March 30 -31, 2019 - Heading to Eleuthera

March 30, 2019  - Back at Land and Sea Park

Nice to have the sails up

9:00am- The anchor was raised and off we went towards Warderick Wells.  The wind is blowing easterly and we are finally sailing at a broad reach at a speed up to 10 knots. It is so peaceful when there is no motor.  We are in no hurry since we made reservations at the Land and Sea Park. 

Going 10 knots sailing

12:45pm- We arrived at Land & Sea Park and covered 18 kn miles. It was a little gusty when we came in. Nicola, at the office, was explaining how they will be developing the Land & Sea Park to accommodate cruisers in the next couple of years.  They want to sell water & ice, have a small restaurant and try to get cell phone working. This is the only place where I cannot access my cell plan throughout the Bahamas.  That would really be nice. 

At the boat we enjoyed atlas of wine on the deck and made pizzas for dinner. I serenaded Steve with my guitar before watching a movie. 

March 31, 19 - Off to Eleuthera

Margarita time

7:30- We disconnected from the Land and Sea buoy and off we go to Eleuthera. We  arrived  in perfect weather with no current or wind around noon at Cape Eleuthera Marina and covered 28 kn miles today.  No luck with fishing.  We fueled up, did our laundry and went for a swim in their pool.  Afterwards, we took a nice LONG hot shower.  We filled up both tanks on the boat and back washed the water maker with fresh water.  Figure we would take advantage of all the facilities including hook up to hydro since we are paying $130/night.

 After we swam, we stopped in the restaurant for French fries and margarita 

Sharks were swimming under our boat

Fisherman selling fish

 

 There were fisherman who came in on a boat and had lobster and fish for sale.  Steve bought 2 lobster tail for $10.

 

We watched the sunset on the beach

 after having a late dinner.  It was such a lovely evening.  Watched a movie " The Highwayman" before going to bed. 

March 26-29, 2019 Hello again Staniel Cay

March 26, 2019

We left Georgetown at 8am on a beautiful calm sunny day. arrived at Staniel Cay. around 5:15pm covering 52 kn miles.

Crazy how we are surrounded by huge yachts.  We plan on staying here for a couple of days.  We anchored by the pigs' beach sipping on a glass of wine after a long journey.

March 27, 2019
After breakfast we decide to tour places we haven't seen yet.  It is unbelievable the wealth around here and billionaires owning there own island.  There was even one billionaire who owned an island with a resort and marina but closed it down in 2013 so that only his family and friends can use it.  Guess it created a lot of upset at the time because of all the job lost


Billionaire has his own runway

Keeping off his island



The sunset had a smiley face

After exploring, we went snorkeling in the grotto.  Lot of boat tours were there.  Good thing we went when we did because the waves picked up and it started drizzling.


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We read for a bit while making water.
After dinner, the winds shifted and the boat was really rocking.  We watched the sun setting behind the clouds before the weather changed.


 There was even thunder and lightning which we rarely see in the Bahamas.  The boat rocked so much you had to be careful not to knock yourself inside on the furniture.  It might be an uncomfortable night. Looks like we might even be stuck here for a couple of days.  

Steve and I played a couple of games of rummy and then watched the last episode in season 1 of Sinner before going to bed. 

March 28, 2019 Bouncy Bouncy
What a night!  The boat rocked so much that I had to put pillows beside me so that I didn't roll from one side to another.  Good thing I have my sea legs otherwise I would have been sick.  I have never been anchored where we bounced so much and guess what?  It is suppose to stay like this for a couple more days.  Lets hope Steve and I don't get on each others nerves.
At 10:30am, the wind is blowing 19.  It sure adds to the adventure.  I am always so thankful for the anchor we have.  Can't go cheap on an anchor around here.
Even at anchor, good things happen.  I received a surprise call from a good friend, Debra, who keeps their boat in Hopetown but now are back in Florida.  We had a great talk.

Also, we noticed on Marine Traffic that John, Kathryn, Simon and Wavey from Fifty Point on Wakataitea (Nahanni V) were in the vicinity.  Steve tried calling them on the radio and was successful in talking with John.  Unfortunately, they had a deadline to meet someone and  had to continue sailing to Georgetown.  We figure they will wave as they go by our harbor. Too bad we couldn't connect on this trip since we are going opposite way.

