Day 29

Up at 6, big black clouds to the west…So we checked the radar and it seemed to be only a couple of local showers. Cast off at 7 and were in the Hutchinson Island Marriott slip at noon. It was a pretty easy crossing once we got offshore. Still the seas were abaft abeam (sailor talk!!) so we probably went 80 miles to do the 66 required in a straight line. Got to the marina and a 116’ boat was coming in ahead of us and that consumed all of the one dock boy’s time, so we just docked ourselves. We are getting better and better!!! Got power and water hooked up, air conditioning turned on, called customs (that was almost painful) and have now cracked open a bottle of champagne! Next stop is the pool, probably a nap and then the dinner I have been looking forward to all month. We’ll be home tomorrow!!

Day 28

I was awakened at 5:30 by boat movement. The winds had picked up and we were rocking! Harold got up, too, and by the time we had a cup of coffee, we were pulling the anchor. Harold was determined we would cross today.

Conversation 10 minutes out:
Harold: If we had stowed the motor on the dinghy and put the davit down we wouldn’t be rolling so much.
Kay: Yeah, we should have done that.
Conversation 20 minutes out:
Kay: Here is the plan – we are going to West End and getting a slip at Old Bahama Bay and we will cross tomorrow.
Harold: Yes, dear.

The seas were 2-3 and choppy and coming on our rear quarter and the autopilot had a hell of a time keeping us on course. We got into Old Bahama Bay about 11 and about the time Jamal had helped us get tied off we heard on the radio “Double D, we would like to clear customs and take on fuel”. Double D is Debbie and Dave from the Moorings, who are known to us through the whole dog walking thing, and they have Kiri and Scott, parents of Angus, on board with them. We spent some time together while they cleared customs and got fuel, then they were headed out for Green Turtle. Although they are a much faster boat than we are, Green Turtle is about 100 miles from here. I hope they make it!

After they left, we got the motor down into the cockpit and lowered the davit. We had Jamal bring 2 bags of ice so the beer and the CC would get chilled. Got our suits on and headed for the pool. This is an exquisite resort. It is totally secluded, and they have every amenity you could want – even a lady with a massage chair poolside. We went to the Tiki Bar and ordered lunch, and soon our dockmates showed up at the bar. We conversed with them while enjoying a drink and lunch, then swam for a while. Back on the boat it is nap time! Now it is time to wash the boat, secure the last few items and get ready to cross early tomorrow. It’s been a great trip!!!!

Day 27

We “trawled” all the way to Great Sale, which means we went about 7 mph rather than 15. It was a pleasant day with only moderate chop and several boats coming and going. We came into Great Sale about 5 pm, had three sailors and two other motor boats as company. The bad news for today is that the ice maker is dead….Glad it happened now and not a month ago!

Day 26

Up early – one cup of coffee before Harold says “Any time you’re ready.” We unmoored at 8 am and headed north. While on our way, cruiser’s net reports that Whale Cay Channel, the hairiest part of the trip is only 1-2 and choppy. Good news! We got through the “Whale” and headed north past Green Turtle and began thinking about how far to go today. We had quite a discussion about 100 mile days and crossing when I realized that we were talking about crossing Monday, when it has always been our intention to cross on Tuesday. So, given that extra day, we opted to anchor at Powell Cay. We got here about 11:30 with 35 miles under our belt. We were here coming in, so knew exactly where to anchor. There are rain clouds all around us! The Whale must be the rain demarcation for the Abacos! We had rain every night when we were here before and never had a drop south of the Whale! It is now 3 pm and we have had either sprinkles or downpours for the last three hours. We have done the moral equivalent of curling up in front of a fireplace and reading a book. Except our fireplace is the radar screen….When I was read out, I defrosted the frig. Yes, even the boat’s refrigerator needs defrosting! Tomorrow we will go to Great Sale Cay, then Monday to West End.

