February 1, 2010
Monday
70* and Crappy!
Rain, rain…go away! Still overcast, humid and just a lousy day. That did not deter Roberta and me from heading to town to delve into laundry and shopping. Monday is a good day for laundry…all the locals are working and there were plenty of machines to be had. The market was a quick stop for items needed for tonight’s Fajitas. Barry continues the plight of the dinghy. John brought him and the gas tank to the boat yard where they replaced the fuel line and all the gas in the tank…still not working! OMG! The saga continues, and Barry has another thought of what may be wrong.
February 28, 2010
Sunday
73* and windy as all get out!
So, I am back! Some of you have been wondering why there has not been a blog. Well, to make a long, grueling story short I was home having testing done for a breast cancer scare. Short of going into long details I was home for 3 weeks but returned on Friday. Very grateful for the outcome and more grateful to spend time with my kids!
The autopilot issue was resolved while I was away and now we are good to start heading south if the weather ever cooperates. Last night there was a big blow with 43 kt winds and much rain. The next 5 days will not give us the opportunity to pull up anchor either. Another big blow is expected Tuesday and the forecast thru Thursday is nothing short of horrible for traveling. So, we wait…and we wait. Bravo remains here with us and will not be heading south. They are in need of heading back to Canada soon so heading south is not a happening for them. Still, we are enjoying their company while we remain together. Freedom, Blue Blaze and Cloud Messenger all are in the deep south of the Exumas and we hope to catch up with as soon as possible. We miss their company very much. My Tweety Weety will be joining us with his friend, Taylor, so we need to be in Staniel Cay, Exuma by March 19th! Love to all and thank God for happy endings!
March 1, 2010
Monday
73* and sunny
The calm before the storm…what a gorgeous day, and we sit and wait for the next opportunity to move south. Tomorrow promises another cold front with high winds and possible rain. No one is going anywhere too soon and the marinas are filled with boats waiting out the storm. We headed in to town for yet more provisions…stocking and stocking until there is no more room. Once we make our way to the Exumas there will be very little opportunity to purchase anything but the bare minimum and that is if the freight boat has arrived with supplies for the few stores that occupy the island. Regardless of minimal supplies Exuma is worth the trip with its clear blue water and spectacular snorkeling opportunities….that is where we want to be!
March 2, 2010
Tuesday
74* and cloudy
Today there is a small chop in the harbor and it is very cloudy. We have been here long enough to predict what is next to come. By afternoon the wind will pick up and we will be rocking and rolling. As I look over to the marinas nearby all that can be seen is a river of masts from sailboats already hunkering down for the next big blow. We are safe in the harbor as Sea Fox has now been anchored for 5 weeks and certain the anchor is buried deep in the sand of the harbor. We are hoping to get a spot at Marsh Harbour Marina Thursday to equalize the batteries overnight and then head south on Friday. Of course, laundry will need to be done…my favorite thing to do! Fresh sheets and towels await! We have a plan! One always needs a plan!
March 3, 2010
Wednesday
8:00 am
61* and chilly
There are 2 foot waves in the harbor! Our dinghy is thrashing about on the stern of Sea Fox…it is a mini hurricane! Oh my…and we thought yesterday was bad. Last evening a dinghy escaped from the dinghy dock and thankfully watchful cruisers rescued it and brought it back to the dock where its owner, returning from town, was scratching his head wondering where it could be! Word to the wise…tie that dinghy securely!!! The weather needs to improve substantially before we can even consider going anywhere at all. Barry does not even want to head into the marina and have to tie up in these winds and seas…cannot blame him, and I do not want to be the 1st mate on the bow assisting. We
will just hunker down and make the best of the day. Okay…so at 5:00 I am about to jump off the boat! We have NEVER been stuck anywhere like we have been for the past couple of days. The weather is nasty…to say the least. Tomorrow…I am off the boat, even it means me leaving alone…I need to walk, exercise, something! This is quite the abnormality of things. I have read, cooked, played cards, internet, etc.! Help!
March 4, 2010
Thursday
63*..still chilly and windy
I am jumping ship! The seas have calmed a bit, but still not enough to go anywhere. It would be a very wet ride to shore. The marina was hoping to have a slip available at the fuel dock for us but the 2 boats tied there do not seem to be leaving, and one cannot blame them. Just another day in Paradise?
