March 7, 2014

We set the alarm for 0500 but really didn't need it. Jorge was up way before that checking oil levels, weather, etc. and me, well, I was awake because of the hobby horsing of the boat was stayed in bed until 0500. Things were set for our departure. We weighed anchor just before 0600 and headed out of the Crooked Island anchorage. I must admit I was never so glad to leave an anchorage as I was this one. The week was like being inside a washing machine with the constant rolling. It was actually hazardous to our health getting in and out of the dinghy - having to time the swells just right!

Rochelle from Crooked Island in her school uniform.

 

The entrance to the small boat basin at Crooked Island, not easy to negotiate with the dinghy!

 

We made good time to the Acklins (first island past Crooked Island 6 hours away) but the wind still had not clocked sufficiently and the waves were uncomfortable. We were indecisive. We decided to call it quits and head into Atwood Harbour and wait for the winds to clock to the SW or W. After making the turn towards Atwood and sailing a bit, we thought maybe we made the wrong decision so we changed course again and continued on with the original plan. We got around the reef and thought no, we should go into Atwood especially since another boat was in the anchorage and said how calm it was. So back we went and anchored in Atwood only to pull up anchor half an hour later as the winds had clocked to the SW - just what we needed! The other boat also weighed anchor and the two of us left together to head to the Turks and Caicos. Needless to say with all the changes we lost at least 2 hours but what the heck we had the winds finally blowing in the direction we needed. The sailing was great and well worth the wait. We had one tack to West Plana Cay under full sail and no engine. After rounding West Plana, and adjusting the sails slightly we again had one tack all the way to the Turks and Caicos (10 hours), never even having to tweak them the whole night. The winds began to lessen in the early evening so we motor sailed. During the night there was luminescence in the water, something we have learned is actually algae glowing! It looked like fire flies dancing in the water.

Umbrella Rock at Atwood Harbour, Acklin Island.

 

March 8, 2014

We were approaching the Turks and Caicos around 0800 when we had some rain but managed to avoid the major storm cells. Against the "Bible" by Bruce Van Sant author of Passages South, we entered the Turks banks around 1000 not the recommended 0630 time. The winds were light so there was no problem. The tide was low so South Side Marina suggested waiting an hour before attempting to get to the marina, we arrived at the dock at 1330.

We filled out the paperwork and waited for Customs and Immigration to clear us in. There was a boat from Oakville clearing out and we met them. We then headed for showers. Happy hour followed at 1700 at Bob's Bar (the owner of the marina). We chatted with the couple from Oakville who are also heading further south. They kindly invited us to their boat for dinner. Wonderful! We had just pulled a 30-something hour sail and were dead tired. The last thing I wanted to do was cook. Appetizers was more my style, so that's what we brought with a bottle of wine. It was a great evening. Back to CS'ta Time at 2300. It was like heaven - no swells, quiet and peaceful - almost like being at our home club!

Sunrise on the way to the Turks and Caicos.

Overlooking the entrance to South Bay Marina from Bob's Bar, Caicos Banks in the background.

Office.

One of the resident dogs chillin' out.

March 9, 2014

I slept in until almost 0900. Jorge was up before that. We had forgotten it was daylight savings time so it was actually an hour later. The morning was really lazy. I went to town with Bob who runs a daily shuttle to the grocery store. It was like being in the states or Canada - a great store with a great selection although the prices were also great! Oh well, I have learned a saying on this trip - it is what it is. A motto which I have adopted. Jorge stayed at the marina and did some maintenance reading something about the bearings in the V-drive wearing out. There has been a vibration in the propeller shaft which Jorge believes comes from the bearings in the V-drive which will probably have to be replaced. More on that topic later.

When I returned from town we had lunch in the gazebo. Shortly afterwards Jorge had a siesta and I did a load of laundry. The rest of the afternoon was almost as lazy as the morning - something we desperately needed.

We had happy hour in the gazebo with another couple heading north on a catamaran. They just did a three day passage from Puerto Rico.

Supper on board and a lazy evening. Temp was warm, maybe 30C.

How rolly is rolly? Our stove is gimballed (tilts when in waves to keep it flat.) The tilting was so great it caused two wires to be severed at the back of the stove! Jorge had to remove it, place it on the floor (covered the total square footage of my galley), and reconnect the wires all in the rolly polly waves!

We went into town again to get the gribs. Looks like the weather will be favourable for us leaving tomorrow morning. Next blog will hopefully be from the Turks and Caicos.

