January 31 - February 2, 2019- Hatchet Bay

January 31,  2019- Hatchet Bay

7:30am- We left Royal Harbor on a gorgeous morning with our sail up. We thought we would take our time only because we only have 25 km to cover and we want to hit current cut at slack tide to avoid a 6 in current. There is another front coming and we thought that would be a great place to ride the winds.  

8:30am-Steve put out his fishing rod.  He caught a black fin tuna but released it because he wasn't sure what it was until we later text Brent, my son in law.

Steve's first catch this year

Going thru the Current cut, there was a 5 on current.  Our bottom speed was 2 knots and our speed was 7 knots.  That is at almost slack tides.  Would want to get engine problems between this narrow cut.  On our way to Hatchet Bay, I made us sandwiches for lunch and prepared a Sheppard's Pie.  

You can see the caves as we entered Hatchet Bay

We arrived in Hatchet Bay.  As we approached the entrance, we could see the entrance to some caves.  It is very narrow to enter the channel. 

This is one of the most protected anchorage.  Steve made water and then we both took a well needed shower.  He got ice for the cooler and his beer since my fridge was full.  We relaxed and noticed a double sun dog in the sky.  What a gorgeous evening.
As we were watching a movie around 8pm, the wind started picking up.
We plan on staying here for a couple of days because of the winds and hopefully we will be able to  explore the island tomorrow. 

February 1, 2019

After having breakfast, there was a little excitement.  



Keeping the boat off the rocks

First, someone dinghy got detached from their boat and it floated away along the shoreline.  By the time we noticed, someone else went to pick it up for them.  

Then we noticed a boat dragging his anchor and no one was in it.  Another couple feared their anchor lines would get  tangled up so they hopped on the boat to see if they could at least start it but they couldn't. (No keys) Steve went to see if they needed help.  They let out more rode and hoped for the best.  Steve drove around the docks to see if they could find the owner.  We saw their dinghy but no sign of them.  Looks like the boat is rehooked.  Steve said it was a heavy concrete boat.  He was lucky people were around to take action otherwise it would have gotten all scratched up from the rocks along the shore.  Glad we invested in a good anchor.

Walked the beach

All above graves but couldn't make out the names

Around 10:30am we went on shore and made reservations at a restaurant for tonight.  We then walked around along the beach.  We noticed a cemetery right by the beach.  Funny how it seems all cemeteries are along the beach property.  We couldn't make out any of the stones ages.   It is at least sunny and hot but just windy.

Greeted by a friendly dog

The Front Porch restaurant

Thanks chef Frances for the best stone crabs

Perfect place to eat

6:00pm- We had to return to the Front Porch restaurant where Steve and I shared the best stone crab and 5 seasoned mahi mahi.  Chef Frances prepared it especially just for us.  Just like last year, we were the only ones there and he made sure to take his time and prepare just right.  He never disappointed us.  What a lovely evening.







February 2, 2019
It was so windy last night that the boat was rocking and a rolling every which way.  Maybe that is why I woke up around 5am not feeling so good.  Little touch of seasickness I guess.  Seeing that I wasn't feel up to par, Steve volunteered to go do laundry.  He said the facilities has 2 brand new washer and dryer which is rare to find.  Also, it was the cheapest place where we have done laundry so far. Good to know.Electric boat photo
When Steve was doing laundry he talked to a couple who live on their boat.
They purchased an older boat with a seized motor and removed the motor to put in a battery from a Chevy volt to power an electric motor to drive the boat.  He installed 2 300w solar panel on gimbals so that he can adjust them to the direction of the sun.  Solar panels charge the batteries which powers the motor. If it Is a cloudy day, they have no power.  They spent 2 years working on the boat to live on it.  It is quite fascinating to see what others do.

Electric boat

We noticed a guy with his huge jab dog on a dinghy approaching our boat as if he knew us.   It was Brad from London on boat named Abardarzy which we talked to in Man O War.  Many boaters go to the same places.

As the day went on I felt better.  It was pouring rain so Steve took advantage of collecting water in our tanks and also decided to shower in the rain.  Too funny!

We ended up having a nice chicken dinner and watched movies for the rest of the evening..\