There is nothing like motor-sailing in the rain. I think we have been blessed with rain here for some reason. The rain today seems so peaceful. Boats are sailing in the ICW intercostal waterway. Dauphins are dancing; birds are flying. What a great day and feeling. It appears we see more sea world in the ICW then in the Atlantic Ocean. I see the big difference is the water clarity.  Why does the ICW look like dirty water?  

I noticed this Pelican flying overhead. I think this is the coolest bird. 

 

 

The dauphins danced in the back ground. See that tiny fin;  that’s a dauphin

 

 

The rain same down so fast we could hardly see the sailboat behind us. I must say again; what an day.  If the rain stops we will put our sails up also. We prefer the visibility when it’s raining. So we have our sails rolled in.  

 

 

Boats anchored along the shoreline near Melbourne Florida.

 

 

WOW… I am just in total disbelief with all the sunken boats in the Bahamas.  Now on the ICW; as we head North we see so many shattered dreams.  So who is responsible for the clean-up?  I was told the owners had 30 days to remove there boats. But let me tell you; some of these boats look like they have been here a long time.  Maybe this one will become a historical park some day. LOL

 

 

Looks like we might start seeing a relief in the rain.  Bryce likes the picnic table here on this Island.  Maybe we should drop anchor and have lunch.

 

 

Isn’t this a pretty boat. she is a 73 foot Hatters her name is “My Boat”. She slowed down and did a “no wake pass” as she went past us.  Most power boats did the same thing as they passed us.

 

 

So we continued on up the river a few more hours and anchored near a bridge by Melbourne.  Winds were WNW 15-30 MPH most of the night and throughout the next day.  This is the boat that followed us throughout the day in the rain.  As we dropped anchor for the night, she pasted us by.  

 

 

As always thank you all for following us and sharing our journey with us.

What a wonderful stop over for provisioning and a car rental. We spent a few days in HarborTown Marina.  We came into the inlet around 10 AM. The tide was low, but plenty of water.  I called two marinas to see if they had any open slips. To my surprise, they both did. We chose Harbortown after the young lady at City doc warned us on the turbulent flow of water in their inlet. Then we discovered they had nothing protecting their marina from winds & waves. Harbortown turned out perfect for us.  We were greeted at dock E-22 by a young man named Ken.   He was a big help. We spent a few hours getting settled in and trying to figure out where customs and car rental was. Ken gave me a paper with numbers for everything we needed.  I was smart; I called customs and answered a few questions. Then she gave me this huge number to report to the local custom officer.  Boy, that made it so much easier. We had 24 hours to make it to the local office at the airport.

I was down inside the boat when I heard voices.  I thought; who is he talking?  Sounds like they know each other.  I peaked my head out to see a young man by the name of Francois (pronounced Fran Swa). We met him and his beautiful wife Sylvie when we were at Normans Cay in the Exumas.  We visited with him for a few minutes. I needed to go pay for our dock.  Francois helped me off the boat. It was a very narrow dock that made me feel like I was going to pass out every time I got off the boat.   With all the states we have been in (Marinas) there are only a few that are as nice as Michigan docks. Francois and I walked toward the harbor master station until he reached his dock.  We agreed we would get together soon.

This is Beauty resting in slip E-22 it has really been 4 months sinse she has had any significant time in a marina.  Other than the short stay in the Bimini marina.

 

 

After going to the office, I arrived back to the boat. Bryce said “Can you to go up and see if we can get an adapter from a 50 amp to a 30 amp.” Okay, at this point I took a deep breath and exhaled. No problem dear! I need to get my Fitbit steps in anyways. It was hot and I think we needed lunch.

Here is Harbortown Marina. I just loved this little restaurant.

 

 

After we got caught up with everything, we called a taxi to take us to the car renal. It felt good to be in a marina for a few days. We decide we needed to stay awake for a few more hours. So after picking up a car and going to customs, we took a scenic day along the beach area.  I saw my first up close and personal view of a turtle.  Boy, he headed to the weeds when he saw us. I have to laugh; I didn’t know that a turtle could move as fast as he could.