March 4, 2014

We got the jerry cans for diesel loaded into the dinghy after breakfast and off we went into town. We stopped at Gibson's Restaurant to prearrange lunch before going for diesel. Willie (the owner of the restaurant) was making lunch then. Pizza - only thing on the menu. We decided to have lunch first. While waiting we downloaded the gribs and watched some t.v.

Willie invited us to visit some ruins north of town. First though she was baking fresh bread which I eagerly asked to buy one. Again while waiting, I had a chance to blog. Nothing like multi-tasking, while the bread was baking Willie drove Jorge to get the diesel ($84.00 for 13 gallons - ouch) and then drove him to the dinghy to unload it.

Picture of Bird Rock Lighthouse just north of our anchorage. (Ok so our weather isn't quite as bad as in this picture!)

Gibson's Restaurant.

We did take Willie up on her offer to visit the fort ruins. Truly a community of family. Off we went, making a stop to pick up the minister and drop him off at her mother's house, pick up her great neice (Rochelle), loaded up some clean laundry to be dropped off at a house en route and finally pick up three visiting ladies from the states.

After visiting the ruins Willie drove us back to our dinghy. Like having our own personal chauffer!

Quarry at the ruins where the stone was cut for the lighthouse.

Stone wall surrounding the fort.

Existing house at the site of the ruins.

Jorge, Willie, Rochelle and Kim at the small boat basin.

On the way back to CS'ta Time we noticed a catamaran in the anchorage. WOW not too many boats have stopped here. We stopped by and introduced ourselves, got invited aboard for a drink and chatted about boating experiences. They are delivering that boat to Conneticut for the owners.

March 5, 2014

Another gorgeous day in paradise. Too bad the winds and waves are still too strong to move! (18 kts at the anchorage at 1000.)  It was again a rolly night. How rolly is rolly. Well, yesterday I left a case of pop (12 cans) on the port side settee before going into town. When we got back, it was on the floor! Sleeping at night is uncomfortable as we are always being tossed from side to side. Jorge's idea of velcro pj's don't seem so silly now!

After breakfast we headed into town and walked to Gibson's Restaurant. I had bought a fresh loaf of bread from Willie yesterday so made sandwiches and enjoyed them outside the restaurant in the gazebo. We again downloaded the gribs. The winds are supposed to be clocking in our favour Friday morning and also diminishing in intensity. Hooray, a weather window! Jorge and I are thinking of a 28 hour run to the Turks and Caicos, not because we especially want to but because the weather window is there. Also there are limited places to hide with the expected winds.

Jorge downloading the gribs in the gazebo.

Kim soaking up some sunshine.

Local wildlife (two roosters behind the gazebo.)

The mail boat is supposed to come in tonight so I will be able to hopefully pick up a few things tomorrow before heading out on Friday. Willie also offered us water so we will take her up on that offer as well! We will be fuelled up, watered up and provisioned up - just have to wait for that weather window.

February 26, 2014


List of boats visiting Chat and Chill in 2014, George Town, Bahamas.

 

February 27, 2014

We got up at 0500, weighed anchor and left Fowl Cay at 0615. It was getting light out but the sun had not actually risen. We motor sailed in about 13 to 15 kts of wind and 2' seas. Jorge decided to fish and was successful in catching one! Oh boy, now what do we do? We checked the charts that we had on fish and couldn't identify it. Jorge gutted it anyhow but kept the head and tail on so we could ask someone what kind it was and if it was okay to eat.

Any two sailboats going in one direction is a race! (boats going back to George Town.)

Jorge's first catch.

We rounded Cape Santa Maria at the top end of Long Island where the winds picked up to 16 - 18 kts. So much for the 7 - 9 kt winds! The angle was good though and we were able to sail almost to Rum Cay arriving and setting anchor at 1600.

The anchorage was quite open to the ocean swells and quite rolly. There were three other sailboats in the anchorage.

February 28, 2014

After breakfast we decided to leave the harbour because it was too rolly last night and go to the marina (abandoned) and take a slip. The route into the marina required me at the bow of the boat keeping watch and Jorge skillfully navigating through the rocks and coral heads!

Rum Cay was celebrating Rum Cay Day so we took part. A local car stopped and offered us a ride into town but the car was full. No problem, she popped the trunk and Jorge and I got in! During the opening ceremonies the minister was blessing the activities. It just didn't feel right bowing our heads in prayer, holding onto a bottle of beer!

Sitting in the trunk, dangling our feet over the back.

Rum Cay.

