May 8, 2008 (Thursday) to Pittsburgh

Started off good – took the Sheraton’s free shuttle to the airport early & got checked in.  Airport a tad too tight with their liquid thing, but didn’t lose anything to them this time.  Made the mistake of admitting I had shampoo etc., captain didn’t & they didn’t bother with him then.  Was thinking of doing the same, but don’t know too many women who don’t travel with something.   Only airport I’ve been in that insists you take them out of your carryon and place them separate etc…  Oh well, that took a while, but early anyway.  Originally 5 seats open on the New Bern to Charlotte flight, just hope to get on it.  Went well, got on the flight and off to Charlotte to catch the 9:45 to Pgh.  Got to Charlotte, but 9:45, which had 7 seats open sold out.  After 4 attempts to get on flights that were “sure” deals earlier, 3 pm and going completely nuts.  Had seen a sign for Akron & thought that may be an idea, maybe change to there or Cleveland or just somewhere close enough to drive from.  With the help from Nancy in CA, found that Akron maybe only choice, would wait to see if we could get on the 2:55 (which we didn’t) then decide.  Three more flights to Pgh 2 overbooked and the one in-between had 8 seats left, but with over 25 standbys still waiting and an overbooked flight before, didn’t look good.  US Air special services were super helpful, went through all scenarios we could try and came up with the same – Akron is the best bet.  Agent switched the flights and said we would get on even though flight had 3 seats open with 3 standbys waiting – but, said passenger on another connecting flight w/b too close to make it & counted on a no show also.  Well if not 8pm to Akron had 20 seats open, would hate to wait until then but, at least we would finally be out of Charlotte.  Worst of the whole deal was toting bags across the airport.  Not set up like Pgh, no wouldn’t be that lucky, each flight was at the complete other end of the airport   (finally got a cart which would guarantee us getting on the flight too), so all day was back & forth lugging the bags.  Since stand by, couldn’t really check bags not knowing if we would make the flights etc.  Finally, went over and waited for the 3:59 Akron/Canton flight – couldn’t believe when they actually called our names…. Yippee – finally out of this airport – don’t have to do Ground Hog day again tomorrow…  Now sitting on the plane, just waiting for them to come pull one of us off – only good part – one other standby got on after, so they w/b first to go – hopefully…. Only took an hour to get to Akron/Canton, hurried off the plane down to the rental car spots – only saw Budget & Enterprise.  Enterprise w/b good since they have a location in the South Hills where we could return the car.  Couldn’t believe when they said NO cars… Oh my, never thought of that, sHIET, so over to Budget – no cars either but, do have mini-vans, but not one way – would have to bring it back to Akron/Canton.  Well the thought of returning the car there really didn’t bother me – it was the thought of driving a mini-van that I couldn’t get over.  Almost as bad as the PT Cruiser (sorry for whoever owns one) we got stuck with in Napa – Capt’n loved it – I hated it…  Couldn’t believe my luck – asked if any other rental car places around & she just pointed further down.  Wow – didn’t see them before – c/b the blonde…  Still remember my aunt from the country asking me if I wasn’t afraid that the bleach would seep into my brain from the frosting?  Couldn’t believe she said that, but that’s country for you – only problem is – sometimes I think she might have been right!  Oh well, there they were all of these nice little rental car stands.  Avis had a big sign – we have cars – so just stopped there.  Got a nice little tiny car, one way to Pittsburgh and we were off.  Capt’n tired so I said I would drive, even though up since 4am, still so fired up from the day figured it would work best that way.  Well in-between Akron & Canton, couldn’t find 76 on their tiny map, wanted 76 to 80, but couldn’t tell if we s/b going north or south.  Only thing that looked familiar was 30, so south on 77 to 30 and ended up staying on that all the way to 60 in Pittsburgh & ironically coming out onto 60 right before the AIRPORT!  Capt’n did eventually locate 76, but way to far to go back by then…  Still made it in 2 hours so wasn’t bad.  Oh well – this w/b it until back on WS….  Back in a week or so (hopefully…)

 

May 7, 2008 (Wednesday) New Bern

Got a ton done in the morning and anxious to get WS over to the marina so I could start on the laundry and the freezer.  Didn’t want to hit the next train through but, had to wait for the marina to open at 8:30.  Gave them a break and called over at 9am.  Hauled anchored and WS was in her slip in under 10 minutes.  Right after going threw the bridge, heard the bells – just made it – bridge closed for the next train.  Got WS tied up nicely, people were there to met us & grab the lines – always helpful with a sailboat that doesn’t maneuver that well.  Couldn’t wait to get the electric plugged in and start defrosting the fridge.  Over 8” of ice built up on the bottom & finally Blackbeard has agreed that we can defrost it.  Can’t even fit anything in anymore, have to lay it on its side up against the cold plate to freeze it and sometimes doesn’t work.   Took over 2 hours & tons of boiling water to break down the ice.  At the same time, ran the laundry up to the “machine”.  Had to wait for someone that decided to just leave the laundry sit in there.  Sign said “not” to leave laundry unattended & if so, remove it & put it in the basket underneath the table.  Well went to grab the basket, but was a floor cleaning bucket with a mop in it – humm, thought about it for a while, but no – better not.  So waited & waited, then finally took it out of the washer and set it on top the dryer.  Then the overly inconsiderate lady came in, told her I removed them since I had been waiting a half hour – by that time my first load was done and ask her if she was done with the dryer, knowing she still had the load on top.  She did apologize and took the laundry out of the dryer, which wasn’t even dry since she never checked it.  So now, I had to leave my stuff sit while the dufus finished her second load in the dryer.  Was trying to be friendly and nice, but know she knew I wasn’t too pleased.  Did ask how long, said she put 45 minutes in, okay w/b back then.  Went back to finish the freezer etc.  took forever, but is so wonderful to get rid of all that ice.  Very inefficient when it was frozen against the cold plate, actually worse for the freezer section even though seems like it s/b better.  So 50 minutes later and back to the laundry only to find out the Mrs. Dufus left it sit again.  Waited for 15 minutes, took a walk came back etc., still not there.  Finally, took the crap out of the dryer & put my stuff in.  So gross, clothes were gross even though clean, just disgusting to touch, but ticked enough by this time.  Well, now my clothes are drying put them in for 60 minutes & can bet I will be back in 55 to get them.  Of course, passed Mrs. Dufus who smiled and asked me if her stuff was dry, smiled and said yes – I took it out for you and threw it in the garbage – BITCH – just kidding – but, did tell her I took it out and put it on the table for her.    So got the boat ready to leave, while doing that Capt’n found more laundry – huh – thanks thought I was done.  Oh well – back to the laundry for one more load.  Decided to eat at the tiki bar (just keeps calling) rather than deal with the pots & pans and cleaning up before leaving.  Was super windy, another cold front moving in – but will miss it.  Little chilly but food was great.  Then back to the boat.  Did check on the shuttle – free and will take us whenever we need to go – cool! 

