foot seas. Even on the stern it would not have been a good ride although it might have been a fast one.
Looks like Stardust is not going to be ready to try a possible Friday window so decided to go back to Marsh Harbor.
For the last eight miles or so we were finally able to hoist the main and be a real sail boat.
Left, a nice boat that sailed near us while coming north.
Did some chores on the boat and joined Harvey and Nancy visiting Karl and Susan Kaiser on Valentine. Valentine just arrived today from Spanish Cay. They crossed a couple of days ago from Melbourne. Of course I did not get a picture.
But, how about this picture from Saturday. More info in the Saturday block.
What is that thing? The young lady in the yellow is the driver and is intense.
Well of course it is the day of the Marsh Harbor Box Car Derby. And, they actually have a hill to run this on. I was interested as I used to live in Akron, the home of the Soap Box Derby.
These cars ranged from sophisticated to rediculous. Some with real speed and one that was burdened by bad wheels to point that he always had to be pushed across the finish line.
Left, our girl in the Kayak Mobile races. Note the dual tension taut line steering mechanism.
The races were marred by an accident at the finsh line. Despite repeated warning by our MC, a photographer was partially blocking the course. The racer adjusted to miss him but caught a wheel in the grass throwing the car off the course and into a kid. Result was a broken leg. And, I think the driver was really crushed as well thinking he was responsible.
The forecast is for high winds and a wind shift in the night. Boats are coming in to Marsh Harbor by the dozens. We had a good spot with the anchor dug in but now boats are anchoring too close at the harbor fills up.
About noon a small squall went east of us and brought some wind gusts. The boat two boats in front of us broke loose and drifted in the boat in front of us. I believed if their anchors tangled the two of them would next add us to a raft up heading up the harbor. That did not happen but we decided we needed to move. Finally were able to contact Ron Engle in Hopetown and confirm that we could get a mooring for a least one night.
We sailed over to Hopetown and got on a mooring. Of course it was a quiet night and Faye was complaining that we had moved when we did not need to. I had to explain that it was not good to complain about the weather being too good. We did have a rain storm during the night but the wind was only 8 kts.
We spent the morning trying to find another mooring in Hopetown. The forecast continues to be for strong winds. Ron Engle finally found Truman Major and confirmed that we could have one of his moorings for a couple of nights. Winds of course remained light.
Karl and Susan Kaiser came over from Marsh Harbor and we hosted them and Ken and Mita O'Dell from Nike for sun downers.
Nike is a Maine Cat 30 and is the former Cosmic Mariner, the boat I chartered in 2001. They have made some interesting modifications to the boat. The most interesting is a cabinet in the starboard side in an area that make use of some unused volume in boat.
The weather arrived at 3:00 AM. Winds went from nil to 26 kts. in an instant. Some rain but not much. Finally we feel vindicated for moving out of Marsh Harbor. The wind in the harbor is still holding about 20 kts. in late morning. It is supposed to increase later today.
Went to lunch at the Hopetown Harbor Lodge outdoor patio with the Kaisers. Fortunately, the patio is on the east side of the lodge and down a hill so we were sheltered from the wind.
It continues to blow. Last night Faye noticed a new noise on the boat. I got up and found the Bahamian Courtesey Flag on the deck.
Left in the morning. There is a little sliver of line and a knot jammed in the block for the flag halyard. I told Faye I would arm wrestle her to see who got hoisted up the mast to fix this problem. Fortunately, I was able to put some duct tape on the boat hook and stick it to the old line and pull it down. MacGyver strikes again.
Looking like a Saturday or Sunday crossing.
Surprise, we are still in Hopetown. But, the wind is slacking some. Now we need time for the ocean to lay down. One ocean report we received earlier in the week forecast 16 to 24 foot waves. Not my cup of tea.
Had drinks and dinner on Nike with Ken and Mita. I did not get a picture of this group and will have to make due with this picture on the left. That is Pirate on the left and Ken, with his head cut off, on the right.
Pirate came aboard three years ago at Carter Cay. Ken and Mita were anchored and Pirate as an emasiated puppy swam out to the boat. They saved him and have not been able to shake him since.
If we could find a way to make gasoline out of black dog hair, Pirate could solve the energy crisis by himself.
Finally we are leaving Hopetown. The fleet, Incommunigato, Valentine, and Stardust from Hopetown moved down to Tahiti Beach.