Day 25

We went back to town this morning to try to find the “bread lady” who rides around on a golf cart selling homemade Bahamas bread. No luck! The grocery stores don’t sell it – I guess they have some kind of anti-trust arrangement here…..But we got some parts we needed at the marine store and had lunch at Dock ‘n’ Dine before coming back to the boat to start on the repairs o’ the day. Before we came back, we stopped for an ice cream cone and while we were walking that off, bona fortuna, here is the bread lady! She only has cinnamon rolls and dinner rolls left, so we take one of each. Harold repaired the metal coping on the swim platform and scraped the trim tabs and the lift strakes on the sides of the boat. I watched to make sure he was OK….Had to swim a couple of times just to keep my body temperature down! Since we left this morning, two small sailboats have moored on either side of us. When I think of all the angst I have about heavy seas and crossing the Gulf Stream, it makes me crazy that these people do it without a care in the world! Last job of the day is putting the dinghy up. We haven’t taken the motor off yet to store for crossing because the next couple of days are unsure. We both actually stayed awake for 2 DVD’s before turning in.

Day 24

Cruiser’s Net still says that seas to the south are pretty high, so we decided to leave Marsh Harbor and come to Man O’ War Key which has very protected anchorages. I had my virgin experience at hooking up to a mooring ball and did it right the first time! Yay, me! It is very quiet here. We walked the little town today – the temperature and especially the humidity are still very high – but we did need the exercise. Had a great lunch/dinner at Dock and Dine. One of their specialties is called their “Bag”. Your choice of chicken, chicken wings, cracked conch, or fried fish over your choice of French fries or peas and rice and covered with your choice of half wing sauce, half catsup or all wing sauce and wrapped in a “bag” of foil. OMG – it was SOOO good and it is probably a good thing that they don’t serve alcohol because I certainly had my week’s share of cholesterol in one meal!! We did have a little cocktail back on the boat, after a swim in the harbor because you can only use the pool if you are paying big bucks for the marina. No problem! Most of the people here are moored, so there is a lot of dinghy traffic. Sue, Dave, our neighbor has a fold-a-boat! Do you have yours with you just in case there is a place to use it?

We paid for two nights here, so Saturday we will see what the forecast brings. My guess is that we will head north back around to West End. NOAA forecasts an easy crossing for Monday and Tuesday, so that is currently our plan.

Day 23

We just totally took a day off today – weather to the south is very windy. Kay is not going out in anything over 4 foot seas. We will see what tomorrow brings. Rib Night once again lived up to its hype! Fred and Diane sat with us and another group asked to sit at the table pushed up against ours. When it came down to “Where are you from”, they asked “Where in Satellite Beach”. They keep their boat, Solutions, at their dock on the Grand Canal on the Tortoise Island side. Their friends are from Merritt Island, although I am suspicious, because he didn’t know exactly where THE school on MI is – Edgewood! We got a tour of Fred and Diane’s 37’ Stamas, then off to slumberland.

Day 22

Kids were up early for showers and left before 7 to catch their flight to Nassau and points north. They left here at 7:30 and the flight to Charlotte didn’t leave until 4, so they were thinking about a field trip to Atlantis for the day. Harold and I settled in with coffee and the cruiser’s net to make a decision about what to do about staying or leaving. Cruiser’s net is a volunteer thing that goes on every morning on channel 68 on the VHF in the Marsh Harbor area. They give the weather, the passage info for all the passes, and the crossing information, then the various businesses, restaurants, and bars call in with their pitches, then it is open mike for everyone looking for boat parts, having a birthday, coming into the Abacos or leaving. It is very entertaining and a lot of good info every morning. Bottom line on the weather is stinko – high winds on account of something going on down over Puerto Rico, so we will just stay put for a day or so – maybe until Thursday morning so we can partake the Wednesday night Rib Dinner at the Jib Room! Then we will probably go to Man O’ War Cay for a day or so, and if the weather is cooperating, around the tip of Abaco, out to the Berry Islands, on to Bimini and across the pond.

In the meantime today, Harold tackled a couple of projects, I finished the last of my middle school award books, we went to the pool, had a light supper and then Fred and Diane from Marathon who are several slips down came over for awhile. We are getting pretty well adjusted to this lifestyle!