 

 

Bryce took me shopping for a new Fitbit after I drowned mine in the ocean. Thank you sweetie.

 

 

We walked along a beach area to watch the pelicans dive for fish.  It was breezy, but warm.  Bryce and I forgot to eat so we went into a local restaurant on the water for pizza.  I kept falling asleep. LOL

 

 

After heading back, we just could not fight it anymore. We passed out; sleeping 12 hours.  The following day we met up with Francois & Sylvie for drinks. It was so nice to laugh with friends. We got caught up in conversation and didn’t realize the restaurant had been closed for an hour.

 

Francois and Beautiful Sylvie

 

   

 

Bryce took me to get my hair done again and to visit my sister Janette. We didn’t make it to her home till after dark. But we swam in the pool and had a few drinks and enjoyed her hospitality.

Janette and I

 

Get this; so we just spent 8-10 weeks with out doing laundry.  I must not have sent back enough clothes if we had enough to for that long. Right! LOL..  So I spent a day doing laundry.  Then we went grocery shopping.  Even though I have a washer & dryer on the boat, I don’t have a water maker.  Another thing to add to the list!  The laundry was a tad expensive $2.75 a load to wash and $3.00 to dry.  But hey, when you need it, its there.  Right!

On the phone talking to our daughter Tami.

 

 

Bryce came over to tell me that it was time to go see our friends Francois & Sylvie.  Their boat is getting pulled out. They are leaving it here at the marina while they fly home for hurricane season.  They will come back in November .  Can’t wait to see them again.  Have a great summer in Quebec

 

 

 

The following day it was are turn to pull out of Harbortown- Fort Peirce – and head up the ICW to Sebastian Florida

 

With the winds a blowing, we untied the lines and proceed up the ICW.  Right after getting into the channel we had our first of many 65 foot bridge to pass under.  I noticed this sailboat of course without its mast being used as a billboard.  Maybe we should call it a sailboard…. wait that term has already been used. LOL

 

 

This bridge opens on demand while we were waiting we were passed by Gloria another huge boat.

 

 

I forgot crab-pots are back. We don’t need to run over any..

 

 

 

I think we get passed by everyone. No joke! I think we have the slowest boat to paradise.   

 

 

Bridges and power lines all have to be 65 feet or taller

 

 

This bird must feel safe didn’t even move as we passed by.

 

 

Back at looking at homes on the waterfront.  I like this one.  Love the palms trees.

 

 

Bryce took this picture.  He says this is me swimming with the dolphins.  Perhaps I need a swim suit.. LOL

 

 

To all our follower thanks for following. We enjoy all your comments and questions 

 

The day finally came. After Bryce finished with work we pulled up anchor and started our final sail back to the United States.  As many of you know. LOL.. this will be a nail bitter.  130 miles should be a nearly 22 hours straight sail across the Gulf stream.  We have not yet had a crossing with out rollers, 20-knot winds or no wind with rollers, so I prayed.  I must say the good lord does listen and heard my prayers.  We have not had such an enjoyable crossing as we did this night. From the time we pulled up the anchor in Sail Cay to the time we entered the inlet to Fort Peirce I was stunned with the beautiful stars and moon.  The stars filled the sky. I don’t know if I have ever seen so many. We had an average 10 knot winds from behind; just enough to fill the main sail and stabilize the boat. The head sail was blocked by the main, so no head sail.  Around 12:30 am, the moon appeared from the East. It’s my candle in the sky.  She shined so bright and lit up our path.  I could not close my eyes all night.  It was like some unbelievable picture that if I closed my eyes it would all disappear.   We don’t have many photos of our crossing but it was amazing.

 

The view of the water was just breath taking.  I am in love with the many shades of color she shows.  This was taken about half way across Little Bahamas Bank.  Water depth was about 15 feet.  It is always nice to stay on the banks where waves are smaller and rollers are non-existent.

 

 

My two boys slept leaving me at the helm once again.  George on the floor on the starboard side; Bryce on the cushion on the port.  Temperature was in the 80s. Well, the auto pilot allows me to step way to take a photo.