March 5, 2010
Friday
68* and Sunny
Things are definitely looking up. The seas have calmed down and we are able to go to town…more provisioning as always. Still, the 2 boats tied at the fuel dock of Marsh Harbour Marina remain and a call to the marina by Barry also has them wondering what is going on. Hopefully someone will leave by tomorrow and we can take their place. They have turned boaters away wanting fuel because of this and I am wondering what they are thinking! Our plans to start heading south have been pushed back to Monday as the weather will be more favorable by then and we should have a few good days to travel our 180 miles. I can see the crystal clear water….we are coming, we are coming!
March 6, 2010
Saturday
74* and Sunny
Fuel: 120 gallons at $4.60, $553.48
Including the 5% credit card usage fee
Marsh Harbour Marina Dockage: $53.29
Well, we made it into the marina by noon…lots of cleaning, laundry…all that happy horse shit stuff. Nice dinner with Erik and Judy from Bravo. They have decided to head south with us once their boat regulator has been installed. Yea! One big happy family all south bound. Tomorrow’s destination…Little Harbour.
March 7, 2010
Sunday 68* and Sunny
1477 Engine hours
Lynyard Cay
We said our “see you laters” to Bravo and headed out around noon. There was a bit of chop, but not too bad. We cruised slowly trying to conserve fuel…the precious commodity! The day was beautiful for a cruise, and Barry even spotted a dolphin. By 3:00 pm we hit Lynyard Cay…a small uninhabited island just north of Little Harbour and decided to anchor there for an early get away in the morning. Pulling into Little Harbour would have been wonderful but high tide was not until almost 1:00 pm and that would have prevented an early departure. Three other boats were anchored there also and we spent a glorious evening with a splendid sunset!
March 8, 2010
Monday
Chilly at 8:00 am
1483 Engine Hours
Fuel: 135 gal. @ $3.98 plus 4% credit card usage fee
Total $525
Spanish Wells, Eleuthra and
Royal Island
We were on the go by 8:30 after confirming smooth motoring weather. A sailboat that left ahead of us advised there were 3-4 foot rollers and little wind. Not long before we hit the abyss, as Barry calls it, with water depths of 9,000 and deeper. Well, it was more like 7 foot rollers, but it was a following sea that just pushed along that much more. The rollers on the Atlantic were pretty far apart, and actually added to our entertainment for the day. It was a great cruise to Spanish Wells at about 16 kts…we were hauling. Our 3 hour cruise got us to Spanish Wells by noon, fueled up, bought fish, tomatoes and bracelets and we were on our way….back tracking a bit for 8 miles….to Royal Island. Royal is a wonderful spot to hold out overnight, and evidently about 20 other boats had the same idea. We all sit, enjoy the sunset and, for us, we will head out early tomorrow morning. What a great day.
March 9, 2010
Tuesday
77*
Water temp fluctuated between 66 and 74 all day
1492 Engine Hours
Hawksbill Cay
We were up at 7:00 and on the road by 7:30. Royal Island cleared out even prior to our rising. There were six boats left in the harbor when we headed out. Most of the boats that departed prior to us were heading north. The seas could not have been better today. Flat calm seas along Eleuthra Sound and then down to Exuma Sound. The depth was not like yesterday…more like 14 feet, but calm as can be until we hit Sail Rocks with many, many coral heads. It was not as bad as expected, but with no sun to assist, we really had to pay attention to what was ahead. Coral heads were everywhere and we encountered this for over an hour. We are, for the most part, all alone in this vast sea….it is amazing to look around and see nothing but water and sky. All in all, our 9 hour journey today was wonderful. We give much credit to our sailing aficionados and their endurance of long hauls. Not something we would want to do on a regular basis. But, our 70 mile run today got us much farther than we had originally anticipated, and using a quarter the amount of fuel was the reward. Hawksbill Cay brought back many memories of last year with Freedom! This is a beautiful, desolate spot. With another cold front coming thru we want to be as close to Staniel Cay as possible. Tomorrow should be about another 40 miles and we plan to rise early and get that done prior to the rocky, rolly weather yet to come. No internet, as we are not within reach of any habited island. Perhaps we will be in contact with our world tomorrow evening! Love to all.