Day 21

The end of three weeks! We were off for another family adventure in what Hal lovingly refers to as the hoopdy. The rental agent was apparently not troubled by the fact that there was at least one lug nut missing on at least one wheel. We decided to take the approximately 20 mile ride by road (most of it paved) to Little Harbor to have lunch at Pete’s Pub. We made sure to listen to the cruiser’s net this morning to make sure they would be open on Monday! It was a beautiful place, and quite in the middle of BFE, but the beer was cold and the coconut cracked conch was outstanding!! However, we could find not one soul that would take credit for knowing JC Grove! We stopped in the grocery to pick up a few odds and ends on the way back, and once again, the kids grabbed the snorkel gear and headed back for one last pass at Mermaid Reef. That done, we headed back to restaurant row for an evening meal of various appetizers at Snappas. Yummy! And there was another Boy Scout troop there! They are everywhere!!

Day 20

Happy Father’s Day!! How nice for Dad to have his kids here! We headed for the ferry docks about 10 to catch a ride over to Hopetown on Elbow Cay. The big problem was that it was Sunday and virtually nothing is open….When we finally found a second t-shirt shop , the girl there suggested that we take the courtesy van to either Abaco Inn or Sea Spray Inn where we could have lunch (and drinks!), swim, and generally enjoy life. The Abaco Inn van happened to be right there so we piled in for about a 10 minute ride south on the island. We were really glad we ran into that girl, because we had a great afternoon of food and drinks and swimming! We came back on the 3 pm ferry and the kids immediately gathered up the snorkeling gear and headed back to Mermaid Reef. They are really getting a kick out of feeding the fish. Bubba burgers on the boat and an early evening for all.

Day 19

Hal and Heather left early for the airport because, even though I gave him a toothbrush, he was jonesing(?) for that suitcase. I mean, we’re in the Bahamas, what more could you need? They got back and had rented a car – an ancient Ford Focus with 108,000 miles on it. It is hilarious. The rental agent wasn’t too upset when Hal pointed out that one wheel was missing a lug nut. Whatever! We got the snorkel gear together and went back to Mermaid’s Reef and this time remembered to bring fish food. Back to the Jib Room for lunch and then it was time for mom and dad to have a nap! All this parenting wears a person out! Kids wanted an “adventure” so they took off in the car. Several hours later they returned, having picked up a hitchhiker ( what has mom told them about that?) who took them off road to see the Blue Hole, and they drove to Treasure Cay and back. We regrouped again and went to Curly Tails for an outstanding dinner. Back at the Jib room, Saturday night was in full swing. Dad and Heather couldn’t take any more, and Mom stayed for a while and finally left Hal on his own!

Day 18

We hitched a ride to town with Tom, one of the marina owners, this morning and walked the streets for a couple of hours. Picked up a few things we needed then made our way back to restaurant row for some lunch at Mangoes. Took a taxi back to the marina and just lazed away the afternoon. We invited Gil and Cathy from Lotus to have a cocktail on board and by the time they left, it was time for the kids to be here. Everyone arrived bright eyed and bushy tailed, except for Hal’s luggage which did not make the weight cut in Nassau. Apparently there were so many passengers that they had to leave some luggage behind. He is assured it will be on the 7 AM flight tomorrow. Harold grilled some outstanding steaks for us and we just had a nice family evening.

Day 17

I did my first load of laundry this morning! Mostly towels, because all those clothes Alan told us not to bring, we haven’t worn them! It has been bathing suit time the whole trip! After laundry we packed up our snorkel gear and headed for Mermaid’s Reef, just across the street from the marina. We snorkeled out to the reef, very close in, and watched the people off the pay-to-snorkel boats feed the fish. They were beautiful! Harold’s mask still is not right, so after a half hour or so we gave it up and came back to the pool. After we got back to the boat, Hal called about something we had asked him to look for – this involved a trip to the marina to get his e-mail picture. While we were there a bunch of kids came in with several adults. It was obvious they were Boy Scouts, so, being good Eagle Scout parents, we struck up a conversation with them. They have been doing a Sea Base high adventure this week and have had some pretty harrowing experiences on their sail catamaran – they were not on board when the mast took a lightning strike and they lost all their electronics. We invited them to visit our boat to compare venues. They were all pretty impressed with our power boat – actually the thing they were really impressed with was our clock that says Who gives a SH*#. We did have a great time showing them around and they were a really swell bunch of boys and parents.
When we came back to the boat from the pool, there was a big sport fish just across from us on the fuel dock. Whatever….When we went to the marina we looked out and saw that boat in our channel and just went about our business. Pretty soon our neighbor, Mark, came up and told us the boat had gotten loose and washed up against us and that he had come aboard to pull the pennant in, which apparently was in danger, and that no damage had been done to our boat. This was confirmed when we came back and the whole incident was blamed on the owner, rather than his captain, having tied off the boat. He was extremely apologetic to us, but all the damage was on his boat, so everything is under control.