Rum Cay festivities.

 

The mail boat arrived shortly after the festivities began, bringing a number of people from San Salvador to the Cay, so it was one big party.

Mail boat arriving.

Manual unloading of mail boat (beer first!)

Back at CS'ta Time, a local identified the fish Jorge caught yesterday as a Blue Jack fish which was edible so he finished cleaning it and fed the head and tail to the sharks. I pan fried the fish and it was delicious.

Feeding the sharks in the marina.

 

Unfortunately the mosquitoes and no see ums drove us inside. We were in bed early anticipating an early start tomorrow.

March 1, 2014

We left Rum Cay marina shortly after 0700. After successfully navigating the rocks and coral heads againt we left the harbour at 0745. The destination was Crooked Island. The weather was not as predicted. The winds were a steady 17 - 18 kts with a few guests to 22.8. The prediction was for 10 - 13 kts. 3 foot seas when in reality they were 5+. Ouch! At least the directions for both were good. We motor sailed to Crooked Island, battling a current, so we got in later than anticipated. We set anchor at 1900.

Sunset approaching Crooked Island.

 

March 2, 2014

It was a bumpy night. Jorge actually got out of the V-berth and slept in the main salon as he found it too bumpy sleeping there.

After breakfast Jorge transferred the diesel from the jerry cans into the boat's tank. We then had lunch, lowered the dinghy and went to town. We were quite impressed with the community. Wonderfully kept lawns, no garbage around and super friendly people.

Crooked Island.

Jorge tapping into local internet.

Second sunset at Crooked Island.

We went back to CS'ta Time, had dinner, had a leisurely evening and turned in around 2200.

March 3, 2014

We are hunkered down in Crooked Island. We arrived here two days ago. Winds are strong - to 20 kts and east/southeast. Just what we don't need - right on the nose! Oh well, Pittstown and Landrail Settlement are wonderful little communities. We found WIFI at the Pittstown Resort so we are doing blogging and downloading the grib files (weather). The winds are supposed to continue strong for another couple of days so I guess we will wait.

While Jorge was tying up the dinghy, I waited by the road. A local lady asked if she could help us out with anything. I nonchalantly asked how far to the resort. We wanted to have lunch there and use the internet. To make a long story short, she graciously gave us a ride to the resort (2 miles) and stopped half way there at a house. She told us to go to the house and introduce ourselves. It turned out the gentleman was from Trenton and was a sailor! He invited us back to his house this afternoon.

While having lunch the table next to us had a party of four and one couple was the owner of the resort(from North Carolina) who had just flown in to check on things. Nice man and wonderful wife.

Time now to download the gribs. Chau!

February 23, 2014

Yesterday Jorge and Lynn worked on our stereo/dvd player and successfully got it working. Hooray - we can now listen to music and watch movies!

It was another gorgeous day in George Town. After a leisurely breakfast, Lynn downloaded a file of music from his computer to ours and then transferred some to a disc for us. Jorge did some watching up on news via the internet and I just wasted away the morning! lol.

We had lunch in the cockpit and then Jorge and Lynn went in search of the fellow who lent us the huka. He has not been answering his radio so we decided just to go to his boat and leave it in his cockpit. Fortunately he was there (just did not have his radio on). The guys were invited aboard for a drink and thoroughly enjoyed Dennis' conversation.

Back at CS'ta Time we all had cockpit showers and got ready to dinghy into town for dinner. Lynn kindly picked up the tab as a thank you for staying with us! Thankfully the waters were relatively calm and no one got a second shower going to dinner or going back to the boat. We had an excellent meal at Peace and Plenty.

Pool side at Peace and Plenty.

Pool.

Enjoying a fabulous dinner at Peace and Plenty.

 

February 24, 2014

We were up at 0700 as Lynn's stay was up and he was catching a flight back to the states. We left the boat at 0900 so he could be picked up by taxi in town at 0930 and taken to the airport. Sad farewells!

Waiting for the taxi.

Farewell hug.

I headed off to the laundry and Jorge did banking, downloading of grib files (wind) and various other errands. We met back at the Exuma Market and then went to the Driftwood Cafe for lunch. Post office, souvenir buying, some groceries (the mail boat had not been completely unloaded yet), etc.

There was a gathering at Chat and Chill put on by the regatta crew. Free appetizers, happy hour drinks, the presentation of awards for the regatta races and a dance. We took part until about 2030 when we headed back to CS'ta Time. We said good bye to Dave and Rose (Cloud 9) as they were heading north tomorrow. We had already said many "hasta la vista" to friends, some heading north and some heading south.