 

May 6, 2008 (Tuesday)  New Bern

 

Decided to go into town and check out some of the historical parts.  Getting ready to go when some dufus in a power boat screamed past WS is rocked her pretty good.  He was headed for the railroad swing bridge right behind WS and, to my enjoyment they closed it before he could get through.  Train was coming, but found out it takes forever.  The train actually comes from the bridge on the Neuse River, rolls directly through town, and then hits the swing bridge over the Trent River where WS was anchored.  Heading into town shortly, so couldn’t decide to get in the dink or not.  Couldn’t see the train, so decided to try it.  Just didn’t trust the Capt’n – said he wanted to go under even if the train was on the bridge – uh – don’t think so….  So motored up past the dufus, then under the bridge & to the other side before the train started across.  Couldn’t help laughing as we passed the powerboat (dufus) & should have waved as we went under the bridge while he sat there.  Tiny power boat, but had to duck under the bridge in the dinghy, so not much else could fit under there (which is why there was not way in @#$$ I was going under there with the train going over top – sometimes I wonder!!!).  Walked down the waterfront - stopped at Tyron Palace – didn’t do the tour but, watched a pretty good short clip that was free.  Then walked ALL around town.  Stopped for lunch at Capt’n Ratty’s – top floor is outside & over looks the Harbour, was pretty nice.  Just got a shrimp wrap and water – debated for the longest time on a nice cold beer, but shoot only noon & still want to walk around more.  Didn’t help when 2 tables of “younger” people sat down and started ordering all sorts of drinks…  Oh well, the food and water were excellent.  Just walked around all day, until finally very tired & headed back to the marina.  Had stopped earlier to find out where we w/b at & looked nice and an easy slip to get into.  Marina is half full & found out later they had jacked up their prices last fall & everyone left.  Now prices are still higher, but trying to get people back with special deals, like the week long deal for WS’s stay.  Had to check out their showers too and they are pretty nice – can’t wait! So back to the boat – nope – that little tiki bar just looked way to good to walk past to get to Rats…  Mid 80’s with a cool breeze and a good place to stop for a beer.  Don’t know what happened to my first beer, swear Capt’n drank it (does that sometimes, well m/b more than sometimes but, usually catch him), but really think it just tasted so good it just might have been me who drank it in 1 minute.  Well better get a stronger one then, will drink it slower – those Mlites go down way too good on a hot day…Well back to the boat to get Rats up on board and get ready to move WS to the marina tomorrow.

May 5, 2008 (Monday) Beaufort, NC to New Bern

Much to Susan’s dismay – had decided to haul anchor at 7am to ride the current up as far as possible.  Would be back in the ICW again, so no matter what – motoring.  Nice current would save fuel and would be able to make much better time.  So up came the anchors & followed SD out & up through the ICW.  Got to Adams Creek Canal and was pretty nasty.  Had been raining off and on when we left, but now could see lightning & thundering a bit behind WS.  Pretty much didn’t get creamed with any real bat weather, but cold, damp and miserable.  Followed Adams Creek to the Neuse River and headed up for New Bern.  SD stopped short and went to anchor in a small cove that was pretty shallow.  Had just started raining again too, but looked so much brighter to the West – so kept with the original plan to head to New Bern.   Got to New Bern around 1pm, sailed a little bit on the Neuse River, but not much.  Working on the one drawbridge so it was permanently open, then the next one – the railroad swing bridge which as open also.   Shallow in most areas, but got WS anchored nicely in 9’.  Had called a couple marinas on the way up and found a great weekly price at the Sheraton Hotel & Marina.  Daily transient was a lot higher, but weekly was great and a nice place to leave WS.  Finally went into the marina & found a spot to tie up Rats, right behind a police boat.  So crawled out of rats (literally) onto the floating docks.  Normally not a problem, but really hate that with a waterfront restaurant right up above & people watching…  Took a walk around, then down to town and tried to find a store to buy some stuff.    Could only find a BP, but was a really well stocked store with it even though it was small.  Managed to get the essentials first – had a black box Cab for 16.99, wow – bought the two they had and will have to check back when I get back from Pgh to see if they restocked…  Walked a bit more through town, then stopped for a beer at nice local restaurant called The Chelsea, then back to the boat.  But – as usual, not so fast – that outside little hut at the hotel, overlooking the marina just kept calling.  Pretty soon, seated at the tiki hut for a couple more Yuenglings….  Okay, now back to the boat…

 

May 4, 2008 (Sunday) Beaufort, NC

Got a late start, but was nice.  Didn’t sleep in, but didn’t get up until 7am.  Was nice not to have anything to do for a change.  Picked up SD with Mickey and just took a long walk.  Then Capt’n & Paul took Mickey back and Susan and I just walked around.   Found a great place for dinner, everyone hungry (except Capt’n who got a full breakfast on board) so we went for the early bird special.  Full salad bar, shrimp or steak & potato.  Great salad bar & excellent meal all for $9.99, sure beats the Bahamas….  Then took SD back, but went for a dinghy ride with a couple beers.  Ended up finding a walkway on Carrot Island so walked across.  Deserted island, but has wild horses on it – which we had just saw by dinghy before we dropped SD off.  Early night – will get up and head for New Bern in the morning.  SD thinking they may stop short, they have a marina, but not until Tuesday.  I was anxious to get there, so we could see if we could put WS up at a marina & both fly home or check out the anchorage to see if the Capt’n could stay there while I flew home. 

May 3, 2008 (Saturday) Wrightsville Beach to Beaufort, NC

Up at first light and got the hook up around 6am.  Heard from Margaret and SD, both ready to leave also & would be right behind or right in front.  WS ended up going first, heading down towards the inlet followed by two other blue hauled sailboats.  Have been through the inlet once before, know where the one shoal is, but couldn’t see the next channel marker w/o binocs.  Asked Capt’n to look while I steered WS out.  So Capt’n is that a green or a red there.  RED – then that means I go to the right, reverse of RRR (red right returning) when coming back in.  Something didn’t look right – are you sure Capt’n??? Think so – let me see binocs – sure enough was a green – thanks Capt’n – no wonder that tow boat was sitting over there, just waiting for someone to mistake the markers and run aground.  Hurried up and put WS on the right track then, turned the wheel over to the Capt’n – who likes to steer more than look for buoys….obviously – think he does that on purpose sometimes…  So out of the channel and motor sailed again up to Beuafort, NC, nothing very exiting, but a beautiful day on the ocean.   Capt’n still freaking about why the fish is in salt water, so went below and drained it then skinned all the steaks.   Rinsed them in lemon juice, sprinkled them (heavily) with Cajun seasoning & garlic powder.  Got to Beaufort, NC around 4pm, SD had thought m/b anchor near the entrance, but with it being Sunday & beautiful tons of boats zipping by etc.  Followed SD up to Beaufort and into Taylor Creek, which sits between the town of Beaufort and Carrot Island.  Anchored is bombarded with local moorings and doesn’t leave much room to anchor at all.  Boats swing with the current and only face two ways no matter what the wind.  Can’t put out much scope, too tight – needless to say not one of WS’s favorite anchorage spots.   So, followed SD down the waterfront only to come right in-between tiny anchor area & the main part of town during a small wooden sailboat race.  Nice – sure didn’t time that right but, couldn’t turn around, no room just had to weed through it.  Looked like it was just ending too – oh well… Had heard on the VHF about the race but, that was 2 hours ago and thought for sure it w/b over by the time we got there.  Only good part – didn’t say not to go into the Harbour then, just said for mariners to use caution when going through if the race was on.  No kidding – had to dodge a couple of them little guys and avoid rear-ending SD at the same time.  SD kept going down the narrow channel, but WS stopped short – had hoped to anchor in the same spot as last time, but now a mooring there too.  So not having a good time deciding, just hate spots like this.   Finally found a spot that “might” be okay, but with the current would have to drop the hook quick.  So went up to rush and get the anchor down, couldn’t believe it – for the first time I forgot to clear the chain and paid the price.  Chain had fallen on top of itself and wouldn’t come out.  Had to run back, run below, run forward – start tugging on the chain to free it – got about 50’ free – ran back, then up, then forward while Capt’n nicely kept the boat in the same spot – then dropped the hook.  Got set nicely – but not happy, almost in the channel and a boat right to port & don’t know haw we will spin with the current shift.  Just remember that boat in Georgetown, SC where we came within inches of cleared a small moored boat.  So after a lively debate, a call to SD to see what the depth was & if there was any room back there, up came the anchor & WS was headed back.  Well usually not bothered by much, but getting very narrow, now back by SD & can’t find any room, trying to turn WS around, Capt’n yelling about turning around, ticked that we left the other spot & just confused.    So, veered off to go further back, gave the Capt’n the wheel so I could get the anchor ready, Capt’n still screaming where do you want to go, still screaming back I haven’t got an F’n clue!!!!  So calmly (sure…), decided to go in front of a moored boat and behind another but, stay off to the side a bit.  Well that didn’t go as planned, ended up smack in the middle of the two with one in front and one right behind.  Couldn’t have done that if we tried.  Guy on the boat behind us up on deck enjoying the show & once anchored yelled over – what did the Pen’s do.  Seems he was from Pgh & just moved there a couple years ago.  Asked if he thought we were too close, said no – we’ll all spin the same way and it’ll be fine.  Well still ticked that we left that spot mostly because I wasn’t comfortable and embarrassed that I was so freaked about it after, but had to admit this spot was better.  No boats to the side & he was right – being in front and back we would just spin together even though they were both on moorings and WS was not.   Called over to SD to see if they wanted to stop over, but they didn’t like the anchorage and wanted to stay on board, so asked WS to come over.  They were just grilling & could grill whatever we wanted.  Well didn’t want to intrude, knew we were all tired, so just went over with a couple beers, and then got talked into dinner.  So Capt’n went back & got the kingfish to through on the grill.  Have to say it was excellent – nothing like what I remember from the one I couldn’t eat in Tortola… Nice, but early night…