Dinner aboard tonight and who knows what tomorrow brings! Our kidlets will be here tomorrow evening and we are very excited to see them!

Day 16

Just another day at the marina! Minor repairs on the sink in the master head, an hour or so spent at the marina (we are too far out on the dock to get their wi-fi) updating the blog, checking Facebook and e-mail. I don’t know if anyone has zoned in on Harold’s hair in any of the pictures. One week before departure he quit shaving, period. Head, beard, everything. Today he decided he has had enough of the girls running their fingers through his peach fuzz (in his mind) and decided to shave his head but leave the beard. Several minutes after he disappeared into the head he reappeared and said that I would have to cut the hair before he could shave. So he sat of the sundeck and I trimmed what I could. I became the haircut belle of the dock – guys were lining up and I could not convince them that I didn’t have a clue what I was doing!

We are tickled how we keep meeting up with people we have seen before – and I know all you cruisers understand this. Today Piggy Bank came into the marina – we were across from them in Guana, and this evening Windswept pulled into the slip beside us. This is the sailboat that Mark was singlehanding our first night at Allan’s-Pensacola Cay. We joined he and his friend Graham for the rib feast at the Jib Room – what a meal!!

Day 15

Wow, the beginning of our third week! We left for Marsh Harbor this morning, arriving at the Marsh Harbor Marina/Jib Room about noon. We took on 260 gallons of fuel and cut a deal on a slip for a week. That will cover the time the kids are here and we can use the boat if we want, but the plan is to just take a ferry to Hopetown and Man O War Cay. Hal really wants to go fishing, but the fishermen we talked to yesterday said fishing is just awful. Perhaps the fun is just in the chase……

Our marina is a bit far from town, perhaps a mile, and it is HOT, HOT, HOT. Not to be deterred, we decided, because it was late afternoon and overcast, that we would brave their bicycles and check things out. Almost there, one of the pedals came off Harold’s bike. He managed to find the nut but could not get it back on tight enough to ride. I refrained from laughing, but didn’t take a picture. So we turned around and walked our bikes back. If we didn’t lose 5 pounds from sweating, I don’t know what it takes! Stephen, the marina/restaurant/bar operator, bought us a beer for our trouble (and told us that the heat index was 107) and we enjoyed cocktail hour with the various marina residents/transients. Took a swim and had a light supper on board. Tomorrow night is Rib Night at the Jib Room, so we are looking forward to that!

Day 14

I hope these people all make enough money on Sunday to see them through the week because it is quiet as a mouse here this morning! We are going to hang out and have some lunch at Grabbers then see whether we want to move along or stay put. Because of the lack of services, dockage is very cheap.

Great lunch at Grabbers, along with a couple of “Grabbers”, their signature drink. By that time and after a long conversation with some people who have actually moved to Guana Cay, it was just too late to think about moving. We did finally score a loaf of Bahamian bread and it is delicious!

