March 30 & 31, 2017 Archer's and Green Turtle Cay

March 30, 2017

8:30am- After having breakfast, we just waited for the tides to come up in order to leave Little Harbor. 

It is a beautiful morning and the weather is perfect to sail out in the ocean.  We decided not to go further South this year.  We didn't want to rush back to Florida and the weather is too unpredictable. 

Our plan is to sail down to a Man O War today by ocean.  Steve is determined to catch a big fish. 

9:15am- Tides are up and off we go.  The huge swells of 6 ft are 70 ft apart so it makes the sail quite comfortable.  

As you can see in the diagram,  the water depth is over 1200 ft.  Steve should be able to catch Mahi Mahi or tuna  for dinner tonight.  

10:30am-  Gazing out into the ocean, Steve yelled out "whale"..  To much of. my pleasant surprise, I see the whale spout coming out  of the water and then see his huge tail as he went under.  What a thrill!  We later found out it was a Sperm Whale.

1:30pm- Guess we won't be having fish for dinner, since Steve put his rod away.  Too much saragatho weeds in the water.  

2:00pm- We anchored outside of Man O War Cay.  It was too windy to spent the night so I took the dinghy into town to pick up a few things while Steve stayed behind with the motor running. 

2:30pm- Left Man O War and headed to Archer's Cay.  It should be a lot calmer there.  

We text Margi and Chuck to see where they where.  We plan to catch up to them in Green Turtle Cay as long as the weather permits us to go thru the whale passage. 

4:30pm-  Arrived at Archer's Cay.  There were already 3 other boats anchored here.

After dinner I practiced my guitar while Steve read. 

7:30pm- Steve blew his conch after a beautiful sunset.

 

8:00pm- Soprano night.  Again no Wi-Fi. 

It is nice to see the moon smiling. 

March 31, 2017

What a gorgeous calm morning except for the ferries bringing employees on the island to work starting at 5am.  Every time they arrived or left, the boat bounced like a rocking cradle.  

After breakfast, Steve read and I painted while making water.  

10:45am-  Left for Green Turtle Cay. The wind is picking up but I think we will do find in the whales.  

11:50- Started going thru the Whale Passage.  It was a little rough as we predicted but we didn't put too much sail out and we did fine.

Passing Green Turtle Cay.  There are no moorings available in Black Sound where Margi and Chuck are so we will anchor in White Sound.

1:30- Entering  White Sound (Bluff Marina) and managed to anchor here.  A fellow boater who is anchored beside us told us other boats where having a difficult time setting their anchors. Someone must be on our side because we are not moving.  When the wind dies down, we will figure out a way to connect with Margi and Chuck.

5:00pm- Yeah it is Friday.  That means Steve decides what's for dinner.  Had a couple of drinks.

6:30pm-  Went to Ballyhoo restaurant for dinner.  Steve had coconut grouper and I had coconut shrimp.  Very good. 

8:45pm- Came back to the boat and relaxed. 

March 28- 29, 2017- Tahiti Cay - Little Harbor

March 28, 2017 - Tahiti Cay

9:00am- Left Marsh Harbor and as we were leaving, we noticed Terry and John from Primera Vista were anchored.  As we circled around them to talk to them, we found out V-Twin were jumping up and down to get our attention.  By the time they contacted us on the VHF, it was too late since we were already out of the Harbor.  It was nice talking to Margi on the radio. 

On our way to Tahiti Cay, Steve caught a small Jack and a small Barracuda.  He keeps trying to catch the big one.

11:45am- Anchored in Tahiti Cay.

We made water for a couple of hours and Steve went swimming.  We then dinghied to the Cay.  The tides are super low because of the new moon.  I got a lot of different shells and sea glass.  It is so beautiful here. 

Came back and took a shower before dinner.

6:00pm- Steve barbecued steak and we enjoyed hearing the ocean breaking from were we are anchored.

There are at least a dozen boats anchored here.  It is hard to describe how it feels to be anchored in such a serene setting watching the sunset. Photos can't begin to describe it.  I can see why people want to return every year.  

It wasn't the greatest sunset since the sun hid behind the clouds. We had such a laugh because Steve blew the conch at sunset and there were 4 other boats competing with him.  You could hear how some were struggling trying to figure it out.  Another boat was cheering every time they got it right.  

No Wi-Fi here so it will be a Soprano night. 

