Slow Time in the Bahamas

The weather has not been kind to us. We sat for a week in Marsh Harbor due to frequent thunder storms, although in retrospect we could have moved on on several occasions. We missed going over to Nippers on Guana Cay to see the Barefoot Man concert which is a highlight of this time of year. We did however have a good time renewing our friendship with the Gillen's on their boat Long Run, and getting to know the Farrells on First Light. We enjoyed several good meals in Marsh at Mangoes and Curlytails.

Finally on the 27th we moved to Hope Town on Elbow Cay where we picked up a mooring. this is one of the most picturesque harbors in the islands with its candy stripe light house built in the early 1800s. We toured the town. Vernon's Grocery store is famous for its philosophical sayings posted all over the store. A few are shown in the picture. My favorite was "If at first you don't succeed, you probably shouldn't take up skydiving." The next day we took the dinghy over to Man-O-War Cay. This Cay is inhabited mostly by white Bahamians and is famous for boat building. It is very clean and neat, but dry in the sense that no alcohol is served. With the wind and seas up it was a sporty dinghy ride over and Debby threatened to take the Ferry back, but in the end she rode back with me without incident. I had The Best hamburger at Dock and Dine.

On the 28th we came down to Little Harbor and Pete's Pub. We were caught off guard as we made the passage between some islands exposed to the ocean. Liquor bottles ended up on the floor as did lamps, books, magazines and a blender. Debby was not a happy camper. However, this is our favorite spot in the Abacos. Pete is having an end of season party today which is supposedly one of the best events of the summer, so we are looking forward to it.

I will have pictures and more on Little Harbor after the party is over and I sober up.

Bahamas Bound in our New Home

After several hectic weeks moving on to the boat and making some last minute repairs and modifications we finally departed for West End, Grand Bahama on July 8, 2009. The Gulf Stream crossing was smooth and uneventful, and our brief stay at Old Bahama Bay resort at West End was pleasant. The next day we moved on to Great Sale Cay where we anchored for the evening. We are working our way through the Abaco chain of islands first.

Enroute to Allans-Pensecola Cay on the 10th we responded to a "May Day" call from a 42' Sport Fisher "Timberfish" taking on water. They were about 2 miles north of us between Carters Cay and Paw Paw rocks. Due to shallow water we could not go directly to them without a long diversion so we ancohored and launched the dinghy. By the time we reached them they had slowed the leak to the point that their bilge pumps were overcoming the inward flow of water. They had hit a rock or coral head at speed. Bent the shaft, pulled the gear box away from the engine and created a big hole where the shaft goes thru the hull. ( A week later I saw the boat out of the water in Green Turtle-what a mess!). They had things under control and a tow boat enroute so we continued on our way.

We spent 3 days anchored at Allans-Pensecola which is a deserted island with several other beautiful cays nearby. The pictures above show a beach we visited on Umbrella Cay. On the 11th we were joined in the achorage by Ole Parker and Vanessa aboard Mackenzie E from LYC.

Unfortunately, Debby fell on our stairs and cracked several ribs, so for over a week she was in considerable pain.

We continued our journey on the 13th traveling to White sound on Green Turtle Cay. We stayed at Green Turtle for 4 nights visiting the historic town of New Plymouth several times including a trip and dinner at the famous Miss Emily's Blue Bee Bar. In "its a small world department" staying at our marina was Charlie on Venture 2. Twice in the past on different trips to the Exumas we have run into Charlie, a former pilot with Fine Air and a true character.

On the 17th we moved on down to Baker's Bay at the north end of Guana Cay. The Jim Moran fleet of boats was anchored there also including a 175' mothership, a 58' sport fisher, a 60' express cruiser and a 36' sport fisher. Each boat is named Gallant Lady. I don't know how they keep them straight. With the wind out of the SW it was uncomfortable there so we went to Fishers Bay off Guana on the 18th. There we were joined by Mackenzie E and Malcolm and Penny Farrel's First Light also of the LYC.

