April 22, 2016
OK, I am not finished with a blog.
We planned to be in St. Augustine today, Friday but the weather God's had other plans. We were out over night and nasty seas so came back into Bimini and here until maybe Sunday or Monday.
My reason for a quick journal is!!!!!!!! As we were coming in to Shroud Cay there was a beautiful boat, not a big slick one but like an old boat all fixed up. Our friends on Wandera also saw it as they were about 1/2 hour behind us.
Its name is Amphitrite now you have to look it up under mega yacht. Do it!! It is Johnny Depp's boat. A $33 million dollars yacht. He was married in the states and is now at his private island in the Bahamas. Do you remember when we were in Cambridge and snorkeled at the Sea Aquarium, I mentioned his island was there also. Man the security must be huge and the coming and going of boats incredible.
Any way just please check it out as it is drop dead gorgeous.
Hope the seas calm and the moon shines for our journey back to the states.
Joyce
Friday, April 22, 2016
Friday, April 15, 2016
April 15, 2016
We have been going back and forth between Staniel Cay and Black Point with a group of friends because of weather.
Latest word from Chris Parker (or weather man) is we can leave Nassau on Wednesday and head back across the Gulf Stream to the states. We will go as far as we can and that might be 5 days to get us as far up the states as we can. We have to be at a place where we can check back into the US upon our arrival. We will have about 5 different cuts that we should be able to duck into if the weather should be forecast as a change and not good.
This has been an interesting year for both of us. We have gone to places that we have not gone to before, met so many different people, traveled with a few and continue to marvel at the beautiful clear blue water. The water changes color with depth so is easy to read to travel through it.
Our plans are to be back in VA for doctor appointments first part of May and in Annapolis but May 23. The renter moves out the 26 so if any of you have nothing to do we would love to spend time with you do some clean up, improving, yard work and sorting, sounds like fun!! We would love to have the house on the market in July and hope it sells fast.
Bo has so much on his plate this summer with editing for his project, making all new canvass and repairs on the boat don't know he will have any fun this summer. Seems like a few more things need repairs on the boat than any year. The boat is now 9 years old, does not seem possible.
Bo has all his big saws from remodeling the house to my family oak furniture to decide what to do with. We will see almost all his tools and must decide on what family furniture we want to keep as we will have to pay for storage and that can be costly. Lots of decissions need to be made this year.
Thank you so much for following another incredible year of our travels and hopefully next year some of you sill be able to join us again.
I will send pictures when we get back to the states as our time is running out on our Bahamian phone.
Bless each one of you and thank you for being a part of our journey.
Joyce
We have been going back and forth between Staniel Cay and Black Point with a group of friends because of weather.
Latest word from Chris Parker (or weather man) is we can leave Nassau on Wednesday and head back across the Gulf Stream to the states. We will go as far as we can and that might be 5 days to get us as far up the states as we can. We have to be at a place where we can check back into the US upon our arrival. We will have about 5 different cuts that we should be able to duck into if the weather should be forecast as a change and not good.
This has been an interesting year for both of us. We have gone to places that we have not gone to before, met so many different people, traveled with a few and continue to marvel at the beautiful clear blue water. The water changes color with depth so is easy to read to travel through it.
Our plans are to be back in VA for doctor appointments first part of May and in Annapolis but May 23. The renter moves out the 26 so if any of you have nothing to do we would love to spend time with you do some clean up, improving, yard work and sorting, sounds like fun!! We would love to have the house on the market in July and hope it sells fast.
Bo has so much on his plate this summer with editing for his project, making all new canvass and repairs on the boat don't know he will have any fun this summer. Seems like a few more things need repairs on the boat than any year. The boat is now 9 years old, does not seem possible.
Bo has all his big saws from remodeling the house to my family oak furniture to decide what to do with. We will see almost all his tools and must decide on what family furniture we want to keep as we will have to pay for storage and that can be costly. Lots of decissions need to be made this year.
Thank you so much for following another incredible year of our travels and hopefully next year some of you sill be able to join us again.
I will send pictures when we get back to the states as our time is running out on our Bahamian phone.
Bless each one of you and thank you for being a part of our journey.
Joyce
Friday, April 8, 2016
March 26, 2016
We left Highbourne and made a quick stop in Allan’s Cay.Allan’s is noted for its Iguanas that a university is doing a study on, these are not the beautiful pink ones that are found in Leaf Cay. Bo wanted to do a drone shot of the small anchorage here as it is a great spot for safe harbor with winds. If you would go online to Allan’s Cay Iguanas study you should find the study.
I will enclose a picture of a mega ship Laurel that was next to us. The ship was around 200 ft or could have been more. I have a picture that blew my mind. I was looking at the boat through the binoculars and all of a sudden the back, port side opened up and OUT came a tender that was maybe 20-30 ft in length. Holy smoke. The men were inside the boat and looked like little sticks. They put wind surf boards (3) in the tender.
(Sorry my photo skills need some work, I know what the picture is of but you would have no idea,sorry)
We then left and went to Norman’s Cay and arrived about 1:30. This is also a great harbor for winds. We just got settled and there were 4 other boats there and a float plane came and landed behind us so they could snorkel over to check out the plane wreck.
This island has a great history of drug smuggle,and corruption. We bought a kindle book called,”Turning the Tide-One Deadly Summer-One Man against the Medellin Cartels.” When you read this and look at the maps you get a since for the island. It was so exciting to read the book while we were there I have decided to read it again as I missed so much the first time.
We took the dinghy to what I called Robinson Crusoe Island and Bo flew from there,
never seen so many small conch shells with creatures inside, was great, we looked and then back to the sea they went.
We took the dinghy ashore to the beach and took pictures of what was left of the drug invasion that happened in 1976,and several more later on, the last was in the 1980’s. We were able to walk around the island by the airport and was so exciting to feel a little part of the DEA and other organizations that were a part of taking Lehder down.
We then took the dinghy around the island to where (in the book) hammer head sharks breed. It was beautiful getting there. At this end of the island was where Lehder had his house called the Volcano. There were caves,rays and huge starfish. We went by Lehder’s remains of the house. We got back to the boat about 7 pm. We fixed some supper, turned on the generator so we could run the air, got the boat ready to leave tomorrow for another short day to Shroud Cay.
March 29.2016
We left Normans at 8:30.
Remember when I said the water temp when you are in the Gulf Stream how warm it is, we are in the banks as it is shallower and the water temp was 80 degrees.
We arrived at Shroud at 9:30 am anchored. This is a part of the Exuma Cay’s Land and Sea Park as is Hawkbill and Warderick Wells. This means it is a NO take anything area. You can not fish, shell but spend time looking at the beauty.
After we got settled we took the dinghy into some cuts, through mangros and got to the Sound side. Bo did some photo ops and be got back in the dinghy and did some snorkeling back at the boat.
March 30, 2016
We left Shroud at 8:45 and arrived in Warderick Wells Land and Sea Park at 12:00. We did not stop at Hawksville this time as we have been there several times.
We are on the inside on mooring ball #9. We are here for 3 days and will take advantage of the time we have.
We went on a dinghy drift float with a neighbor boat from New Bern, NC and we have friends there so that was fun. We did some looking with our look bucket and right in-front of boat is a sunken boat so will investigate it tomorrow. There were lots of fish swimming around the sunken boat.
Bo fixed some of the tuna he caught for supper going to watch some more of out dvd’s of Homeland and then to bed ready for another exciting day.
We did a 3 hour walk around the island. We had to walk on rocky path and to me a little scary but did it. We crossed a man made walk bridge and to the other side of the island. Here there is what is called Boo Boo Hill. Boaters bring a piece of wood with their boat name on it and place it on a hight hill that overlooks the water. You look down on the mooring sites and you can see the dark blue water is the deeper channels . We then walked back to the boat and had a snack and then snorkeled for about 2 hours. The park has ball that you can attach your dinghy to and snorkel from there. We attached a floating line for me as the current was really strong. There was so much life under the boat mooring, beautiful. We then went back to our boat then right by our boat was a sucker boat that had caught fire and sank several years ago. This was awesome, so much growth on the boat and the fish, huge lobsters was so worth it. Bo later put on his diving gear and took the go-pro down and filmed the wreck and fish. He had a lemon shark come along and a huge Eagle Ray , he has done a video of this and so fun to look at.
A great close to a great few days.
April 2, 2016
We left Warderick Wells at 11:30, a little late but Bo had to do some filming in the office.
We arrived in Cambridge at 1:30.
We went on the Sound Side, I always have to remember Sound..deep. Banks…shallow.
Winds were SE at 10-14.
Dept. was 25 ft then bang off the chart so over 121 feet.
Water temp. does not even register as it is to warm.
Swells were 5-8 feet.
We are at another part of the Land and Sea Park that is protected. They have 14 mooring balls or you can also anchor. We choose a ball. A few minutes after we settled a dinghy came over to welcome us and give us lots of info. For doing this they get a cut on the mooring ball or sometimes they are free.
On our trip over on the radio a boat kept calling Valera, Valera so HA Val someone has a boat by your name wonder what you have named after you!!!
So many things to do here with snorkeling and we are next to Little Bell Island ( Johnny Depp island). We saw a sea plans land so they were bringing people into the private island.
Will keep you up to date and in about 5 days will be where we have internet and can send this along with pictures. Funny to be so out of touch.
Cambridge is a must stop for boaters. We were able to snorkel not far from our boat and see the best ever beauty. Fish, all kids and colors, purple fans that were huge, sponges, a turtle, I can go on and on but a must see. Bo took a video and if I can figure out when he has it done I will post it also.
We walked one of the beaches across the island and climbed some hills and were able to look out on the sound, we saw a boat going by and come to find out it was friends from 2 years ago from New Bern, NC so we were able to snorkel and spend the evening with them. Their son that is a nurse at Duke is with them for 10 days so good to see Travis again.
April 8, 2016
We are leaving Cambridge 8:00 for Staniel Cay for a short visit. We got to Staniel at 10:15. We got the dinghy ready and took 3 bags of laundry to the wash and the trash that we had collected for 10 days and went to a grocery store. I had 2 washer and 2 driers and they were big ones but it cost $36 dollars, OH WELL it is what it is. We bought some Radler Red Grapefruit (Sands beer mixed with natural pink grapefruit.) We also bought some lemon Kalik Radler made with real lemon so we are set. Now the price for 2- 6 packs was $36. OH WELL!!
While we were in Cambridge a sea plane landed several times by us and went to a private island SO one day we went to check it out, oh my goodness they had made a cut in the rock and built a high class marina for themselves and friends. Don’t think we are included it that.
Our adventure continues.
Joyce
Thursday, March 24, 2016
March 24, 2016
Good morning,
We crossed yesterday from Davis Harbour to Highborn Cay. The seas were behind us but they were maybe 10-14 ft. .We left about 10:20 and arrived about 3:30. People we met in Davis went 2 hours ahead of us in a smaller boat and we arrived about 1/2 hour behind them. We went over for drinks and appetizers then back to our boat for supper.