10:30pm- After we watched a couple of Soprano episodes, Steve and I went outside to look at the millions of stars.  We could see Hopetown lighthouse in the far distance.  Steve moved the water with my kayak paddle to show me bio phosphorescent.  It was so cool.  Looks like little fire flies in the water.  I tried to videotape it but it didn't turn out. 

March 29, 2017 - Little Harbor

9:00 am- Headed out to Little Harbor.  Goodbye Tahiti Cay.

We let this 63 ft. boat pass us

11:20am- Arrived at Little Harbor.  It was sure rocking and rolling most of the way because we are so close to the ocean.  Little Harbor is very protected and we were greeted with a couple of huge turtles.

Once we settled and had lunch, we went to explore on shore.   We walked to an old spot where the lighthouse used to be.  Now it is only the foundation.  What a view though.  I was mesmerized by the waves crashing in.  We then walked to a beach and found a few unique shells.  

4:00pm- came back to the boat where I painted and Steve read.

After dinner, we went to Pete's pub for a drink?  There wasn't much happening.  Came back to the boat where I practice my guitar while Steve read. 

8:00pm- Came in the boat since there was actually mosquitoes.  That is the first since we have been in the Bahamas.  Not the best mooring since we were really rocking while watching Sopranos.  No Wi-Fi here. 

11:00pm-  Before going to bed we both went outside the boat and noticed all the stars.  It was unbelievable.  There weren't any lights around and it just magnified the amount of stars.  What a great way to say goodnight. 

March 26 to 27, 2017- Marsh Harbor

March 26, 2017 - Marsh Harbor
It 9:30am- Left for Marsh Harbor since Steve has to renew his Bahamian visa at the Immigration office for another 3 months.  It doesn't cost extra however they only give 90 days at a time.  I already had mine extended when I visited Natalie.

Goodbye Treasure Cay.  We don't plan on returning here.  Treasure Cay has brought me many gifts during the times we visited.  I saw many Dolphins, stingrays, turtles swimming around our boat, beautiful walking beach, a few shells, seed pods to paint and family and friends who have visited with us.  There are only few restaurants to choose from but the ones they have are good ones.  It is a quiet place to visit. 

 

The seas are a little rough from the winds but Steve is still putting out his fishing rods. 

10:30am- As we were going by Great Abaco, we noticed smoke.  There seems to be many fires due to heat which ignites the sap on the pine trees.  Sometimes you can smell it and other times we found ashes on our boat.   

We had the perfect 2 hour sail all the way to Marsh Harbor

12:15pm- Arrived at Marsh Harbor

2:30pm- Went to Maxwell's for grocery shopping.. 

6:00pm- We went to Snappas for fish and chips.  We met a couple from Boston who have a Catamaran.  They lease it out when they are not on their boat.

Beautiful sunset.  

Time to blow the conch. 

 

March 27, 2017 - Still in Marsh Harbor

9:30am- After breakfast, Steve and I went to the Immigration Office to extend his visa for another 90 days.  We should of known it wouldn't be so easy.  When we got there, one of the officers said that the officer who processes extended visas was at another Cay and they did not know when she would be back. At least they gave us her name and phone number to call later. 

On the Cruiser's net this morning, we heard a sailor who was asking for assistance on how to repair his Jabsco toilet.  Steve contacted him by VHF radio and decided to help him.  His name is Frank and Kim ( boat name Morning Glory).  Steve was successful in repairing it.  Guess his plumbing background helped.  

1:30pm-  Walked back to the Immigration office after confirming the officer was back at the office. What a huge complex.  The officer was very apologetic and processed all the paperwork.  

 The Government offices where huge.

On our way to the Immigration offices, we noticed garbage along the road.  This part of town was dumpy looking. 

4:00pm- Back at the boat, while I was teaching Steve a few guitar chords, Al and Bev from Dagny boat showed up in their dinghy and invited us for Happy hour at Snappas. 

5:00pm-  Met Al and Bev at Snappas. 

7:15 pm- Had stir fry for dinner while enjoying the sunset.  What a gorgeous night. 

8:30pm- Watched  a few Sopranos series before going to bed.

March 21 to 25, 2017- Treasure Cay

March 21, 2017
Beautiful morning in Hopetown.  We decided to head back to Treasure Cay since another cold front will arrive here on Thursday and that means high winds.  We also wanted to make sure we got Diane and Tom back in time for their condo rental.

10:45am-  Left Hopetown and slowly headed towards Treasure Cay.  The water was Aqua marine. Diane and Tom soaked it in at the bow of the boat. 

Tom reeled in a small Jack fish along the way





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Stopped at Archer's Cay to make water while Diane kayaked and I followed her with the dinghy. We explored some of the islands but didn't see much. 