Day 13

We pulled anchor about 10 to make way for Guana Harbor and the (in)famous Sunday pig roast at Nippers. We docked at Guana Hideaways – very nice dock but no shore power, no water, no fuel.. We don’t need no stinking power…..By noon, the whole harbor was rocking and rolling! Our company across the dock - 2 Sea Rays and a Viking. Not a bad crowd! The other marina in the harbor is turning boats away and the ferries coming into the city dock have hundreds of tourists on them. There are two venues, Grabbers, right next to our marina, and Nippers, on the ocean, and Sunday is the day for all the tourists from Marsh Harbor to come and party! We got settled, then took the Nipper-mobile (golf cart) to Nippers. What a sight! Wall to wall people! We did partake of the pig roast (really just a buffet, Izzy). It was very good, and you need some food in your tummy before you start on the drinks! One Rum Runner was my limit! After lunch we went in the ocean and were immediately adopted by a group from Jacksonville who come down every summer. They stay in Marsh Harbor and rent a boat. We spent a lovely couple of hours with them. By the time we left, Nippers was in really full swing! Not one but two pools!Back on the boat we opted to rest up for a while before trying Grabbers. There wasn’t much resting going on, though, because the show on the dock was too much to sleep through! Every slip was full and as soon as one boat left, another came in. There was a sedan cruiser docked next to us when we got back and when they got ready to leave I counted at least 30 people get on board. Late day, we ambled up to Grabbers and had just ordered a drink when we spotted Steve and Alice, the folks who rescued us when the dinghy ran out of gas. We shared a table and stories of our adventures until almost dark, then back to a finally quiet dock.

Day 12

Further discussion with Renee about her problems. She is pretty sure she can handle it from here, so we settle up, start the engines and head for Great Guana Key. This involves Whale Key Channel which can be treacherous at times, but today is just choppy. It was an uneventful passage. We anchored out in Baker’s Bay at the north end of Great Guana Cay. That was the plan all along, but we did inquire about their marina. They are extremely proud of it at $3/foot per night. There are quite a few boats anchored here including a mega-yacht, the Feadship Gallant Lady. She also has about a 60’ go-fast boat, about a 60’ sport fish, a 20 something foot RID (dinghy), and a couple of other vessels with the Gallant Lady name. The dinghy rushes in toward the marina and then rushes back out, the sport fish goes off somewhere and returns, the go-fast goes fast for awhile, then she returns. Quite a show! Except for the usual cast of sailboats, we are the smallest motor boat in the Bay.

Day 11

Up early again, with our coffee and reading time. When Kevin came to work, Harold went and arranged to get a golf cart for the day. They deliver! It got here and we took off, following roads we had no idea where they went. I have only been on worse roads on the Southern Highway in Belize!! We did finally end up at the Bluff House on White Sound and had a lovely lunch of tasty appetizers and Kalik beer. We made our way back to New Plymouth and rode up and down their streets. We passed on the museum for $5 each, but visited the hardware store. We spent most of the way back in a storm. When we got back to the marina we headed straight to Pineapples. I was determined to have one of their huge, fancy frozen drinks before we left. We bellied up to the bar in between the other patrons. I had on the hat Becky gave me and soon the guy next to us asked us about Satellite Beach – I didn’t even remember that it was on the back of the hat! Not only does he keep his boat at the port, he went to Edgewood! Talk about a small world! We talked for a long time and have a huge number of people in common, including Jack, for those who knew him. He is a commercial agent in Orlando and we will probably see them again on Sunday in Great Guana. We talked for so long that we invited them to the boat. There could be business in the future. Charlie and his girlfriend Shannon were great – we had a good afternoon. When Charlie and Shannon left, Harold spoke to Renee, the lady of the 35’ sailboat across the dock from us whose husband is injured and bedridden and who has engine problems. We knew they had had people on the boat trying to work on it, but apparently there was a Bahamas time issue there. Harold volunteered to help and we went over to see what he could do. He was able to remove a faulty bolt, but she will have to get one from the hardware store in the morning. Our plan is to leave tomorrow and head for Baker’s Bay on Great Guana Cay to anchor out tomorrow. Tide is essential here, so it all hinges on the repairs on Renee’s boat and low tide! We have had a blast here and have not met an unfriendly soul!