 

Feb 6, 2008 (Wednesday)

So for today - sailed from conception to Calabash, Long Island – nice sail (again – since not beating into it anymore).  Got the boat anchored around 1 pm, then went over to Santa Maria resort for a while.  Really great place – found my “rust” board shorts that I had wanted to buy before, when we dinghied up with Magic up through Joe’s sounds etc. (only $14, better than in the states) and they were still here so that was nice.  Had a couple kaliks & fries then back to the boat.  Made Conch (from the Conch that taste like lobster recipe in the Embarrassment of Mangoes book) & rice etc. for dinner.  Was extremely good & really great way to make it.  Now just wish I had more conch…. Will head to Georgetown in the morning, and hopefully catch up with Tim & Michele.  Got an email from Randy at the Bay and now one has heard from them since Jan 17th when they were supposed to head to the Berries.  Will check out Georgetown for them, then put out the word on the radio to see if anyone’s seen them lately.  Know wifi’s are few and far between (so glad we have them HAM and can at least post our position) – but, a bit worried too.   

Feb 5, 2008 (Tuesday)

Hey, slept in today, got up at 6:15, had to get my weather request files ready & sent before CP & the weather came on at 6:30 am.  Like to get those out then get them back after the CP forecast & before 8am.  After that, until 9 or 10, depending on the day cannot get my favorite stations on the HAM.  So did just that, then the usual – breakfast, then worked out etc. etc., etc.  Lazy day on the boat – wanted to find the dive sites, but could only take the dinghy there.  Not a problem, but if we go that far, might as well check out the cut that is dry at low tide, but runs pretty far inland at high.  Ready to leave around 10/11 am – okay – so when is low tide = 11 am.  Well that bites, Capt’n played with the leaky Dorado vents & I did my best to try to find where “Forbes” was in Georgetown on the charts.  “Need to Know” info on the explorer charts says that is where you can get propane filled – but, couldn’t locate it on the chart for anything.  Oh well, I’m sure when we get back there, w/b 300 or so boats, so someone should know.  On the other 20lb tank, so not a big deal and can connect on of the little ones if we have to….  Okay, left around 1 am & took the dink down island a bit – was a tad wet, but nice & sunny.  Had to go a bit out to miss the really shallow reefs & was quite rolly, so beached the dinghy before the inlet & walked over to the river or whatever… Was pretty cool, but could tell it was still very shallow.  Need to go in on High tide & we were still pretty far from that.  Okay, back to the dinghy & just “had” to ride down to the inlet, just to see if we could get in.  Uh, nope don’t think so – looks like breakers to me & a nice dark brown reef they are breaking on.   Thought we were out of there, then Capt’n says – sure you don’t want to just give it a shot.  NO, don’t think so = now we have 3 foot swells pushing the dinghy toward the reef and inlet and can see waves just crashing on the reef, so = no don’t really think I want to go for it right now.  Okay – now to look for the dive moorings that were supposed to be out here – pretty good swells, so couldn’t see anything.  Even went out to the drop-off and way into the deep blue water, but no moorings to be found.  Supposed to be on the wall, so should have been in-between the turquoise and deep blue water, but nothing that we could see.  Okay, so back up to the boat, but now we are out in the deep blue with good old RATS… Well Rats held her own pretty good and got us back to the nice shallow water, even though she was surfing a good bit along the way.  Checked out a couple more reefs and another beach on the northern end of the island, then beached Rats & walked the entire beach where WS was anchored.  Was a tad longer than I though, probably a couple miles and took a couple hours.  Did stumble on the ruins of a ship in the coral at the far end, looked like the anchor chain and capstan (sp?) it was attached to.  Lots of other metal parts that were literally engraved into the dead reef and rock – pretty odd.  Not easy to get to either – island ended, but could walk on the rocks etc. just to get to there.  Well back to the boat around 4:30 and decided to just make dinner & chill here for the night.  Will haul the dinghy up in the morning and head to Long Cay.  Only 15 miles to Calabash & may anchor there for the night then head to Georgetown the next day.. Can’t believe I am going to say this, but I saw this rust pair of board shorts at Santa Maria resort and could just kick myself for not buying them way back.  Would match my one suit so nicely and were only $12.  So now, want to stop there just to get my board shorts – nice huh – hey, well the weather is right & only a short day hop so might be worth it, then only 22 miles to Georgetown & who’s in a hurry anyway???  Going back to the over organized Georgetown isn’t top on my list, but will be nice to see everyone again and really hoping Tim and Michele are there now, w/b wonderful to see them on the “cat” version of WS.  Oh well, getting late & need to charge the batteries…

Feb 4, 2008 (Monday)

Can’t believe the Giant’s won the superbowl – that’s great.   Got the dinghy on board, had breakfast & waited for the sun to get high enough to spot the reefs… Actually, could have left earlier, but only 20 miles to Conception Island, so why take the chance.  Left around 8:30 and had a great sail up with the good old Monitor doing the steering – very happy to be able to use it now.  Got to the island around 12:30 and anchored to port of the only other monohull sailboat.  Two cats anchored to port of the monohull and a HUGE powerboat anchored pretty far back.  Got out the binoc’s and checked out the sailboats name – HEY  - it’s Far Neunte – great we know them…  Couldn’t have been anchored more than a ½ hour when Jay, Diane & Tinkerbelle stopped at the boat on their way back from the beach.  So nice to see them… spent time in Thompson bay with them just about a month ago, before we headed further south.  Having happy hour on their boat at 5 pm = sounds good!  Didn’t do much else, launched the dink and went to shore and walked over to the “other” side of the island…  Not much over there, but a ton o reefs.  Back to the boat, then over to Far Nuente for Happy hour.  Had a nice time, but w/h been better had I not dropped a 20lb cube of ice into my D&S, which caused a tidal wave and completely soaked my shorts/crouch...  Was just a tad uncomfortable settling like that all night, nice….  Oh well, got back to the boat around 8:30 and just “tried” to finish my D&S, which is pretty rare – only two D&S’s and I was having a problem finishing the second one….