 

 

The seas are a bit calm.  Only 1-2 foot waves.  Soon the sunsets. The not knowing what will happen when the darkness appears creeps into the back of my mind. It seems like the winds blow hard at night. We can lay in bed almost every night and hear her blowing and howling through the rigging.  What will she do tonight?

 

 

Have you ever seen something that was so magical to you?  This was my night.  The night, I have waited for, for so long.  I think my mom shined down from the heavens and helped guide us across the ocean.  I couldn’t close my eyes.  I let Bryce and George sleep while I enjoyed the peaceful ride listening to Kenny G. Tim Mcgraw, and a few other artists.   Waves and rollers were limited to 3-5 feet on the beam.  With a 10 knot wind from the quarter, the boat hardly rolled.

 

 

Our final journey through the Bahamas.  The following map is our journey from Marathon Florida through the Bahamas back up to Fort Pierce.  Wait; we are not done. Now we embark upon a new adventure heading up the ICW on the East Coast.  The map below shows the places we stopped at.

 

Allans-Pensacola Cay was a somewhat remote island in the Northern Abacos at the east end of Little Bahama Bank.  We were going to walk the island, but we got in a bit late for exploring.  We anchored with five other neighbors.  We moved in as close to shore as possible in about 8 feet at low tide.  We were well sheltered from the persistent east winds that rarely drop below 10-15 knots.  Our position placed us about 500 feet offshore to allow reversal in wind.

 

 

We had a great beach but we were a bit tired to go in.  We were hurrying up through the Abacos to catch a weather window to cross the Gulf Stream.  Its best to catch an east or south wind to go across.  And worst to catch a North wind (against the Gulf Stream current).  West is also not good as it then is on our nose.

 

 

On our way to Allans Cay, we came upon another sail boat lost in some past storm.  This was a large boat over 50 feet that presumably was crashed up on the rocks by some huge wave created by the unforgiving Atlantic Ocean in the background.

 

 

The late afternoon sun highlighted a small lone sailboat anchored offshore well to our stern.  Perhaps a bit nervous to come in closer.

 

 

The next afternoon after Bryce worked, we headed off to Great Sale Cay about 30 miles west.  Great Sale Cay was to be our staging area for a 22 hour run to Fort Pierce Florida.  Great Sale Cay (yes spelling is correct) first  appeared out of the horizon as a small group of rock islands.

 

 

A much larger island appeared as we turned south toward our harbor anchorage.  We motor sailed as the east winds were light from behind us.

 

 

George was excited to get to our last anchorage in the Bahamas.  He generally comes out of his blanket (towel) as he notices the engine speed reducing. He knows we are about to stop.

 

 

As we rounded this point, we spotted the anchorage.  It was a pretty bay with two other boats.  Three more would join us before night fall.  It was very well protected and provided us a quiet night.  Sadly, no beach for us to celebrate our last anchorage in the Bahamas.

 

 

We now were ready to celebrate our last night anchored in the Bahamas.  We dialed up Beach Boys on the Nano and blared it across the bay.   Broke out the beers and pretzels and danced on the bow of the boat till dawn.. LOL.. ok.. we stopped at 7:42 PM when the sun went down.  We wanted to hear the blowing of the Conchs to thank the Sun for a great day and the hope of a better day in the morn’.  We gave a few toots on our horn, then the bag pipe boat broke out with their lovely tune.  Below is that boat.. her name is “Adesso”.

 

 

Thanks to all for reading our blog..

After leaving Marsh Harbor, we decided to anchor off Manjack Cay. It was a pretty beach. We expected to snorkel off of the breaker, but the water was just to shallow to get to.  We took our chairs to the beach and enjoyed a few hours there.  We spoke with some other boaters from Florida that were just getting into the Bahamas.  Apparently if you live in Florida you, are able to enjoy the Islands/Cays in the Bahamas all summer long.  Manjack Cay had this beautiful bay with clear waters, white beach and palm trees.  Just our sort of place to anchor at.

 

In stead of a teaky bar, we noticed a teaky swing.  You can see it in the water just to the right of the small sailboat.  There are a few homes close by so we didn’t interrupt their area of relaxing.

