We spend our time wandering around Alicetown, going to the beach, talking to other cruisers and eating lobster!

Yesterday we met an Australian couple, Carol and Terry, who are from the western side of Australia. They sold their home and bought a boat in Annapolis last year and have spent till now, fitting it out and traveling down the ICW and finally made it across the Gulf stream a few days ago. Sold him my Hawaiian sling as I have no further use for it!!

Wandering along the western beach of Bimini we came across another wreck – guess this is what happens if you don’t pay attention!! On the western side, the beach and sea are still idyllic as it is protected from the wind. So we keep working on our sun tans!!

In the meantime we buy, yes buy, lobsters from a local fishing boat at $30 for a dozen!! Cheaper than going out and diving for them myself!! So we have lobster salad, lobster in bread rolls, lobster fettuchini, lobster……

Ah well, it’s a hard life….

** Aeolus – Greek God of the Winds

But not for long……. the two party boats arrived back this afternoon and yes, you guessed it, they’re having a party! But it’s not really all that bad – in fact I have to say that we’re quite enjoying their music.

Yesterday morning Lance and I went off to extend our visitors visas which were due to expire on 23 March. As we’re waiting for a weather window we knew we wouldn’t get away before then. At this stage Saturday still looks like the best day to cross back to the US.

We also filled Amanzi’s diesel tanks so we’re now ready to leave as soon as all the weather boxes are ticked.

We spent the afternoon at the beach, catching some more sun – the weather back home sounds pretty mis so we’re making the most of the sunshine.

Alice Town, where we’re at, is on North Bimini island and today we took the 5 minute ferry ride across the water to South Bimini. Here we visited the Fountain of Youth. Lance pulled a bucket of water up from the murky depths of the fountain but couldn’t quite get that long, deep drink he was after – the bucket was old and rusty and the magical water leaked out as fast as he could raise it! However, we’re hoping that just by going there and peering in, that some of the eternal youth properties floated our way. Wishful thinking perhaps?

We had lunch at Bimini Sands Resort – another marina that has condominiums attached. It’s very nice and protected there but there is really nothing else. So we’re happy to be located here in Alice Town.

And I know that some of you will really be drooling when I say we bought another 12 small lobster tails tonight. We have 4 weeks left before we return home and who knows when we’ll ever have lobsters again. So we’re making the most of them. :-)

Oh yes I forgot to mention that an Australian boat also arrived in our marina this afternoon so we’ll make a point of trying to catch up with them tomorrow.

Our short 13 nautical mile deep water stretch from Chub Cay to the Bahama Banks was a real doddle compared to our trip on the same stretch in December. The journey across the banks wasn’t too bad either - Lance did most of the driving from inside and he found that much easier. We only went up to the flybridge when VPR (visual piloting rules) were required to wend our way through some coral heads. It was a long way from Chub Cay to Bimini and we did consider anchoring at Cat Cay again, but with daylight saving now it is still light at 7.30pm so we soldiered on and arrived here at around 6pm.

Of course this was our first stop after Miami in December so we knew exactly where we were going and which marina we wanted to tie up in. John and Jane arrived shortly after us but they’ve already left for Lake Worth tonight. They are in a very large 58ft sailboat – so the conditions out there would not be too bad for them I guess.

We’re focusing more on leaving towards the end of the week when the winds have dropped and the seas have flattened! We’ll be up at 6.30am tomorrow listening to Chris Parker’s weather on the SSB.

We had not even finished docking when a local fisherman apparoached from the water selling lobster tails – that’s all they seem to bother with here. (I’m not sure what they do with the rest of them.) So we bought a bag of 12 for $30 and then later another guy came round the docks offering us more – after some negotiating Lance also got him down to the same deal. He didn’t have them with him though so he said he’d be back. We’d pretty much given up on him returning but eventually there was a knock at the door with a bag of – this time frozen – tails. So our freezer is pretty full and we still have some mahi mahi to eat.

So here we are at Bimini Blue Waters Resort – it was really empty when we arrived but this morning two large catamarans arrived and they were loaded with teenagers. Lance counted 17 on one of them and probably as many on the other! Apparently this is “mid term break” and the kids love to come over from Florida to Bimini to party. (The guide book does mention this occurance in mid March – but heh there’s not much choice about where we cruisers can stage [wait for a weather window] before heading back to the US.)

So it’s party time! Just like Australia in November when the school leavers flood into Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast for a week of boozing and partying. A week to be avoided at all costs.