1:30pm-  Steve tied a buoy earlier in front of the dinghy ring since it kept banging on the stern of the boat.  All of a sudden, he noticed the buoy floating away.  He did what he didn't want to do.  He went out in the dinghy to retrieve it within the waves.  He at least went slow and didn't get wet. 

I took stock of all our canned goods and then decided to make rice pudding for our comfort dessert tonight.  I had to remove the stove gimbals to keep the pan level on the stove while cooking in the rocky boat. We wouldn't want milk and rice spilling everywhere. Steve had an afternoon nap since I don't think he slept much last night probably worrying about anchorage.

We played a couple of games of rummy before a late dinner.  We enjoyed a glass of wine with our spaghetti meal.  Watch a movie before going to bed.  I think we will sleep good tonight since the waves have calm down.  The wind is still howling however it has changed directions. 

March 29, 2019
Woke up this morning to wind gusting to 28 and rain but at least the water is calmer.  We both had a good night sleep.


Patience Yacht

All morning, we had fun watching these huge yachts anchor around us.  We would look them up on line to see who owned them.  So much money out there.  After admiring Patience yacht, we thought we have seen it all. In a distance, we see a yacht show up called Infinity owned (after researching on the internet) by a guy named Eric Schmidt net worth UA$4billion.  Then a bigger boat named Intrepid anchors right beside her. (the mothership).  They travel together.  The Intrepid is capable of receiving a Eurocopter AS365 or Agusta Westland AW109. The platform opens to reveal a hangar into which the helicopter disappears below deck.  She offers accommodation for up to 21 crew and staff members. Apparently, the Infinity caries all the toys for Infinity. Steve had his binoculars and I my camera.  Something you sure don't see very often.  You forget the amount of wealth is out there.  Too funny!
Steve went to the marina to get water in the 5 gallon jug while I cleaned up.  While he was there, he stopped in the marina bar and met a couple who are starting to charter their 52 ft catamaran. 


Infinity on left and Intrepid on right (notice the helicopter)



Patience leaving with Infinity and Intrepid in the background



Dinner at Staniel Cay Marina

 Seeing that it was Friday and that the seas were calm, we decided to go to Staniel Cay Marina for dinner.  We then walked around town a bit before making it to the boat for the sunset.  While the sun was setting, the R/V Coral Reef anchored near us.  It is an 80 ft. research vessel custom-designed floating field station and laboratory to Shedd's conservation research, education programs and collecting expeditions. Apparently, they are studying critically endangered rock iguanas.

R/V Coral Reef

We watched a movie before going to bed.  We are planning on setting sail to the Land & Sea Park if weather permits.

 

March 19-25, 2019 Back to Georgetown with the Anderson's

March 19, 2019 - Georgetown
Seeing that it was high tides, we left Lee Stocking Island around 8am to head back to Georgetown before the front comes thru in the next couple of days.  We covered 21 knots.  We anchored at Monument Beach once again since it is the most protected area for anchorage while a front goes thru.

Just hanging out the boat while motoring

Parker covered up & having a sleep

Yummy

 We all tried the conch salad with crackers once we were anchored.  Delicious.
Nicky and Brent went our on the dinghy for a stroll while Steve and I played chicken foot with the kids.  Once they returned, Brent brought the kids to the beach to swim while Nicky took a hot shower.  When the kids came back, the Captain said it was ok for the kids to take a hot shower.  They usually rinse off in the back of the boat with cold water.  They all thought it was a treat.  Steve will have to make water tomorrow since one of our tanks is empty.

Had a hamburger sandwich and then we all played chicken foot.  The kids have been listening to an audible book of mine by Chris Hadfield every night before going to bed called An Astronaut's Guide to Life.  I would recommend it highly since it has a lot of life lessons.
Everyone was in bed by 11pm.

March 20, 2019

At the market

Eggs, Bacon, Fried potatoes and toast this morning for breakfast.  While Steve made water, Nicky, Lyla, Parker and I went in town across the bay for groceries.  Brent kayaked to the beach.    It was super calm and we did not get wet.  Before going for groceries, we went in an outdoor market and bought a few bracelets for the kids.  There still wasn't much to select at the grocery store.  No yogurt or blueberries today.