 

 

Beauty rested peacefully just off the beach in about 8 feet of water (low tide).  We could see the anchor securely embedded in the white sand at the bottom.

 

 

A short distance away, through a winding strait, across quite shallow water was the Atlantic ocean.  The shallow water provided protection from the rollers that were hammering the Atlantic shoals.

 

 

We took the dingy, our chairs, umbrella and drinks to lounge on the beach.  Bryce pulled the dingy up to shore while I strolled through the clear water snapping pictures and soaking in the sun.

 

 

Palm trees provided a perfect back drop for an afternoon on the beach.

 

 

After a bit of relaxing.. I cooled off in the water..

 

 

And Bryce went snorkeling..  Quite a few boats in the bay.  This was typical everywhere we went.  It was very rare being anchored alone.  Typically there were 5 to 10 boats in even the remotest locations.  At sunset, it was customary for boaters to honk special conchs by blowing through them.  The power boat in the center back ground played bag pipes over their sound system.

 

 

Well I suppose Bryce is done..  He saw various colorful fish and a live Conch.

 

Thank you all for following us.

I am a tad bit behind in keeping you all updated, but I am sure this will bring you all back. We left Harbor Island Eleuteras and headed to the Abacos.  Now this is me venting!!! First of all I love sailing. I love the way the breeze brushes against my ski and the sun kisses me leaving my body with a bronze tan. The boat doesn’t have to stay straight up! Heeling is just part of sailing.(I totally understand it) Now… I might be alone on this; but, my mind cannot handle it when I have no place to sit my butt when the boat heels and all my casserole dishes fall out of the oven and shatter on the floor. Ok all you sailors, this might be the straw that broke the camel ’s back! I guess in order to be a great sailor, one must accept heeling (15 degrees) in order to have speed. However, if you must bury your toe rail in the ocean, I cannot stomach it. There is no cure for this. I don’t get sick. Nothing like that; it’s all mental. I am trying to teach my mind it’s ok.  LOL.. I have faith in Beauty; she has so proven herself. Between the Lake Michigan crossing & the Gulf, I should be great. I just don’t think the Atlantic Ocean likes me. LOL.. Well, soon we will be in the ICW. People call that the ditch. I am okay with that I guess. It will give me time to mentally regroup.

 

Maybe the answer to ride on the jet-ski she looks pretty straight up!

 

 

This is me after Bryce hands me a double shot of Goldschlager for breakfast. It wasn’t that bad sailing we had about foot 10 foot+ rollers and the wind speed anywhere from 12-18 knots. We averaged about 8.5 mph.  We topped out at 10.5 mph and that is pulling a 800 pound jet-ski behind us.  The Jetski starts planning at about 6-7 mph.

 

 

As we were coming upon the entrance to the Abacos, I noticed this Catamaran disappearing in the rollers.  This is a 45 foot Lagoon.

 

 

The rollers were breaking on the reefs on each side of us as we entered the inlet. Boy it was sure nice to get out of the Atlantic Ocean and into the Sea of Abaco. It was much smoother.  Things settled down after we passed the southern most inlet at Little Harbor.  Here is a picture of a few boats anchored just out of Little Harbor.

 

 

George is happy to be out of the Atlantic. It was late in the afternoon, so we anchored a bit inside of the inlet near Lynyard Cay.  It was well protected from the strong east winds.

 

 

 

The next day we moved from the bay at Lynyard Cay and moved to a bay near Tiloo Cay.  This was south of Hopetown.  After we anchored for the night, we took the jet-ski and headed over to explore Hope Town.   Looking into the harbor entrance, we see some colorful homes and numerous boats on mooring balls.

 

 

We were greeted  by the red and white lighthouse at the entrance to Hopetown.  This is a picture from the mooring balls.

 

 

We passed this colorful restaurant as we explored the harbor.

 

 

Unfortunately the clouds started to turn dark as if it was going to start down pouring.  We headed back to beauty to nestle down for the night.  The small bay we were in had great protection from the east winds.

These two boats anchored next to us at Tiloo Cay south of Hope Town.