Got together with the fleet at the Sea Spray Resort for lunch. This is a nice place and on the approved list.
I am not in the picture but behind the camera.
Back to the boats for a peaceful evening.
Up early and moved to Lynyard Cay. I nosed up to Stardust and Harvey and Nancy boarded for a trip to Pete's Pub. Stardust does not do Little Harbor except at high tide. We met Karl and Susan there for lunch.
I would be remiss if I did not report on a revolting development. All agree that the Blasters at Pete's have lost some zing. Don't know what is going on there.
Lots of boats coming through the Little Harbor passage. A good crossing day from Royal Harbor to the Abacos.
Left a bonus picture from tomorrow. Development on Royal Island just west of the harbor.
Finally the crossing to Royal Island. Not a bad day but not as good as the forecast either. Trolled all the way without a nibble.
We were concerned about the anchorage at Royal Harbor. Rumors that the harbor would be closed. That was not the case but the western end of the anchorage featured several bouys that noted a danger zone. Looked like they wanted you away from shore.
But, that was not the case. They were trying to mark a channel up to the construction site. When the guy on the left showed up he had to thread his way through the anchored boats. Pay attention if you are headed to Royal Harbor.
We headed out to Spanish Wells to do some provisioning and make a couple of phone calls. What a disappointment. Shelves at the Food Fair were not well stocked at all. Most of what we wanted to get was not available.
But, at least we could make a phone call, not. The phone would not take a quarter to make a call to Highbourne Cay Marina. Then Faye tried to call her mother. But, the area code for upstate New York is 315. The 1 key on the phone was broken. So, no food, no phone. At least we got ice.
Left, a tree arrives at Royal Harbor. The landscaping goes on.
Today was a two bag day.
Up early and off to Current Cut. We timed it right and went through the cut at a brisk 9 kts.
Out the other side and the weather was not the forecast light and variable. It was of course on the nose as we headed for the Exumas.
Soon we had a fish on. He is in the bag on the right in the photo and provided dinner tonight. As we fired back up to continue our trip, a bad noise came from the port motor. I thought it was the fish in the bucket but when I engaged the motor again, it was clear that something was wrong. What was wrong was the bag on the left in the photo. Must have been 7 feet long. We could not get it off the prop with the boat hook or other tools and I finally had to go under the boat to unwrap it from the prop.
On to Ship Channel Cay, a bad choice of anchorages in the wind that came up. Bumpy night after our fish dinner.
We called Highbourne early to see if we could get our slip before the normal check out time. Sure enough it was okay and we got out of the ocean with the NW wind that made anchorages along the coast uncomfortable. Shades of last year.
Along the docks at Highbourne are beggers. Faye fed one and then all of his cousins showed up. Nancy did the same thing. Left is a picture from Stardust during happy hour with the entire family looking for a hand out. At one time we had 18 of these guys lined up on the dock next to Incommunigato
We stayed at Highbourne another night. The boat next to us went out and caught a bunch of fish. We went down to the cleaning station to watch the sharks when fish parts went into the water. About 10 Nurse Sharks had been laying about all day under the cleaning station hoping for a handout.
But, the surprise was that 4 Bull Sharks showed up for the free chow. They were clearly at the top of the pecking order and are much faster to the food than the Nurse Sharks. Left, one of the bulls. Unfortunately, the chop on the water distorts him some. I could have avoided that by putting the camera in the case and getting in but I had already had a shower.
Today we left for the Exuma Cay Land Sea Park, one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Our departure was delayed slightly by a tanker pullin into the fuel dock. I planned to top off the tanks before departure but had to settle for two five gallon gas cans. Once the tanker starts to pump, you cannot buy gas. What a goat rope to even get the two cans.
Of course they was more than the forecast wind on the way to the park. I had hopeed to sail the whole way but wound up motor sailing with the jib most of the way. Of course the last 5 miles was into the 20+ kt wind and 3 foot chop. Groan.
All that wind did not discourage this boat on the left. Avery distinctive sail boat.
We stayed at the park today and did the walk up to Boo Boo Hill. Found some markers left by boats we have met.
As usual, the park hosted a get together on the beach at 5:30 and we met more cruisers. One from Ft. Lauderdale lives quite close to our friends where we were holed up this year.
On the left, Incommunigato on the mooring.