March 10, 2010
Wednesday
77*
Water temp 75*
Partly sunny
1494 Engine Hours
Staniel Cay
We were up and off by 6:15 am and even got a glimpse of the sunrise. The seas were not as forgiving as yesterday. Three to four foot chop coming at us, unlike yesterday. We headed down the Exuma Bank riding the chop all the way and taking water over the bow all the way. We encountered few boats along the way, but always present off our port side were the cays we visited last year with memories coming to mind. We arrived at our destination at approximately 10 am and thankfully found a wonderful spot to anchor, pretty much out of the strong current right by Thunderball Grotto. Thunderball Grotto was a main attraction and highlight of a James Bond film…way back when. This will be
home for at least the next few days as the cold front approaches. Many other boats join us in the harbor hunkering down due to the impending weather. Once situated we headed out for a dingy ride to shore and the marina. Once again we saw sharks and rays milling about the shoreline waiting for a hand out from fishermen cleaning their catch and dropping bits off the side as a treat for them. A walk thru town and the supermarkets really brought back memories of how little this island offers in provisions, but much in culture of the Bahamians. This is truly outer island life. It is wonderful to return and visit once again.
March 11, 2010
Thursday
Gorgeous and sunny
Water temp 75*
About 80*
We spent a good part of the morning uploading pics (me) and Barry reading. This Bahamian island is desolate…as all of them are. Still quite beautiful! We headed out to Isles General about 3:00 to get provisions as the boat came in today….once per week here. A very choppy ride over but much better on the way back. Everyone knows when the boat comes in and heads on over for provisions…including the natives on the island. It was all good…we purchased items that will bring us thru another 3-4 days. Another happy day in the neighborhood!
March 12, 2010
Friday
Warm and overcast
76*
Well, the expected cold front is upon us. The next few days will be windy, windy. But right now it is still warm and 82% humidity. Just hanging out, cleaning, and reading….just like everyone else, right?? We still have not ventured into the water. There is quite the current going on. I need to blow up my raft, tie it off to the boat and drift around….now that sounds like a splendid idea!
March 13, 2010
Saturday
77*
84% humidity
25kt winds
Wow, big blow this morning. Thankfully it came thru and was gone within a few hours.
Every boater in the harbor was on the VHF discussing their trials and tribulations with the front. We, once again, almost lost basil! She was on the verge of rolling off the aft deck only to be saved by the captain. By 10:00 things had pretty much calmed down and it turned into a delightful day. The sun was shinning and it actually got hot! Beating Barry in Upwords for the past two days was also a wonderful thing….’bout time~! Just seven more days before Tweety and Taylor’s arrival! By then Freedom will have joined us and hopefully Bravo, too! Looking forward to all the activity! Love to all.
March 14, 2010
Sunday
77*
Sun, Sun, Sun
It was a gorgeous day! Much done on the boat today. Barry fixed the dinghy engine, forward head, and we also replaced the water pump that had been failing on and off for quite some time. While sitting on the aft Barry got a nice surprise when a ray jumped out of the water right off the stern of the boat. We are surprised at how many drift around here. Probably due to them and a school of nurse sharks being feed by local fishermen along the marina wall. That is always quite a sight to see. Later in the day we ran to shore and dropped off trash and hit happy hour at the marina. The seas and winds have died down considerably, to the point where we have decided to travel a bit south and hook up with Freedom in Little Farmer’s Cay. We will hang there and explore for a day or two prior to making our way north again back to Staniel Cay.