This is a private island and a very exclusive,expensive marina (if you are not at their marina you have to pay to walk the beautiful beaches.)
The anchorage is a haven for huge mega boats, here are a few that are by us. WAKU, HAWK. Remember you have to put in the name and behind it mega yacht. We can not read the name but it looks like Seven Seas, look it up. Steven Spielbergs boat. We were by it 2 years ago. All these boats have jet skies and tenders with them. All I can say is amazing. One by us also has the slide that comes from the 3rd deck, saw these 2 years ago. All of these are charters and when you look at the price...... It is spring break so busy. The last time we saw these was Christmas and New Years.
Just wanted to wish all of you a very blessed Easter and keep in our prayers those in Belgium. As you remember some of our best friends on Otter 2 are from Belgium and there daughter lives in Brussels.
Peace.
Joyce
Good morning,
We crossed yesterday from Davis Harbour to Highborn Cay. The seas were behind us but they were maybe 10-14 ft. .We left about 10:20 and arrived about 3:30. People we met in Davis went 2 hours ahead of us in a smaller boat and we arrived about 1/2 hour behind them. We went over for drinks and appetizers then back to our boat for supper.
This is a private island and a very exclusive,expensive marina (if you are not at their marina you have to pay to walk the beautiful beaches.)
The anchorage is a haven for huge mega boats, here are a few that are by us. WAKU, HAWK. Remember you have to put in the name and behind it mega yacht. We can not read the name but it looks like Seven Seas, look it up. Steven Spielbergs boat. We were by it 2 years ago. All these boats have jet skies and tenders with them. All I can say is amazing. One by us also has the slide that comes from the 3rd deck, saw these 2 years ago. All of these are charters and when you look at the price...... It is spring break so busy. The last time we saw these was Christmas and New Years.
Just wanted to wish all of you a very blessed Easter and keep in our prayers those in Belgium. As you remember some of our best friends on Otter 2 are from Belgium and there daughter lives in Brussels.
Peace.
Joyce
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
March 22, 2016
We have had a good time here in Eleuthera. We have been at Davis Harbor Cotton Club Marina. There was a function here by Waterway Guide and since Bo in there Multi-Media editor and editor for the Bahamas we had the oppurtunity to attend. It is a marina with some big fishing boats, small fishing boats and a Trawler. There is a Dive Shop and a Shop for fishing. A wonderful Marina Restaurant. Cotton Bay Club is a very exclusive community, and that is where the boats from the marina live. They are the people that started drug companies, Alco, dive companies and ect.
One day I walk a beach left of the marina for 3 hours for shelling and have walked it again yesterday. There is another beach to the right so walked it 3 times. They have the most beautiful Conch shells and will include a picture of the one I kept.
We were able to spend an afternoon with a young couple from Waterway and it was so fun as they had a jeep to use while they were here. His father is the owner of Waterway Guide and she is a middle school math teacher in Richmond VA. We went to a beach named Lighthouse Beach and the sign says jeep recommended and let me tell you it should say MUST HAVE, we gad a great time but glad it was not our vehicle.
This evening there was a grand opening for the new restaurant and it was some of the best food we have had, I will include a picture of the restaurant. One evening the chief fixed Banana Rum cake and the next Cheese Cake. This is a luxury as dessert is something that most people do not have here. But the thing that all boaters miss is an ice cream cone.
One day we had a man from the marina take 4 of us to a grocery store and it so far has been the best one since Nassau. It was wonderful!!
I had the opportunity to do laundry and was it exciting the machines were only $2 for each one, and that is a wow.
On Saturday we got the 5 sailboats together for an evening just to talk. Each one has a story and one couple was late 20's early 30's. They are doing this life until they need to go back to MA and go back and find work for a while until they can go again.
The fishermen in the marina are so generous, when they come in with huge loads of fish they give all of it away to locals and boaters so we had fresh Wahoo given to us 3 times so have about 9 meals.
March 21, two of the sailboats left to go to the other side of the island. Bo is still filming. We met a young gentlemen that has a 3 person band and we have bartered him photos for recording.
I will keep you posted had hoped to leave today but the weather God's must not have heard us.
We have had a good time here in Eleuthera. We have been at Davis Harbor Cotton Club Marina. There was a function here by Waterway Guide and since Bo in there Multi-Media editor and editor for the Bahamas we had the oppurtunity to attend. It is a marina with some big fishing boats, small fishing boats and a Trawler. There is a Dive Shop and a Shop for fishing. A wonderful Marina Restaurant. Cotton Bay Club is a very exclusive community, and that is where the boats from the marina live. They are the people that started drug companies, Alco, dive companies and ect.
One day I walk a beach left of the marina for 3 hours for shelling and have walked it again yesterday. There is another beach to the right so walked it 3 times. They have the most beautiful Conch shells and will include a picture of the one I kept.
We were able to spend an afternoon with a young couple from Waterway and it was so fun as they had a jeep to use while they were here. His father is the owner of Waterway Guide and she is a middle school math teacher in Richmond VA. We went to a beach named Lighthouse Beach and the sign says jeep recommended and let me tell you it should say MUST HAVE, we gad a great time but glad it was not our vehicle.
This evening there was a grand opening for the new restaurant and it was some of the best food we have had, I will include a picture of the restaurant. One evening the chief fixed Banana Rum cake and the next Cheese Cake. This is a luxury as dessert is something that most people do not have here. But the thing that all boaters miss is an ice cream cone.
One day we had a man from the marina take 4 of us to a grocery store and it so far has been the best one since Nassau. It was wonderful!!
I had the opportunity to do laundry and was it exciting the machines were only $2 for each one, and that is a wow.
On Saturday we got the 5 sailboats together for an evening just to talk. Each one has a story and one couple was late 20's early 30's. They are doing this life until they need to go back to MA and go back and find work for a while until they can go again.
The fishermen in the marina are so generous, when they come in with huge loads of fish they give all of it away to locals and boaters so we had fresh Wahoo given to us 3 times so have about 9 meals.
March 21, two of the sailboats left to go to the other side of the island. Bo is still filming. We met a young gentlemen that has a 3 person band and we have bartered him photos for recording.
I will keep you posted had hoped to leave today but the weather God's must not have heard us.
Thursday, March 17, 2016
March 13, 2016
We are leaving Georgetown about 9 am with winds behind us so real rocky. Our sails did not help the rock but it was a great day. There are about 20 boats ahead of us all have been waiting like us to leave and head out. Boats are all headed in different directions. We are headed to Black Point to spend several days. Cat's Meow will be there so an evening with them will be awesome. They are leaving tomorrow but we are staying an extra day so Bo can dive the boat and replace the zinc and I can do some outside cleaning. Bo caught Skip Jack Tuna on our way there and so now we have fresh tuna in the freezer.
We arrived at Black Point about 5:30 and went over to Cat's Meow and came back to shower and get cleaned up and back for supper at 7:00. It is so great to be able to spend time with old friends even if for only an evening.
March 15, 2016
We left Black Point and went to Warderick Wells and took a mooring ball in the back side of the island and we are all by ourselves for 2 days.
On our way to Warderick Wells Bo caught and I mean caught a Mahi and it took forever, what a fight it was. WELL it was 54' long and 30 pounds . We had to stop the boat and it took both of us to get it in the back of the boat. When he got it in crazy, huge and beOautiful.
We are leaving Georgetown about 9 am with winds behind us so real rocky. Our sails did not help the rock but it was a great day. There are about 20 boats ahead of us all have been waiting like us to leave and head out. Boats are all headed in different directions. We are headed to Black Point to spend several days. Cat's Meow will be there so an evening with them will be awesome. They are leaving tomorrow but we are staying an extra day so Bo can dive the boat and replace the zinc and I can do some outside cleaning. Bo caught Skip Jack Tuna on our way there and so now we have fresh tuna in the freezer.
We arrived at Black Point about 5:30 and went over to Cat's Meow and came back to shower and get cleaned up and back for supper at 7:00. It is so great to be able to spend time with old friends even if for only an evening.
March 15, 2016
We left Black Point and went to Warderick Wells and took a mooring ball in the back side of the island and we are all by ourselves for 2 days.
On our way to Warderick Wells Bo caught and I mean caught a Mahi and it took forever, what a fight it was. WELL it was 54' long and 30 pounds . We had to stop the boat and it took both of us to get it in the back of the boat. When he got it in crazy, huge and beOautiful.
Our only other people in your mooring field was a dive/snorkel boat that came in yesterday for about 1 hour. We were able to do some dinghy rides and Bo did a lot of photo shooting.
Sorry this has taken so long but have had no internet all this time.
This was our private mooring for 2 days.
We left Warderick Wells today about 8:45 and headed to Davis Harbour Marina. We arrived here about 2:00. We are here to do photo shooting and being Water Way Guide Editors for the Bahamas we are at an event. No fishing as we have no place to put it, wish you guys were here and we could have a feast.
Wind was about 4-5 knots and the depth was 4-5000 feet, yes you got the depth. We will be here for at lease 3 days and maybe more because a front is coming through on Sunday. That is ok as we can rent a car and investigate the 100 mile long island, so fun to do this by car and not always by boat.
Thank you for being patient with me can you imagine no internet for all this time, oh well we did have satellite dish so watching basketball.
Blue sky, fair winds and blessed friends.
Joyce
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
March 9, 2016
Good morning.
Last night we were up until 2:30 am finishing up our DVD series Breaking Bad.
Today we are again laying low as the wind is still around 18. We have go ashore later in the day for Bo to photo shoot.
We have to take the dinghy across to Georgetown for fuel before we hope to leave on Saturday. I want to go to a new deli, the man that owns the deli comes in a truck and everyone gets in the bed of the truck and he drives you to the deli. It is a long way so that is why he picks you up by the grocery store and brings you back.
Bo has been able to watch his Arizona Wild Cats now the play offs are this weekend so if we are able to leave he will have to record it.
Our Soda Stream that we have had for 3 years was not working so Cat's Meow bought us a new one and when we meet up we can get it. Bo loves to take things apart and he always gets them back together, SO--he tore the old one apart and guess what he found a screw loose and by supper we were in business again. We will still take the new one as spares of anything are always a plus for us.
I am sending 2 pictures, on is Sunset the other night and of course that was Conch blowing time. Yesterday I was walking the beach, shelling and could not resist the surf picture.
Please calm the winds.
Joyce
Good morning.
Last night we were up until 2:30 am finishing up our DVD series Breaking Bad.
Today we are again laying low as the wind is still around 18. We have go ashore later in the day for Bo to photo shoot.
We have to take the dinghy across to Georgetown for fuel before we hope to leave on Saturday. I want to go to a new deli, the man that owns the deli comes in a truck and everyone gets in the bed of the truck and he drives you to the deli. It is a long way so that is why he picks you up by the grocery store and brings you back.