February 25, 2014

We were up before 0700 this morning after a very calm night, almost no wind and very little waves. Right after breakfast we weighed anchor and headed across Elizabeth Harbour to Kidd's Cove, right outside George Town. We had propane to buy, water to get to fill up the tanks, reprovisioning and a few other errands to do. I am waiting for a prescription to arrive from Canada, hopefully today or more likely tomorrow. We then plan on making our move south.

Okay so the day didn't go as well as we expected. We got most of the jobs done however, the phone accidentally slipped out of Jorge's pocket and into the water. He dove for the phone, retrieved it but then his wallet started to float away! Luckily he retrieved that too. Back on CS'ta Time he dried them both out but electronics and salt water are not a good mix. The phone is pooched. No telephone, no texting, no internet. Oh well. We are now at the mercy of the WIFI on shore.

I made numerous trips to the water station before supper while Jorge checked engine and transmission oil levels, topped up where needed and did other systems checks.

February 26, 2014

We had another very calm night however that meant no wind so it was quite warm on the boat but hey, I'm not complaining!.

We ripped apart the boat again after breakfast. Jorge wanted to change the fuel filter before moving on. Done. But . . . the self bleeding mechanism of the engine did not want to work. The engine was not getting fuel so we couldn't start the engine. Jorge spent all morning trouble shooting but to no avail. Needless to say he abandoned that job for the time being. We are now in town doing last minute errands (hooray, my prescription arrived, the only good thing that has happened today! No, we got good internet service as well so I can continue my blogging.) We are heading back to the boat shortly, hopefully get the engine started and move on. Because of no phone (hence no internet) the blogging will really be erratic.

We are hoping to move a few miles down the harbour later this afternoon to facilitate an easy and quick exit out of George Town. Wish us luck!

I wish I could blame Batelco on bad connections but truth is I have been neglecting my blogging duties. lol!

February 18, 2014

Lynn arrived safely this afternoon. Jorge met him at the airport while I stayed in town and shopped (mainly groceries!) They arrived in town around 1700 and we dinghied back to CS'ta Time, had dinner and a wonderful evening catching up on things with Lynn.

George Town, Bahamas airport.

 

Our arriving guest, Lynn Means.

 

February 19, 2014

We spent a lazy morning aboard CS'ta Time. Unfortunately for Lynn, he revealed that he was a diver so it was agreed that he would put a new zinc on the shaft for us. Nothing like making your guests earn their stay!

At noon we had a meeting on the beach outside Chat and Chill with other cruisers planning on heading south. It was decided that there were two main groups, those doing the Mona Passage and those doing the Windward Passage. It was informative but maybe not as much as we had hoped.

Chat and Chill bar and deck.

Jorge and Lynn went looking for a huka machine from a fellow cruiser later in the afternoon while I prepared appetizers for happy hour on the beach at Chat and Chill at 1630. Back to CS'ta Time for dinner and conversation.

February 20, 2014

Jorge and Lynn were able to pick up the huka machine this morning and also went to town. After lunch, Lynn doned the mask and fins along with the huka and down he went. By the way, a huka is a machine with a long tube and regulator, attached to an air pump, enabling a diver to breathe underwater without scuba tanks. Not only did he put a new zinc on the shaft for us but also inspected the prop and the hull, getting scraped by a few barnicles!

Aquaman!

 

Cockpit showers followed for all of us after the work and then appetizers and cold beers on the deck.

After a job well done.

We spent the night on the boat enjoying dinner after a good day's work.

February 21, 2014

I dropped Lynn off at the beach around 0930. He wanted to see about crewing on a boat in this weekend's regatta. Jorge stayed on CS'ta Time waiting for the pump out and trash boat. Annie and I went to town in our dinghy to catch a ride to the butcher shop where they had "recognizable" cuts of meat! I must admit my driving to town was great - we hardly got wet. After visiting the butcher shop, Annie got some fuel and I filled up the water container. Unfortunately the ride across the harbour to the big boats was not so dry. We were soaked about 3 minutes outside of the dinghy dock.

The ride to the butcher shop, in the back of a pickup truck.

Sign in the pickup truck to the butcher shop.