We stayed at the north mooring field in the park today and snorkled the reef next to the mooring field at slack tide.
The rock with many lobsters on it was still there. We saw something I have not see before. Two rather large lobsters got in a dust up over the hole they were in. Both came out and duked it out over the sand. See the photo on the left. Could this have something to do with the mating season? Anyone have a clue.
The whole thing reminded me of a video I saw on the Discovery Channel with two beattles battling.
We went to the Cambridge Cay mooring field in the park today. I think moorings are a relatively new feature here, used to be an anchorage. We actually entered this anchorage from the inside. Not a big deal for me but Stardust did it also. There was only one other boat in the mooring area. Very nice place.
Left, a photo from Tuesday at Rocky Dundas Cay. This snorkel features two caves in the side of the cay. They were touted as better than Thunderball Gratto. Not so but quite interesting. You can snorkel in and get onto land inside. The caves feature stalagmites and stalagtites as seen in the pictures. I think a couple of these look like aliens.
We stayed at Cambridge today and snorkeled three places in the Park. First was Rocky Dundas, see above. Then back to the boats for lunch and on to the Sea Aquarium. This was a very interesting snorkel. Unfortunately, my camera refused to turn on so no pictures at this site.
But we did see a very nice grouper right at the base of the mooring. Later I noticed a Lion Fish in the same head but alas no camera.
We next visted a site featuring an airplane wreck. I was prepared to be underwhelmed. But, besides the wreck there are a bunch of interesting heads. Again, two lobsters got into a bruhaha and were out on the sand. What's going on here? Of course we could not bother these guys. Interestingly, just as see came up from this dive, the Park Warden payed us a visit.
We were so clever today that we out clevered outselves. The forecast was for calm in the morning and "unsettled" in the afternoon. We left Cambridge Cay early and went out on the sound side to Staniel Cay in two hours. We grabbed a mooring ball from Club Thunderball near the Gratto. We were so close that we were able to swim over to the Grotto for our snorkel.
Cleverly, we went over to the Club Thunderball and payed for two nights on the moorings.
Dinner at the Staniel Cay Yatch Club.
Not a good morning. We were awoken at 5:00 by bad noises from the mooring. The current and wind were in a fight and the ball was under the boat banging into the sides. Tried all sorts of things but it was only solved at 10:00 by a current shift.
The good news was that we sighted 4 goats on shore this morning. Look closely. A small brown goat in front, two white goats, and another dark goat in front ot the rock on the right.
The bad news. After that bad night on the mooring we went into Club Thunderball and asked for a refund on the second night. No good. They were keeping the money.
Did some shopping, fueled up and went to Piggy Beach to anchor for the night.
More goats on the beach this morning but too far away for pictures. Also a couple of pigs.
We left Stardust at Piggy Beach and headed for Little Farmers Cay. This was a tougher day than I anticipated. We did not get enough shelter from the islands and had 2-4 on he nose most of the day.
We took a mooring at Little Farmers and hailed the Ocean Cabin. We asked for a dinner reservation and there was a pause, Then Terry, the owner, said he could fix us a couple of lobsters. Did we want small, medium or large. We said medium. Sure would not have wanted to meet one of the large ones on a dark reef. The medium was quite big. Unfortunately, it was a rough dinghy ride in and I did not bring the camera.
Picture left is from the Staniel Cay Yacht Club
Little Farmers Yacht Club at Little Famers Cay
Terry at the Ocean Cabin promised us a Conch Fest on Saturday if we stayed. We were not sure what that meant but agreed to stay. He called us and told us two other boats were coming in for the Fest at 6:00.
We had
Conch Fritters
Conch Salad Note to Bill and Gayle, very good
Conch Chowder
Conch I don't know what. Secret recipe
Cracked Conch
After dinner Terry brought out a bottle of Nassua Royale liquor and showed us how to lick flaming off of your finger.
You should experience the Ocean Cabin if you get to this area.
One of the boats that joined us was "Queequeg". More trivia. What is this? Use your noodle and not your Google.
We left early this morning and headed back north with a following wind, finally. Weren't sure how far we were going. We stopped with Stardust off of Normans Cay.
We visited the Normans Cay Beach Club, formally McDuffs, for dinner. A very nice spot.