Bo has been able to watch his Arizona Wild Cats now the play offs are this weekend so if we are able to leave he will have to record it.
Our Soda Stream that we have had for 3 years was not working so Cat's Meow bought us a new one and when we meet up we can get it. Bo loves to take things apart and he always gets them back together, SO--he tore the old one apart and guess what he found a screw loose and by supper we were in business again. We will still take the new one as spares of anything are always a plus for us.
I am sending 2 pictures, on is Sunset the other night and of course that was Conch blowing time. Yesterday I was walking the beach, shelling and could not resist the surf picture.
Please calm the winds.
Joyce
Saturday, March 5, 2016
March 5, 2016
Valera,Jaymi, Sharon and David
Does this bring back memories of climbing and remember the climb to the top of Monument! The view was spectacular. We did that climb this morning then continues the down hill climb to the beach and Bo shot pictures and I shelled. Jaymi remember when you were laying on the beach and Bo said have you checked on her, Christine and I said no, he was worried about his sister. Val remember the first day on the beach you could only look at the sand and the next day the water and ski, taking it all in was awesome, I even stood in your water hole one day. Sharon/David our walk back from St. Francis was alone the sound side that these pictures were taken and we made the monument hill with the help of the rope.
Hope everyone enjoys the sights.
Joyce
Valera,Jaymi, Sharon and David
Does this bring back memories of climbing and remember the climb to the top of Monument! The view was spectacular. We did that climb this morning then continues the down hill climb to the beach and Bo shot pictures and I shelled. Jaymi remember when you were laying on the beach and Bo said have you checked on her, Christine and I said no, he was worried about his sister. Val remember the first day on the beach you could only look at the sand and the next day the water and ski, taking it all in was awesome, I even stood in your water hole one day. Sharon/David our walk back from St. Francis was alone the sound side that these pictures were taken and we made the monument hill with the help of the rope.
Hope everyone enjoys the sights.
Joyce
Friday, March 4, 2016
March 4, 2016
It seems like one day is just like another. Walk the beaches, Bo doing filming, a quick dinghy ride to town to get provisions and time with friends.
Our weather has been great, today we did not go to the walking paths and beaches as when there is no wind the mosquitos are terrible so we did other things.
No fishing so Bo has had no excitement with catching anything.
We are here longer than planned as a front is coming and Bo does not want to head out until next Thursday. We are both ready to go and see places we have not done before.
On place on our list is David Copperfields island, he had put a statue of a piano down for people to dive and see so Bo wants to do that, diving is not for me but if I could snorkel I will do it. It is at Musha Cay.
No pictures as I am sure you are all tired of the blue water so until later know we are still having a great time.
Hugs to all.
Joyce
It seems like one day is just like another. Walk the beaches, Bo doing filming, a quick dinghy ride to town to get provisions and time with friends.
Our weather has been great, today we did not go to the walking paths and beaches as when there is no wind the mosquitos are terrible so we did other things.
No fishing so Bo has had no excitement with catching anything.
We are here longer than planned as a front is coming and Bo does not want to head out until next Thursday. We are both ready to go and see places we have not done before.
On place on our list is David Copperfields island, he had put a statue of a piano down for people to dive and see so Bo wants to do that, diving is not for me but if I could snorkel I will do it. It is at Musha Cay.
No pictures as I am sure you are all tired of the blue water so until later know we are still having a great time.
Hugs to all.
Joyce
Friday, February 26, 2016
February 26, 2016
February 24 we left Big Major ( Staniel Cay)at 8:30 heading toward Lee Stocking Island. There is a cut we have to go to get into the Exuma Sound and it is called Galliot Cut, you don't want the current opposing the winds as there is a lot of current . We got through great and on to Lee Stocking.
Right by where we will anchor is a little island called Leaf Cay and that is where the pink iguanas are that we took pictures of 2 years ago.
The inlet going into Lee Stocking is very tricky as there are reefs to one side so you see the big surf. the wind and current were with us and let me tell you we surfed in on waves that were about 8 feet.
We anchored at 3:30 and got the dinghy down and went to visit people we met 2 years ago from Canada. They were so good to us when we got struck by lightening. They were headed back to the states.
As we were out in the sound there were so many flying fish, Bo did some fishing but caught nothing, the depth was between 600-1000 feet.
We had planned to spend several days here but after listening to Chris Parker (weather) we pulled up anchor and left for Georgetown at 9:45.
Paul and Krista are still with us but they will be headed back to the states so this will be our last time with them.
Bo fished and caught 2 Barracuda , one was medium size but the other was big, I am sending the picture of this one. We through both back as they carry Ciguatera.
So many sailboats are headed to Georgetown as it is family regatta week. At one time we saw 18 boats all headed to Georgetown.
We arrived in Georgetown at 2:15, anchored in a favorite spot and settled in.
Today February 26 Bo went up to Sand Dollar Beach and met with people on doing photo shooting for the week.
While he was gone I made peach cobbler and cranberry scones.
When he got back we went to friends boat we met 2 years ago, these people were the ones we would walk the beach for hours every day. We then went up to St. Francis for lunch came back to the boat and got Bo's camera and off to the beach for an hour of photo shooting.
Yesterday I did my ammonia laundry soaking so I could hang it to dry this morning then I put more water in the pail and put in another load to tomorrow.
Plan is to go to the beach for shelling about 8:30 am while Bo does some shooting then go into town for a 1 pm talent show in the park. We have several stops to make before the show. Will be fun to get back into town and see the changes.
Have a great weekend..OH our friends on Cat's Meow are headed down so we are excited they should be here if weather stays with them in about 5 days as they will go round the clock from St. Augustine to Georgetown. Hope the weather gods are good to them.
Sun, clear skies and calmer winds.
Joyce
February 24 we left Big Major ( Staniel Cay)at 8:30 heading toward Lee Stocking Island. There is a cut we have to go to get into the Exuma Sound and it is called Galliot Cut, you don't want the current opposing the winds as there is a lot of current . We got through great and on to Lee Stocking.
Right by where we will anchor is a little island called Leaf Cay and that is where the pink iguanas are that we took pictures of 2 years ago.
The inlet going into Lee Stocking is very tricky as there are reefs to one side so you see the big surf. the wind and current were with us and let me tell you we surfed in on waves that were about 8 feet.
We anchored at 3:30 and got the dinghy down and went to visit people we met 2 years ago from Canada. They were so good to us when we got struck by lightening. They were headed back to the states.
As we were out in the sound there were so many flying fish, Bo did some fishing but caught nothing, the depth was between 600-1000 feet.
We had planned to spend several days here but after listening to Chris Parker (weather) we pulled up anchor and left for Georgetown at 9:45.
Paul and Krista are still with us but they will be headed back to the states so this will be our last time with them.
Bo fished and caught 2 Barracuda , one was medium size but the other was big, I am sending the picture of this one. We through both back as they carry Ciguatera.
So many sailboats are headed to Georgetown as it is family regatta week. At one time we saw 18 boats all headed to Georgetown.
We arrived in Georgetown at 2:15, anchored in a favorite spot and settled in.
Today February 26 Bo went up to Sand Dollar Beach and met with people on doing photo shooting for the week.
While he was gone I made peach cobbler and cranberry scones.
When he got back we went to friends boat we met 2 years ago, these people were the ones we would walk the beach for hours every day. We then went up to St. Francis for lunch came back to the boat and got Bo's camera and off to the beach for an hour of photo shooting.
Yesterday I did my ammonia laundry soaking so I could hang it to dry this morning then I put more water in the pail and put in another load to tomorrow.
Plan is to go to the beach for shelling about 8:30 am while Bo does some shooting then go into town for a 1 pm talent show in the park. We have several stops to make before the show. Will be fun to get back into town and see the changes.
Have a great weekend..OH our friends on Cat's Meow are headed down so we are excited they should be here if weather stays with them in about 5 days as they will go round the clock from St. Augustine to Georgetown. Hope the weather gods are good to them.
Sun, clear skies and calmer winds.
Joyce
Sunday, February 21, 2016
February 21, 2016
Yesterday we rented a golf cart to explore the island and to see if everything that was in The Waterway Guide was still here.
We started about 9:30 headed to the south end of the island. We had so much fun checking out beaches, one was by and airport just off the runway. Paul had to carry Krista down and she was afraid she would have a potty accident and after we said, oh well he carried her down. What an awesome sight.
We went on some pretty narrow, rocky paths, rock and roll on the golf cart. At one point we even lost Krista's bunged on wheel chair, so WHOA quick stop bungee it back on and up the hill we went.
I found a sea bean and a small fan for her so gave her the treasures.
At one point there was a tire swing and she was sitting in it and Paul took pictures and I was a little late and got a not so good picture of the 2 of them.
We got back to our boats about 5 and took warm showers to wash off all the salt and get ready for another day.
We had hoped to snorkle Thunderball Cave but it is going to be cloudy so might only do some dinghy things and have Bo take more photos.
He hopes the wind is down and sun is out tomorrow so he can fly his drone and finish up and head out Tuesday for Little Farmer Cay. This is the beach where Paul carried Krista to yesterday.
Yesterday we rented a golf cart to explore the island and to see if everything that was in The Waterway Guide was still here.
We started about 9:30 headed to the south end of the island. We had so much fun checking out beaches, one was by and airport just off the runway. Paul had to carry Krista down and she was afraid she would have a potty accident and after we said, oh well he carried her down. What an awesome sight.
We went on some pretty narrow, rocky paths, rock and roll on the golf cart. At one point we even lost Krista's bunged on wheel chair, so WHOA quick stop bungee it back on and up the hill we went.
I found a sea bean and a small fan for her so gave her the treasures.
At one point there was a tire swing and she was sitting in it and Paul took pictures and I was a little late and got a not so good picture of the 2 of them.
We got back to our boats about 5 and took warm showers to wash off all the salt and get ready for another day.
We had hoped to snorkle Thunderball Cave but it is going to be cloudy so might only do some dinghy things and have Bo take more photos.
He hopes the wind is down and sun is out tomorrow so he can fly his drone and finish up and head out Tuesday for Little Farmer Cay. This is the beach where Paul carried Krista to yesterday.
Thursday, February 18, 2016
February 17, 2016
We leave Nassau along with Too Much Fun. We pulled out of the marina about 9:45.
We had to pass through the yellow and white banks that have coral heads so you need to be on the look out for them as they will destroy your boat. The light was not real good so I had to stand out on the bow of the boat and keep an eye out.
We are in 25 ft. of water and it is so blue as there is white sand bottom.
As we pass over some reefs you see Blue Trigger Fish, so many tiny starfish and some large orange ones. When we were in Georgetown Bo dove down below our boat and picked one up so Valeria, Jaymi and David and Sharon could see it.
We anchored at Highbourne Cay about 3:30, got the dinghy down, motor on and went for a ride, so great to be back in the water.
Over night the wind changed and we got the swell from around the point so at 8:45 we along with Paul and Krista left and sailed to Great Major ( Staniel Cay). This is Bo's kind of day, both sails up and making 7-8 knots. He is smiles from one ear to the other.