Steve & I on Stromatolite fossils

Photo shoot in the cave

Once we got back, we all went to the ocean side of the beach.  Steve and Brent went snorkeling looking for lobster but no luck.  We were amazed at all the sea life in between these rock which I believe where stromatolite fossils. They are the oldest known macro-fossils on earth, they encode biological activity that could span thousands of years. Mature varieties can be found at some beaches on the Atlantic side of Stocking Island,  We even found a small cave where we took photos.  Kids had fun swimming and checking out small fish swimming around the fossils.

Doing homework

We returned and all had lunch.  The men took off on the dinghy to go do more lobster fishing.  The kids did their homework and Nicky and I just relaxed.







After an hour or so, Brent and Steve returned with big smiles on their faces.  They had 2 lobsters and 1 of them was the biggest lobster they ever had.  You have to spear them in the Bahamas and Brent managed to get them while Steve drove the dinghy. That will be our dinner tomorrow night.

It was taco dinner tonight.  It wasn't hard putting the kids to sleep.  Nicky and I managed to play a little guitar and ukulele while Steve was educating Brent on all the Cays in the Exuma with charts.
Everyone was exhausted. 


March 21, 2019
After breakfast, Steve and I went to get 10 gallons of water and did groceries.  I was so happy since they had blueberries, yogurt and avocados today.  The only thing they didn't have was bananas.
After we returned, we moved the boat to Sand Dollar Beach from Monument beach which was around 3 miles down.  The water was super calm and clear. 

Lyla & Parker salting the glasses

We all went snorkeling on the reef. I decided to kayak and meet everyone at the reef.  After snorkeling, I challenged myself.  While Nicky took my kayak back, I decided to swim back to the boat which was 1/2 miles.  I was so pleased with myself.
We all had hot dogs and margaritas for lunch. 
After lunch, Brent and Steve went to go lobstering but they soon returned since it was rough in the cut.  So then  Nicky and Brent took the kids to Sand Dollar Beach while Steve and  I had a little nap.  Actually, I probably had too much Margaritas. 

Ready for Margaritas

When they all came back, Nicky and I dinghy to a place where there were surfers. After we got back, Brent was itching to take the kids and Nicky to another spot to capture more photos. 

Lyla & Parker discovered treasures on the beach

For dinner, we had surf and turf.  Steve barbecued the steak while Brent cooked the lobster.  It was so good accompanied by asparagus.

Surf & turf for dinner

After dinner, we were all trying to identify the stars while the bright moon was rising.  Nicky and I played guitar/ukulele while Brent put the kids to bed.

Gorgeous moon rise

 Another great day.

March 22, 2019
Not the greatest day for Steve today.  The head on the front cabin is plugged and he has worked on it all day trying to figure out the issue.  Usually, it is just a matter of cleaning the choker valve but this time it is more serious and it is so difficult to get at things when they build everything behind a wall.
It has not been resolved and he will ask tomorrow morning if anyone on cruiser's net if they have a snake to try and fix it.  Good thing we have two heads.

Great thanksgiving meal

At least Brent took the kids to the beach and snorkeling and later he took Nicky out for a parent's time away.  Steve and I played Rummy with the kids.
Before dinner, we moved GaYa from Sand Dollar beach to Chat N Chill beach.  Nicky and Brent brought the kids to the beach where they were able to pet and touch stingrays while Steve and I prepared a somewhat Thanksgiving meal.  Instead of turkey, we cooked chicken but we had stuffing, cranberries, mashed potatoes, gravy and broccoli.  Everyone was hungry and it all got eaten.  Parker found out he likes stuffing and cranberries.

Altona II

Julie and Bill Wickett text us to say that their friend's from Fifty Point Marina, Wendy and Ralph from"Altona II ", were anchored at Chat N Chill.  When we moved our boat, we noticed they were right in front of us.  How ironic. 

Kids played with the stingrays

We played cards with the kids before they went to bed.
While the adults were sitting out on the deck, we noticed a blood moon.  So beautiful. While I did my nightly blog, Brent worked on his photography and Nicky and Steve read in bed.