Feb 3, 2008 (Sunday)

Went to bed pretty early & woke up around 3pm.  Had trouble falling back to sleep & never really did.  Winds had shifted to the ESE and the boat was rolling quite a bit (still is right now!).  Very hard to sleep and wasn’t really that tired so got up around 6 am.  No weather this morning to listen to, doesn’t broadcast on Sunday – so just got my weather files together to request from Saildocs.  Breakfast this morning for the Capt’n (as usual) – eggs benedict – but, used up my last package of hollandaise sauce (easy & foolproof(kinda)).  Will probably wait until we get back in the states to buy more.  Pretty difficult on a two burner stove, with heating the muffins (go in a pan, since the stove top toaster takes up a burner), ham, making the hollandaise sauce and the poached eggs to go on top & lets not forget the coffee.  Trying to get it all done at the same time – actually isn’t to, to hard, just a choice of pans & what gets heated first, that can then go on top another pan to stay warm etc., etc…  Coffee stays hot forever, after perking is super hot.  Should know got burnt by the steam again, forgot to turn it around so when I reached over for the eggs the other day, just at the wrong time (hope this is I it – how many times - right!).  This time the burn was pretty bad and immediately peeled the skin back, so actually had it bandaged for a couple days with a Xeroform dressing to keep it moist, and gauze over top to let it heal from within first.  Have tons packages of the burn stuff from years ago when I had 3rd degree burns on my leg – nurses gave it to me to take home so I didn’t have to buy it etc.  Anyway, worked well – looks like crap right now, but healing nicely and feels much better.   Okay – enough of that – Capt’n wants to go snorkeling for lobster – don’t feel like it, windy as all hell and don’t think it’s a real good idea with the waves rolling in.  So okay lets go -  went down about ½ mile onto the reefs below, but big rollers coming in & too risky to leave the dinghy just anchored there & way too choppy for me to snorkel, so just stayed in the dinghy while he went off looking for lobster.  We’ll about a ½  hour or 45 minutes later – no luck – not a single bug down there.  Did see a nice grouper, but Nassau groupers are illegal right now – thinks it may have been a tiger grouper, but wasn’t sure.  Said he saw a nice eagle ray & turtle to – nice – great day for me to have to baby sit Rats.  Ride back was bad – into the wind & was soaked (think if I wanted to get wet would have went in on the reefs hello…), did mention on the way down, that it would be a problem coming back, but didn’t pay any attention.  What I really wanted to mention – that it wasn’t a good idea, because if the dinghy motor quits (which it has numerous times) we are literally screwed – but, didn’t say that, didn’t want to jinx the trip.  Now back on the boat and typing this up before getting ready to go to the superbowl party.  Starts at noon, but think everything really starts around 3 or so, will head up a little while later.  Would be big bucks if you got there at noon & started drinking etc.  plus, way too early for me.   Capt’n still trying to figure out how to get there without getting soaked – I’m just wearing my full set of foul weather gear, makes sense to me.  Trip back will be easy & downwind….  Would actually rather go to this little Ocean view bar/restaurant right near the dinghy dock, but don’t even know if they are open or not today….  Now – later 9 pm & ----- Well went up for the superbowl party that was supposed to start at noon around 3pm – looks like someone changed their mind & took down the sign etc.  Met the two cat people up there – had met them yesterday in town – so that was nice.  They stayed until around 6pm, when we thought the game would start, but no luck.  Ah, forget to mention too – we were talking about the sunsets & mentioned how beautiful yesterdays was (capt’n not interested while at the party).  I had went outside to catch it and was just so unbelievable – couldn’t leave.  SO – to my surprise – I FINALLY, FINALLY saw the green flash!  Way too cool -  and Peggy saw it too from their Cat, so now I knew it was real!  Can’t believe I finally saw it, Capt’n not thrilled he missed it – but, was the most magnificent sunset I’ve ever seen & even thought (as I was watching the sun go down) – if I don’t see it now I never will…  Whoops, anyway – back to the game - not really sure when it started, but the “marina” cat people came up right before kickoff – boy did they time that one right.  Stayed until half time, then back to the boat to try to listen on SSB.  A lot darker tonight and very hard to find the boat without the masthead light on.  Had our smaller light on, but another boat had pulled in with JUST a small light on so was very deceiving.  Good thing for our small solar light – was too early to put the mast head light on – draws a ton of amps.  Would love to get the mast head light that Magic had – comes on at dusk & off at dawn  - LED so uses minimal amps – very bright too, unlike a lot of the LED’s you see.   Anyway, back to the boat around 8:30 pm, threw some “chili” fajitas together (better than nothing) and had a glass of wine while writing this & trying to catch the end of the game.  Hope to head to Conception tomorrow – had some help with the cats on that one & maybe just maybe will get the Capt’n to veer off in that direction and do a dive on one of their moorings….  Can’t wait!!!

Feb 2, 2008 (Saturday)

Took the bikes into Rum Cay around 11:30, rode over to the marina & made plans to have dinner at the local restaurant at 5pm.  All restaurants here are tiny & must let them know ahead of time that you will want to eat there.    She asked what we wanted, don’t have a menu and serving conch or grouper tonight – okay, we would like the conch.   Good then it is set – 2 conch dinners at 5pm.  This rest is called Out of the Blue & according to “Van Sant” won’t find better food & ambiance until you get to Virgin Gorda from here, we’ll see…  Did look like a very nice place and they are having a superbowl party tomorrow – may stay if heading to Conception, but may bypass Conception and just head back to Long Island and try to catch the game at the Santa Maria resort.  Well went into dinner and back now – can honestly admit feeling no pain right now.  Think I am typing at a record one word per minute… this is going to be tough…. Okay – so went in to the rest. For dinner as planned.  Got close and could hear very loud music – okay at least it was good music.   Was around 5pm so went in etc., people partying all around & young girl walked up and said its my birthday & asked how old etc. said 29, name was Jeana & not “local”, but mixed crowd – showed us over to two beer coolers and said drinks are on me… nice.   Just partied with the crowd – met Lori – local lady built like a brick @$#house, tall, slender, beautiful long blonde braids – nice lady – only one problem - very few teeth….    She stopped to talk and make sure we were going to the party tomorrow.  Next talked long time to Lennie – pretty trashed, but married to the cook – so didn’t want to screw that one up.  Then all of a sudden we are sitting there and this HUGE man walks in – must have been close to 7’ with thick braids & slightly torn clothes.  Told the Capt’n (quietly) that I think I had located Susquash – really, I mean really could have passed for big foot, gait & all.  Turned out very nice man, but sure could scare the crap out of anyone, just huge.  Now Sunday – couldn’t finish this last night….  So anyway, took over and hour and a half until we got dinner, nice to have told them ahead of time.  Guess it was the party that threw them off – at least we had free beers, but really wish they would have told us ahead of time what was going on.  Had a nice time, but really just wanted a quiet dinner.  Finally got the meal – we had ordered Conch in the afternoon, but now got Grouper – oh well, looked good and was excellent, but very tiny piece with 4 spears of asparagus &  a huge backed potato.  It was very good, but not worth the $25 that they charged us – a piece – worked out though with the free beers – thanks to Gina.  Know the bill w/h been much higher without (bar bill is usually higher than the food bill).  Anyway long dinghy ride back to the boat, but at least downwind & didn’t have to worry about the reefs.  Got back to the boat around 7:30 & didn’t last too long after that.