March 15, 2010
Monday
1498 Engine Hours
Sunshine and high 70’s
Little Farmer’s Cay
We were up early once again anticipating speaking with Freedom and Bravo on the SSB to check out their plans for a move. Freedom decided to bite the bullet and encounter some chop and head north to meet us. Bravo, unfortunately, will have to remain in Marsh Harbour probably until Wednesday when the weather will fare better for them to travel. We had a great two hour cruise south with following seas. Sea Fox barely got wet. Grateful for that as there is no washing or cleaning to be done. The harbor is beautiful and several other boats were already here prior to our arrival. We headed to Ocean Cabin with hosts Ernestine and Terry…the have-all of the island. Food, drinks, internet, TV and they even run the small grocery store. Brenda’s Kitchen along with her sister-in-law Tasha run the only other restaurant and grocery store. Not much was to be had in way of groceries since the boat comes in on a Thursday and by Monday pretty much everything was consumed, but we still managed to spend $26 on a few items. Yes, just a few items…again, everything is quite expensive. While at Ocean Cabin enjoying a delightfully delish lunch Freedom called on the VHF to say they gave up for the day and were tucking in at Adderly Cay after about ½ way of their sail north due to lumpy, lumpy seas. They also have “off the hook” with Tony and Christy in tow and they did the same. Tomorrow is another day. Another ray gave us a show by jumping at the stern of the boat! So cool. We tried to dinghy over to the marina for fuel, but got drenched about ¾ of the way and we detoured to the government dock instead and took a walk to the marina. There we met another couple traveling on Kentris. They are from North Carolina and advised us of a great marina at mile 140 to tuck into on our trek back to the states and we just might meet them there in our travels. This little island of 75 residents is quite incredible with water, electricity, and Batelco tower. They even have paved roads and street lights which is not something we see too often.
March 16, 2010
Tuesday
Sun and more sun
High 70’s
Ahhhh, just another gorgeous morning. Freedom called and is back on track, along with off the hook and they are expected by noon. A small boat approached our boat this morning with two locals heading off for fishing and diving. They asked if we would be interested and their catch and also offered to take us along….Barry accepted the offer for their catch but declined the expedition!!! AUGH! If I was on the aft I would have jumped at the chance to do that. Perhaps tomorrow, and I will be sure not to be washing dishes again! By noon Freedom was spotted coming thru the cut with off the hook not far behind them. Barry headed out and assisted with getting them situated on mooring balls. John, Roberta, Barry and I headed to Ocean Cabin to hook up to the internet and bring in our trash. We found Jeffrey and his catch at the dock cleaning fish. We bought up his entire lobster catch of about 8 and a grouper…all for $35. That was a deal and a half. We also commandeered Jeffrey to take us out tomorrow, and that is a go! Yeah! John and I left Barry at Ocean Cabin and ran down to the dock so John could bring our purchase back to the boat for refrigeration. When we got there another local started giving us a rash of sh*t regarding leaving our trash and no tip for him! He is paid by the government to bring the trash to the landfill, but evidently he does not think that is sufficient and browbeats the boaters into additional fees. Ernestine advised tipping him is truly the boater’s choice, but there was no getting away from him. I walked away leaving John to deal with him and he finally gave in and gave him $5! Hehe! We ended the evening with all six of us having dinner of lobster and grouper and even a game of Upwords.
March 17, 2010
Wednesday
80’s and cloudy
Jeffrey and his two divers, Stanley and Nick were at our boat by 9:00 to scoop us up for our fishing journey. Roberta and John bowed out and went fishing with Tony and Christy since there was not room on Jeffrey’s boat for all six of us. This was one of the best experiences we have ever had. First stop was at Cave Cay to fuel the boat and then off to the Abaco Sound about 250 yards off shore. Stanley and Nick suited up and with spears in hand jumped off the boat in search of lobster and fish. In no time they were coming back to the boat with speared lobsters. Jeffrey took it off the spear and Barry held the hatch open for him to throw it in. Only one grouper was caught this way, but 13 lobsters were gotten. Stanley and Nick, I think, are part fish! They were free diving down to depths of 25 feet searching the rocks for their prey. It was amazing how long they could stay under water. They were also diving in places where there was such a serge of water that not many would even attempt. Jeffrey gave us the grand tour of what could be found on each Cay for entertainment; little places to tuck in with the boat and even caves that could be reached by foot and then explored. Some have blue holes of water that one can actually swim in. He took us by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill’s estate! They were here on a music video shoot on a 250 foot sand bar (just south of Farmer’s Cay) and they loved it so much they bought an island and built the most beautiful compound that is very easily seen from the water. While there we also had the opportunity to watch Jeffrey bring up two traps he has out in the water just off shore from their estate. Both contained fish for the taking. What was too small or not edible was thrown back, and the rest…added to the hatch, of course. It was a great day for him with regards to his catch and Ernestine immediately bought up his entire lobster catch to have for guests at her restaurant. While at the dock checking out his fish cleaning skills we saw a goat on the hill just across from us. A small boat approaching the harbor slowed down to speak to him and he walked down the hill to greet them and they continued what was almost was a conversation. Someone on the island owns two of them but they are left free to roam the island. You never know what you might come upon! Another diver, Aiden, allowed us to purchase a couple of lobster tails, as long as Ernestine did not find out! His catch…also bought by Ernestine. Lobster season ends April 1, so everyone is trying their hardest to get what they can within the next two weeks. Lobster Risotto and salad was a wonderful dinner with everyone. Tomorrow we depart and leave Freedom and off the hook behind for a bit. Boo hoo! Time to head back to Staniel to pick up Tweety and Taylor! We will definitely return to Farmer’s Cay…what a wonderful spot; and Jeffrey is wanting an Italian dinner…definitely something he more than deserves after the wonderful time he showed us today.