We weren't sure the depth at a certain area, so Diane was eager to tow me with the kayak.  

 4:30- Arrived at Treasure Cay and had Taco Tuesday.  After dinner, Diane and I went for a walk on the beach while the men stayed behind and drank. 
We picked up the men later and brought them to the beach bomb fire.

 

10:00pm- Came back to the boat and the men sat outside the boat and sang songs while Diane read and I blogged.  It was funny to hear them.  Do you think tequila had anything to do with it? 

 

March 22, 2017

8;00am- After coffee, Diane and I decided to take the dinghy and explore around the bay.  It was unbelievable how clear the water was.  We saw stingrays, turtles and fish.  As sisters, we are so much alike.  We love to explore.  Whoops...forgot the camera!

9:00am-  Came back and we all had a hearty meal.  Tom savored the bacon since he knows once he gets back home, it will be back to a healthier way of eating.

10:45- Off to the beach we go.  We managed to find a palm tree on the beach for shade.  It was so hot.  We all went swimming and we hug around the beach most of the day.  It was nice as long as you were in the shade. Diane and I ran to the grocery store to pick up cold drinks for everyone.  When we returned, we saw manatees swimming in the distance.

It was amazing to see Diane all by herself in this aqua blue colored water.

 

 3:30pm-  We took advantage of the free showers at Treasure.  It felt good to take a nice long hot  shower.

Diane and Tom took the dinghy first to go shower

7:00pm- Went to Bahama Beach Club for dinner.  What great ambiance!  We were sitting right beside the beach with a propane fireplace beside us and watched a beautiful sunset.  It was Italian night.  The food was fantastic. 

 

 

 10:00-  Back at the boat.  Everyone was tired after all that sun today.  Last night for Diane and Tom to stay on our boat. 

March 23, 2017
7:30am- Had a wonderful breakfast with Diane and Tom.  we laid around and talk until they went to check in to their condo around 10:30am.
11:00am- Steve and I went to Diane and Tom's condo to do all our laundry.  We had 4 loads to do.  It is nice to have all our linen and towels all cleaned.
A wind storm came up so Diane and I rushed to the beach for a walk.  We both like the wind and got sand blasted at some parts of the wind. 
After lunch, I later brought some of the clean laundry back at the boat while Steve & Tom watched TV and Diane laid down for a bit.  I later went back and I felt like the dinghy was going to fly in the air since the winds really picked up.  Diane and I brought a drink to the beach and watched the waves roll in and the winds blow the sand on the beach.
The beach restaurant was closed due to weather but we noticed a mermaid in the upper ceiling.

Enjoying the wind

Celebrating our last night together

We noticed a mermaid in the restaurant ceiling

The restaurant was closed due to high winds

Diane saying goodbye to the Abacos

After wonderful chicken wings and spaghetti meal which Tom prepared, we were back at the boat by 9pm.  It was so windy that the boat was on a heel.

March 24, 2017

Sad day for me since my sister and Tom are leaving to go back home.  I will surely miss them.  

Before leaving we went pod seed hunting. Diane has her creative juices flowing.  

12:00pm- We said adieu to them and went back to the boat.  Unfortunately, e found out later that they had to stay at Ft Lauderdale airport all night since their flight was cancelled due to weather at JFK.  Hopefully, they will be able to catch a flight tomorrow. 

The wind is still really howling here. Not sure when we will be able to leave. 

2:00pm- Steve and I went for our beach walk.  We need to start eating healthy again and exercise regularly.  Afterwards, we sat around the pool.

3:30pm-  Steve read while I first did some painting and then practised guitar. 

6:00pm-  Steve made burritos for dinner.  Did I say I love Fridays since he take care of the meals that day.  

8:00pm-  Seeing that we had good wifi tonight, we started watching the series on Netflix called " Suits".


March 25, 2017
Steve asked me this morning if I want to go out for dinner to celebrate my special day.  I told him I preferred to go out for breakfast.  We went for a nice pancake, eggs and bacon breakfast at a restaurant on the beach.  Of course we had to walk off the pounds on the beach.  We rediscovered an old hobie craft which was buried in the sand along the beach.  Diane and I saw it last week but it got buried by the waves and we couldn't find it the next day.  Funny how it reappeared.

Steve discovering the buried Hobie Craft

After our walk, we went back to the boat to do a few chores.  Steve cleaned the railings while I did some inside cleaning.  I found these floating balls along the beach and I cleaned them up.  Steve said we will need a bigger boat just to keep the things I am discovering. 