Is there a Saturday night tomorrow? We could call in:)

Day 10

Winds died down during the night so we are anticipating an easy haul for the dinghy! And it was - first thing this morning, because there are hellacious rain clouds out there. Dinghy is up, a couple of cups of coffee and we started up the engines. Then, of course, the rain came, so we sat that short shower out. Then we motored on to Green Turtle Cay. We took Jeff and Izzy’s lead and called the Other Shore Club. They have no diesel, but we are welcome to dock for a night or two. It is approaching low tide and the water is SHALLOW, but we made it into the dock only churning some mud. Kevin, the dockmaster, helped us get tied off. The first thing was a shower in the air conditioning and then a trip to Pineapples, the on site bar and grill with SWIMMING POOL!!! It operates on Bahamian time, which is first come, first served, and we were way back in the line! There was a party of about 14 who had all ordered food, followed by several other parties. We did manage to get some beers and order food, and with the pool nearby, it was not a problem to wait for conch fritters and fried grouper. It was worth the wait!! After some great conversations with the other patrons, we retired to the boat for a nap. Late afternoon, I made Harold get up and take a walk to New Plymouth. Harold about expired from perspiration, and everything in town was closed tighter than a drum, but we needed the exercise….Back to the boat, some TV and off to bed!

Day 9

Most of our neighbors pulled out this morning but we opted to hang out and do some chores and repairs. I took on the weather stripping on the shower door and Harold worked on the step on the cockpit ladder. Late afternoon a few more boats joined us. Fluke is here – they were nearby at Powell Cay. She looks like about a 60’ Krogen. 2 more catamarans and 2 monohull sailboats are here also. One cat that is still here from yesterday and one that came in today are identical so we’re guessing they’re probably charters. Winds continue to be strong but our anchorage is good. Tomorrow we will move to a marina in Black Sound at Green Turtle Cay.

Day 8

That storm blew in our 42nd wedding anniversary! Hard to imagine! The weather has calmed down so we will try to explore Powell Cay this morning. We got the dinghy ready – plenty of gas, oars, whistle, just a few little things in case….There are several beautiful beaches. We walked and swam and visited the “signing tree” where people leave mementos. The biggest one was from someone from Satellite Beach but it had no date. Linda, I have to wonder if you have been here. This is what Harold found!

With one full week under our belt, I took a little inventory of what we have used and what we forgot and the only thing we forgot so far, and we haven’t really needed it yet, is bug repellent. At Allan’s Pensacola Cay, we got big horse fly things every evening, but you could chase them with a fly swatter. And as far as what I have not used – no hair product, hair spray, lipstick, mascara or bra!! Life is good!!

Shortly we will pull up anchor and head for Manjack/Crab Cays for another anchor out experience. When we get tired there, we will head for a marina at Green Turtle Cay.

Day 6 and 7

The water continues to be dead calm this morning. The day gradually became a hang out day. We have both read several books in the last three days! By Monday morning the wind had picked back up and soon it was much to windy to brave the dinghy to the beach, so we continued to read! Last night was the worst storm yet with not much rain but high wind and lots of lightning and thunder. Fortunately we are very well anchored and slippage is not a concern.

Day 5

Day 5
Up early again! About mid morning, Steve and Alice hailed us and said they were ready, so we got our stuff together for a dinghy ride. They led the way around the point of the island and we motored up to a beautiful sandy beach. A short walk to the middle point revealed nothing but an even more beautiful sandy cove. We got almost back to the boats when Eureka!, they boys spotted a chimney! The girls were not game for the “trail” that led to it, so basically we have pictures of the chimneyJ After a swim, Steve and Alice said they were going to find a snorkel spot and we headed back to Idgara. Just in the cut on the way to the anchorage, our motor die and we were fresh out of gas. It was an expedition of several lessons! Fortunately it was shallow enough that Harold could walk the boat back to where we were across from Idgara, but then the problem was that the wind was blowing quite briskly in our faces. We had seen Steve and Alice head for some rocks across the water, so we just had to cool our heels and wait for them to come back. It didn’t take long, and we did have a hand held VHF, so as soon as they got in we hailed them and they towed us back. Next trip we will be a bit more prepared!! They came aboard and had a beer with us and we shared war stories. When they left, it was time to get ready to make way for Powell Cay, our next stop. We made this passage at trawler speed because we towed the dinghy, and arrived about 4 pm. It is a much better anchorage, and we are alone except for one sailboat at the other end of the island. We took a swim, had a light dinner and by the time it was bedtime the water had become dead calm and there was not a breath of air! I slept on the aft deck and Harold on the couch most of the night! The good news is that there was no midnight thunderstorm!