March 18, 2010
Thursday
80’s and sun and clouds
1500 Engine hours
Another early start and we headed out by 8:00 to head north. Our two hour run was a bit bumpier than we had on our way south, but none the less, we made it safe and sound by 10:00 and pretty much anchored in the same spot just off Thunderball Grotto. Of course, Sea Fox got a good wash down and Barry and I prepared the forward cabin for our guest’s arrival! I cannot wait! A golf cart was reserved and we will scoop them up at 2:45. For now we will have a bit of R & R with anticipation of a big day tomorrow. Love to all!
March 19, 2010
Friday
Overcast and 69*
We spent a good part of the morning pretty much doing nothing, just awaiting Tweety and Taylor’s arrival. Tony and Christy joined us around 2:00 and anchored near us, at the same time it was time to head out to the airport. The weather improved considerably and the temp reached the high 70’s. Nicole, from 3N’s, picked us up and we headed to the airport. We were early so we took a short cruise prior to her calling us on the VHF to alert us to the plane’s arrival. We scooted back to the airport and scooped them off their puddle jumper, an eight passenger plane and gave them the short version of the island’s happenings. We did a bit of shopping and then off to board Sea Fox. Tony and Christy joined us for cocktails and then it was pizza for dinner. It was a pretty uneventful evening with Jon and Taylor hitting the sack by 9:30.
March 20, 2010
Saturday
80 and Sunny
Gorgeous day with not a cloud in the sky. We headed to the marina where we left the golf cart and cruised around for a couple of hours showing Jon and Taylor the highlights of the island, including Club Thunderball that remains closed for what reason we do not know. They could be making a killing with all the boats that are anchored in the harbor. But, that is the way it is…they open when they want to open, for whatever reason. We did a bit more shopping and headed back to Sea Fox. We took a swim over to Thunderball Grotto, but the tide was still to high to enter the cave. Still, the reef that surrounds the Grotto had much to offer and it was a nice snorkel. At 3:30 Tony and Christy came by and we all headed over to the Grotto once again and this time it was accessible. The Grotto is amazing with many, many fish swimming around us along with at least 20 other snorkelers. Barry took an entire roll of film and we can only hope he captured what we truly saw. The cave is nothing like one can imagine. Unfortunately, Barry rubbed up against some fire coral and it gave him a nasty rash that could last for up to a month! Dinner, Upwords, and hi low jack followed a very exciting day. Tomorrow we are off to Big Majors to meet up with John and Roberta on Freedom and more fun in the sun and the magnificent water. Tweety is anxious to go spear fishing with John…hoping to catch tomorrow evening’s dinner. Me…I think we will be having home made pasta, but whatever it is will be delish!
March 21, 2010
Sunday Fun Day
Upper 70’s
Big Majors Cay
It was a very short run to Big Majors as it is only a couple miles away, but will offer better protection from the upcoming norther. After a quick settle-in we headed over to Pig Beach. We have been saving scraps for them for two days. Once they spotted the dinghy four of them came running into the water and as usual tried to board the boat but a quick push on their snout and they back off. Jon decided he wanted to get up close and personal with them so Barry brought the dingy to shore, and they immediately followed. Once they realized we had a bag of food on the boat again they tried to get on and in all the frenzy one of them thought my hand was part of the deal and punctured my hand! This cannot be good! We gave them the entire bag of food, as if we had a choice, and the craziness ended with two of the pigs fighting over the bag on shore. What an ordeal! Having had enough we left them to finish off every scrap. Back at Sea Fox we tried to contact the nurse at Staniel Cay so I could have my hand treated, but there was no answer at the clinic. It was 11:00 and we assumed she was at church. I did a very thorough cleaning of the wound and it seemed to be fine. Freedom and off the hook joined us for Sunday Fun Day cocktails and appetizers. Jon had made pasta dough and later in the day we formed our prep line to make Nonnie’s ravs. Tony and Christy bailed out prior to as it was getting late and the seas choppy. They had to dinghy back to Sampsons Marina where they had rented a slip to get through the norther. Nonnie’s ravs in broth were absolutely delectable!