We arrive at Big Major about 2 and Pauls got here about 3:30.
Paul called by VHF. He dove to check out his anchor and a bull shark was also checking out his anchor. Paul said he never knew he could climb his anchor chain so fast, he even lost a fin. Someone else heard the guys talking and said, do it again so we can all see you, it got a great laugh.
Tomorrow we are planning our day about 8, want to snorkel Thunderbolt Cave and do some dinghy trips along with Bo filming.
We should be here maybe 3 days then head to Black Point as we have clothes and books for kids to leave. Ted/Jerrie Springs daughter Shelly and Addison gave us things to take over and we are so grateful as the people there have nothing.
More in several days. As we get further into the Exumas the internet is less and less.
God Speed.
Joyce
Sunday, February 14, 2016
Feb. 14, 2016
Bimini in the evening.
When we arrived in Nassau I was checking our boat out on the next dock and could not pass this picture up.
Have a great Valentines Day.
Joyce
Here are a few pictures I wanted to send. This picture was taken by Nate's Bakery where we bought Cinnamon Raisin Bread for $7. You have to remember everything is shipped here so groceries are very expensive.
The islands get their groceries in 2 shifts. On Thursday the dry /frozen products come in on Friday the fresh things come in. It is all lifted off onto a dock and them the people being their trucks/cars/ golf carts what ever they have to come and pick the items up.
This is Paul's boat on our way to Nassau at sun set, pretty darn cool. ( she is the one I will write about that is in a wheel chair)
When we arrived in Nassau I was checking our boat out on the next dock and could not pass this picture up.
Have a great Valentines Day.
Joyce
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Good Morning February 12, 2016
We left Bimini at 10:45 after helping people on a catamaran untie and go for fuel. Their names are Paul and Christa. They have a story that we will tell later. She is disabled and uses a wheel chair. When you hear the story and the drive she had it is very humbling, she is 51.
It has been a beautiful day, we have motored with the main sail up for stability and some speed. About 4:00 we put up several sides of the enclosure for warmth.
February 13, 2016
It has been a very busy night for Bo as there is so much traffic. Back in the states we have shrimp boats that go out to fish with big arms that go down in the water to catch fish. Here they us them for other fish. The big boat in front is called the Mother Boat and then they pull behind them up to 8 small boats. When they go to catch lobster/fish the fishermen go out in these small boats and bring back their catch. So you see a big fishing boat with small boats behind them, now only the big boat has a few lights but all the fishing boats are only being towed behind with no lights at all.
The stars were so bright tonight and a beautiful 1/2 moon laying down so peaceful.
We have been going 6-7 knots and are having to slow down so we don't get into Nassau before light and the marina opens at 7.
About 6 am we are at an idle speed for about an hour, we can see Nassau but no way want to go in. There is a mail boat and a cruise ship also wanting to come in. The mailboat does come in the the cruise ship waits for a pilot to bring the boat in.
When you are entering Nassau Harbor you ask Nassau Harbor Control for permission to come in. They then respond with what channel to go to and there are 3 questions they always ask.
1. Where did you come from.
2. Where are staying.
3. Your boat documentation number.
After all of this they said come in, have a good day and be careful.
At 8:45 we are tied up to the marina as are Paul and Christa. Showers, sleep are first on the list. Groceries next. This is the last stop that there is a real grocery store so you stock up. I went over with two bags and brought back fruits/veggies all I could carry while Bo watched the replay of the Arizona Wildcats Basketball.
I will send some pictures when we have more band width but just wanted to let everyone know where we were and we are fine and ready for our next adventure which should happen maybe Tuesday or Wednesday.
Calm Seas.
Joyce
We left Bimini at 10:45 after helping people on a catamaran untie and go for fuel. Their names are Paul and Christa. They have a story that we will tell later. She is disabled and uses a wheel chair. When you hear the story and the drive she had it is very humbling, she is 51.
It has been a beautiful day, we have motored with the main sail up for stability and some speed. About 4:00 we put up several sides of the enclosure for warmth.
February 13, 2016
It has been a very busy night for Bo as there is so much traffic. Back in the states we have shrimp boats that go out to fish with big arms that go down in the water to catch fish. Here they us them for other fish. The big boat in front is called the Mother Boat and then they pull behind them up to 8 small boats. When they go to catch lobster/fish the fishermen go out in these small boats and bring back their catch. So you see a big fishing boat with small boats behind them, now only the big boat has a few lights but all the fishing boats are only being towed behind with no lights at all.
The stars were so bright tonight and a beautiful 1/2 moon laying down so peaceful.
We have been going 6-7 knots and are having to slow down so we don't get into Nassau before light and the marina opens at 7.
About 6 am we are at an idle speed for about an hour, we can see Nassau but no way want to go in. There is a mail boat and a cruise ship also wanting to come in. The mailboat does come in the the cruise ship waits for a pilot to bring the boat in.
When you are entering Nassau Harbor you ask Nassau Harbor Control for permission to come in. They then respond with what channel to go to and there are 3 questions they always ask.
1. Where did you come from.
2. Where are staying.
3. Your boat documentation number.
After all of this they said come in, have a good day and be careful.
At 8:45 we are tied up to the marina as are Paul and Christa. Showers, sleep are first on the list. Groceries next. This is the last stop that there is a real grocery store so you stock up. I went over with two bags and brought back fruits/veggies all I could carry while Bo watched the replay of the Arizona Wildcats Basketball.
I will send some pictures when we have more band width but just wanted to let everyone know where we were and we are fine and ready for our next adventure which should happen maybe Tuesday or Wednesday.
Calm Seas.
Joyce
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
February 9, 2016
I have not written for several days but thought I would send a few more pictures.
We have been kept busy with filming and interviewing. Bimini to us is a well kept secret, the kind of place we love to visit and spend some time.
We have had 3 fronts go past us and when I say fronts I mean winds. Today the winds at our dock are between 20-25. The sun is trying to come out but seems to be having a hard time. I think all of us are waiting for a window to either go to The Berries or Nassau.
We are having to go to Nassau as they have now passed a law like the states you have to a permit to fly a drone. We totally understand this. We have been given the people and offices to contact that can do this for us but they are in Nassau.
Let me send a couple more pictures. Another picture of The Dolphin House, he has even his stairways all done in a mosaic form and incredible. Our service is so slow I am not able to send another picture so will settle with this one.
I have not written for several days but thought I would send a few more pictures.
We have been kept busy with filming and interviewing. Bimini to us is a well kept secret, the kind of place we love to visit and spend some time.
We have had 3 fronts go past us and when I say fronts I mean winds. Today the winds at our dock are between 20-25. The sun is trying to come out but seems to be having a hard time. I think all of us are waiting for a window to either go to The Berries or Nassau.
We are having to go to Nassau as they have now passed a law like the states you have to a permit to fly a drone. We totally understand this. We have been given the people and offices to contact that can do this for us but they are in Nassau.
Let me send a couple more pictures. Another picture of The Dolphin House, he has even his stairways all done in a mosaic form and incredible. Our service is so slow I am not able to send another picture so will settle with this one.
Friday, February 5, 2016
February 3, 2016
Today was our tour of the Dolphin House, a must see. What an incredible afternoon we spent about 2 hours there for filming and talking. I will try and include a picture, he Ashley Saunders is from here but went to college in Wisconsin then grad. school at Harvard and came back home to teach for 30 years. This house he started in 1993. I will send a link and you can get a better view and idea what it is all about. www.doLPinhousebimini.com.
We met a gentlemen whose name was Chipper and he was a carver and had carved a piece for the Dolphin House.
February 4, 2016
We walked to the Bimini Big Game Club Resort and Marina for 10am.and were there for about an hour. ( original owners were The Bacardi's) .We were given a tour and interview of the resort so we can go back and film. It is truly a resort . They have a motel unit and also single apartments. Big Game Club are very active into fishing and have many tournaments here. I have a picture of the structure they use to weight the Marlins. Right now the Discovery Channel has a crew here filming for Shark Week which is on their channel. Bo was able to interview a gentlemen involved in this production. We saw where they have the cages that divers get into with all the bars and can encounter sharks.
We walked back to Dolphin House to have Ashley sign more release papers and I was able to give him one of my nature treasure. Two years ago I found a glass bottle on the beach at Stocking Island. The bottle was from Trinidad and I filled it with tiny shells and then made a twine tie with shells attached around the neck of the bottle. I used this as a decor. Now Ashley has it for his home.
We took a shuttle to the very end of the Island to The Marina at Resort World Bimini. There is a Hilton hotel and housing addition here. The sea plane lands not far from here 4 times a day. We took a taxi back to the marina for $10 and spent some time gathering our thought and preparing for the next day.
About 3:30 I was walking to the beach and in a building next to the marina were 2 gentlemen outside. I stopped to ask a question about the huge fences land across from them. They were telling history and had pictures so called Bo and he came right over. He showed us pictures of what the estate had looked like back in prohibition days. It was bought and built for people from the US and later sold to people from DC. Part of it was destroyed by hurricanes but enough stand the family still comes today. The gentleman that owned the building (a disco) was named Star as he had been an athlete and coached for years taking youth baseball teams all over to play in competition. Star told us about people that had built and owned property for years and then sold it. One tidbit was the movie, "Silence of the Lamb" had the last scene filmed here right down the street so have to watch the movie again. We talked and looked at pictures for maybe an hour. Wish we could get he along with others to sit for an evening of talk and history.
We then walked to the beach so I looked for shells and Bo enjoyed the sunset. As we got back to the boat the gentlemen on a sailboat across to us stopped to talk so we invited them over. They came with what they wanted to drink an some munchies. Everyone has a story and it is so interesting to hear all the stories about where they are from and why they are doing this and where they are headed. As we were talking the boat next to us from Chii (57 ft. Swan) needed more water hose to fill tanks. We all carry water hose that is used ONLY for water so gave them one of our 35ft hoses.
Here is a picture of the front of the Dolphin House, all hand done. Dolphins are 6 ft. It is like this all over, the sides, the steps to 2nd floor all of it unbelievable.
Today was our tour of the Dolphin House, a must see. What an incredible afternoon we spent about 2 hours there for filming and talking. I will try and include a picture, he Ashley Saunders is from here but went to college in Wisconsin then grad. school at Harvard and came back home to teach for 30 years. This house he started in 1993. I will send a link and you can get a better view and idea what it is all about. www.doLPinhousebimini.com.
We met a gentlemen whose name was Chipper and he was a carver and had carved a piece for the Dolphin House.
February 4, 2016
We walked to the Bimini Big Game Club Resort and Marina for 10am.and were there for about an hour. ( original owners were The Bacardi's) .We were given a tour and interview of the resort so we can go back and film. It is truly a resort . They have a motel unit and also single apartments. Big Game Club are very active into fishing and have many tournaments here. I have a picture of the structure they use to weight the Marlins. Right now the Discovery Channel has a crew here filming for Shark Week which is on their channel. Bo was able to interview a gentlemen involved in this production. We saw where they have the cages that divers get into with all the bars and can encounter sharks.
