Tomorrow is April? Wow, it's time for an update!

Since our last posting we've spent some time on or around 7 more islands and logged well over 300 nautical miles. In early February we left Thompson Bay, Long Island to find Calabash Bay (north end of Long Island) for a night and then further north to New Bight, CAT Island. The attraction here is a very interesting feature known as The Hermitage. These buildings(stone and coral bound together with concrete) were constructed in the late 1930's by Father Jerome as his retirement monastery. As you'll see in the pictures, Father Jerome must have been a very short man. We were so taken by the view and the story of his life that we couldn't stop snapping pictures. There are two access paths to the top, one being very steep and the other much more gradual. The steeper climb is adorned with small stone monuments representing the Stations of the Cross. Absolutely worth the climb to see and touch these pieces of history. In the end, his body was actually entombed here behind concrete inside one of the structures.

After a few days in New Bight CAT Island, we moved north a few miles to Fernadez Bay, then northward over the Exuma Sound to the island of Eleuthera and the Davis Harbour Marina. This would be the first slip we've stayed at in 6 weeks. The following morning we sailed further north to Rock Sound Harbour. There's a storm coming and we will be safe here for the duration. After a little exploring that afternoon, we enjoyed Steaks on the grill for Valentine's Day. As forcasted, 2/16 brought high winds and heavy rain in the afternoon. After waiting out the weather for 2 days we were able to return to shore and reprovision. A little laundry, some freshwater, a few groceries and we're ready to move along again.

From Eleuthera we sailed to Highbourne in the Exumas, then Rose Island(Nassau), Hawksnest and Big Stirrup in the Berrys. The anchorages are beautiful and the weather is cooperating so we're happy. And finally, the trip we've waited all winter to make, it's March 24 and we're headed NORTH to Grand Bahama and the Ocean Reef Yacht Club. Swimming pools, hot tub, friends, fun, Bingo, Karaoke, biking, hiking, fishing, snorkeling, happy hours, pot luck dinners, etc. What's not to like?!

So now it's been just over a month since we arrived at ORYC and we're enjoying every minute here. We have some fishing stories to tell and more new friends to add to our Cruisers list. I suppose we need to start thinking about the last month of our cruising for the winter, but that can wait until tomorrow, or the next day.... Spring has arrived here (in spite of the Ground Hog up north)and the flood of winter cruisers are starting the migrations back to the States. Enjoy the latest pictures, there are a bunch!

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!

Jim and Linda

Feb-Mar 2013

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January 2013 - Y-Knot 3 adventures continue

Since our last posting, we've traveled south along the Berry Islands, through Nassau, down along the Exuma chain and southeastward to Long Island logging in just over 450 nautical miles. The views are nothing less than spectacular and the water is as clear and blue is it gets. There are a few dozens pictures to go along with this time frame so pay attention to the captions on them as well.

Our first day out of Nassau was a nice “light and variable” motor sail over the Yellow Bank(part of the Exuma Bank)....until we found an old lost fisherman's style anchor. Seriously, we came to a sudden and complete stop as the floating tail of the anchor's rode wrapped itself around our prop. We were VERY lucky not to have had the transmission blow or the propeller pulled loose. It just stalled and stopped. Here we are out in the middle of no where and we happen to find the only obstacle within a 50 mile radius...... So now were anchored, courtesy of the vessel that lost it's 4 foot/75 lb anchor. The water is so clear we can see it! We quickly drop the sails, drop our anchor, and drop the captain into the drink with is snorkel gear. 20 minutes later we're under way and still wide eyed about the entire event. That night we arrived at Alans Cay(pronounced key) and set the anchor for a strong front expected in the next 12 hours or so.

This time of year the winds are constantly shifting from a prevailing east to a south, west and then northerly direction. As they “clock” around we need to look for anchorages or harbors that will provide us with the protection we may need for higher velocities. Alans Cay was a good place for protection from the north, but not good in terms of the strong currents running in and out through the cuts around it. As predicted, the front arrived around 530a, and we're off to the races. The boat was rocking up and down over the waves and whistling with high winds. We waited for the sun to rise and thinking maybe things would settle down soon. Friends of ours on ECHO took pictures of us as we fought our way out of the area to seek calmer waters. HA. A day in the life of the sailor.

Next stop was Big Majors and Staniel Cays. Over the next two weeks we watched the swimming pigs, nurse sharks, sting rays and snorkeled inside the Thunderball Grotto (scene from a James Bond movie). From here, Black Point Settlement, White Point-Jack's Cove, Little Farmer's, Rudder, Darby, the Rudder Cut into the Exuma Bank and we're finally behind Stocking Island and the Georgetown mecca. Here you'll find an entire community (200-700 boats at any time) of cruisers. The local residents have established businesses all around the area to provide the services that cruisers need. Fresh water, fuel, propane refills, groceries, laundry, restaurants, WiFi etc. I believe some the boats no longer leave to go home. This has become their home. They have organized activities if you want to participate including volleyball, yoga, card games and a few workshops. To our readers we may seem to you as the most adventurous (crazy)couple you know, but here we're just one of many and it's incredible to think that this has been going on all along and we never knew. So we relaxed on the beaches, visited the “chat n chill” restaurant/bar, pet some friendly stingrays!, and explored. As is our pattern, after two weeks we're ready to move on.

Long Island – Thompson Bay – Salt Pond is where we are now. You can go to www.longislandbreezeresort.com to see the facility here that plays host to all the cruisers. They hosted a great Super Bowl party and we enjoyed spending the evening with all these kindred spirits. By the way, if you watched the game and happened to remember any of the commercials, there were a few filmed here in the Bahamas. They promote tourism and show the beauty of the white sand and blue waters. One of the spots was filmed right here, and the boat they chose from the volunteers is anchored right behind us! The owner told us all about the filming, etc. and it was so cool when the commercial came on and about 50 or more cruisers got quiet and watched.

Well, we're setting sail again tomorrow. Enjoy the pictures and to those of you still up north, stay warm!

Jim and Linda

January 2013_Y-Knot Adventures

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Berry to Exumas 2013

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From Grand Bahama Island to the Berrys and Nassau

It's Thursday December 20 and we take off from Ocean Reef at 4:00am in an attempt to reach the Berry Islands before dark. “I'm always anxious on these legs into new cruising grounds. Once we're there I'm usually pleasantly surprised to find easy access to the anchorages, and even more relieved that we made it safely. But no matter how long we're out here I'm sure those concerns will be a part of me”. LM

As is often the case, winds and waves are not generally in our favor and we motor-sail close hulled for 13 hours and 60 nautical miles. Was it worth it? You better believe it. We had this feeling that we were the first people to have ever landed here as we find another hidden pocket of sandy beaches and palm trees that have been there undisturbed for centuries. In reality, we're anchored in Bullocks Harbour just south and east of the Stirrup Cays. There are two Norwegian Cruise Line ships anchored to the north and thousands of passengers enjoying the same warm day as we are. Great Harbour Cay is also nearby and sparsely populated with a few dozen native Bahamians who fish and cook and bake and repair boats. One of the pamphlets we're reading about the Bahamas placed the total population in the Berry Islands at around 750.

We spent two nights here before moving inside to enjoy the Great Harbour Cay Marina. We rode our bikes over much of the island passing by the local grocery stores and restaurants. Coolie Mae's Sports Bar and Restaurant bakes bread for those who want it and we managed to buy a loaf without having ordered one in advance. Mmmmm, tasty. With the laundry done and boat washed off we're ready to move again. Along with an intermittent escort provided by the local dolphin pods, we sail back out and around the Stirrup Cays to a place called Panton Cove.

This truly is a beautiful part of the world. Close your eyes and imagine sitting on a boat or raft in a clean, clear, blue bottomed swimming pool. That's no exaggeration of how blue and clean and clear the water here really is. So far this is the closest description we've been able to come with for someone that's never been here.

Next stop, Hawksnest Cay where we spend a few days collecting shells on the beach and relaxing in the sun. I managed to prepare a 6lb. Turkey breast and all the fixings for a delicious Christmas dinner. And the leftovers on Coolie Mae's bread were even better! After one more stop along the Berrys and a nice long ride with a tail wind from there, we're anchored behind Rose Cay just outside the busy Nassau harbor. We plan to refuel and fill up on fresh water before moving on again. Next stop, The Exumas!

Winter 2012-13

Merry Christmas everyone!  Early we know, but still very much our wish for all of you.  We're on Grand Bahama Island tonight as well plan our next few steps into new territory for the winter.  Here's out notes from the last few days:

12.17 Finally, our final preparations for departure to the south and then across to the Bahamas. 8a eye appt, quick stop at the store, return the bikes, dinghy out to the boat, raise the outboard and the dinghy, top off water tanks, ride through the bridges and we're off at 1045a. ICW to Lake Worth, set anchor @545p, try to sleep, ha.

12.18 Our Window to Cross

We're underway @245a. Seas are calm, waves are small, winds are light, and the sky is very dark. We motored until sunrise and had the sails up by 7a. With the motor off for the rest of the day, winds stay steady out of the west 10-12kts, 15-19 for a while, then back down to 12-15. If you asked for the best possible conditions for a crossing today you couldn't done any better than this. After the sun started to warm things up we finished opening the enclosure for better visibility and some sunshine. What a surprise it was to find a flying fish that had made his last flight. Poor guy, laying still just inside the toe rail there. Off you go! At 1130-1p we were surrounded by dozens of dolphins that enjoyed playing in our wake, chasing the boat and jumping into the air. What a sight, “Dancing with Waves”.
Our boat speed averaged around 5, then up to 7 for a while, then back down to 4-5 after the Gulf Stream dies out. Being in no real hurry we enjoyed a long overdue sail and landed easily at West End by mid-afternoon. Customs-no problem, top off fuel-no problem, take a slip for the night-no problem. That's the Bahama way, No Problem.  The water is clear and blue and we are already seeing small colorful fish all around the docks. We enjoyed the company of friends Duncan and Cathy all afternoon and evening before hitting the bed hard for some rest! We'll use tomorrow for recovery :)

12.19 After a much needed rest, we're up and out of West End, Old Bahama Bay Resort at 845a and fully under sail @9a. The ride was wonderful from there to the turn towards east at Freeport. Winds died for a bit, and so did the auto pilot. Instead of staying out on an anchor for the night we've pulled into ORYC (our home away from home) to evaluate the repair. If all goes well we're off to the Berry Islands in the AM. Or, we stay here. It's a win-win,really.