|
|
|
|
|
|
|
After a slow start we cleaned up the boat and purchased ice. The weather report from Nassau said 15 Kt winds and I was hoped to start for the Abacos in the afternoon. We headed out in the afternoon but the wind increased and the waves were breaking and everything was wet within an hour so we turned around and spent the night rolling at anchor back at Chub along with several other boats.
What a rainbow over Chub Cay! I took a picture - Sent Bailey and Candice April B. D $ for a pizza :). I'll wash before we leave. Well we struck out and returned with in a couple of hours because the waves and winds weren't going our way. We returned quickly :) and anchored near the entrance and beach. We rocked and rolled all night long. It was really rough and noisy. Anything that could clunk or bang or bump was doing it! Before dawn boats were leaving.
The weather looked a little better today with the wind coming more from the
ESE and we decided to try for Frozen and Alder. We motored into the wind and
waves for several hours until we could make the turn N and set the sails. We
entered the anchorage around 3 PM. Another sailboat was already anchored there
just inside. We went further in and anchored outside of the cut between the
islands. The strong E winds caused a swell to come around the point and we
rolled somewhat during the night. Several houses have been built since we were
there last and the large excavation we saw last time is now a harbor with
several fishing boats. One came in late at night, flashing its spotlight around.
We sailed toward Frozen and Alder Cays. It was sunny, very windy but we got here about 2:30 PM. Two years ago when we were here construction was going on. Now we see one large blue roofed building painted yellow. Lots of palms and greenery planted. We saw a big boat leaving from here that goes to Chub Cay Store for supplies every few days. We had rum drinks and port wine cheese and crackers for lunch upon arrival. We are both real tired - 'specially Rich - to bed early.
The wind dropped somewhat and we spend a nice day at anchor here. Several other sailboats joined us at anchor and the original boat left. The wind shifted to the SE and dropped which reduced the rolling considerably. Jill put out the fishing pole with the triple hook lure on it with a piece of salami. In the night something took the hook and we rushed up to reel it in. It seemed to come in OK for a while but when it was near the boat it started resisting and I could not pull any line in. Finally the line broke and it got away, too bad.
Rolling and rocked to sleep. We saw 3 boats anchored here and one came in after dark. He was gone when we woke up. This is the plac that I took the SHARK picture 2 years ago! Water temperature is 71°. It was 92° the last time we were here. Rich fixed an extra anchor rope to minimize Phoenix's movement. We had yogurt for breakfast thanks to our friends :). We just listened to Dr. Laura - now Rush is on. I'm going to go fishing :).
It looked like a good day to sail to Great Harbor Cay so we got up early and
pulled up the anchor by 7 and motored out. The wind was from the SE about 15 Kt
and the seas were 4-6’. After motoring out and clear of the rocks we set the
main and jib and had a nice broad reach up the chain of islands. We passed a
number of sailboats anchored behind various islands. We passed Little Stirrup
Cay which is called Coco Cay by the cruise line that stops there. We took a
picture of it to see if my parents recognize it from their cruise. The wind
started blowing harder from the S here and we pulled down all the sails and
motored S thru the banks to Great Harbor Cay. The route was fairly deep but the
marks were not exactly like any chart we had. We did not see the cut into the
harbor until we were almost on it. It is a very impressive 80’ wide cut thru a
120’ cliff and must have been some engineering feet to make it. The marina was
almost deserted. It has room for lots of boats and is surrounded by 2 story
condos. The dock master directed us to a pier and we did not have to get on and
off over the bow as at Chub, what a relief.
At 1 AM I awoke to the fishing line reel sound! I woke Rich "We have a fish!" He was out in a flash - it was no contest - This fish was bigger than the last one and he took off with the whole leader! Broke the lien at the connection. Darn. We went right back to sleep and woke up to a calm sea and light SE wind. By 7:30 AM we were on our way to Great Harbor Cay. The day was just perfect - sunny, about 80°F - Light breeze - We had trouble 'seeing' the 80' wide entrance to this marina - but the markings were good. We are surprised! We are at a concrete dock and right at the office and showers, etc. Ice, washers all handy. We celebrated our arrival with snacks and will enjoy piella for supper. Tomorrow we'll rent bikes and explore :). We sailed 30.9 miles today. I heard on the radio last night that the water temp is up to 75°F. Rich called his folks when we first arrived. We ate supper at "The Warf Resturant" at the end of the dock. They have a Bahamian singer playing easy listening music.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|