WARDRICK WELLS
We have been waiting for a break in the high winds/big seas to make the crossing to the Exumas and it appears that things have calmed enough to head out. We would like a little quieter seas but after this winds are expected to pick up again. The day started out great as we head thru the shallow waters leaving Rock Sound Harbor and approach Cape Eleuthra we caught a nice grouper. Leaving the protected waters and heading offshore we quickly realize that it's going to be a rolly ride. The wind is pushing us along at a good clip with a reefed main and partial jib but steering is a chore as the seas build. Fishing is productive as we hooked 2 nice mahi but only landed the first. I always seem to have a problem getting the fish into the boat once they are alongside, especially since Chris can't leave the helm and we're flying along at 7 kts. Arrived at Exuma park in Wardrick Wells where we picked up a mooring for the nite. After a quick swim we noticed a few nurse sharks swimming by and a neighboring boat was even trying to get pictures of their teenagers swimming with them. Seemed crazy to me!
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| do I really want to swim with these guys? |
PIPE CAY
After a morning hike up BO BO hill to pick up our boat sign (tradition is for each visiting boat to leave a plaque with their boat's info atop this hill) so I can add this years date. We plan to replace the sign on our return back north. We decide to push south into the wind and after a short time realize this was a bad chouce. Pushed on pounding into a steep chop to a protected bay on Pipe Cay.
STANIEL CAY
After a morning hike and some productive conch hunting (found 3, enough for dinner) we head south taking advantage of stiff east winds to sail with a reefed jib. Anchor near town to pick up a few groceries (very expensive and limited) and some gas and diesel. Just to give you some idea of prices Chris bought a cabbage and a dozen eggs without asking the price and paid $9.00. On the other hand fuel was reasonable (for the Bahamas) at $4.30/gal for diesel and $5.25 for gas. Moved to the bay off Big Majors to anchor for the night. As a treat for my birthday Chris baked a wild blueberry pie from berries canned this past summer.
LITTLE FARMERS CAY
We are determined to make Georgetown for the Family Islands Regatta so we are pushing on while the weather allows. With winds still brisk we sailed south under just a full jib with a lunch stop at the beach at White Point. Anchored mid afternoon off of Little Farmers where we went ashore for a walk.
DARBY ISLAND- Sat and Sun April 22-23
Motor south to find protection from the winds that are veering from the south. Very limited spots in this area to hide from south winds but after a few tries we were able to get the anchor to set in the hard bottom as there is a strong current that scours the bottom. I set the anchor alarm just to be safe in case we drag during the nite. The anchor alarm uses GPS to warn us if we move more than a set distance. This island was supposedly owned by a German sympathizer during WWII and has a dredged channel where German Uboats were re-provisioned under cover of darkness. While exploring the shoreline we came across a trail leading to an overgrown airstrip with remains of a crashed small plane.
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| abandonded castle Darby Island |
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| man made cave where German U-boats were hidden during WWII |
GEORGETOWN
By Mon morning the wind has veered to the west making our anchorage rather uncomfortable so we decide to take advantage of the wind and head south out into the open waters of Exuma Sound for the 35 nm trip to Georgetown. Had a great sail under a reefed main and full jib averaging over 6 knots. Anchored off of town with plans to do chores before the crowds arrive later this week in the company of dozens of boats. Invited fellow travelers on Kachina and Will-o-wind aboard for sunset cocktails.
Tues-Wed
Busy days with grocery shopping, hauling water, 4 loads of laundry, liquor store and a haircut for Chris. As the crowds arrive from all points in the islands with their traditional Bahamian sloops either in tow or stacked aboard freighters for 5 days of partying and racing we decide that it’s time to move across the harbor and get away from the loud music.
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| B class boat leaving harbor |
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| anchorage from monument hill, Apres Ski on far left, racers in harbor |
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| class A boat preparing for race |
STOCKING ISLAND
Thurs thru Wed April 27th - May 3rd
Still in Georgetown Harbor we have moved to Monument Beach on Stocking Island to be away from the craziness of regatta and have protection from the east winds that are again blowing around 20 kts. The only problem with this is that the water is to rough to cross the mile to town by dingy. In the company of many other cruising sailors we manage to join sundown parties on the beach quite a few nights. Hikes on the many trails and days spent at the oceanside beaches fill our days. Other years we have taken the water taxi across to town for the closing ceremonies but decide on a beach bonfire party instead.
Having spent a week here we decide to move on, our tentative plan was to head south to the Jumentos but this remote area calls for settled weather which is not predicted so we decide to move back north to explore more of the Exumas. A trip to town to fill propane, trade books at the library, pick up fresh veggies and lunch at the old Peace and Plenty hotel filled our day. As we point our bow back north we have covered 670 statute miles on the gps and have been out a little over 2 months.
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| as close as we get to rock climbing- monument hill |
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| Happy hour- monument beach |
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