Another day with following winds brought us back to Highbourne Cay for gas, water and ice. Then we went out for a snorkel on Highbourne Rocks. For 4 years I have stalked a grouper here. Saw him again this year. Grouper 4, Denny 0.
From there we went up to Ship Channel Cay to anchor and stage for the crossing to Royal Harbor and Eleuthera early in the morning.
While we were snorkeling, this sailing mega yacht came in and anchored near us outside of HIghbourne. Had to be 100 feet. It had a garage in the stern that opened out and formed a swim platform.
We continued on in a liesurely manner to Current Cut. Oh
yes, I had computed the time of the current change
correctly but got the direction wrong. We were able to
make a stately 1.2 kts through the cut.
Anchored at Royal Harbor for the night.
For 4 years I have wanted to dive the heads we see on the path from Ship Channel Cay to Current Cut. This appeared to be the right day finally. We got off early and I computed that I did not want to be at the cut before 5:30 to get the current right.
Not a breath of air. It was like a glass bottom boat ride most of the way. On the way south, I had noted some heads in only 10 to 12 feet of water and decided that is where I wanted to snorkel on the way back. We passed several early heads and could see trigger fish on every one of them. Oh boy.
We anchored next to a big round head with a school of about 7 triggers circling it. Just as I got ready to enter the water, a shark came storming in, grabbed 2 or 3 triggers and left as quickly as it came in. I made the dive but the triggers were spooked, Go figure. No fish for Denny but an interesting dive.
That is me snorkeling, top of the picture, on the reef after Mr. Shark left. This reef picture is taken from the boat. Barely a ripple.
We explored a couple of other spots in the area but discovered they were mostly grass. Oops. Made one more dive on a small reef where Faye had seen a black grouper from the boat. I never found him. Did see another Lion Fish but in a hole where I could not get a picture. I did find a snapper in a hole but could not get a good shot. Just then a shark came in at high speed. Faye was screaming from the boat. He came in fast but then pulled up. I got out. Don't know the species but it was not a Nurse and I don't think a Bull.
We took a lay day in Royal Harbor and did some tasks on the boat. In retrospect, this was the day to make the crossing. But, we were tired from the last three days and did have some tasks to do. Forecast for both days was seas of 3 feet in the Atlantic.
While I was busy not shooting fish between Ship Channel and Current Cut, Harvey used the Fleming Channel to make the trip and fortunately a Margate agreed to come aboard for dinner. That's the chefs getting ready to fry him up.
The forecast for today was south east wind and 3 foot seas. We left Royal Harbor early and the first hour after we cleared Egg Island was great. I had the reacher sail out and we averaged over 7 kts for the first hour. Then the wind died down and we slowed down. Finally about 2 hours out of Little Harbor we turned on a motor and motor sailed the rest of the way. Spent the night at Lynyard Cay.
Left, Stardust on the passage.
Up early and were able to sail most of the way to Marsh Harbor. We anchored near Stardust just off of the Marsh Harbor Marina. Good holding and some protection from the prevailing winds. Nothing could go wrong in this spot.
Wrong, Wrong, Wrong. About 15 minutes after we dropped the anchor, here comes a Southsail charter. Just before he passed by us, he took a hard right and with Faye shouting that there was an anchor line in front of us (go figure). Their keel caught on the anchor line and then the 20 kt wind pushed them right into me. My reacher pole was headed for their window but somehow stopped about an inch from it. I did not notice what happened to their boat as I was watching mine but I am told we took out a couple of stanchions.
I later discovered damage to the pin that holds my reacher pole in place. Need to contact Sunsail about that sometime.
We quickly tired of Marsh Harbor and headed over to Hope Town a little after noon. Got a mooring near Capt. Jacks. Very convenient to Capt. Jacks and the grocery store. Yea Right.
Left, Harvey and the Harvettes perform on the beach at the Hope Town Harbor Lodge. This preceded a walk south past On Da Beach. Didn't happen this day but I needed a picture.
We followed the walk with lunch at the Edge. All and all not a bad day.
We continued our stay in Hope Town as the wind continues from the SW. No big adventure today.
On the left, a picture from Nippers a week later. What is going on here? A denim coverup on the bottom of the suit but what is going on with the top, or more accurately, the lack there of.
It was a disappointment, but the top was on and appearently held on with double side tape or crazy glue. I did not enquire.
They are painting the Lighthouse in Hope Town. Left is the crew at work. Look closely to see four workers on the light house.
