Covering the same ground again and again is something that most folks do not look forward to. Whether explaining something for the hundredth time to a child, the boss or Six Sigma (fortunately kids are usually pretty quick on the uptake) it's something that needs to be done. For us we are revisiting some of the islands we visited earlier this year. After the better part of a month in the Abaco islands it's time to head south to warmer weather.Making our way down Great Abaco to Little Harbor and anchoring off of Lynyard Cay we found as has been the case for the past year an idyllic beach for the girls to chase the ball where we could take a swim and sit quietly. Unfortunately, Lynyard Cay is also the sight of the grounding of the sailboat "Rule 62" where the life of one crew member was lost during a rage in the cut at Little Harbor.
Here we made the acquaintance of the folks aboard "Bentana", a couple of Upstaters enjoying their first sailing visit to the Bahamas. As is the custom of "Waterworld", when two travelers meet they exchange gifts. We gladly shared half of the Red Snapper we had caught earlier that day; I only wish they had shown up earlier to help clean it. We're talking a record catch here, no fish tail either a ten pounder. There was also some red wine in there somewhere. They in turn shared some canned chicken and white wine. The trials of life at sea."Bentana" joined is crossing from Abaco to Eleuthera across the Northeast Providence Channel (the Atlantic) and through the Egg Island Cut. Who comes up with these names?
They soon headed off for Spanish Wells while we made ourselves snug at Royal Island for our Thanksgiving feast.
BOTO Thanksgiving Menu:Roast Turkey Breast w/ stuffing
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Green Beans with Molasses and Bacon
Pumpkin Pie w/ Whipped Cream (homemade)
While we enjoy a certain amount of deprivation, when it comes to food we prefer to enjoy the finer things. We even had a candle lit table. Hope everyone else out there had a wonderful dinner.
Next day and a breakfast of Pumpkin Pie, we're off to Governors Harbor (our first true repeat). Governors Harbor is one of those places that you find in the tourist brochure. Historic buildings dating back two hindered years, smiling happy people and beautiful sunsets. As we arrived after sunset we spotted the fish fry on shore kicking into full swing with bonfire and DJ roaring. We polished off the leftovers (much to the chagrin of the folks on "Flying Pig") and then headed to the beach to twist and shout. We shared the harbor that evening with the aforementioned "Flying Pig" and "Troubadour" both of whom will be heading further south at some later date so we expect to see them again.
For those visiting Governors Harbor by water you will find community water readily available at the park (bring a filter if you have one), laundry, grocery and three liquor stores (we prefer Bristol for the price on Strongback and Rum). For those that wonder what one does all day on a sailboat, here is how we burned off our dinner.
Saturday 11/27:Take the dogs to the beach and chase the ball, then walk the village checking on beer prices (several miles, the girls were beat)
Haul 22 gallons of water from the local park to the dinghy, then up onto the boat then pour into holding tank. By the way that's over 180 lbs. carried one hundred plus yards, then balanced in the dink back to boat then deadlifted on board then dumped.
Haul 10 gallons of diesel from the Shell (I know, I don't like Shell anymore than the next person but it was our only choice) to the dinghy. That' 70+lbs carried just under a mile then back to the boat. Prior to that added ten gallons to the main fuel tank.
Another mile-ish walk to and from the grocery store with a week's supply.
Last but hardly least, haul two cases of Strongback Stout and two bottles of Rum (the rum is actually very light) a mile to the dinghy. All in all we had a great workout over the course of a few hours. Then haul anchor and away we go to Palmetto Point (a whopping 6nm). However, before we left we did have a chance to rest and watch the Homecoming Regatta in the Harbor.
After a grueling motor of 6nm to Palmetto Point we dropped the hook in ten feet of water and took the dink ashore so
the girls could run the beach and we could enjoy a coldie. We were greeted by Skip and Sharon who live on the beach (whom we mentioned from our visit on 5/21). After reacquainting ourselves it was time for a sundowner and then dinner plans. Skip and Sharon drove us off to a dinner of Grouper, Conch and French Fries (there was also a nice fresh salad). Skip and Sharon live here most of the year although they are residents of Florida. In addition to their main house which they built they also have three rentals on their property, visit their web site, www. thebarefootbeachhouse.com . For the location and relaxation you can't beat their place.Up and at 'em again, a nice stroll along the beach the girls had their last romp in the sand and surf before bath day. We left Skip and Sharon with warm memories and we were in possession of what has to be close to the world's largest Avocado compliments of Sharon. A great day of sailing and motor sailing to Rock Sound the scene of Ed's birthday celebration all those months ago. With two clean and fresh as a daisy dogs we will be using the dock to go ashore rather than the beach. The girls will stay downy fresh for a while to come. A day behind us into Rock Sound here comes "Flying Pig" they plan to spend several days before heading on whereas we are off on Wednesday December 1. Where to?
Well it's a long haul today on our way to Cat Island, 70nm. So we're up before the sun and on our way with the first hint of light. Made Fernandez Bay just as the sun was setting and dropped the hook in 10', with plenty of time for a Goombay Smash with the twilight and the emerging stars. We've worked out our Plan A, for today anyway. From Rock Sound, Eleuthera we'll head ESE (120*-130*) for approximately 50nm to arrive ay Rum Cay, where we'll do the civilized thing and take a slip at the marina for a few days while the weather/wind shift to our favor. Then it's off on a 120* heading for the Southeast side of the Turks & Caicos Island some 250nm. With wind and luck we should make T&C by Monday 12/6. From there we'll make our decision as to heading onto the Dominican Republic (an additional 70nm-ish) or onto Puerto Rico (an additional 350-ish nm). As Thursday 12/2 we'll begin covering new ground, so we'll also get a little anxious as we wonder if we are on the correct course, is that dark spot a huge coral head about to rip out the bottom (hey hey), what to have for lunch, oops just ate, so what's for dinner. For those that don't read the articles and honestly look at the pictures, stay tuned for the next time we have an internet connection.
----------
radio email processed by SailMail
for information see: http://www.sailmail.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment