After spending 4 days in Miami we were ready to set out into the “big” water and make the crossing to the Bahamas. After listening to Chris Parker we set out at 7:30 A.M.
The big factor in crossing to the Bahamas is the Gulf Stream and the wind direction and if they are in competition you can have a rough ride. We started out motor/sailing but soon found that the wind was on our nose and the sails were slowing us down.
It wasn’t too uncomfortable but Helen spent as much time as possible laying down on the settee cushion. she was able to take over some of the watch at night so Joe could close his eyes. Now that we have AIS (automatic identification system) on our GPS it’s not as scary traveling at night. If we see a light near us we can look at the screen and it will tell us the name of the vessel, their speed and course and the closest point of approach. Two big sport fishing boats passed us-no problem.
In the morning we decided to just keep on going since conditions weren’t too bad and the predictions were that they wouldn’t get any better.
After being underway for 33 hours we anchored at Highborne Cay.
Early to bed that night.
the next day we got underway at 7:45 A.M. and again had a motor boat ride to Black Point. Anchored at 3:00 so we were able to go ashore for a walk and check email.
If we’re going to make it to George Town for Christmas we need to keep moving because a Cold Front with winds up to 30 knots out of the north is predicted for this weekend so we got underway again and arrived at one of our favourite anchorages in William’s Bay. Seeing other boats that we know from George Town made us feel like we’re getting closer.
We went out the cut at Black Cay at 7:30 A.M. and finally had a good wind for sailing-big jib and main up, dragging two fishing lines. No luck with the fish and we came into the cut at George Town at 10:30 A.M. Sailed right into the anchorage. Brian and Yvonne came over to welcome us and to let us know about “Cheeseburgers in Paradise” party at St. Francis Resort. Got things settled and put on our party clothes.
It started blowing hard that night so after we went ashore for “Beach Church” decided to move the boat to a more protected anchorage. The wind blew over 30 knots all day and night.
On Monday we took the boat around to Kidd Cove and went into town to get checked in, buy an internet card for our phone and a few groceries. Moved the boat over to the monument beach anchorage.
The weather has been beautiful all week with sunny skies and lots of wind to keep the generator happy.
Our days are filled with water aerobics in the a.m. and volleyball in the afternoon. Lots of catching up to do with our cruiser friends.
Christmas Eve we’ll join friends on the beach for a bonfire and carolling.
On Christmas Day we’ll go over to town so Helen can go to Mass at St. Theresa’s church, then we’ll come back across the Harbour for the potluck dinner.
We are cooking half a turkey for our table. Can’t fit a whole turkey in the oven so Yvonne and I split one.
Hope everyone has a wonderful Holiday celebration.
No comments:
Post a Comment