 

February 1, 2008 (Friday)

Wow – can’t believe it is February already..  Got up around 5:30 so we could get the boat moving before sunrise.  Over 54 miles to Rum Cay and would like to be there in good light.  Don’t know how long it’ll take, but could be 9 or 10 hours if we do not keep up 6 knots.…  Landrail is easy to get out – drop off to thousands of feet right  behind the anchorage (wouldn’t want to drag anchor here – probably already said this – but, would end up in Costa Rica, before you realized it).  So, got under way a little after six am & headed NW.  Heard someone calling a sailboat on the VHF, but,  couldn’t really tell if it was us they were calling.  Then heard “thunderbird” which was Andy calling someone and asking if they could see a sailboat leaving.  Sounded like someone had tried to call us a little while back, but wasn’t sure so this time radioed back to Andy to let him know it was us & we had just stopped for a rest, but we heading NW now to Rum.  Guess he was out there somewhere & could see our Nav lights, but couldn’t see him at all.  Capt’n mentioned that while below yesterday, saw Andy’s  boat come close, but was loaded with people (white people – as we are called – nothing mean, but just a way to describe etc), so he didn’t stop & Capt’n didn’t get up on deck quick enough either to say hi.  Anyway, seas a bit lumpy 8-10 at first with winds out of the East at 15-20… Can we please just try the staysail first, worked good the other day..  After a ton of grumbling – okay – jeez not like it takes more than ½ minute to let out or in, but whatever.  Staysail didn’t do much – okay, pulled it in and put out the Genoa, but only ¾ of the way out.  Worked well with the still reefed main & doing 6+ knots.  Then went below 6 knots – so know I’m not happy – want to may Rum in good light to get through the reefs…. Okay Capt’n sorry, but we have to do at least 6 knots – okay, so what do you want me to do??? I can let the Genoa out all the way – okay – sounds good.  Did that and we flew the entire way up.  Never really saw less than 7 knots & saw 8.9 at one point, but just think the Navman was having issues for a minute.  Did really see 8 & 8.1 a couple times and believe it or not – we were sailing quit comfortably…  Had some good size seas on the beam, but otherwise was a wonderful sail - just great to sail the entire way and made such great time.  Go to the entrance of Rum at 2pm, couldn’t ask for anything better – had originally hoped to be here before 4pm…  Got anchored, clean up etc. and headed for the dinghy dock.  Could see one other dinghy, which was from the ONE other boat in the anchorage….  Met up with Mark Hill, who is single handing an IP 40 down to the BVI’s from Jacksonville.  Had a nice conversation on the dock, then decided to move it to the bar. Nice time…  Had a couple beers then headed back to the boats.  Not sure if he is going to stay tomorrow or not, said he may try to head for Landrail etc. if the weather is good.  Plan to check out the island a bit in the morning, looks pretty nice.

 

Jan 30, 2008 (Wednesday) – Jan 31, 2008 (Thursday)

Up around 5:30 to get ready to go at first light.  Really nervous about heading through the coral in bad light, but s/b able to just follow our course in on the Navman and avoid them.  Still need someone on the bow, just in case – but, coral is very hard to spot so early in the morning.  Well, went well and were headed toward Mayaguan in no time.  Cleared the Sandborne channel early & seas got to about 8-9 feet after that, but weren’t a problem, could still maintain 6-7 knots which was good for us.  Virtually no wind, so motoring for awhile.  Started getting close to Mayaguana & mentioned the next day, which I thought we would head to Landrail on Crooked.  Capt’n had other ideas and mentioned Atwood Harbour – which was closer.  Okay, but it has an extremely tricky reef strewn entrance, can “REALLY!!!!!” only do it in good light and can get caught in there with N wind and not be able to leave for weeks.  Doesn’t sound good to me, but if we want to make that on a day sail & in good light need to go to that “Betsy” Bay on the West side of Mayaguana, which will cut off over 10 miles and allow us to reach Atwood in decent light.  Okay, then let’s do that.  Knew we were already early from what we thought for Abraham’s bay, so figured we could make Betsy Bay by 4:30etc.  No problem, yeah right – well once we passed Devils point and were at the point of no return – realized the NE swells had just picked up again.  Unbelievable, but Mayaguana must have been blocking them for the last 10-15 miles...  SHIT – we’ll let’s just check it out anyway – so head over and just horrible – waves breaking way before the beach in deep water – so what is up with that…  Decided impossible to even get close let alone anchor there for the night – only other option now was to run for Landrail at Crooked.   So that is what we endued up doing, but were smart and got the Monitor working this time.  Had some problems with a couple things while it was getting dark, but otherwise wasn’t a bad sail  Actually, with the monitor steering and NO squalls – could sit under the dodger and just watch out for other boats & make sure the course was good.   Sometimes had to “fine” tune the monitor but, sure beat standing back there all night.  Finally a nice night – sky was filled with stars & the luminescence’s was right off the starboard side riding the bow way – pretty outrageous….  Hey = moon even came out too, but much later on.   Capt’n came back on watch a couple times and wanted to change course, said too early for Landrail – nope – don’t think so…. Even went to the extreme the one time, when I had to reset the way point, to tell me to just put in a go to for Clarence town.  HUH!!!! Where did that come from – never heard we were going there.  Well think we should – Sorry, but I don’t.  Capt’n just wants to get this over with, but Clarence Town is no place to be with a N, NE, ENE or E wind & that what we will have (really have to show the Capt’n those weather files more often).  Not going there, was there by car in a NE wind and just a horrible spot – all boats anchored ended up in the marina & THAT was a horrible spot to… Okay – then whatever – can I go to sleep now Capt’n – okay.  So got to lie down for my measly 2 hours – or so I thought… Really slept for the first hour or so, but then awake just dreading hearing my name, but didn’t for a while.  Then when I did it was 1:30 am – hey, half hour past my time – well that was nice.  But… always a reason – got up on deck and heard – think we should head for Rum instead.  What????  If we were doing that we should have veered off long ago – what is wrong with Landrail????  Be there too early – no still good amount of miles, will barely make it to Birdseye light by dawn…  So continued on, still don’t know what on earth was up with that stuff, but think Capt’n just wanted to get it over with.  Okay, so made Landrail point on perfect schedule & got anchored around 8:30 am, right in front of Frenchie’s house again.  Then went below to crash for awhile.  Back up an hour or so later & would have liked to have gone to shore, but blowing pretty good & too hard to launch the dink just for a quick ride.  Ended up working out etc., and just cleaning the boat up.  Plotted the course for Rum and is 53 miles, not bad but, would like to leave before first light so we can get into Rum early to see all the Coral heads etc.  Landrail point settled down nicely and was a good night’s sleep.  Really is my favorite place overall, just thrilled to be back there.  Even when it was overcast in the afternoon, the water & sand are still simply gorgeous – haven’t seen that many places – still breath when it is dismal & raining.   Just beautiful and ever so peaceful…. 

 

Jan 29, 2008 (Tuesday)

Took the dink in early so we could “drive” around searching for wifi again.  What a pain in the BUTT.  Napa not good & couldn’t find it anywhere else.  Shark whatever rest., too far to go so just ended up at the store with a couple more items then picked up a case of Coors light for $32…. SOB – I hate Coors light, let alone pay $32 for it, but that was the only option, esp. for cans.  Okay, don’t truly hate it, but would never buy it unless forced to – would much rather buy a case of “the Beast” anyday!!!  So, took the car back, then back to the boat to clean up and get ready to go.  Capt’n still worried about the NE swells that CP has been making such a big deal about & not sure he wanted to leave.   BUT – the grib files and the spot files didn’t show it to be that horrible & showed the seas w/b at their least on Wed etc…  Luckily, Hot Latte-Tudes pulled in & we knew the had come from Mayaguana – so pushed Capt’n to take the dink over & asked them how it was if he was so worried – so he did…  Nice – said it wasn’t bad & that they had left from Betsy Harbour around 3am to get there in good light.  Okay – nice – so it is a go!  Had invited Parker & Jill over from Tootsie for Happy Hour etc., so had to go in to clear out with enough time to get the appetizers together.  Cleared out with no problem etc.  Jill & Parker came over around 5pm and had a really nice time.  Great company and hope to see them again in Georgetown.  Their son was flying into Provo on Friday, so they will be there another week or so, then head back up etc. 