There was a question on the Cruisers Net about how they were doing it and I gave a report. Then, later I sent this picture to Patti Toler. She came back with a request to use the picture in an article for Southern Boating. So, check the August issue of Southern Boating for her column and possibly this picture.
We are still on a mooring ball in Hope Town. Unfortunately, Capt. Jacks had a DJ tonight at 126 decibels. And I thought Wednesday was trivia night at Capt. Jacks. We decided we are going somewhere tomorrow even if it is wrong.
We anchored off of Tahiti Beach and I visited Eddie and Pattie Davis at Summerview on Lubbers Quarters.
We sailed to Orchid Bay Marina on Great Guana Cay. I had never stayed here before but they were running a special till May 19, dollar a foot, and we needed a place to hide out from the SW wind. Fishers Bay my normal mooring spot on Guana is no fun in a SW wind.
Well, what a great deal. We were welcomed with a certificate for an order of conch fritters and news that the marina was hosting a get together featuring free food, free drinks and "door prizes." Talk about a cruisers delight.
We walked up to Nippers and met the crew from Rainbow chaser. In the back row from left to right, John and Nancy Fox, Jackson on Jacki's lap, Jacki and Jack Leahy. That's Faye facing the group.
Surf was rolling in at Nippers. I've never seen it like that before. No pictures that did it justice.
From Nippers off to the party at Orchid Bay. Finger food, run punch, and we picked up a tee shirt and hat from the door prize table. This was definitely a case of the first night was free. Did I mention they have nice showers.
The weather is still kicking up from the SW so we plan to stay here through the pig roast on Sunday.
Rainbow Chaser headed out to Marsh Harbor this morning to take John and Nancy to the airport.
The sport fish next to us went out briefly yesterday and returned with a guy wearing a neck brace, sling, and splint. We wondered what happened. Discovered later that he had a golf cart accident late Friday night and was pinned under the cart for 2 hours before he was discovered.
We hit Nippers and Grabbers and met some folks from Merrit Island and Cape Canaveral.
Left, me with the manager of the Orchid Bay Marina. His name is Tag-a-long. He is six months old and weighs in at 160 pounds.
I probably failed to mention that Harvey's sister and 15 to 20 friends rented a couple of cabins on Man-O-War Cay. They came down for the pig roast at Nippers on Sunday. Among the vistors was Harvey's niece, Katie and Gus William's son, Sean. Gus is here on Floridian. Another MYC boat in the area.
Well, everyone in the group and 3/4 of the eastern seaboard knew that Sean was going to propose on the beach. Only one who did not know was Katie. What a hoot. Left is the engaged couple on the deck at Nippers.
Well, the dollar a foot deal expired this morning and we left the dock for a mooring in the Community Harbor here at Great Guana Cay.
As we were leaving, a barber shop opened on the boat in the next slip. Note the barber chair mounted aft in the boat. I always wondered what those chairs were in the back of those boats.
The barber is Chris from the MV Leap of Faith. If you have been around the Abacos, you have heard Bob and Chris on Leap of Faith on the radio. Chris also does sea glass jewlery.
We stayed on the mooring ball in the Community Harbor. In this wind there are some waves coming in but the ball we are on is resonably protected.
Went up to have lunch and snorkel off the beach in front of Nippers. Not really a great dive. I think I am getting jaded.
After the snorkel, lightning struck again. Guess I can't say it struck twice in the same place. The first time it was at Pete's Pub. Yes, the Hooters Girls showed up for a photo shoot. Sorry, no pictures this time. Faye would have killed me.
Left, dinghies practice in the Community Harbor. Guana Cay is doing sailing lessons.
We sailed down to Man-O-War Cay today and took a mooring in the southeastern harbor.
For dinner we went to the cabin that Harvey's sister and friends rented. They had engaged the chef from the Dock and Dine to provide the entrees for the dinner. The mahi and his vegees were to die for. I think if you are in the area a stop at the Dock and Dine would be a good stop.
I did not take any pictures of course. Duh
Left, from tomorrow a yellow tail at the Fowl Cay Reef
We joined 10 of the folks from the cabin on Man-O-War for a snorkel on Fowl Cay in the morning. Still a bit rough out on the reef.
Left, Faye heads back to the rental boat after the dive as others in the background return to their boat.