 

 

We headed to Marsh Cay the following afternoon.  It was a gusty day and you need to watch where you are going in the Sea of Abaco as the channel twists and turns as you follow it.  In this picture, you see the palm trees resisting the winds.

 

 

The navigation channel can take you near outcrops of rocks.  The zoom lens on the camera makes this boat look a bit closer than it is.

 

 

We had a  great surprise after we settled Beauty on the hook once again. We were greeted by our dear friend Etienne.  He zoomed up on his dingy arms waving excitedly.  How nice it was to see him.  We welcomed him on board and had a number of beers as we exchanged stories since we last talked.  Unfortunately Denise had a headache; but, we gathered together the following morning for coffee. Denise and Etienne walked with us to the grocery store. That was awesome since we weren’t sure where to go. I need to kick myself in the butt. I didn’t take any new photos. Later that evening, we spent a lovely evening with them. We are going to miss them.

 

They are headed up to Bermuda, then crossing the Atlantic to Netherlands.  Safe voyage and fair winds our friends.  La Luna is the name of their boat; meaning the Moon. I am sure the moon will be their light across the ocean.   We first met them Thanksgiving day near Pensacola Florida.  They are just finishing their quite adventurous 6 year sail around the world on their 35 Beneteau First.

 

 

Engineer turned Surgeon for a few minutes.  LOL…. after reading the manual on the jet-ski. The Engineer found out that he could roll the machine over and perform a  Stone removal (Gallstone Removal ).   Just think; reading the manual really helps.  We have always been told never roll a jet-ski on its side. Bryce was still in doubt that this would was going to have any affect on “5”.  That is the name of our Jet ski because it’s our 5th boat on Beauty.  We towed “5” to the beach with the dinghy for fear that if we started her we could do more damage. We prepped the patient .  It was not easy to get an 800 pound patient on her side.

The patient is ready doc.

 

 

 

Time out.. Inspecting the surgery site to make sure he operates on the correct site. Yep; it has been Identified; this is the correct spot.

 

 

Surgery was a success!!!! The doc removed what appeared to be a latch off a cupboard door. And then removed a stone looking piece of wood.  These pieces put some nice grooves in the wear ring.  But no significant damage to the impeller. 

 

 

Recovery Time.  After the surgery, it was time to close up the patient and take her for a test run.  FIVE IS ALIVE!!!  I was dancing on the beach.

 

 

Time to celebrate.. FIVE IS ALIVE!!!

 

 

We enjoyed walking the beach after a few beers of course. LOL We saw this Starfish they are big down here in the Bahamas.  Bryce carefully tilted it up a bit to get it out of the sand.  But kept it under water.

 

 

Bryce gets a kick out of my pink shoes.. They glow in the water.

 

 

I like this rock for some reason.  looks like if you put a glass top on her, it would make for an interesting table

 

 

Back at our chairs for a refill.  We talked to these two girls,  Sylvie and Mellissa who rented standup boards and were out enjoying their day.

 

 

We decided it was time to head back to Beauty and take the jet ski out for a run. We went to the North part of Harbor Island and meet Captain CJ and his lovely Girlfriend Cynthia Jane.  Happy Birthday Cynthia Jane

 

 

 

This is a 75 foot Viking that Captain CJ is on. It is really pretty.  Bryce helped CJ with some computer stuff on board.  I enjoyed a few drinks in the back with Cynthia. 

 

 

Once again, Thanks for following us  We arrived in the Abacos Bahamas last night.

We took the dinghy  into Valentine Marina for lunch.  We asked if we could leave our dinghy there while we explored town.  A nice young man said yes. We went in to the restaurant and I ordered a Pin-a-colada  and chicken quesadilla.  What a great lunch.  There was a couple sitting next to us Renee and Alan. They were from a 60 foot “Jim Smith” designed Sport fishermen.  What a nice day we had. Renee told me about a local bakery with scrumptious bread that I will have to try. We headed out to explore after lunch. First we thought we were going to rent a golf cart to travel the island on; but then Bryce said are you in any challenges on Fitbit? I said of course I am everyday, so we explored by walking. This island is 3 1/2 miles long by 1 1/2 long and it was once the capital of the Bahamas.   Dunmore town is one of the fabled Bahamian hideaways of celebrities; famous for its seclusion and lifestyle.  It’s funny I wouldn’t know if a famous person was sitting next to me.  LOL For all our friends who haven’t been here by boat, the anchorage is quite good. We have had heavy winds and our anchor has held tight.  You must follow your GPS in as there is shoaling.  After leaving here, we will be heading for the Abaco’s on our way back to the states.