 

Jan 28, 2008 (Monday)

Jeez, trying not to start off with “up early” again, but is difficult.  Did get up around 5:45 to get things done etc.  Budget is picking us up on the beach at 10 am & will go from there.  Stopped by Tootsie on the way in & will meet as planned at the Tiki Hut.  Picked up the car, no problem – but got couple miles out & realized only ½ tank of gas – nice – supposed to be full.  Tried the good ole wifi spot at Napa, but could only pick it up for a second – that bites.  Had picked up some wine & finally found some DARK rum at the wine & spirit shop on Leeward Highway.  Wasn’t the Old Nassau or Gosslings that we’re used to for the D&S’s , but was Cruzan’s special dark select or something like that,  Clear bottle & could tell it was actually very dark.  Drove around a little bit checking the place out then met Jill and Parker from Toostie for lunch at the Tiki Hut, Green Turtle Marina.  Was a great lunch – got conch fajitas, just can’t get enough of that stuff – was great.  Then took a ride to Grace Beach & Leeward.  Both beautiful places on the northern shore of the island, Leeward being extremely quiet and all personal homes, sooo cool too, & Grace beach being more touristy, but on a more upscale level than your normal MD,VA, NJ or NC  beach town etc…, but still very friendly and had some fun there.  Haven’t seen high rise hotels, condos etc.., for quite awhile, so it was interesting – plus “normal” stores and gift shops.  Ended up back at the boat around sunset….

 

Jan 27, 2008 (Sunday)

Okay, Sunday so get to sleep in today, right – don’t think so – too many things on my mind and too much to do…  Wanted to get rid of the last couple potatoes, so made home fries with bacon & eggs – good breakfast for the Capt’n, but, don’t eat that myself…  Went round and round what to do, just really frustrated – finally got everything dried out from yesterday, but things had shifted so much in the V-berth, which made it a royal pain to get to the anchor locker to straighten out the chain before we anchored.  Really needed to pull out the bikes and reposition that (important, never used, had to have on board) sail, that is sitting in the front of the v-berth.  Had pushed back which was shifting the bikes etc…  Real pain to straighten that out, so oh, well, might as well get the bikes out of there & after fixing things, take them to shore.  Okay, took them to shore in the dinghy & put them together.  Really dreaded riding them, since this time there are HILLS….  I love the exercise, but in the beginning my legs burn a bit and so after about a mile, I prefer to whine on how bad the hills are etc… can’t make it any further, this is horrible, who’s idea was this etc., etc…  Then after no one is listening or no one cares, keep going & it stops – okay, guess this isn’t THAT bad after all… Worst of it is, I always think about the return trip, & what I have to go back through when I’m already tired etc.   Well made it the Long 4 miles into town, rode to the marine store & another store, finally found some grenadine at some kinda smelly tiny food store.   Was on a quest for “DARK” rum, which no on has down here, to make D&S’s, and tried this little store.  Got about a fraction of the way in and stunk like very, very rotten meat.  Turned around and headed back to the bike & Cap yells, why are you not going in there, thought you wanted a store – WHAT are your doing - while all these locals just turn and look – then says, you didn’t even go all the way in how do you know what they have.  Just about ready to deck the Capt’n at this point, couldn’t yell back – it stinks like shit in there – you go in, so I turned around & went back in.  Rushed down an isle & amazingly found these bottles of Grenadine, then rushed to the cash register and out of there without even breathing – think it was a good 3 minutes before I actually got a breath of fresh air.  Got on the bikes, gave the Capt’n dirty look – got that what look , what did I do.  Uh, HELLO – if I come flying out of a store there is usually a good reason – please don’t yell back – WHY – in front of all the locals…..  Okay, so back on the bikes, now looking for wifi & couldn’t find any.  Then looking to just get a pop & went to the place that sold beer etc. but only had coke in their fridge.  So decided to head back and stop at the Texaco with the mini-mart at the turn off to Five Cays.  Got there & it was closed – great now what – lets just take a ride down the rode to 5 cays – okay almost kidnapped down here, but what the heck.  Passed this little roadside bar, but really just wanted a pop, so kept going.  Nothing really close after that so turned around to that place.  Locals around just BS, so all moved so we could get in there.  Girl behind the counter/bar/??? Didn’t speak English, but her friend did.  Then realized hey, 2 Cerveza (no pop here), por favor (sp???).  Muchas Gracious….  (know I’m killing the spelling on this).  Had a couple Presidente’s and talked to Richard, from British Guyana (SP?), South America, that has been in Provo working for 3 years & his girlfriend from the DR (shoot, can’t remember her name), who had only been in Provo for 5 months & was our translator at first.  Lady behind the bar was super nice too & had fun with our Spanish.  When we realized she didn’t speak English & tried to speak Spanish, she just loved it – just cracked up & thought it was great.  Funny, my sister & I practiced before we went to the DR in 2002 & I actually still remember stuff from that.  We emailed each other in Spanish a couple months before the trip.  Nice people & they offered us fresh caught fish, that was fried etc. , but not hungry (kind of had to pass, fried to a crisp, head bones & all), enjoyed talking to them and was a nice diversion from the $$$ side of Provo.  Anyway, back to the boat & cut up some cheese & pepperoni to take over to Tootsie for happy hour.  We had met them at Man-O-War, Bahamas and Capt’n recognized their boat as soon as we were anchored yesterday.  They stopped over early this morning to give us a heads up on things & invited us over.  Had a really nice time, Parker & Jill and they are from Philly.  Didn’t get to talk with them much at MOW, we had all just got together & didn’t stay on the beach long was way too windy.  They usually head to the Caribbean, but this year, just the Bahamas & have come here to meet up with their son, who is getting a beach house for the week.  After that, they will head back up through the Bahamas and back to the Chesapeake for the summer – keep their boat in Rock Hall…  Wow, small world….  We had made plans with budget to rent another car tomorrow & found out that Tootsie had done the same.  Would like to see the other side (resort) of the Island, like Grace Bay & Leeward etc., & that will give the chance.  So plan to meet for lunch at the Tiki Hut in Green Turtle Marina – had friends that stayed there a couple days & said the food is good – sure hope so – don’t think it could get much worse than Jeno’s pizza the other day….

 

March 31, 2008 (Monday)

Still blowing this morning, plus now calling for Gale force winds on the net, but CP never mentioned that.  Just 20-25 knots and maybe 30 in squalls.  Tried my email and didn’t get my weather back from Winlink.  Great, always when you really need it, something goes wrong.  Reminded me of a couple weeks ago, seemed Winlink was down again???  Not thrilled – but, ended up working on expense while the generator was running anyway.  Not as bad as I thought either, still over budget, but that was caused by purchasing Rats, over $5 a gallon for gas & diesel and other replacement items that weren’t budgeted for.  All in all still good – still at the same spot as when we purchased Rats, no more over budget than that.  Finally went in around 2 pm and took a walk to Bakers bay.  Wasn’t supposed to be that far, but must have missed the turn for the bay before.  Ended up a 5 mile walk or so, which was good.  Back into town and got a couple beers at the local store (huh - $2.50 per beer instead of $5 at the bars) and just sat at the waterfront and drank them while we rested for awhile.  Checked out a couple other places then back to the boat.  Used some more Tuna for dinner – marinated it in a balsamic/ garlic marinade and made Tuna wraps.   Tried to duplicate the one from St. Francis, which was wonderful, but not as good.  Always make fajitas or quesadillas and never wraps, so first try at that one.  Pretty easy, but s/h cut the tuna up after it was seared, cut up and didn’t end up as “seared” as I would have liked it – but still very good….  Now trying to finish this up and very, very tired.  Surprisingly Capt’n already crashed, usually the other way around….  Not sure what is up for tomorrow, high winds still – wanted to be here a couple days at least until it calmed down & would clear MH out, but Capt’n getting ancy as usual, wants to leave again – even though we planned to be here all week…. Oh well, I’m sure we’ll have to go somewhere else then…. Just don’t understand how we can’t stay anywhere for more than two or three days, but could spend over a month in G-twn – must have been the Volleyball!!!!

