Pionting our bow back north

Eleuthra-Tarpum Bay

Sat, April 5th
    Having decided to start working our way back home we head out to cross the open waters of Exuma Sound back to Eleuthra. Seas have calmed to an easy roll and winds are fairly light. Motor sailed all the way across along with 6 other boats. Anchored off of Tarpum Bay by 3 PM. Had never stopped here and enjoyed a walk around town stopping off for Conch fritters at a local stand.

Sun- Another sunny day with light SE winds. As we slowly made our way to Governers Harbor we actually tried out a spinnaker we have had for a few years but never used. A trip to town for cash at the ATM, a couple of jugs of Diesel and a quick stop at the grocery.

Mon- With yet another cold front coming our way we head for the protection of Hatchet Bay Pond. The winds and seas have built and we were glad the trip was only 16 miles. Catching the first fish in a while added excitement to the trip but unfortunately it was a huge barracuda (about 40 inches) and I cut the hook off after getting him alongside. As I have mentioned in previous years large Barracuda build up a toxin from eating reef fish that can make you quite ill. They are fine eating mild firm fish but we are advised to only eat them if under 30 inches.    Luck was with us as as we entered the harbor looking for an empty mooring as a boat was just leaving and we snatched up their mooring.  The front is expected to bring big winds and Chris always sleeps better knowing we are secure. Off to town for a hike about with a stop for a beer then later for the treat of Ice Cream. Off after dark to pick up Stone Crab Claws from John the Crab Man. A real deal at 4 lbs for $20 but not as good  as usual since I failed to bring him any beer or rum.

Tues, Wed- Nasty weather has us hanging out on the boat but by Wed evening the skies were clearing and Bently and Jim on Salty Paws organized  a get together at the town dock that was attended by about 15 boaters with great entertainment provided by Jim and Bently.

Thurs-Sunny and still breezy we headed north to anchor off the glass window. A stop at Gregorytown where we purchased a couple of pounds of frozen lobster meat from Islandboy. Lobster season is over so fresh is no longer an option. Spent the afternoon relaxing on the protected beach after a hike to the Queens Baths.

Fri- Winds are still brisk as we cross over thru Current Cut and on to Spanish Wells. Running with just the working jib we flew along nicely. Picked up a mooring from Bandit in the harbor then wandered about town. Met up with fellow cruisers for happy hour at a new local restaurant in the harbor.

Sat- Move to Royal Island where we picked up a mooring then spent the afternoon snorkeling and hunting conch on the north side. Warm and sunny.

Sun-Lots of clouds around with showers threatening.  Hiked around in afternoon then prep boat for crossing to Abaco tomorrow. When we make an open water crossing the dingy gets stored on deck with the outboard stored on the stern. We take this precaution having heard a few stories of boats being hit by a rouge wave that has torn the dingy and davits right off the boat The anchorage is filling up as many boats have been waiting for weather to make the crossing and this is a great staging point.