We walked back to Dolphin House to have Ashley sign more release papers and I was able to give him one of my nature treasure. Two years ago I found a glass bottle on the beach at Stocking Island. The bottle was from Trinidad and I filled it with tiny shells and then made a twine tie with shells attached around the neck of the bottle. I used this as a decor. Now Ashley has it for his home.
We took a shuttle to the very end of the Island to The Marina at Resort World Bimini. There is a Hilton hotel and housing addition here. The sea plane lands not far from here 4 times a day. We took a taxi back to the marina for $10 and spent some time gathering our thought and preparing for the next day.
About 3:30 I was walking to the beach and in a building next to the marina were 2 gentlemen outside. I stopped to ask a question about the huge fences land across from them. They were telling history and had pictures so called Bo and he came right over. He showed us pictures of what the estate had looked like back in prohibition days. It was bought and built for people from the US and later sold to people from DC. Part of it was destroyed by hurricanes but enough stand the family still comes today. The gentleman that owned the building (a disco) was named Star as he had been an athlete and coached for years taking youth baseball teams all over to play in competition. Star told us about people that had built and owned property for years and then sold it. One tidbit was the movie, "Silence of the Lamb" had the last scene filmed here right down the street so have to watch the movie again. We talked and looked at pictures for maybe an hour. Wish we could get he along with others to sit for an evening of talk and history.
We then walked to the beach so I looked for shells and Bo enjoyed the sunset. As we got back to the boat the gentlemen on a sailboat across to us stopped to talk so we invited them over. They came with what they wanted to drink an some munchies. Everyone has a story and it is so interesting to hear all the stories about where they are from and why they are doing this and where they are headed. As we were talking the boat next to us from Chii (57 ft. Swan) needed more water hose to fill tanks. We all carry water hose that is used ONLY for water so gave them one of our 35ft hoses.
Here is a picture of the front of the Dolphin House, all hand done. Dolphins are 6 ft. It is like this all over, the sides, the steps to 2nd floor all of it unbelievable.
Joyce
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
February 3, 2016
Another beautiful day in paradise.
My day started with a walk on the beach at 7:15-8:30. I was the only one on the beach until the gal on the German boat next to us came to walk her dog.
Bo stayed at the boat and worked on music that we bought from Stevie S, we are going to go to the Big Game Club Saturday to listen to him.
On todays schedule is going to the Dolphin House which you need to check out on line. The top picture is while walking the beach and the second picture we were walking in town and saw the boats anchored out.
Another beautiful day in paradise.
My day started with a walk on the beach at 7:15-8:30. I was the only one on the beach until the gal on the German boat next to us came to walk her dog.
Bo stayed at the boat and worked on music that we bought from Stevie S, we are going to go to the Big Game Club Saturday to listen to him.
On todays schedule is going to the Dolphin House which you need to check out on line. The top picture is while walking the beach and the second picture we were walking in town and saw the boats anchored out.
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
February 1, 2016
Rained off and on all day but we went out to check out the island. We met a couple while walking that also was on a sailboat at another marina that has spent winters here in Bimini. She is an illustrator for Latitudes and Attitudes . We walked with them to a local cafe called Seaside Cafe,the lady cooked the food while you waited, really small but very good. I would call this a true Bimini treasure. We were able to try Bimini bread and we need to buy some so good.
February 2, 2016
Beautiful walked the beach for over an hour and found mostly sea glass that I will give to others as that is one thing I do not do.
We got back showered now ready for the day. Bo walked up to BTC so we could connect our phones as Bahama phones and he stopped back at Tourism and received a name to contact so we can take the clothing and books to the correct people in Blackpoint. Jerrie Springer gave us clothes from Addison and books she no longer needed and we were so excited to be able to bring them over here where they will be so treasured.
Bo started to make water and that will run for several hours before he shuts it off and transfers it to the front tank. Bo checked out renting a golf cart and it is expensive and found out we can take a taxi for $10, so this is what we will do to get to the far end of the island where the resorts are located.
When Bo came back we walked to the cafe by the marina Big John's for lunch and was excellent. Bo them came back to the boat and I took off.
My job today was to write down all the markets and some restaurants and see if they were still open. As I was out I got to talking to a gentleman and he then told me about music and he owned a local restaurant called 3 Daughters Deli. Ended up his cousin sing, write music and preforms local so we came back to the boat and he and Bo are making a deal to use his music in some of his video but we will go listen to him Saturday as he is singing there.
You never know who Joyce will find to talk to on one of her excursions.
I am going to send some pictures so you can also enjoy the beautiful clear blue water and the beauty of the island.
Tonight we are walking up to another marina for Happy Hour and tomorrow evening walking with people on a boat by us that are from Germany to a place called C J's Deli right on the water have a Kalik beer and watch the sunset.
How does it get any better.
Joyce
Rained off and on all day but we went out to check out the island. We met a couple while walking that also was on a sailboat at another marina that has spent winters here in Bimini. She is an illustrator for Latitudes and Attitudes . We walked with them to a local cafe called Seaside Cafe,the lady cooked the food while you waited, really small but very good. I would call this a true Bimini treasure. We were able to try Bimini bread and we need to buy some so good.
February 2, 2016
Beautiful walked the beach for over an hour and found mostly sea glass that I will give to others as that is one thing I do not do.
We got back showered now ready for the day. Bo walked up to BTC so we could connect our phones as Bahama phones and he stopped back at Tourism and received a name to contact so we can take the clothing and books to the correct people in Blackpoint. Jerrie Springer gave us clothes from Addison and books she no longer needed and we were so excited to be able to bring them over here where they will be so treasured.
Bo started to make water and that will run for several hours before he shuts it off and transfers it to the front tank. Bo checked out renting a golf cart and it is expensive and found out we can take a taxi for $10, so this is what we will do to get to the far end of the island where the resorts are located.
When Bo came back we walked to the cafe by the marina Big John's for lunch and was excellent. Bo them came back to the boat and I took off.
My job today was to write down all the markets and some restaurants and see if they were still open. As I was out I got to talking to a gentleman and he then told me about music and he owned a local restaurant called 3 Daughters Deli. Ended up his cousin sing, write music and preforms local so we came back to the boat and he and Bo are making a deal to use his music in some of his video but we will go listen to him Saturday as he is singing there.
You never know who Joyce will find to talk to on one of her excursions.
I am going to send some pictures so you can also enjoy the beautiful clear blue water and the beauty of the island.
Tonight we are walking up to another marina for Happy Hour and tomorrow evening walking with people on a boat by us that are from Germany to a place called C J's Deli right on the water have a Kalik beer and watch the sunset.
How does it get any better.
Joyce
Monday, February 1, 2016
January 30, 2016
We have been anchored outside the Hurricane Hole for 3 days and now is time to bring up anchor and go to Crandon Marina at Key Biscayne to top off fuel. Brandon is where we kept a 30 ft sailboat a Catalina named Cool Change for the few months we lived here and then had it hauled to Annapolis.
We left our anchorage about 1:30 and got back about 2:30 and went from 3 boats in the anchorage to about 30, forgot it was the weekend.
We plan to leave for the Bahamas about 6 am.
January 31, 2016
We did pull up anchor and head out but not until about 7. We chose to go out around No Name Harbor by all the stilt houses. If you use to watch CSI Miami the entrance shoot was of a boat going past a lot of houses off shore, these are the stilt houses. When we lived here people still lived in them but through the years and hurricanes some are only frames but some still have people out there.
It is hard for us to believe it has taken us 3 months to leave the states, with weather and boat issues, it has been crazy but we are on our way and you can imagine the smiles faces, YAH !!
At 9 am we are about 40 miles from Bimini ad we should arrive there about 3-4.
Wind has been out of the east at 3 knots so there is a little chop but not much, seas are about 2-3 ft.
Once we get to Bimini my cell phone will become a Bahamian phone until we return back to the states and the only communication we have to the states are our computers so keep the emails coming. With Bo's tracker and the people that follow him they can also send him an email or text and this is how his family will get ahold of us in an emergency.
We have another old phone that we also use as a Bahamian phone besides mine and we will put in a sim card and just add time to it when we have used it up.
We have been the only ones out here today except 4 freighters headed back to the south one was going to Houston. No boats on AIS so a pretty low key day out here.
We started seeing Man-of-Wars out here when we got closer to the Gulf Stream. My first sighting of these was when we lived in Key Biscayne on the beaches. Look them up and read about them. They are beautiful bright, pink, blue and purple with long tentacles but they are very deadly.
We are so excited to be back to what we love, travel and adventure and meeting other cultures.
Bo started to make water with our water maker so now will not have to worry about being at marinas and here either you haul it or pay for it.
Our depth exceeds our instruments as does the water.
About 2 we see land and as we get closer you hear other boats on the radio calling marinas but the biggest thing is to look at the entrance and see the most beautiful turquoise water you have ever seen. We call to Brown Marina and they plus about 5 guys from the marina are here to help us with docking. The water is so clear you see the bottom and all the fish, amazing.
After we are settled Bo has to walk up to customs by himself and give them all our papers and passports to clear us in. We then change our yellow flag ( quarantine flag) to our Bahama flag we are now legal.
We sit outside and take in the beauty ready for tomorrow when our walking adventures begin. Bo has been contacted already by a Waterway gentleman from Nassau about doing some photography so that puts a smile on his face.
I will send pictures later but now will have to wait until we are at a place where we pay to do big network things but no worry you will get them.
The weather God's have been good to us again to guide us safely across the Atlantic.
Joyce
We have been anchored outside the Hurricane Hole for 3 days and now is time to bring up anchor and go to Crandon Marina at Key Biscayne to top off fuel. Brandon is where we kept a 30 ft sailboat a Catalina named Cool Change for the few months we lived here and then had it hauled to Annapolis.
We left our anchorage about 1:30 and got back about 2:30 and went from 3 boats in the anchorage to about 30, forgot it was the weekend.
We plan to leave for the Bahamas about 6 am.
January 31, 2016
We did pull up anchor and head out but not until about 7. We chose to go out around No Name Harbor by all the stilt houses. If you use to watch CSI Miami the entrance shoot was of a boat going past a lot of houses off shore, these are the stilt houses. When we lived here people still lived in them but through the years and hurricanes some are only frames but some still have people out there.
It is hard for us to believe it has taken us 3 months to leave the states, with weather and boat issues, it has been crazy but we are on our way and you can imagine the smiles faces, YAH !!
At 9 am we are about 40 miles from Bimini ad we should arrive there about 3-4.
Wind has been out of the east at 3 knots so there is a little chop but not much, seas are about 2-3 ft.
Once we get to Bimini my cell phone will become a Bahamian phone until we return back to the states and the only communication we have to the states are our computers so keep the emails coming. With Bo's tracker and the people that follow him they can also send him an email or text and this is how his family will get ahold of us in an emergency.