 

 

The one thing that brought us to this place was to see the pink beach. This is the Pink Sand resort

 

 

We walked from the restaurant without a map.  Well actually Bryce took a picture of the map; so it was on his phone.  We came to a V in the road not knowing what side to take we stayed to our left and followed the Valentine Resort Signs to their beach.

 

 

I like this sign  “Oh lordly a hill…”

 

 

We found it.. I see sand .  I suppose it looks a bit pink when the waves wash up.

 

 

Now why did I do my hair today.  The winds made short work of my hair.  LOL..  Lets go find the pink sand.

 

 

I love the feel of the waves hitting me. I didn’t realize I was out far enough to get my Fanny pack and Fitbit wet. Thank goodness I didn’t soak my Fitbit again; especially since this is my sisters. 

 

 

Bryce took his shirt off and placed a hand full of sand on it.  We are looking to see if it looks pink. From where we are standing it looks tan. Just like normal sand.   LOL 

 

 

Honey you are not going to see the pink sand that way. LOL  He ended up taking a picture of his shadow.

 

 

Yes, I see the pink crystals.  Do you?  It looks tan from a distance; but when you look closely you can see the pink crystals. I am sure the direction of the sun makes a difference also.

 

 

Okay, Bahama beer time.  We stopped in at one of the resorts. Of course it was “Pink Sands Resort” and had a local beer called Kalik. I started laughing. Rooms start at $400 a night and two beers cost $17 dollars.  I guess I picked a good day to wear my pearls. LOL

 

 

This is our journey walking back to the marina from the pink beach.  We strolled past the local homes.

 

 

The water is so clear that we didn’t have to snorkel to see the fish. they even had a shadow.  What kind of fish are these?  They are about 1 foot long.

 

 

So what do you think?  I fell in love with this dress. I think Bryce should buy this for me and then take me out for dinner and dancing  Ok.. I am dreaming again

 

 

 

Exploring the bay on our Jet-Ski

 

 

Well we have spent the last few days anchored out in the bay near Harbor Island. We have had a few wind & rain storms pass throughout this area. Thankfully most of the storms hit at night. The downside is the storms make for a restless sleep. It was time to get some good exploring in while the sun was shining. As we were getting on the jet ski; a sea plane landed in the bay.  We decided we wanted to go see the “Glass Window”. They say it is the most distinctive geological feature in the Northern Eleuthera’s. Unfortunately as we entered the cut to head out, all I could see was a wall of water facing me. I told Bryce to take me back to the boat. This girl wasn’t going to jet ski out there until the winds and waves reduce. We stayed in the bay and found some neat things to share with you all.

 

 

It is becoming common to see boats crashed upon shore in the islands.  This sail boat was split in two.  We found parts to this vessel up to a 1/4 mile away.  he stern of the boat is in the left picture.  The bow in the center and the rudder in the right picture.

 

 

 

We decided to head back to the boat and grab our snorkeling gear. As we head  over to a new area we wanted to check out the government doc because that is where you and put your dinghy when you go into town. Crap… I said look on the beach it was yet another boat on shore and on it’s side. The windows are broken out and it also looks like someone cleaned out the inside. This boat is left here to slowly decay and rot away.