Early afternoon we left Man-O-War and went down to anchor off of Tahiti Beach. The wind has calmed down enough to anchor out now.
I had a plan for today. You know it ain't gonna happen. The forecast is for low winds from the SE. I wanted to get out and fish but thought first I would do a little cleaning on the hull. Faye and I were both in the water when we heard the first thunder. We quickly exited the water. Too late now to get out and fish. I need good conditions to get out of Tilloo Cut and visiblity was low in the storm.
Things calmed down later and we were able to dinghy over and visited Eddie and Patti Davis at the Summerview cottage for a couple of hours.
We were going to head to Guana today but could not raise Leap of Faith to verify we had a mooring. So, we bailed out to Hope Town. First thing we noticed was the lighthouse. You may recall on our last visit here the lighthouse was being repainted. Those painters are apparently not on Island Time. Sure looks better.
Our decision to leave anchor and stay on a mooring is looking good tonight. A monster rain, wind, and lightening storm came through. One bolt had that bad situation where the sound got here before the light. Fortunately, nothing seems to be damaged.
What is this picture? Well, it is my house as seen by my neighbor Will on Sunday morning. I got an e-mail from Will at 7:00 AM noting that a for sale sign had appeared in my lawn over night. He wanted to know if it was for real. I quickly e-mailed back that it was not for sale unless they had a cash buyer for 2 mil or more. Will took this picture before he removed the sign.
We are staying on a mooring in Hope Town for a couple more days as the forecast is rough.
New Wi-Fi signal here and as an Indianapolis native I was able to stream the Indy 500 to the boat. 90% of the time I had good audio and video. Nice race.
We have been awaiting the arrival of three boats from Melbourne, Miss Too, Two Can, and Maverick. Bob and Karen Sowden on Miss Too planned to have their anniversary dinner at the Abaco Inn on Elbow Cay. They were wed there last year on May 29. See the pictures.
We finally made contact toda via a relay on UHF. The fleet is in Green Turtle Cay. Maverick had a cooling problem which they are investigating. Meanwhile, the Whale Cay Passage between here and Green Turtle Cay is deemed not so good right now. What to do about the anniversary dinner?
Left is a bonus picture from June 1. A turtle sleeping under a small head out on the Little Bahama Bank.
The weather forecast for the Whale Cay Passage remains sketchy. Again talked to Bob on Miss Too and told him it looked like they either had to have the anniversary dinner in the wrong place or on the wrong day. He went for the wrong place and we agreed to try to get to Green Turtle on Wednesday for their dinner at the New Plymouth Inn.
One of many good things about Incommunigato. Not too much draft. That means we can take a short cut to Green Turtle Cay over a spot called Don't Rock. Not too much water there but we can stay inside and not deal with the ocean in the Whale Cay Passage. This turned out to be a piece of cake today. We got the tide timed right and I never saw less than 6 feet in the Don't Rock channel as we went through.
As advertised, the anniversary dinner happened on Green Turtle Cay. A good crowd showed up at the New Plymouth Inn. This is really a nice place and I think up for sale. Any takers?
Friday afternoon found us at Pineapples Bar and Grill.
Left, Harvey gets a smooch from Jackson the wonder dog.
Time to leave Green Turtle.
Left, the anniversary couple on Miss Too head out to the south along with Maverick and Two-Can.
Stardust and Incommunigato headed north for the anchorage at Great Sale Cay.
Faye and I left Great Sale early and headed for one of my favorite dive sites out on the banks. Finally got a picture of the elusive, but ubiquitous, Lion Fish.
Also managed to take aboard some fish for dinner.
Meanwhile, Harvey and Nancey on Stardust waited till later and then met us just as we left the banks for Florida.
A few miles off the banks we saw a fimiliar glow on the horizon. Gee, there should not be a city out there. No, same as last year, the Disney Magic. Harvey got them on the radio and assured us that they had us on Radar and we would miss by at least a mile. We did miss but I swear we were closer than a mile.
We are back in Melbourne at the yacht club dock.
Left is a picture of a peculiar cloud we saw yesterday afternoon as we came off the banks. It looks like the old "Mushroom Shaped Cloud" but without the stem.
Below, a picture taken by Denny and Diane of Jus Dreaming as we made the passage from Eleuthera to Little Harbor. The boat is moving really well with the reacher pulling nicely.
Bye till next year.
Denny and Faye.