The pictures of the girls at the pool are after the "frozen T shirt" contest at Grabbers the local beach bar. Vanessa from Mackenzie E, in the green T shirt won. In a frozen T shirt contest the contestants start with a folded T shirt that has been dipped in a pool then frozen solid. The first person to warm the shirt sufficiently to get it on wins. They can warm it any way possible on their body. All good fun.

On the 20th we along with First Light headed on down to Harborview Marina in Marsh Harbor in anticipation of several days of bad weather. Dave and Kathy Gillen's Long Run is here also. They are members of LYC but keep their boat here full time. Kathy is here now and Dave is commuting on weekends.

Home Again

We ended our big adventure on December 5 at 4 PM. We traveled from Vero Beach to North Palm Beach on Dec. 4, spending one last glorious night at anchor with grilled filet mignon. We traveled off shore on the 5th to avoid all the bridges. It was a bit uncomfortable for Debby so we boosted the cruise speed to Hillsborough Inlet.
In all we were gone 111 days of which 51 days were spent underway, and we covered 2357 st. miles. We both wanted to just keep on going, but circumstances would not permit. It was a great trip; hopefully there will be many more like it.

Titusville and Vero Beach

We are in the home stretch. Spent Monday night in Titusville and last night at Vero Beach Yacht Club. We decided to stay here an extra day as we like Vero and the club here. Thursday we will travel to North Palm Beach where we will anchor out for the night then on to Ft. Lauderdale on Friday.

St. Augustine and Daytona Beach, FL

Debby's mother rode with us from Jacksonville Beach to St. Augustine on Nov. 29. We docked at Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor which is a nice facility just north of town. Deb's mom wore her FSU shirt to the bar there to watch the Florida/FSU football game after we arrived. Unfortunately, Florida won the game. Laura and Terrell drove down to pick up Rosemary, but we had a nice meal together before they left.
So, now we are truly on our way home. We spent last evening at Halifax River Yacht Club in Daytona Beach. Enjoyed a few drinks with several of the members in their new club house. Every Sunday afternoon they have live entertainment at the bar. Very friendly people.

Thanksgiving Holiday. Ponte Vedra, FL

We arrived at Jacksonville Beach, FL on Nov. 23 staying at Palm Cove Marina. We rented a car for the week, and spent our time visiting Debby's family (mother, sister, brother-in-law, nephew) as well as restocking our supplies for the remainder of the trip.
I forgot to mention in the entry on St Marys that when we docked there and plugged in to their shore power a voltage spike blew out our convection/microwave oven. We tried to get it fixed in JAX without success, nor could we find a suitable replacement. So we will spend the remainder of the trip dependent on stove top and grilled food. This is the only equipment failure we have had so far. It also blew out the AC power supply to our refridgerator, but we can run it on the DC system.
Friends of Debby's sister had all of us over for Thanksgiving along with other neighbors for a group of 12. It was truly a feast. We ended the evening with an old fashioned sing-a-long accompanied by a player piano. Debby's mom has a great voice.
Friday night was another happy time spent at the private Beach Club at Saw Grass. Far too much to drink, but a great meal and good band.

Jekyl Island, GA; St Marys, GA; Fernandina, FL

We traveled from Crescent River to Jekyl Island on the 20th then on to St Marys on the 21st. The weather has been cool, but sunny during the day and cold at night. We had driven to St Marys several years ago to explore with Pat and Brian. It is only a few miles up the St Marys River from Cumberland Sound. The river itself marks the boundary with Florida. We were fortunate to be at Lang's Marina restaurant for all you can eat shrimp night.
Yesterday we came on to Fernandina, FL which is only about 7 miles from St Marys. So, we are now back in Florida. Found a terrific spot for lunch at a place called 29 South. We will move on to Jax Beach tomorrow where we will stay until after Thanksgiving. Expect to be back in Ft Lauderdale around the 4th of December.