 

March 30, 2008 (Sunday)

Well yesterday was simply gorgeous, but that is supposed to be the end of it for the next 5-6 days.  By afternoon, winds s/b back up over 20 and squalls moving through.  Capt’n wants to go in to Nippers again, having a pig roast and party, then go to Docksiders for their pub night menu.  Sounds good, but start getting nervous when the winds picked up.  Don’t like the fact that the anchor didn’t set & knew we were in sea grass.  Capt’n wasn’t trilled either & low and behold looked over and there was good old Mike puttin on his fins to go dive on the anchor – wonderful!!!!   So, Mike checked out the anchor – was set good, but on its side & still some grass around it.  So, I powered up to 2000 rpms, while Capt’n Nelson was diving down and working the anchor all the way in until it was set right and buried.  Wow – hasn’t done that for a long time – but, was great!  So, went in around 2:30 or so, picked up some fresh produce (home grown tomatoes etc) from Milo and then headed up to Nippers.  Got a ride up on a golf cart, which is the main source of transportation on the island.  Place was packed and for someone who used to love that stuff, just don’t deal well with it anymore.  Like a good party, but a lot less people.  Still only took one Kalik and managed to get myself into the partying mood.  Had fun just being on the upper levels watching all the kids trying to be cool and old farts getting trashed and trying to act like cool kids….  Pretty amusing….  Left there and stopped at Grabbers for another beer, dinghy was tied up to their dock so thought we owed them at least one before heading over to Docksiders for their pub menu.  Had mentioned wings and haven’t had good wings in so long…..we’ll see.  Finally, went over by dingy – on the way back to the boat – so that was nice.  Tied up – no one else there – early as usual but, starving….  People waiting below, but passed some workers on the way in & said to go in etc.   Got a cracked conch platter and wings.   The wings were wonderful, extremely great sauce – better than most places in the burgh.  Only problem was got 6 wings (1/2 only too) for $12 – ouch – boy, what I wouldn’t give for those old .25 wing nights at the Dragon!!!!  Better yet I’ll take the wing night at the Monkey bar – can’t wait for that one!!!  Not like chickens are really expensive down here either – oh well.  Anyway, the wings at least were great and the cracked conch was great too….

 

March 29, 2008 (Saturday)

Up nice and early, made breakfast, nice and early, so we could leave nice and early.  Well seems the Capt’n forgot to mention that he was going to wait for the tides and we couldn’t leave until after 12.  What – everyone will grab our spot in the harbour – didn’t go over to good on either side – so the debate was on.  So we finally left around 9 am, with the agreement to go back into the Atlantic instead of weeding through the shallow water on the way up.  Great no stress then and pretty much the same on distance.  Capt’n still not happy, but made sense.  I wanted to get somewhere “early” for a change and relax the rest of the day.  So out through the Bar cut, little rolly but not bad.  Still some rollers on the Atlantic but, only 4-5 feet so were manageable.  No wind today, so either way we were motoring and made half decent time, but did have a current against us (either that or the props covered in Barnacles, since we couldn’t do any better than 6 kts).  Got to Man-O-War cut (north) and was easy to get through (which had been Capt.’s reason for not taking that route – but, Abaco net had mentioned all cuts were good in the am).  Had changed our minds by then and decided to head for Great Guana Cay instead of following the herd to Marsh Harbour.   Missed Great Guana (Abacos) on the way down and did want to stop there anyway.  Fishers Bay looked like a good spot to anchor and was very protected from the N,NE,E,SE & S, just what was needed.  So Fishers Bay it was – got there and good amount of boats on one side, plus someone anchored right on my anchor spot I put on the Navman – so had to go further to the left, but lots of room.  Put the anchor down and slowly backed on it, good so far – then Capt’n put 2000 rpms on it and shoot we’re moving – the anchor is dragging.   Wanted to wait for it to grab, but already too far back.  So pulled it up and tried again.   This time didn’t put the snubber on (just in case) and Capt’n backed on it – shoot moving again – but, wait Capt’n don’t ------, why did you stop backing it just grabbed?  Backed again and it was hooked.  Capt’n says that’s his technique, stop for a second the back again – yeah right….  Either way it was finally set and put 2000 + rpms on it and didn’t budge.  Okay, so launched Rats and went in to check out Nippers, hear them on the radio constantly gotta see what’s up with that.  Pretty wild place, bar/restaurant overlooking the Atlantic painted wild colors, pool, music etc….  but expensive, like everything here.  Forgot about the Abacos, but Guana seems to be higher than most.  Different island - more white Bahamians than anywhere around and tons of non-locals with homes here.  People all super friendly and very nice place.  Nice little grocery store and got some more small stuff to hold us over until Marsh Harbour. 

 

March 28, 2008 (Friday)

Up at 6am as usual, thought I’d get the weather before we left etc.  Cut into Royal is super tiny, but had it on the Navman.  Capt’n up early today & sees some boats leaving around 6:15 – says lets go too.  Why – it’s still dark!  Not going out the cut in the dark, let alone the next cut surrounded by reefs.  Why not, uh cause we haven’t got a clue where we are going through the next one.  It’ll be light by the time we get there & look two boats have already left.  So why do we have to do what everyone else is doing – Capt’n Lemming?????  - that just drives me nuts….  Okay, lets go.  So Navman lighting up the cockpit, got the navigation night lights on for the depth etc., plus compass red light (been awhile…) and Capt’n pulled the anchor up while I steered WS through the cut.  Motored to the next cut, and Capt’n was right was light out by the time we got there and had no problems, plus very wide one.  Got the sails up and got on course.  Hard on the wind, but doing 6.4 knots – not bad and wind was only 15 or so knots.  Monitor was steering again, making life easier, but once we clear Eleuthera, big huge NE swells smaking into WS.  Not very comfortable ride to say the least.  Finally, picked up Chris Parkers weather a bit later and mentioned Huge NE swells – nice a bit late for that.  So, wasn’t a bad trip but a very uncomfortable, rolly one.  Half way up got a nice wind shift – actually not nice at all – wrong direction and the wind was now on he nose – so had to fire up the iron genny.  Got a couple miles out from the cut into Little harbour, Great Abaco & heard a couple boats talking on the VHF.  One boat mentioned the cut was “doable” but, he broached a couple times going in.  WHAT????  Gotta be kidding.  Cut isn’t exposed to the NE where the rollers were coming from, but now a tad nervous getting between the reefs.  Knew we were going current against the wind, but didn’t think it w/b THAT bad.  Of course, had numerous waypoints to mark the reefs and the way in, plotted on the Navman, so Capt’n followed those in.  Did have breakers all around us on the reefs and waves breaking in the cut too, but only a couple broke underneath us and weren’t too bad.  So motored up to the anchorage and anchored behind two trawlers.  Anchorage was packed – 30 or so boats – all heading back and probably to Marsh Harbour to ride out the next blow – great.  We can only get into one spot in Marsh Harbour (or at least that’s what the charts show) and was hard when not too many boats were there, can’t wait to try to find a spot now….  Couple minutes later – VHF went off again with these three boats that just love to chatter on the radio.  Unfortunately, have had to listen to them since before Royal.   The one boat was already through the cut, telling the boat behind him on his experience – said it wasn’t too bad, but would have to change his undies (sorry about that) after that ride through.  Huh – what cut did he come through???? Only 15 minutes behind us, current or winds haven’t changed, don’t think the cut changed that much unless he was in the shallower water where the waves were really breaking, but shouldn’t have been over that far – oh well – who knows…

 

March 27, 2008 (Thursday)