March 23, 2019
Our last full day with the kids since they will be leaving early tomorrow morning.
 Steve went on the Cruiser's Net to ask if anyone had a snake for the toilet.  One cruiser lent us one and Brent made sure to put on the proper attire to help Steve out. While the men where trying to solve the solution, I took the kids and Nicky for a small cruise and then dropped them off at the beach.
Unfortunately, they did not resolve the toilet problem.  It was the wrong type of snake.  Steve will work on it tomorrow since he wanted to spent his day with the kids.

Ralph from Altono II

 Ralph from Altono II who is from Fifty Point Marina and who are good friends with Bill and Julie Wickett, came by our boat to say hi.

Kids had fun on the beach

Balancing Act

Mr. Monkey

 I picked up Steve and Brent and we all spent the day on the beach.  Parker wasn't afraid to try anything.  He and Nicky even jumped in to play a game of volleyball with other cruisers.

Parker great at volleyball

Steve played volleyball for a while

Lyla showed me how to feed the stingrays.  They would even go between your legs. 

Lyla and I playing with the stingrays

Snorkelling

After having drinks and French fries, everyone went snorkeling by an underground cave where there are a lot of fish.  Later Nicky and Brent dropped us off at the boat and Steve tried flying a bird kite with the kids but the wind wasn't cooperating.  How funny when we saw other birds fly down to the kite all upset and territorial. First time we have seen so many birds. 
After a great pasta meal, we took the kids back to the beach for a bonfire while Brent and Nicky started packing for their journey back home.

Bonfire on the beach

We finished off the evening relaxing and telling stories before we all went to bed. 

March 24, 2019 - Back to Florida for the Anderson's

Can't believe than Nicky, Brent, Lyla and Parker have spent 9 days with us and are already on their way home.  The water taxi picked them up at 8am since it was too rough for us to bring them on land with our dinghy.  The cost is $10/person.
It is so sad when you see them waving goodbye.




Seeing that it was a dull day, Steve and I spent the day cleaning up and rearranging things the way they were prior to their visit.  He still hasn't fix the one toilet but now it isn't as urgent as it was when there were 6 people on board. 
It downpour all afternoon, so Steve collected water.  Seeing that it was raining, we ended up watching TV until bedtime.

March 25, 2019
It was drizzling out as I got up around 7am.  By the time we headed across the bay to drop off  3 huge loads of laundry, the rain stopped and the sun came out.  It was still a bumpy ride.  Steve decided to hitchhike 2 miles down the road to the hardware store while I stayed back and walked around.   He was back within 20 minutes with a smile on his face since they had the auger that he needed to unplug the darn toilet.  We went to Plus 39 Exuma Restaurant at Peace & Plenty Hotel for breakfast.  Great place to eat.

Plus 39 Exuma Restaurant

The minute we got back, he was fast at it and success.  He ended up having to change the actual hand pump.  Good thing we had a couple of spares.  He went back across the bay to fill up the diesel jugs.  We plan on leaving Georgetown tomorrow morning.
Around 2pm, we both went to Immigration to renew our visa for another 90 days and then picked up the laundry.  This time it cost us $50 since there was so much.
It got really hot so when we came back I decided to swim 3 times around the boat while Steve washed the outside of the boat. 


Had drinks at the bar

We both showered afterwards in order to go out to Plus 39 Exuma Italian restaurant for dinner in order to celebrate my big Bday.  We went a little earlier and sat in the outside  bar.




This guy seadoo from Miami to Georgetown

We met a couple of guys who skidoo from Miami to Georgetown.  In fact, they even skidoo all over the world.  Their web page is call Dangerous Waters.









Michelle bought me a margarita for my day - just met her

We also met another couple from Cape Cod , John and Michelle, who bought us each a margarita since  it was my birthday.  I also took photos of them jumping in the ocean from the bar with another couple.   





My carrot Bday cake

 At 6pm, we went in the restaurant for dinner and Steve had grouper and rum cake and I had gnocchi and carrot cake. 








Great way to celebrate a bday

Appetizer


 We got back to the boat just as it was getting dark.  Watch TV before bedtime.  Another great day!