 

After arriving back to the boat, I made lunch and then Lynn, Jorge and I visited Cloud 9, a boat we had first met in Sandy Hook. Lynn dove for them and changed their zinc. We enjoyed cold beers with them and then back to CS'ta Time where we cleaned up to get ready for the opening of regatta. We dinghied to Chat and Chill and waited 1.5 hours for Elvis' water taxis to take us to town for dinner and regatta opening evening (including a variety show). We caught the taxi back around 2200 - staying dry going across the harbour.

Waiting for the water taxi. (l - r: Dave and Rose (Cloud 9), Jorge and Kim.

Dock boarding the water taxi.

The water taxi (life jackets for 4.)

 

Regatta Park, site of the regatta variety show and dinner.

February 22, 2014

After breakfast Lynn and Jorge went snorkeling with Cloud 9 in one of the hurricane holes next to our anchorage. I stayed on the boat, caught up with dishes and made lunch for when the hungry snorkelers returned. After lunch we dinghied into town and wandered around showing Lynn the town. He had not really had a chance to just wander as when with Jorge, they were always on a mission! We did some shopping and stopped for a cold beer at Two Turtles then back to CS'ta Time after getting fuel and water. (Yes, we are always getting water, every trip to town involves filling up the water container.)

The Straw Market.

 

Flower beside the library.

Jorge "chilling out" while Lynn and I shopped.

Peace and Plenty Hotel (Johnny Deep apparently received an award here.)

 

After dinner there was an emergency call on the VHF radio by a female cruiser immediately behind us. It seemed there was dinghy rage on the water. Another cruiser was threatening her and her husband. Within 3 to 4 minutes about half a dozen dinghies were on the scene to assist. Jorge had our spotlight on the suspect dinghy but after the dinghy approached CS'ta Time and was surrounded by the concerned dinghies, he took off towards another anchorage. He was identified by some cruisers and I imagine will be held accountable for his actions tomorrow. It was nice to know that the cruising community pulled together so fast to help out!

February 16, 2014

I wish I could say we had a leisurely morning but we didn't. Breakfast was leisurely but then we set to work with boat jobs. Jorge had previously dived under the boat to find one of the annodes completely gone along with 2 of the 3 screws holding it also gone! Off he went in search of the screws after a look in our screw supply revealed we didn't have them, Murphy eh? My job was to defrost the freezer and clean out the fridge. We didn't realize it but there are icebergs in the Bahamas (the ice build up in our freezer when thrown overboard created the icebergs! lol).

I packed a picnic lunch and we went to Stocking Island (more specifically Chat and Chill Bar and Volleyball Beach a 2 minute dinghy ride away) where we had lunch, listened to a local Bahamian give a history talk on the islands and then just relaxed with a group of friends and enjoyed doing nothing the rest of the afternoon, at a picnic table, in the shade.

Everyone went back to their respective boats for supper and a quiet evening.

February 17, 2014

We are up pretty much shortly before 0800 every morning when we catch the cruisers' net. I usually have breakfast in the cockpit enjoying the warm weather and sunshine. Diana and I had decided this morning was a laundry day. The local laundromat was a little, well, undesirable so we called another laundromat about 5 miles out of town. They come into town, pick you up and then drive you back to town free. I'm glad we opted for that option because that laundromat was much nicer with lots of machines and free WIFI . The lady was also kind enough to take Jorge another 2 miles down the road to a marina.

We left town at 1030 to do laundry and got back shortly after 1300. Diana and I each got 3 loads done. Now you know why we consider ourselves lucky when we get one boat job done per day! We met up with Gilbert in town and the four of us set out to have lunch. We found an adorable cafe and enjoyed a wonderful lunch - a change from the typical Bahamian diet.

The cafe.

After lunch on the outdoor patio of the cafe.

Jorge talked to a fellow cruiser who had found the right size screws for the annodes and who had also dropped them off in our cockpit. The cruising life is so friendly and helpful, ask and you shall receive, everyone helps each other in whatever way they can!

Exuma Markets (the main George Town grocery store.)

Turtle statue outside of what else . . . Two Turtle Bar and Inn (only there are 3 turtles on the statue.)

George Town government building housing the police station, post office and courthouse.

We dinghied back to CS'ta Time and managed to stay dry. The wind and waves were quite substantial. After dinner we dinghied to Stocking Island and caught the water taxi back into town along with 8 other couples. Da New Eddie's Bar was putting on a rake and scrape (the local music)evening. It was a good evening, lots of drinking, dancing and having a good time. We got back to the boat at 2330.

February 18, 2014

We were up at our usual time, had breakfast and then started getting the boat "ship shape" for Lynn who is arriving this afternoon. Looking forward to seeing him!