Fortunately the marina we’re in has two docks and the party boats are next to each other on the other one. There was some music earlier in the day and then it went fairly quiet, they all had a bbq dinner and then headed off to the local haunts. It’s just gone 11.15pm and the first wave have arrived back  and the party has started in earnest. Loud music, lots of singing and I guess just generally having a fun time. (I keep reminding myself that we were young once too.)

And yes they’re here for the week – just like us.

One amusing episode that I didn’t witness but that had Lance in hysterics goes something like this – at the back of the catamaran facing our way, there is a dinghy suspended on davits and swinging freely on two ropes. Well Lance watched one of the young girls climb onto the dinghy, I imagine with the intention of sitting in it, but as she stood on the one side of it it of course tipped up and deposited her into the water between the dinghy and the boat! Rather embarrassing I’m sure!

As I’m writing this a squall has just come over and I’ve had to run and shut all the hatches – I guess this might put a damper on the party.

We had a quiet day in and around the marina today – all the shops except one were shut being Sunday and we had a lovely lunch at the Bimini Bay Game Club next door. Tomorrow might be a day for the beach – I have to reinforce my tan before heading home!

We passed John and Jane from Explorer II as they had left earlier and we met up again at Chub Cay where they also anchored out. We all dinghied in to Chub Cay Marina and walked around to the “resort” which is in a very sad state of non-completion and disrepair and not functioning. However, the fresh water pool was very inviting and we all enjoyed a great swim.

On the way today a fish took our lure and just ran and ran and ran with it. I saw my line disappearing from my reel at a great rate of knots and decided to tighten the brake to try to turn the fish. Whatever it was, it just kept running and eventually the line snapped Don’t know what it was but it was huge. John thinks it may have been a marlin but I think it may have been a large wahoo. We’ll never know sadly.Nothing took the next lure

Anyway this is another perfect anchorage and we will head across to Bimini tomorrow.

So, how did I lose my wife?? Easily, in Nassau!!

We went to Marathon Mall for some shopping – retail therapy, as some would say – and then into Nassau for the final souvinir shopping. So, Mary wanted to go her own way and I went elsewhere. We had arranged to meet at an ice cream parlour after an hour. Well, both Mary and I had very different ideas of WHICH ice cream parlour!!! So there I was waiting at one and she at the other. Of course, the heavens also decided to open and allow the God’s tears to fall down upon us. The poor tourists from the 5 cruise ships were all totally soaked including those on their hired scooters in the pouring rain!!

So, time passes and no Mary!! So I head off to the straw market to see if she’s there – no Mary, Then off to Sbarro Italain restaurant where we had previously had a meal – no Mary. Back to the Ice cream parlour – no Mary. The an ambulance goes screeching by with siren blaring. Oh no, has something happened to Mary??? Then a police car!! Still no Mary.

What to do? What to do?? No way to communicate – cell phones don’t work in the Bahamas. What to do???

So I decide after 1 1/2 hours to see if she has returned to the boat. Catch a jitney bus. So sloooooow as it’s now rush hour!! Get back to the boat. No-one there. Head back to town. Waiting, waiting for bus!!! Talk to another Bahamian.  I suggest I’ll try to hitch. He says no-one will stop to pick me up. Maybe in the islands but not in Nassau.

Still waiting for bus. Come on!!!! where is it??

Eventually it arrives! Quicker trip into town – no traffic going in. Back to ice cream parlour, Sbarro, straw market. No Mary!! Now what??

Decide to head down towards cruise ships to see if she may be waiting where the bus dropped us. Round a corner! Relief there she is!!! waiting for me. Every dark thought, worry and emotion has overtaken me but the sight of her and the relief I felt was indescribable.

So, what happened?? Simple really – different ice cream shops and no plan B!!!!!

Yesterday we were up at sparrows to get everything ready for the trip to Nassau and also to make some more water – 4 adult showers per day plus the other stuff doesn’t take long to empty the tank. But that’s why I installed this magic device

Then, get the weather from Chris Parker on the SSB. Even though he had no other broadcasts before the 6.30am schedule he was still about 10-15 minutes late in starting. It’s a time that we always worry whether we are actually getting SSB reception!! The forecast was for the best day to travel for the next several!! At least he didn’t use a comment that he often uses – “IT’S THE LEAST BAD DAY TO TRAVEL” to travel!!

So at 7 we dropped the mooring ball and headed out, shouting our goodbyes to more friends including my “patient” whom we had met at Warderick Wells. Once again with a feeling of loss – loss that we’ll probably never see some of these wonderful cruisers again. Mind you, we’ll try to keep in touch via emails etc.