We have another old phone that we also use as a Bahamian phone besides mine and we will put in a sim card and just add time to it when we have used it up.
We have been the only ones out here today except 4 freighters headed back to the south one was going to Houston. No boats on AIS so a pretty low key day out here.
We started seeing Man-of-Wars out here when we got closer to the Gulf Stream. My first sighting of these was when we lived in Key Biscayne on the beaches. Look them up and read about them. They are beautiful bright, pink, blue and purple with long tentacles but they are very deadly.
We are so excited to be back to what we love, travel and adventure and meeting other cultures.
Bo started to make water with our water maker so now will not have to worry about being at marinas and here either you haul it or pay for it.
Our depth exceeds our instruments as does the water.
About 2 we see land and as we get closer you hear other boats on the radio calling marinas but the biggest thing is to look at the entrance and see the most beautiful turquoise water you have ever seen. We call to Brown Marina and they plus about 5 guys from the marina are here to help us with docking. The water is so clear you see the bottom and all the fish, amazing.
After we are settled Bo has to walk up to customs by himself and give them all our papers and passports to clear us in. We then change our yellow flag ( quarantine flag) to our Bahama flag we are now legal.
We sit outside and take in the beauty ready for tomorrow when our walking adventures begin. Bo has been contacted already by a Waterway gentleman from Nassau about doing some photography so that puts a smile on his face.
I will send pictures later but now will have to wait until we are at a place where we pay to do big network things but no worry you will get them.
The weather God's have been good to us again to guide us safely across the Atlantic.
Joyce
Thursday, January 28, 2016
January 25, 2016
We are staying at Dinner Key for a few days to wait out a front. We did our last land errands, Home Depot, groceries, bank and laundry so we are ready to leave the marina and go to an anchorage.
We had an easy out of the marina slip as the wind and current was with us so could do it by ourselves.
We are headed to the Stadium our favorite anchorage for Miami.
When Bo worked here about 18 years ago he had a place in Key Biscayne as it was cheaper for his company to rent him an apartment rather than fly him home every weekend, so I would fly down and use his milage. When were were here the stadium was used for racing boats and rented jet skis. It was February and people thought we were crazy as it was their winter and we thought it was warm. Over the years boats got to large, area to small and venue changed so the stadium sat empty and has gone to disary, it has empty and closed for years. Two years ago we were here and some of you may remember the picture I sent of a log cabin for Santa as it was on a pier used for a Miami art show. We are at the same place except now Miami has taken over the area and are using it as part of the Miami Boat Show. The boat show is in Feb. so they had to put up all the docks and there are so many, tents and prepare the area.
We are at the far end in-front of a private school and we get to watch them skull their boats every evening. There are boats that are 2-4-6-8 person boats. the 6-8 person have an extra person that gives them commands. There are 2 small power boats that follow them they must be coaches.(they are like the Olympics)
There are several other boats anchored here, quiet and peaceful.
We know they are closing the anchorage and will have to move as they prepare for the finishing touches of the boat show.
A police boat stopped by and told us that they were closing the area first thing tomorrow morning (Jan. 28) so we will have to move. Anchor up, anchor cleaned and off we go. We are outside the hurricane hole waiting for a few days for the next front to pass then plan is to leave early Sunday morning for Bimini.
Lots of storms around southern Florida today with tornadoes but we only had rain, friends in Marathon,Florida also lucked out last night.
Will keep you all posted.
So many boat waiting to cross over to the Bahamas so know we will not be alone in the crossing.
Fair skies.
Joyce
We are staying at Dinner Key for a few days to wait out a front. We did our last land errands, Home Depot, groceries, bank and laundry so we are ready to leave the marina and go to an anchorage.
We had an easy out of the marina slip as the wind and current was with us so could do it by ourselves.
We are headed to the Stadium our favorite anchorage for Miami.
When Bo worked here about 18 years ago he had a place in Key Biscayne as it was cheaper for his company to rent him an apartment rather than fly him home every weekend, so I would fly down and use his milage. When were were here the stadium was used for racing boats and rented jet skis. It was February and people thought we were crazy as it was their winter and we thought it was warm. Over the years boats got to large, area to small and venue changed so the stadium sat empty and has gone to disary, it has empty and closed for years. Two years ago we were here and some of you may remember the picture I sent of a log cabin for Santa as it was on a pier used for a Miami art show. We are at the same place except now Miami has taken over the area and are using it as part of the Miami Boat Show. The boat show is in Feb. so they had to put up all the docks and there are so many, tents and prepare the area.
We are at the far end in-front of a private school and we get to watch them skull their boats every evening. There are boats that are 2-4-6-8 person boats. the 6-8 person have an extra person that gives them commands. There are 2 small power boats that follow them they must be coaches.(they are like the Olympics)
There are several other boats anchored here, quiet and peaceful.
We know they are closing the anchorage and will have to move as they prepare for the finishing touches of the boat show.
A police boat stopped by and told us that they were closing the area first thing tomorrow morning (Jan. 28) so we will have to move. Anchor up, anchor cleaned and off we go. We are outside the hurricane hole waiting for a few days for the next front to pass then plan is to leave early Sunday morning for Bimini.
Lots of storms around southern Florida today with tornadoes but we only had rain, friends in Marathon,Florida also lucked out last night.
Will keep you all posted.
So many boat waiting to cross over to the Bahamas so know we will not be alone in the crossing.
Fair skies.
Joyce
Thursday, January 21, 2016
January 20-21, 2016
We left Cape Canaveral about 8:30 am with the help of Dave (a friend from Canada). His sailboat is the one that was lost its mast going under a bridge in Florida on the ICW.
10:40 stats
winds 11 knots
seas 4-6 ft.
water temp. 64
cloudy
off shore about 6 miles
We can see the clouds over the Gulf Stream. The Gulf Stream plays a part in our sailing the current runs south-north and the weather is ever changing. The Gulf Stream has the current headed north and from the north you have the Labador current headed south and they meet off of Hatteras and this is why there are so many issues going around Hatteras. When we head home in May we get in the stream and fly awesome go maybe 10-12 knots.
As you head south off shore in Florida it is one big city, you have no idea when one town starts or ends they run all together.
We will stay about 6 miles from shore util we we get closer to the Gulf Stream which comes very close around Jupiter Florida and even closer to Lake Worth. (West Palm Beach)
stats
water temp over 100 degrees
depth beyond our 200 ft reading
winds 18 knots
sea height about 6 ft.
What happens with the Gulf Stream is the water temps will go up as they are very warm and we will be fighting the currents which will slow us down.
It has been an incredible day as there is no noise from the wheel, as you remember from our trip to Cape Canaveral our wheel made so much noise we had to wear ear plugs, one project Bo tackeled over our stay at Cape Canaveral. We had to replace our Genoa lines and main sheet fuller lines. Rewire our AIS as we were having a problem with it going off while we sailed.
We received a call on our VHF radio from a sailboat, Relativity that was a 56 ft boat. They just wanted to find out where we were going and check in with us. They are going to Miami and then doing a race to Cuba.
11:08 am
winds have risen to 18 knots so we put out our Genoa for stability and balance and our speed was now 7-8 knots. We later brought it in and put our our sail for stability and left it out until we came in Government Cut.
As we get closer to the Gulf Stream the ocean temp goes over 100 degrees and the depth goes deeper than our 200 ft. We also loose speed as we then fight the current.
To pass time Bo reads and I listen to my 40 plus country CD's in shuffle mode. Goes from the Oaks, Brad Paisley, Little Big Town, Rascall Flatts to the Gatlins.
We took our first selfie at the close of the day and we will send it along with other pictures of our trip to Miami.
Thursday the 21st
There was a lot of traffic off shore last night as there are busy ports for shipping and cruise ships so we both were up most all of the night.
Turning into Government Cut from off shore and going down the shipping channels where all the freighters and cruise ships are is always a moment you think about the freighters that loose cargo off shore, they are hugs. I will include a picture.
The dolphins created us, about 6-8 swam and jumped around our boat, they love to play in your wake.
Our destination was the Stadium to anchor for the front but this was not a choice this year as this is where the Miami Boat show is going to be this year in Feb. so were putting out docks. Much to our pocket book we came to Dinner Key in Coconut Grove. It cost us for 4 days what we would pay for 1 1/2 months in either VA or Myrtle Beach, suck it up!!! What will be will be. At least we can go and do things, go to grocery and bank.
Before we were married Bo worked for a company that he was assignment was Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines in Key Biscayne for 6 months so had a place. We love it here but expensive.
We each took naps after coffee and breakfast/lunch combo and are ready to watch some TV, relax and back to bed for a good nights sleep.
This was an incredible trip and one more journey for us, God's beauty is all around us just take time to sit back, relax and take life journey.
Joyce
We left Cape Canaveral about 8:30 am with the help of Dave (a friend from Canada). His sailboat is the one that was lost its mast going under a bridge in Florida on the ICW.
10:40 stats
winds 11 knots
seas 4-6 ft.
water temp. 64
cloudy
off shore about 6 miles
We can see the clouds over the Gulf Stream. The Gulf Stream plays a part in our sailing the current runs south-north and the weather is ever changing. The Gulf Stream has the current headed north and from the north you have the Labador current headed south and they meet off of Hatteras and this is why there are so many issues going around Hatteras. When we head home in May we get in the stream and fly awesome go maybe 10-12 knots.
As you head south off shore in Florida it is one big city, you have no idea when one town starts or ends they run all together.
We will stay about 6 miles from shore util we we get closer to the Gulf Stream which comes very close around Jupiter Florida and even closer to Lake Worth. (West Palm Beach)
stats
water temp over 100 degrees
depth beyond our 200 ft reading
winds 18 knots
sea height about 6 ft.
What happens with the Gulf Stream is the water temps will go up as they are very warm and we will be fighting the currents which will slow us down.
It has been an incredible day as there is no noise from the wheel, as you remember from our trip to Cape Canaveral our wheel made so much noise we had to wear ear plugs, one project Bo tackeled over our stay at Cape Canaveral. We had to replace our Genoa lines and main sheet fuller lines. Rewire our AIS as we were having a problem with it going off while we sailed.
We received a call on our VHF radio from a sailboat, Relativity that was a 56 ft boat. They just wanted to find out where we were going and check in with us. They are going to Miami and then doing a race to Cuba.
11:08 am
winds have risen to 18 knots so we put out our Genoa for stability and balance and our speed was now 7-8 knots. We later brought it in and put our our sail for stability and left it out until we came in Government Cut.
As we get closer to the Gulf Stream the ocean temp goes over 100 degrees and the depth goes deeper than our 200 ft. We also loose speed as we then fight the current.
To pass time Bo reads and I listen to my 40 plus country CD's in shuffle mode. Goes from the Oaks, Brad Paisley, Little Big Town, Rascall Flatts to the Gatlins.