Day 4

Day 4
Up about 6 – when is this sleeping in thing going to start? Coffee first, then household chores are in order. We always wonder how Izzy and Jeff’s boat always looks like the maid was just there. That is NOT the case here, but we are slowly settling into a routine. About 9 this morning we were approached by 2 Bahamian fisherman in their skiff. They proffered a bag of fish and a bag of conch and claimed to need 2 gallons of gas to get back home to Guana Cay. We obliged them and then they just needed a beer or a water. We again obliged them! This is the point where we start keeping a few Busch’s in the cooler so we don’t give away the Beck’s!

After the housekeeping was done and Harold repaired a hose and clamp on the fresh water system (a day without a repair is like a day without sunshine!), we totally sat of the aft deck and read books all afternoon! How peaceful!! About 4 pm two more boats came into the anchorage. One sailboat, a 50’ Beneteau, and a much larger than us motor yacht. We hailed them and the sailboat answered. They are the same people we were anchored near at Great Sale Key, Steve and Alice. We made plans to go try and find the ruins by dinghy in the morning.

The snapper that we got this morning went on the grill and it was DELICIOUS! After another early bedtime, we were once again awakened at midnight by pounding rain. We spent an hour in the glow of the radar before we went back to bed. This has got to stop!

Day 3
Up early again, but able to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee this morning! Harold worked on some small problems in the lazzarette, we took another swim, cleaned up and headed out. We came about 35 miles to Allans-Pensacola Key. It also is uninhabited. We were intrigued because it is supposed to have the ruins of a missile tracking station. We put the dinghy in and tried to find a trail to the ruins. That didn’t happen, and it was threatening rain and we were concerned about our anchorage, so we came back to the boat. Harold tried what the book suggested, to dive on the anchor. That was funny, but it didn’t work, so we pulled it up and reanchored. Things seem to be good now. Tomorrow we will take the dinghy around to the other side of the island in the ocean. (It is protected by the reef.) Harold says this will be the smallest boat he has ever had in the ocean. Previously it was his 14’ boat out Barnegat Inlet in New Jersey.

A sailboat just came into the anchorage we are in and we talked to him on VHF. He is single handing his 44’ boat and we have people in common in the Tampa St. Pete area. Small world!

We had a light supper and were in bed by 9 pm. About 11:30 I woke up to rockin’ and rollin’ so I went up to check the anchor alarm. It was raining in so I buttoned everything up and called Harold. We determined that the anchor was holding and that we were just swinging because of the squall. We sat in the glow of the GPS screen for about a half hour then went back to bed.

Day 2

Day 2
We happily pulled out of Riviera Beach City Marina just after 7 am. We came around Peanut Island to the gas docks at Sailfish Marina where we filled up for the crossing. At 8 am we left Lake Worth Inlet in 2-3 foot seas. We had a very uneventful crossing, although the seas were beginning to pick up as we came into West End. We arrived West End about 12:30 and began filling out our customs papers. Once we cleared and hoisted our Bahamas courtesy flag we were off again. This time, though, it was over the crystal clear waters of the Little Bahama Bank. We made it safely through Indian Cay cut and kind of snickered to ourselves when another boat hailed us and wanted to follow us through! Maybe they thought we knew what we were doing! We motored on 40 more miles to Great Sale Cay (uninhabited) where we anchored near a sailboat in the harbor. We had a nice swim, enjoyed some Buffalo chicken and crashed!

Day 1

We made it to West Palm Beach and are tied up at the absolute worst marina, but all is good!
They were slightly cheaper so I opted for them and we are paying the price! We had a couple of minor problems on the way down, but all the things that Harold worked so hard to improve/correct worked flawlessly. Most of the issue today was that the wind blew 25-30 knots in our face all day, and then there were the intemittent showers. As of now - 10 pm - the water is calm and we are still believing the weather reports that the Gulf Stream will be passable tomorrow. Fuel pumps at our marina are down, so we will have to leave early tomorrow to get fuel elsewhere before we shove off. If we go according to plan, I will probably not be back in contact for a couple of days. Think good thoughts!!