 

 

Now, the bad news.  As we where so engrossed  with our surroundings, neither one of us paid any attention to the depth of the water. When all of a sudden we heard something bad in the jets of the jet-ski.  Bryce leaned over to see if he could see or feel something to pull out of the jet pump. He didn’t feel anything. But the motor sounds like it was chewing up bolts when he gave it the gas.  So we moved no faster then a snail to get the jet-ski back to the boat. Actually, I think a snail could of passed us. LOL

 

 

When we arrived back to the boat, Bryce took the main halyard and a line to the port side of Beauty and hosted the rear end of the jet ski up. So he could get to the jet pump inlet and pull out what ever it was inside.  Now, you all know this didn’t happen with out a few choice words and of course a little temperament. As he tried to work on this issue, mother nature decided to share her temperament too by blowing her winds at us and of course rain. Perhaps we sucked in a few stones.  We are down a jet ski till we arrive back to Florida and she sees the jet-ski doctor. I think she might need exploratory surgery.    In jet ski terms, she might have to pass a stone… LOL.  Bryce took a bit of debris from the pump.

 

 

 

You can see the rain that hit us. I am so happy we have a back up dinghy.

 

 

Well once again, We cannot thank you enough for following our journey.

After spending the night in the bay off Current Island,  it was time to head towards Spanish Wells.  We anchored a bit off from Spanish wells. We didn’t spend enough time in Spanish wells. But it leaves us more to explore on the next visit.  We went into Spanish Wells and explored the local store and fueled up the jet-ski. Bryce got a little upset with a local on another jet-ski. First he cut us off at the fuel pump. Then he told another boat to come in and fuel up after he was done so they could put it on the same bill.    As he started to pull away from the doc he floored it took off like a rocket leaving all the vessels there to hit the pilings and bounce out of control for a few minutes. Now, that gives all jet skiers a bad name!!  There are all kinds of signs that say NO Wake Please!!! That includes jet skis!!! I really am thinking that maybe people don’t know how to read or they plain don’t give a rat’s butt!   Okay, I am done venting. LOL.. Boy that felt good to get off my chest 

 

 

Spanish Wells gets it name from an early explore who found fresh water on the island. Spanish wells is known for its prosperous fishing fleets. Apparently, they supply over half the entire Bahamas with there catch of lobster, conch, and many type of fish.

 

 

We explored the surrounding areas and I picked up a loft of bread and two ice-creams for $13. It is so hard to believe how hard it is to find bread. Yes, the next adventure will have a bread machine on board. 

 

 

I laugh because this is one place I think really does need a full service boat yard after seeing the channel that goes through to the Atlantic to get to Harbor town. We did not take the Devil’s Backbone with the winds and the waves.  We felt it was to unsafe; instead we took the long way around.

 

 

As we past through Spanish Wells in early morning, we noticed two guys painting a fishing rig. 

 

 

As we passed through Spanish Wells into the Atlantic, I stood on the bow looking into the water to help Bryce avoid hitting any thing. This channel takes us through town and is not very wide.  This is a side profile you have to be very careful it is shallow.

 

 

Only a local can pass you safely… in a no wake zone.

 

 

We followed the channel further out. I laughed; I really don’t think people read or care about other people property. I watched as the wakes grew as we were passed.

 

 

We hit roller after roller and watched them crash up on the nearby shoals.  You have to keep your wits in these area and have a good chart plotter.

 

 

Bryce had to keep us on the sailing line using the GPS. There was no room for any errors on this route.  Rollers were breaking on each side of us.  Water depth was not visually obvious.  However, there was a clear route through the breakers.

 

 

This vessel is on its way to Spanish Wells through the Devils Backbone. Although this picture doesn’t really show you the reality of the danger.  We saw similar breaker areas as we jet skied around New Providence Island going to Nassau.

 

 

We made it out to the Atlantic. We had a ways to go. We were headed to Harbor Town. Bryce thought I would get a kick out of the pink beach that we read about. We noticed horses on the beach as we were coming upon the Harbor cut.  Here is a picture of the pink beach.

 

 

We made it to Harbor Island Cut. This is my view as the rollers were coming into the Harbor with us on a rising tide near low tide. 

 

 

What a pretty view of this home or ???

 

 

I just wanted to get though this cut!  Look how smooth the bay on the other side looks

 

 

As I turned around to see Bryce I noticed the roller in the back ground.

 

 

 

We are now in the bay. I think this is the smallest house.

 

Okay, If you haven’t been here before you must use your GPS and charts. This is a very tricky bay with its shallows.  We will end the day with a view of Lady Joy she is a 115 foot vessel and is a charter boat.

