Saturday, April 28, 2012
Waiting on Weather
Peace to All
Myron
Posted via Ham radio.
{GMST}24|36.673|N|076|49.202|W|Anchored|Norman's Cay{GEND}
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Shroud Cay
On Tuesday, once the winds moved east of north, we slipped the mooring and moved to Big Majors Spot. We tucked up near Fowl Cay, a private resort but it had the calmest waters in that massive anchorage. We dropped anchor about 11 a.m. and by 1 p.m. most of the other boats relocated to that side. There is a herd mentality in the cruising community. No worries, there was plenty of room.
This morning we set sail about 8 am. Myron said it was one of our best sails yet. I would rate the sail at the upper edge of 'Shari sailing.' Since we were on the banks, we had relatively flat seas, but the gusts were close to 20 tending to put us over now and again. We made record time and often saw 7.6 knots. Since the weather was agreeable, we tested out some sail combinations. The mizzen can have quite an impact on the helm. Initially Hold Fast was not on a tight reach, yet it was something short of a broad reach. We had up the full jib, full main and a double reefed mizzen, which we left a little loose. It seemed to work well on that point of tack. As our course pushed us into a tight reach, we had to drop the mizzen. We left the other two sails up full and were still seeing over six knots. Yes, it was a good day.
The view of Pigeon Cay from our current position is breath-taking. I am sure the pictures will not do it justice. As we watched the sun set tonight, Myron mentioned that it seems like it has been a year since we were here last, yet it has only been just shy of three months. I do not know to what I can attribute the expanse of time. I have a sneaking suspicion that it has to do with meeting so many new people and serving God in ways we never expected.
Love to all,
Dena
Posted via Ham radio.
{GMST}24|31.341|N|076|47.637|W|Anchored|Shroud Cay{GEND}
Friday, April 20, 2012
Staniel Cay - Thunderball Grotto
Our newest acquaintances are John and Shawna on 'Island Girl,' a Bahamian style cat ketch - double masted with two mains. The boat is cold-molded wood and has the basic amenities. During our hike yesterday, we could see them tacking up to Staniel Cay in the afternoon sun. It was a sight to behold.
Yesterday we ran the Dotham Cut to move north on the outside in the hopes of landing a fish. Unfortunately we did not even get a strike. The great news is that we took a mooring right next to our buddies Stephen and Marja on Motu. They are having engine trouble, waiting on parts, before they head north to meet a friend flying into Marsh Harbour. We spent the remainder of the day together, catching up, hiking several miles on Staniel Cay and enjoying a well earned dinner. Their parts should be in today but we may remain in the same vicinity to wait out a blow from the southwest and west. It is more difficult to find protection from such non-prevalent winds and we may be in one of the few spots that provides moderate 360 degree protection. The tidal current is strong here. While it is something to contend with, it also makes for glorious visibility in the water. I thank God we have not yet come to take for granted the incredible hues of blue water against white sand - and we are still awed by the view.
We had another piece of equipment fail - the windless. It was on our replacement list for the Jacksonville stop and we really expected it to last until then. We can still hand crank it, but that is slow and hard going. When Myron pulled it apart, the four brushes were not stuck but rather completely gone and the springs were acting as brushes. We broke out the 'German sweat shop' again and cannibalized old alternator parts. Myron soldered the alternator brushes on to the windless brush housing, sanded the brushes to the right size and I wound the springs on to each. Thus far, it is working as long as it is not used to dislodge the set anchor. We pray that this temporary fix lasts until we are at OYCM.
Love to all,
Dena
Posted via Ham radio.
{GMST}24|10.806|N|076|26.768|W|Moored|ThunderBall{GEND}
Friday, April 13, 2012
Black Point
It was a long day and we worked hard. We anchored to starboard of our friends, Greg and Luba, on the Mason 44 'Rhapsody,' and to their port side rests 'Beach Cruiser.' We hailed Barb and Barry on Beach Cruiser but did not get a response. Greg stopped by in the rain to welcome us. We talked briefly but he could tell we were not up for socializing until we got some food and rest. We have been anchored for about five hours. A strong wind is now upon us and forecast to remain for the next four days. All the more reason to stay here and visit with Barb and Barry until they depart for points south.
Love to all,
Dena
Posted via Ham radio.
{GMST}24|06.107|N|076|24.295|W|Anchored|Black Point{GEND}
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Happy Resurrection Day!
We did not expect to be back at Georgetown. We have learned on this journey that it is unwise to attempt to out-muscle weather. Our time at Conception Island was cut short due to a change in the weather forecast. If the forecast held true, we would not have a safe haven at either Conception or Cat Island, so we opted to sail back to Georgetown. We managed to squeeze in a dinghy ride of the turtle creek, view some turtles and the beauty of the island and then head back to Hold Fast. Our anchorage at Conception Island lost its serenity, turning the breakdown and storage of the dinghy and engine into a lively event. Sure enough, back at Georgetown we had strong winds that clocked from SW to W, then NW accompanied by about four hours of squalls - in the wee hours of the morning of course! We were pleased to be well protected in Elizabeth Harbor.
As always, it is a delightful stay here in Georgetown, even though the town is buttoned up until Tuesday for the Easter holiday. After we get propane, our next weather window for sailing northwest appears to be Friday. We are looking forward to spending more time in the Exumas and hope to see some places we skipped on the way down.
Our wishes to you for a wonderful Resurrection Day!
Love to all,
Dena
Posted via Ham radio.
{GMST}23|30.783|N|075|44.755|W|Anchored|Sand Dollar Beach{GEND}
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Conception Island
Today's fishing efforts did not land a fish, however we hooked a very large wahoo. It did some dancing and then managed to get off the hook before Myron could even get to the aft deck and start working the reel. Alas, we will fish again and hope someday soon to report a catch. We eat well enough in the meantime and just polished off a chicken dinner with broccoli and mushroom couscous.
Time to prepare for bed.
Love to all,
Dena
Posted via Ham radio.
{GMST}23|50.872|N|075|07.262|W|Anchored|Conception Is{GEND}
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Say Goodnight Georgetown
Here is video of 'Shari Sailing:'
The plan was to fish and sail for a few hours but we busted on the fishing and before we knew it we were at Long Island and anchored at Hog Cay. It was a calm stay and a nice diversion. Our three hour tour turned into an overnighter. Auto Paul sailed us back, sometimes with the motor to allow us sufficient speed to fish. Fish we did for two days, but no catching of our target species.
This is a sailfish we caught on another trip:
From Blogger Pictures |
From Blogger Pictures |
Love to all,
Dena