March 22, 2010
Monday
Overcast
Low 70’s
It was a lousy day, weather-wise. But we made due by reading, playing cards and simply relaxing. Roberta had made a wonderful pot of chili that we enjoyed for dinner followed by a movie. We were never able to contact Tony and Christy, but doubted they would have ventured out in the drizzle and the chop of the sea to get to us.
March 23, 2010
Tuesday
Sunny
78*
Cambridge Cay
We contacted the nurse, Karen, this morning and Barry and I took a run back to Staniel Cay for her to have a look-see at my hand. When I awakened there was some swelling going on and I was not liking that. She cleaned it, gave me a tetanus shot and Augmentin…all for $48! Makes me continue to wonder about our heath care system and why it continues to be so outrageous. She also took a look at Barry’s rash and gave him a tube of hydrocortisone cream for $3. Amazing, just $3! With us all set we headed back to Sea Fox for our next adventure. And we are off! The two hour run to Cambridge was a beautiful ride. I have not blogged in so many days I have forgotten to check engine hours, but assume we are at 1504 or something. Cambridge Cay is part of the Land and Sea Park and is so freaking gorgeous. It doesn’t get better than this…but I am sure it will! Everyone snorkeled and roamed the little island we beached the dingy on, except for me…no wet hand for 5 days! AUGH! I am thinking of wrapping it in a plastic bag so I can also get in the water…it may be a plan. Another wonderful dinner of pulled pork provided by off the hook along with a glorious sun set certainly was a grand end to a magnificent day.
March 24, 2010
Wednesday
Hot and Sunny!
Cambridge Cay
Oh, what a day! We took our dinghies over to a small island with a walking trail that actually leaded to a beach where we found the coral gardens. Fabulous view and nice specimens of fish and coral to be viewed in the gardens. Jon and Taylor are having a great experience and a wonderful time! Yeah! The rest of the week promises to be excellent weather-wise…no more northers expected for some time to come and maybe none at all if we are fortunate. A burger fest for dinner on Sea Fox, and even American Idol on off the hook.
March 25, 2010
Thursday
Cambridge Cay
Today we will dinghy over to Rocky Dundas that is another small island that has caves we can swim similar to Thunderball, but has claim to being even better! I am bagging the hand today and getting in the water to enjoy with everyone else. As it turned out Rocky Dundas was just okay and there was quite a current so we headed north to the Sea Aquarium…gorgeous! Lots of beautiful coral and many different fish to enjoy looking at. The Sgt. Majors came right up to us just as curious as we were. It was a very nice snorkel with little to no current. Seared Ahi was on the menu for the evening, but by the time we finished our scrumptious apps there was no room for more….tuna tomorrow night. It turned into quite the party night with dancing and even Jon and John taking a swim and jumping from the top aft deck…crazy, crazy!
March 26, 2010
Friday
Wardrick Wells
Hot and sunny…80’s
1504 Engine hours
Roberta treated us all to her decadent French toast with sausages for breakfast! So freaking good. Then we headed out for our 9 mile journey to Wardrick Wells. A bit choppy but just a short one hour run and this time we took moorings in the south mooring field. It is quite a ways from Headquarters, but we are the only three boats here and have the entire area to ourselves and it is magnificent. A long beach, clear blue water and lots of coral to explore snorkeling. Jon and Taylor joined Freedom for a sail and they had a great time doing so. Jon ventured out into the current to check out what was to see…not much, not where we are anchored, but tomorrow we will head over to Headquarters where there will be much to see. The Ahi tuna was wonderful and since Jon does not eat tuna he finally got his pasta and butter!
March 27, 2010
Saturday
Hot and sunny again!