 

Leaving Black Point last Tuesday to make it back up near the Exumas Park we left in 15 knots winds and some waves.  I learned one thing  in the Bahamas Bank headed north, a 15/17 knot wind coming from the East is your friend.  We had the best sail yet. But there is one thing we didn’t do. I owe Eva & Uwe an apology. We had one of our best nights with you two and didn’t even say good bye. Anyways, Safe travels our friends. We made North of Highborne and anchored near the Cay. We took a jet ski ride into the marina to check out the fuel docks and other accommodations. The attendant told us they were out of diesel but a barge would be in around 7 a.m. in the morning.   I have to chuckle; the sign on the dock said” Beware of our Sharks”. I thought it was a joke. Then Bryce pointed at a huge dark spot. There was at least 8 sharks. Well, I wasn’t going swimming.

 

See the sign to the left? and all those dark spots are sharks.

 

 

Not, having a water camera might be a blessing. I an sure Bryce might of tried to get an underwater photo of these fishes that are waiting to be eaten by the sharks!  If you can see these fish can you tell me if I am looking at a tuna?

 

     

As we sailed out of Highborne, I thought it was going to be a horrible afternoon for sailing. Yet it was another spectacular sailing adventure for us.  I always park my rear upon deck when the weather is nice enough. LOL Today it was hot.. I need to keep the sun off me, so I added my umbrella to my chair. 

 

 

Bryce came up and said the GPS says  we are going into a dangerous rock area!  Now, for those of you who don’t know how to read a GPS, the pink line is our intended trail (sailing Line) to be correct. I didn’t think anything of it; looks like we will miss it.  When you read the chart notes, it says: “Unsure of position or depth”.  So we do not know if these rocks are 1 foot below or 20 feet below.  We also do not know if the plot is correct.  The water depth in this area was 22 feet.

 

 

OH.. My.. What am I looking at.  This is no joking matter.  I thought we were in a UFO field. LOL There had to be dozens of these patches of rock areas.  The GPS did no justice to this area. We were sailing like drunken sailors to avoid rock patches.  Look how round these are.  Can you see where I get the UFO idea in my head? Most rocks appeared quite deep.  We passed over one where the depth went from 22 feet to 16 feet.  Generally, it turns quite light green when it becomes very shallow.

 

 

Up close view. I didn’t have my better lens on the camera to get an over view. I was acting like a traffic cop again pointing out all the round rocky areas (UFO landing areas.) LOL to avoid.

 

 

I just wanted to share with you the most awesome view of the clear  water here as we sailed across the Bahamas bank. We could see the sandy bottom for miles. the depth average was 10 feet at low tide.

 

 

As we neared the channel at Current Island, I think we where both a bit nervous. We went in with a near high tide (thank you GOD for GPS) We followed our route perfect! there was no room for errors here as we entered the (Current island area)  The Chart book reads. Check your tide tables before entering the current Cut.    “The current is strong and it floods into the ebbs off the bank. A sailboat or slower trawler may be unable to go against the spring flow tides.” Ok, so I am biting my nails

 

This beautiful area is on a come back from the devistation of Andrew (Hurricane) with a category 5.  In 1992 winds 175 mph.  You can see the Challenge here; we could not get too close to this point.  It was very shallow extending well to the right of this point. We were going in doing 4.5 mph. We hit a 5 mph current and ended up doing 9.5 mph. I guess my statement here is NEVER enter this area without a good GPS and charts.

 

 

 

These are the government  docs getting rebuilt after Andrew.

 

 

After we made a hard port (left) turn I noticed this area. “Welcome to Current Island. Kellys open,  one stop shop restaurant , bar cool drink, spice, food.” The issue here is a 5 mph current.  It might be best to take the channel leading straight into the cut rather than the more direct route (from Exumas) we took.

 

 

We noticed local men fishing here off the point.  This is the exit of the cut.

 

 

We had 30 minutes to find a spot where we were going to anchor before dust. Boy it looks like we might get hit with rain. 

 

 

Bryce looked up at the wind indicator and said no rain for Beauty. The wind is blowing it away from us. He was right. we just got to look at the amazing sky.