We took our first selfie at the close of the day and we will send it along with other pictures of our trip to Miami.
Thursday the 21st
There was a lot of traffic off shore last night as there are busy ports for shipping and cruise ships so we both were up most all of the night.
Turning into Government Cut from off shore and going down the shipping channels where all the freighters and cruise ships are is always a moment you think about the freighters that loose cargo off shore, they are hugs. I will include a picture.
The dolphins created us, about 6-8 swam and jumped around our boat, they love to play in your wake.
Our destination was the Stadium to anchor for the front but this was not a choice this year as this is where the Miami Boat show is going to be this year in Feb. so were putting out docks. Much to our pocket book we came to Dinner Key in Coconut Grove. It cost us for 4 days what we would pay for 1 1/2 months in either VA or Myrtle Beach, suck it up!!! What will be will be. At least we can go and do things, go to grocery and bank.
Before we were married Bo worked for a company that he was assignment was Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines in Key Biscayne for 6 months so had a place. We love it here but expensive.
We each took naps after coffee and breakfast/lunch combo and are ready to watch some TV, relax and back to bed for a good nights sleep.
This was an incredible trip and one more journey for us, God's beauty is all around us just take time to sit back, relax and take life journey.
Joyce
Sunday, January 17, 2016
January 17, 2016
Yesterday January 16, 2016 we spent the day at Kennedy Space Center with LaVonne Joyce. (Sailing vessel Cat's Meow) It was beautiful day and not enough time to see everything we wanted to see. We started about 9:45 and finally left about 6.
My pictures will be on another page than this blog.
When you walk around NASA and saw the size of the of the systems and past capsules and plans for the future you can only stand there and say WOW, HUGE. How did the size and weight of these capsules ever leave the ground. When you stand next to them you are just a speck.
We were fortunate to hear a Mexican astronaut speak two times. One talk was on him growing up in Mexico and how he became an astronaut. The other speech was when we had lunch with an astronaut and he spoke on his flight the past flights and what the capsules were like when he flew back in 1985 and what the capsules are like now. He covered, sleeping, eating, bathroom exercise, work and the every day routines.
I was here 40 years ago when Thad was 5. Bo has never been to Kennedy Space Center he was to Houston as a youth. In 40 years the progress in both space flight and the facilities is incredible.
The future is wide open for all (men and women) that have the challenge inside of them to strive and question space and the future and question science. What is out there, are we the only ones? The men and women that have experienced and strive to the future, makes me wonder why I never questioned the why of the future.
As a child I remember laying on the grass and looking up into the sky the clouds and wonder what was up there and making animals out of clouds. Now when we are on overnights and look at the stars and wonder what lies ahead and question future exploration.
A dreamer, not me. Bo is the dreamer and his mind is always at work. When he asks me about growing up and says didn't you ever dream about the future, my answer is always the same. No guess I always thought what ever came was what it was.
After spending a day at NASA I wish that my mind had asked the questions, why and why can't we, is it possible?
Looking back at how technology has changed our lives some for the good and I question others I now understand what my grandparents us to say about the changes in there life time. I use to love to hear them talk about growing up, now think about what our children and grandchildren will see in their lifetime.
Dream Catcher signing off.
Yesterday January 16, 2016 we spent the day at Kennedy Space Center with LaVonne Joyce. (Sailing vessel Cat's Meow) It was beautiful day and not enough time to see everything we wanted to see. We started about 9:45 and finally left about 6.
My pictures will be on another page than this blog.
When you walk around NASA and saw the size of the of the systems and past capsules and plans for the future you can only stand there and say WOW, HUGE. How did the size and weight of these capsules ever leave the ground. When you stand next to them you are just a speck.
We were fortunate to hear a Mexican astronaut speak two times. One talk was on him growing up in Mexico and how he became an astronaut. The other speech was when we had lunch with an astronaut and he spoke on his flight the past flights and what the capsules were like when he flew back in 1985 and what the capsules are like now. He covered, sleeping, eating, bathroom exercise, work and the every day routines.
I was here 40 years ago when Thad was 5. Bo has never been to Kennedy Space Center he was to Houston as a youth. In 40 years the progress in both space flight and the facilities is incredible.
The future is wide open for all (men and women) that have the challenge inside of them to strive and question space and the future and question science. What is out there, are we the only ones? The men and women that have experienced and strive to the future, makes me wonder why I never questioned the why of the future.
As a child I remember laying on the grass and looking up into the sky the clouds and wonder what was up there and making animals out of clouds. Now when we are on overnights and look at the stars and wonder what lies ahead and question future exploration.
A dreamer, not me. Bo is the dreamer and his mind is always at work. When he asks me about growing up and says didn't you ever dream about the future, my answer is always the same. No guess I always thought what ever came was what it was.
After spending a day at NASA I wish that my mind had asked the questions, why and why can't we, is it possible?
Looking back at how technology has changed our lives some for the good and I question others I now understand what my grandparents us to say about the changes in there life time. I use to love to hear them talk about growing up, now think about what our children and grandchildren will see in their lifetime.
Dream Catcher signing off.
Thursday, January 14, 2016
January 14, 2016
Good morning it is 6:45 listening to Chris Parker and weather.
We are still in Cape Canaveral until Monday hope the weather gods are on our side this time and repairs are done.
We rented a car and that is fun to see what is around here, done our groceries at Publix ,West Marine which we have to go back to, Target, man if only I found ice cream I would be a happy boater.
We have eaten all our homemade soups so have 2 more to make on Sunday so we are ready to travel, did the healthy ones last week this week it is Split Pea and Smokey Chicken Chili.
Bo has ordered parts to repair the Genoa reel, as we need to put on new line and they screws were stripped so had to order parts and of course they come from France, here on Friday as we paid to overnight. The gauges are on the project today as he needs to do some rewiring. The steering wheel has half of the squeak fixed, in order to fix he has to take the drive chain off so may wait until we are back in the Chesapeake Bay this May.
Saturday we have tickets to go to Kennedy Space Center, we even paid to lunch with an astronaut and have pictures. Our friend LaVonne from Cat's Meow is driving down as it is only a 2 hour trip.
Sunday is laundry as they shut the water off on Monday for repairs so need to fill water tanks also.
Don't worry you WILL get a picture of us and the astronauts.
For Thursday this is Dream Catcher out.
Joyce
Good morning it is 6:45 listening to Chris Parker and weather.
We are still in Cape Canaveral until Monday hope the weather gods are on our side this time and repairs are done.
We rented a car and that is fun to see what is around here, done our groceries at Publix ,West Marine which we have to go back to, Target, man if only I found ice cream I would be a happy boater.
We have eaten all our homemade soups so have 2 more to make on Sunday so we are ready to travel, did the healthy ones last week this week it is Split Pea and Smokey Chicken Chili.
Bo has ordered parts to repair the Genoa reel, as we need to put on new line and they screws were stripped so had to order parts and of course they come from France, here on Friday as we paid to overnight. The gauges are on the project today as he needs to do some rewiring. The steering wheel has half of the squeak fixed, in order to fix he has to take the drive chain off so may wait until we are back in the Chesapeake Bay this May.
Saturday we have tickets to go to Kennedy Space Center, we even paid to lunch with an astronaut and have pictures. Our friend LaVonne from Cat's Meow is driving down as it is only a 2 hour trip.
Sunday is laundry as they shut the water off on Monday for repairs so need to fill water tanks also.
Don't worry you WILL get a picture of us and the astronauts.
For Thursday this is Dream Catcher out.
Joyce
Cape Canaveral Jan. 14, 2016
January 14, 2016
Sorry for some reason this did not get out. Thanks for letting me know.
We have a car for a few days so have been to West Marine, Publix ,and the rope shop. Need to go to Target then my shopping is done. The dock line he ordered from the rope shop is to be in Friday so will go pick that up. The rope shop is something to see, a wow factor for boaters.
Today Bo is measuring how much new heavy wiring he needs for auto pilot and a new box. He has ordered parts for the genoa (it had to be shipped over night from France) as we need to put in new line and the screws are stripped so can't get the lines out. He has some of the issues resolved with the noisy wheel but in order to fix it total he has to take the chain out. We might wait and resolve this issue when we are back in the Chesapeake Bay this summer.
Today is cloudy but tomorrow is suppose to rain.
Saturday we have tickets to go to Kennedy Space Center and have a tour that includes lunch with an astronaut. I was there 40 years ago and Bo has never been so the excitement is growing here. Our friend from Cat's Meow is driving up to go with us for the day.
Our Belgium friends have arrived in the Abacos on their 43 ft. Hans Christian safe and sound and will continue on to Cuba then to Guatemala .
As of now our plan is to leave Monday. They have to shut the water off here on Monday so will fill water tanks and do laundry on Sunday. Hopefully Bo is able to get all the repairs done by then.
No pictures so you will have to wait until Space Center.
Joyce
Sorry for some reason this did not get out. Thanks for letting me know.
We have a car for a few days so have been to West Marine, Publix ,and the rope shop. Need to go to Target then my shopping is done. The dock line he ordered from the rope shop is to be in Friday so will go pick that up. The rope shop is something to see, a wow factor for boaters.
Today Bo is measuring how much new heavy wiring he needs for auto pilot and a new box. He has ordered parts for the genoa (it had to be shipped over night from France) as we need to put in new line and the screws are stripped so can't get the lines out. He has some of the issues resolved with the noisy wheel but in order to fix it total he has to take the chain out. We might wait and resolve this issue when we are back in the Chesapeake Bay this summer.
Today is cloudy but tomorrow is suppose to rain.
Saturday we have tickets to go to Kennedy Space Center and have a tour that includes lunch with an astronaut. I was there 40 years ago and Bo has never been so the excitement is growing here. Our friend from Cat's Meow is driving up to go with us for the day.
Our Belgium friends have arrived in the Abacos on their 43 ft. Hans Christian safe and sound and will continue on to Cuba then to Guatemala .
As of now our plan is to leave Monday. They have to shut the water off here on Monday so will fill water tanks and do laundry on Sunday. Hopefully Bo is able to get all the repairs done by then.
No pictures so you will have to wait until Space Center.
Joyce
Monday, January 11, 2016
Good Morning!!
January 10, 2016
We left St. Augustine about 9:45. Jean and Marjo left much earlier so were gone when we got up and checked about 7 am.
Bo put a preventer on our boom so that if the winds picked up the boom would not jive the boom and sail.
Winds were at 14 and partly cloudy.
Our inside and outside of the boat is the dirties that it has ever been so the next time we are at a marina we need to give it a good bath and the maid needs to come and clean.
Our starboard wheel has a squeak that will drive you crazy if not to drink. It has made a squeaking noise and now we added a grind to it.
Bo just has one project after another a boaters projects never end.
The swell is about 5 ft but you don't feel it as they are so far apart.
Depth is 64ft, water temp is 79 at 2:30 pm.