Left Highborne around 7am, just light out.  Lots of other boats left too, but headed off to the West more – most likely Nassau.  Headed back on our old track towards Allen’s, wind was blowing 18 then 20 then 22 etc..  So, for a change Capt’n let us stop and put a reef in the main, which made the ride much smoother.  Had to go up on the bow for 10 miles or so going through shallow coral & almost impossible with the boat heeled over so bad.  So now, had a reefed main and the full genny & doing 6.4 knots, little less than the 7 before  but, more comfortable and could go up on the bow.  Still had full foul weather gear on, due to the spray & hanked on to the boat.   Entire area near Ships Channel Cay never saw one coral head even though they listed many – then of course, hour and a half later, when they were supposed to end, started spotting numerous heads in 11/12 feet of water.  Great, more time on the bow – oh well.  Once things were stable Capt’n mentioned putting out the hand line – no – don’t really want to – can we just wait until later until we are in the Atlantic?  Would rather not catch another Barracuda (esp. a small on that the Capt’n wants to eat again) – better to just save it for the deep water fishes – okay?  Okay….  Long day and due to the wind direction, decided to skip Current Cut in Eleuthera, and head to Fleming Cut into the Atlantic briefly to get to Royal Island, Eleuthera.  Got to Fleming Cut (sp?) around 3:30 or so, got into the Atlantic & pretty calm, guess protected from the swells by Eleuthera, but wouldn’t find that out until the next day.  Hey Capt’n why don’t we put out the hand line???  I don’t know – oh go ahead – okay….  So hand line goes out, monitor is steering so I go below since Capt’n is up there somewhere.  Then hear him yell – watch the boat – got something on the line.  Okay – great another Barracuda probably, just go into deep water.  Didn’t have a lot of problems pulling it in but, looked more difficult than the Barracuda – okay – what is it.  TUNA it’s a small tuna – you’re kidding – no get the net.  Had already brought up the gaff & the rum, but got the net.  Capt’n pulled him up & got at least half of him into the net, enough to get him on board.  Doused him with some rum, but humm nothing – s/h used the pussers instead of the gold… crap out of the cheap stuff too.  Doused him again in the gills – flopped like crazy, but still not out – so Capt’n cracked him with the bottle instead.  Nice – couldn’t look – but, did the trick.  Shoot – had known that & could’ve saved the rum… Actually, think the rum did the trick & the bottle just finished it.  So now we have a bloody fish on deck and at least an hour and a half until we get to Royal.  Cut him up now – I’d say so, better than in Royal where it is tiny & people will wonder what we are tossing over board – like guts etc…   So, got the book out – needed to bleed him first – Capt.’s like WT?  Lots of blood with the Tuna & need to bleed him – so read the directions (we’re real experienced here) – while Capt’n put him in a bucket & bleed him.  Then the directions say to tie him off good and drag him through the water for awhile to get all the blood out, but make sure there are no predator fish around.  HUH – don’t think so – he’ll be gone quicker than he hit the hook.   So, Capt’n gutted him and cut up some nice Tuna Steaks for dinner.  Ended up leaving the skin on while he steaked it & I just cut the skin off before I wrapped it up the 5 extra steaks and got the two nice 1 ½ inch ones ready for dinner….  Was great – loved the fresh tuna – finally!!!!  We were really glad to know that Tuna can read too, must have read the sign on the lure that said “small” fish only – he was perfect 22”, but think (like all tuna).  Not too big for us & just enough meat for a couple dinners….

March 26, 2008 (Wednesday)

Okay – not going to believe this – but yes WS is finally anchored in the FRONT row.  Not like the normal 20 miles back etc…  Actually the front row – just can’t believe it –too bad we can’t stay.  Anchored at Highborne Cay & just came over to get a couple food items before heading up to Royal tomorrow.  Winds had seemed to die this morning at bit & was sunny, then got overcast and blowing again.   Went to shore to visit the iguana’s etc.  – was going to take food to feed them, but then remembered this morning that one bit me the last time I did that here.  Was 15 years ago but still a bit ticked about it – so no food! ((just kidding)).  Actually had some old lettuce we could have used, but at the last minute Capt’n didn’t want to.  Just dinghied over and watched the little prehistoric creatures wander out.   Weren’t too aggressive, think the weather had most of them sluggish and hiding.  Dinghied to another spot on the island & one did come out to great us.  Walked past him and onto a trial leading to the other side of the island and he moved close to Rats…  Okay, fine could just imagine him hiding in Rats somewhere when we got back…  But, no was just still standing there guarding Rats for us, then left when we shoved off.  Maybe it was that guy from 15 years ago, just trying to make up for it!  Anyway, back to WS & got ready to go.  Everything out of Rats & hauled anchor around 11 am.  Most boats gone already & our only other neighbor in the deeper water had left around 8:30 in the morning.  So Capt’n pulled up the anchor & I guided WS out – making sure to miss those nice shallow spots – helped that it was high tide too!!!  Sailed downwind in 20 knots or so to Highborne Cay.  As we got closer kept wondering if it was a mistake – couldn’t see any boats anchored out and was very rough and windy on the Banks.  Had to turn into the wind and motor another mile into the anchorage at Highborne (can’t sail straight down due to a nice long reef above Highborne) – was super rough and just hoping that once we got closer would calm down.  Finally, could see one boat in the anchorage – so  musn’t be too bad???  Either that or the guy is just as stupid as we are.  Got close and decided to anchor to port of him – then noticed – hey that’s our neighbor from Allen’s Cay.  So thought we’d give him some room this time and anchored a  decent distance away.  Still blowing, but very protected behind Highborne.  Waited a while, then a big cat pulled up and anchored between us – then another to port etc.  All in all by sunset there were 14 boats anchored – everyone coming out of hiding from the storm(s).  I think I counted 11 sailboats, one trawler and two Mega Yachts.  Went into Highborne & got cheese (TG), lettuce, tomatoes, oranges, fajitas, juice and a couple other small items for the nice price of $51.  Was thinking of getting more Ginger Beer, but at the nice price of $32 a case, had to pass.   Passed on the eggs too - $5.95 a carton, but did have to splurge and get a bag of ice for $6.  Will be so nice to get back to the states and pay “real” prices.  Lady here said their eggs are so nice – they get them from Ft. Lauderdale, much better than the local eggs worth the price – don’t think so – I’ll take the locals…..   Oh well, back to the boat, then to the beach, then back to the boat to haul Rats on board for the trip tomorrow.  Heading to Royal and NOTHING there, just a stopover until we get back into the Atlantic and head for Little Harbour on Friday.  Will keep Rats up on deck until at least then.  Not sure about tomorrow – going across the banks and extremely shallow in spots, plus a good ten miles of it through coral strewn waters.  Plans are to hit there at high tide etc. – well see….  Tomorrow winds are supposed to be up still, but right now pretty calm here.  Best chance to make it to the Abacos is now, otherwise w/b here another week before we could leave.  Another front coming in Sat & will get bad by Monday – just hope to be in a nice protected spot by then.   Will hopefully take our time up there and stop at a lot of the islands we missed the first time – we’ll see on that one too!

 

March 25, 2008 ( Tuesday)

Well very boring day.  Blowing like all crap – squalls have quit, so sunny off and on – but very cold.  Was 73 below in the morning – cold for the boat.  Up above felt more like 60 – air was very cold and not used to that after numerous 85+ days.  Even used the comforter while sleeping – that was odd.    Anyway, was boring – just worked on taxes all day only to get some relief from the federal, but state just not good.  Good day to work though, couldn’t get off the boat – blowing too bad & too cold for me up on deck…  Capt’n sat under the dodger and read most of the day….

 

March 24, 2008 (Monday)

Up for the weather, but second time couldn’t get CP at 6:30.  Tons of people all over the SSB having the same problem.  Well, guess that wasn’t worth it???? Back on at 8, but too late at that point.  Need to hear the weather, bad squalls predicted and high winds for the Central Bahamas – need to find out what is going on.  Requested my weather downloads, but really like to hear CP.  Well, Capt’n still stuck on this west wind thing – insisting we won’t be protected here – no, but supposed to swing through the west & would only be open for a tiny bit, just like always…  Plus, tons of room here.  Well, couldn’t win – plus, did get to anchor on the “outside” yesterday – even though that was the ordinal plan (think he planned it that way – humm).  So, hauled up the anchor around 8:30 on a rising tide, pretty close to high.