3:00pm- Went for a shower at the marina and sat around the pool for awhile until it started drizzling a bit.  It is still very windy.  

6:30pm-  Had dinner and relaxed.  Steve and I practiced blowing the conch at sunset.   I miss hearing Diane blowing it for a long period of time.  I get too dizzy.  Better keep practicing. 

8:00pm- Taking advantage of our last night of good Wi-Fi and watch more episodes of "Suits" 

Tomorrow we are heading back to Marsh Harbor. 

March 17 to 20, 2017- Adventure with Tom and Diane

March 17, 2017 - Treasure Cay

Happy St Patrick's Day.  Treasure Cay

9:00am- Steve has gone to pick up Diane and Tom and bring all their things on board for an adventure on the sail boat.  

10:00am- Heading out to Guana Cay

It was cool this morning but Diane was the brave soul who sat out on the bow. 

10:45am- A little cool out because the sun is behind the clouds. Tom and Steve are hoping to catch a fish. No luck in the fishing department.

11:30am- Arrived in Guana Cay.  After lunch we dinghied into chore just in time to watch Barefootman band.  They did sound like Jimmy Buffet and they where funny. We walked the beach and headed back to the boat at 3:00pm.  

The men rested  while Diane and I walked the beach

Tom made a wonderful spaghetti dinner and we laughed while Diane played the conch at sunset.  I even took out both guitars and Tom and I played.  What a gorgeous night.
 

Watch a movie: Mortdecai.  

10:00pm- Off the bed we go.

March 18,2017 - off to Man O War

9:00- After breakfast, we headed out to Man O War. 

10:30- Arrived at Man O War and anchored. Steve and Tom barbecued hot dogs.  

Tom, Diane & Steve snorkeled to shore while I dinghied in to pick them up. Later we introduced Diane and Tom to a cold shower in back of the boat.  Tom really appreciated it.

2:00pm- We all dinghied into town where, Diane bought a sounding conch.  We also gave them a tour of the town. 

6:00pm- We enjoyed Tom's homemade chicken wings and we made homemade pizza

 



 

Diane playing the conch at sunset



7:15pm-  While the sun was setting, Diane and Steve played their conch. It was hilarious!  Diane has a found a new talent.  I then took out the guitar and we sang a bit before heading below and watch a movie. 

 

March 19, 2017 - Off to Hopetown

7:00am-  Diane, Tom and I watched the sunrise.  So peaceful.

Sunrise

 8:15am- After breakfast, we sailed to Hopetown.  It is a beautiful sail.

10:00am- Made water while waiting for the tides to go up. 

11:00pm- We are on a mooring in Hopetown.  After Diane made us a wonderful lunch, we took them for a tour around town and then went for a drink at the marina in order to get Wi-Fi

1:30- Went snorkeling at the beach.  The water was beautiful.

3:45pm- Came back to the boat and we all showered.

6:45pm-  We had such a laugh.  As we were getting off the boat, we heard someone blowing a conch.  Of course, Diane had to get hers out and didn't want to leave until she showed Hopetown who was the greatest conch player.  Too funny!

 

Good thing we had reservations at the Hopetown restaurant for 7pm otherwise Diane would still be on the conch.

Had a wonderful meal.  Steve got a little fresh with Tom but I think he liked it. Wonder who had too much tequila.

9:30pm- Got back to the boat and while the men went to sleep, Diane read and I worked on my blog.

 

March 20, 2017 - Hopetown

7:30am-  Had a great breakfast and relaxed all morning

10:30am-  Our sailing friends, Margi and Chuck from V-twins showed up at Hopetown and went on a mooring behind us.  It was nice seeing them again. 

Took Diane and Tom up the lighthouse and then toured around.  Diane and I browse some of the shops



They have rocking chairs for men who wait outside while wives shop at the gift store



We showed them how they build sailing dinghys

 12:00pm-  After lunch, Diane and I headed out to the beach to hunt for sea glass.  We stayed until 3:30pm.  The men stayed on the boat to relax.

 

 

4:00pm-  We were invited on Margi and Chuck's boat (V-Twins) for hors d"oeuvres.  We caught up on each our journey to the Bahamas.

 

6:00pm- Had a great dinner and Diane and Steve were back blowing their conchs at sunset.  It is hilarious to hear others compete with the length of time you can blow it. I think Diane wins.

8:00- Diane and I watched a DVD "The Light Between The Ocean". The men went to bed early. 

What a great day!