Our AIS has one other boat on our screen out here in the Atlantic a 43 ft. sailboat named Wind Song. Not all boaters have an AIS but it is very important to have one that sends and also receives.
We are toasty warm as we have the full enclosure up in the cockpit.
Had our normal boating snacks Jalapeño Pringles, snack bars, peanut butter pretzels and ginger candy, how much better can it get. I have made 3 kinds of home made soup for us, one is a carrot and the other is sweet potato and a Red Lentil so Bo has lots of choices for supper tonight.
We are developing an instrument problem as one has completely stopped working and 2 more are frozen. We are not in any danger but need to resolve the issue while we are still in the states if we need parts. We called and are going into Cape Marina as we have stayed there before in Cape Canaveral .
Better safe than sorry.
The winds picked up to 30 and one instrument froze at 14.
Great sailing.
We got into the marina at 4:30 am today and tied up to the fuel dock. Slept a few hours and got up and went to register about 9.
The picture is of sunset in the Atlantic at 5:45.
OK ready for the next issue. The power they have here is too high for us so either we move to another marina or run our generator. Bo is going to the marina next door and find out.
Funny one. When we were in Gloucester Point a boat from Canada came in with 3 guys and they traveled with us to Myrtle Beach. They then went on by themselves to St. Augustine. They were going down the ICW and at one bridge it was too low and knocked several things off the top of their mast. Next bridge it was reading 64 but they hit and broke their mast. The are at this marina so good to see them but what a sad story. They are selling the boat a beautiful Moody 46.
Until tomorrow when the saga continues.
Joyce from Cape Canaveral
January 10, 2016
We left St. Augustine about 9:45. Jean and Marjo left much earlier so were gone when we got up and checked about 7 am.
Bo put a preventer on our boom so that if the winds picked up the boom would not jive the boom and sail.
Winds were at 14 and partly cloudy.
Our inside and outside of the boat is the dirties that it has ever been so the next time we are at a marina we need to give it a good bath and the maid needs to come and clean.
Our starboard wheel has a squeak that will drive you crazy if not to drink. It has made a squeaking noise and now we added a grind to it.
Bo just has one project after another a boaters projects never end.
The swell is about 5 ft but you don't feel it as they are so far apart.
Depth is 64ft, water temp is 79 at 2:30 pm.
Our AIS has one other boat on our screen out here in the Atlantic a 43 ft. sailboat named Wind Song. Not all boaters have an AIS but it is very important to have one that sends and also receives.
We are toasty warm as we have the full enclosure up in the cockpit.
Had our normal boating snacks Jalapeño Pringles, snack bars, peanut butter pretzels and ginger candy, how much better can it get. I have made 3 kinds of home made soup for us, one is a carrot and the other is sweet potato and a Red Lentil so Bo has lots of choices for supper tonight.
We are developing an instrument problem as one has completely stopped working and 2 more are frozen. We are not in any danger but need to resolve the issue while we are still in the states if we need parts. We called and are going into Cape Marina as we have stayed there before in Cape Canaveral .
Better safe than sorry.
The winds picked up to 30 and one instrument froze at 14.
Great sailing.
We got into the marina at 4:30 am today and tied up to the fuel dock. Slept a few hours and got up and went to register about 9.
The picture is of sunset in the Atlantic at 5:45.
OK ready for the next issue. The power they have here is too high for us so either we move to another marina or run our generator. Bo is going to the marina next door and find out.
Funny one. When we were in Gloucester Point a boat from Canada came in with 3 guys and they traveled with us to Myrtle Beach. They then went on by themselves to St. Augustine. They were going down the ICW and at one bridge it was too low and knocked several things off the top of their mast. Next bridge it was reading 64 but they hit and broke their mast. The are at this marina so good to see them but what a sad story. They are selling the boat a beautiful Moody 46.
Until tomorrow when the saga continues.
Joyce from Cape Canaveral
Saturday, January 9, 2016
December 30, 2015
We have been in St. Augustine for a month waiting for a weather window to head south to Miami and then Bimini in the Bahamas. The weather all over the country has been so confused this year, hope it settles down after the first of the year.
Some of you know that Bo and I have been named Waterway Guides Editors for the Bahamas. Bo has also been named the Multi-media editor for Waterway Guide. He has done some fabulous filming of marinas, waterway entrances into harbors and photography.
Our stay in St. Augustine was a wonderful experience, this is one of our favorite stops. We have been traveling with our friends from Belgium that we met 2 years ago in Georgetown, Bahamas. Our friends on Cat's Meow( are at a marina) so it has been so fun. We have our mail service in Green Cove Springs, FL. which is about 1/2 hour from here. We were able to have our mail service help us with information about registering our vehicles in Fl. We will do that when we come back in the spring.
We have been on a mooring ball here by the Fort in St. Augustine and it is a breathtaking view. They light us the city by the water with lights and trees are lite. In the center of Old Town is a park with a gazebo,lights and some entertainment.We also were able to stay on our mooring ball and the boat light parade went by our boat and around the front to the seawall for everyone to view. We are only a dinghy ride away form the docks for showers, laundry and the old town. We too in several music festivals in Old Town this year with friends and even a Christmas Music Concert in an outdoor stage. Weather has been in the 80's and so much humidity.We went with 4 other friends to Flagler Memorial Presbyterian Church for Christmas Eve Service. St. Augustine started a new service for cruisers, Cruisers' Shuttle. This is fabulous as it cost us $5 a person but she takes you all over to run your errands. People have gotten eye glass repair, generator repair, propane refills, marine stores plus big box stores and of course groceries. Some days we have gotten on at 9 and not returned until 2, where can we go, ride for the price. Most towns we have to take our red wagon and walk so this is huge. We have been able to get fresh fish at a market that we would never have been able to walk to.
We will be sending blogs and pictures of our adventures again this year. Bo has a very busy itinerary. Taking us on 30 plus routes, we will do and see so much that we have never done before. This only adds to our excitement.
This year we do not have any company coming to spend time with us and will miss everyone as they add so much to our trips. Next year hope things work out for everyone.
January 9th,
Still in St. Augustine.
Last week was an experience. A front went through here for about 5 days. We took the boat to the docks and got water and then went back to our mooring ball. We knew a front was going to pass the next several days but had no idea it would be as bad as it was. On Tuesday afternoon the wind picked up and continued to increase. There were about 12 boats by us on mooring balls on the north side of Lions Bridge. We are saying rock and roll. Between Thursday and Friday 3 boats had their lines fray and come off the mooring ball. 2 were sail boats and one had people on it. The went under the bridge and broke off their mast. Tow Boat came and took them to the docks, the other engine failed and was taken to the docks. The marina came out each day and checked everyones lines. For 7 days we were on the boat, I worked on baskets, Bo worked on his pictures. Mid week we finally went to shore and was that fun. I feel so blessed that our of 12 boats at the end there were 5 boats left and one was our friends from Belgium.
We are not looking at leaving tomorrow (Sunday) morning and go as far as we can. We will check with Chris Parker Monday morning as a front is coming and see if we duck into West Palm or continue. Bo is not one to take a chance so always feel very safe with him. We hope to be able to get to Miami and will be there maybe a week depending on weather. We have several places to anchor and are looking forward to being back to the Miami area. We love the Key Biscayne area and always love coming home.
I will keep all of you posted on our next arrival and hope to have pictures to share, but for now plan # 13 is to leave Sunday January 10th headed south.
God Bless and sun, light winds and friends hold us together.
Joyce
We have been in St. Augustine for a month waiting for a weather window to head south to Miami and then Bimini in the Bahamas. The weather all over the country has been so confused this year, hope it settles down after the first of the year.
Some of you know that Bo and I have been named Waterway Guides Editors for the Bahamas. Bo has also been named the Multi-media editor for Waterway Guide. He has done some fabulous filming of marinas, waterway entrances into harbors and photography.
Our stay in St. Augustine was a wonderful experience, this is one of our favorite stops. We have been traveling with our friends from Belgium that we met 2 years ago in Georgetown, Bahamas. Our friends on Cat's Meow( are at a marina) so it has been so fun. We have our mail service in Green Cove Springs, FL. which is about 1/2 hour from here. We were able to have our mail service help us with information about registering our vehicles in Fl. We will do that when we come back in the spring.
We have been on a mooring ball here by the Fort in St. Augustine and it is a breathtaking view. They light us the city by the water with lights and trees are lite. In the center of Old Town is a park with a gazebo,lights and some entertainment.We also were able to stay on our mooring ball and the boat light parade went by our boat and around the front to the seawall for everyone to view. We are only a dinghy ride away form the docks for showers, laundry and the old town. We too in several music festivals in Old Town this year with friends and even a Christmas Music Concert in an outdoor stage. Weather has been in the 80's and so much humidity.We went with 4 other friends to Flagler Memorial Presbyterian Church for Christmas Eve Service. St. Augustine started a new service for cruisers, Cruisers' Shuttle. This is fabulous as it cost us $5 a person but she takes you all over to run your errands. People have gotten eye glass repair, generator repair, propane refills, marine stores plus big box stores and of course groceries. Some days we have gotten on at 9 and not returned until 2, where can we go, ride for the price. Most towns we have to take our red wagon and walk so this is huge. We have been able to get fresh fish at a market that we would never have been able to walk to.
We will be sending blogs and pictures of our adventures again this year. Bo has a very busy itinerary. Taking us on 30 plus routes, we will do and see so much that we have never done before. This only adds to our excitement.
This year we do not have any company coming to spend time with us and will miss everyone as they add so much to our trips. Next year hope things work out for everyone.
January 9th,
Still in St. Augustine.
Last week was an experience. A front went through here for about 5 days. We took the boat to the docks and got water and then went back to our mooring ball. We knew a front was going to pass the next several days but had no idea it would be as bad as it was. On Tuesday afternoon the wind picked up and continued to increase. There were about 12 boats by us on mooring balls on the north side of Lions Bridge. We are saying rock and roll. Between Thursday and Friday 3 boats had their lines fray and come off the mooring ball. 2 were sail boats and one had people on it. The went under the bridge and broke off their mast. Tow Boat came and took them to the docks, the other engine failed and was taken to the docks. The marina came out each day and checked everyones lines. For 7 days we were on the boat, I worked on baskets, Bo worked on his pictures. Mid week we finally went to shore and was that fun. I feel so blessed that our of 12 boats at the end there were 5 boats left and one was our friends from Belgium.
We are not looking at leaving tomorrow (Sunday) morning and go as far as we can. We will check with Chris Parker Monday morning as a front is coming and see if we duck into West Palm or continue. Bo is not one to take a chance so always feel very safe with him. We hope to be able to get to Miami and will be there maybe a week depending on weather. We have several places to anchor and are looking forward to being back to the Miami area. We love the Key Biscayne area and always love coming home.
I will keep all of you posted on our next arrival and hope to have pictures to share, but for now plan # 13 is to leave Sunday January 10th headed south.
God Bless and sun, light winds and friends hold us together.
Joyce
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)