Today we took the long dinghy ride over to Headquarters and the northern anchorage, about a 20 minute dinghy ride. It was a wonderful snorkel around the coral heads and many, many fish were seen. We had some bread to feed them and I was like the Pied Piper with the Trigger fish, especially, following me around for a few nibbles. We had the great opportunity to view an electric ray. It was the only one of the snorkel, but still spectacular! At Headquarters we were able to hand feed birds that live right outside the office…how cool. They were just little bitty guys and so freaking cute. We strolled around to check out what has been happening since our last visit here. Andrew, who was the temporary park admin has now taken the position as a full time position as there was no Bahamian that wanted the job on this remote island. There is still so much work to be done and perhaps we will venture back at another time to assist, but not this time….it is Jon and Taylor time. Internet has not been a happening since we left Staniel Cay, but tomorrow when we return we will have contact with the outside world once again. Tonight was the “last supper” with Freedom and off the hook for a while. Freedom will join us Tues/Wed and off the hook will continue to venture north. Another wonderful day! I am already becoming sad with the thought of the kids leaving….it is just not right!
March 28, 2010
Sunday
Sun and clouds
Lower 80’s
Staniel Cay
1406 Engine hours
What a day….to say the least. We had no choice but to head back to Staniel as the kids would be departing on Monday and we had to get back. The seas were rough as all get out on our departure from the south mooring field. Things were flying around the boat, even though we had secured everything as much as possible. The seas were relentless. I finally was satisfied with things in the cabin and headed up to the bridge. As I was standing at the stairs to the bridge the Snuba (our compressor for snorkeling) flew off the shelf and onto my head! My mother always said I was a thick head and thank God for that! No damage other than a headache for a while, even though the sucker weighs at least 100 pounds. We finally arrived at Staniel about 4:00 and the kids headed over to the market to pick up a few provisions. Barry and I cleaned the boat, along with the huge mess in the forward cabin consisting off things falling over and water coming in the port holes and hatch making a mess and a huge headache for us to clean up….gotta get those port holes and hatch fixed, for sure! Our reward of the day was steak and baked potatoes with broccoli for dinner…yum! Tomorrow I will cry. Love to all.
March 29, 2010
Monday
Hot and Sunny
Rocky Rolly
Staniel Cay
We were up early as Jon and Taylor had an 8:45 flight out of Staniel. This was not a good day for me. Very, very sad to see my Tweety Weety and Taylor leave. We had so much fun with them and they got to see what it is that we enjoy with such gusto. I watched through my tears with much dismay as they boarded the plane. But, they do need to get back to reality. Isles General was pretty well stocked and we were able to purchase items to get us through the next few days until the boats arrives with more provisions. The harbor at Staniel is so, so bad today. We are rocking and rolling, but still things need to be done for our next guest’s arrival. Renee arrives on Wednesday so the forward cabin was prepared for her. Email is finally a happening and such a good thing. We both were able to do most of what was needed on the internet. Quite a quiet, productive and peaceful day on Sea Fox.
March 30, 2010
Tuesday
Cloudy
Warm and Humid
Oh, what a night. Rolly, rolly. Sea Fox got a good rinsing from the downpour as the front came through. Tomorrow promises to be a better day as does the remainder of the week. As time goes by the fronts will lessen, and I am looking forward to calm! I had a difficult time sleeping and got up in the middle of the night to find that the chives plant had fallen. What a mess! Soil all over the cabin rug and even a broken pot. The other plants were secured and back to bed to try to get some shut eye. The clean up could wait till the morning. I was able to get an email from Blue Blaze and they are now in Conception Cay, probably heading north with a good chance we will meet up with them again. We spoke with Freedom and they will be heading our way tomorrow and join us once again…such a wonderful thing. Such good friends and wonderful company.
March 31, 2010
Wednesday
Warm and Sunny
Big Majors Cay
It was a relaxing day waiting for Freedom and Renee’s arrival. Freedom arrived at 1:00 and Renee at 2:30. After picking up Renee at the airport we walked to Isles General for yet more provisions. Roberta and John were with us so be bought accordingly knowing what each had purchased to accommodate our joint meals…excellent! We moved from Staniel Cay at bit north to Big Majors Cay where the rocking and rolling ceased. Renee’s arrival precipitated a drinking fest and we all got pretty tipsy, but dinner of butternut squash lasagna and salad was still managed. Early to bed!