It was a very rolly trip to Nassau. The wind was supposed to be from the NNE/E which it had been blowing for the last number of days. So, the swell should have been from the east and on our starboard quarter. Well, it certainly was not as I had expected. Initially it was from the south and later from the E/NE/N – in fact it seemed to be from everywhere but where we expected it to be.

So, mainly beam seas means a rolly voyage. But hey, the day was great, the weather was mostly good and those Cummins engines just growled along as we ate up the miles.

Got to Nassau about 2.30, tried to hail Nassau Harbour Control with the usual lack of success – as did a number of other boats!! We did manage to get hold of Jo and Mik on Asian Lady as they were also entering the harbour. We had first met them in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, and again in George Town, Exuma!!! This is one of the great aspects of cruising that offsets the loss of other friendships

Anyway, we are now tucked into a slip in Nassau Harbour Club Marina where we were when we were in Nassau before travelling to the Exumas. Familiarity with a place is quite nice:) I must admit that I wondered whether I would fit the boat between the two outer piles of the slip but I think I had about 6 inches on either side as I cam in!!!

Had som Domino’s pizza for dinner last night and crashed at about 9pm and only woke again at around 6 this morning – what a great sleep!!!

It’s also great to have unlimited ultra fast broadband again and have already Skyped Dominique, our middle daughter, in NZ even though it was about 2am there. What were you doing up so late?

Wanted to wash all the accumulated salt off the boat this morning but I think the rain may have done so, but we’ll still give Amanzi a good washdown.

Got back to Amanzi for a very late lunch with Estelle and Alastair who were waiting very patiently while we were out visiting

After lunch Alastair decided on a few zzzzz’s while Estelle and I went snorkelling along the coral gardens. Once again saw many humungous lobsters – unfortunately still in the Exuma National Park so couldn’t take any for dinner Mary stayed on Amanzi and busied herself with baking bread  and chocolate brownies – yummy!!!

Last night the wind picked up a lot and we had a bouncy night with the current trying to move the boat in one direction and the wind in another. Would that they were  in sync!!! I had a good sleep though:)

2012-03-12 Hopefully we’ll be moving tomorrow

Today was another windy day but we took ourselves off for a walk on one of the trails on the islands. Saw some beautiful secluded beaches and great views of the Exuma Sound.

All things being equal we should be on the move again tomorrow. There seems to be a very short weather window so we’ll probably make the dash to Nassau where we’ll be in a marina till we can move again. As you can see from our track we are slowly making our way north and west towards the USA and, ultimately, Fernandina Beach.

It just seems to us – and everyone else we seem to talk to – that the winds are much stronger than usual and this is keeping most cruisers from continuing their various journeys. We are of the few that are heading north as there still seems to be a preponderance of cruisers moving south.

On their boat, Moya, I met Clair and Francis. They are both ex South African and Francis grew up in Port Elizabeth, a city in which I grew up in! Small world, huh?? But, even better is that Clare’s father attended the same school that my dad attended in Cape Town, Bishop’s Preparatory School for boys!!!! The world just keeps getting smaller

Anyway, after anesthetizing the area, I cleaned the wound and inserted a few stitches (sutures), closing the nasty gash. She had been walking in the shallows and stepped into a large hole, falling forward with her knee landing on the sharp edges of a conch shell. Just shows how easily accidents happen.

After that headed back to Amanzi and then went to the beach for sundowners and pot luck with the other cruisers.

As I started lifting my anchor and we moved off I noticed Pirate lifting her anchor and moving into the spot we had just vacated It was a good spot:)

So we headed round to Staniel Cay for some fuel and liquid supplies and then headed towards Warderick Wells. It was a lovely trip north – windy and swelly but from behind us so we weren’t too bothered. Estelle spent the whole 3 hours on the foredeck enjoying the sun and view.

Heading towards Warderick Wells we weren’t too hopeful of getting a mooring ball – usually you have to radio in the day before and get your name on the waiting list. Fortune smiled on us and we got a ball immediately Apparently all the boats had left that morning, like us, taking advantage of the fair traveling weather.

We picked up mooring ball #11, had a leisurely lunch and then dinghied to Park HQ to register, pay for the ball and buy some internet time.

Enjoyed another meal of delicious Mahi Mahi and then repaired to bed!!

This morning we were out early and hiked up to the blow holes and Boo Boo Hill. We got to the blow holes just at high tide and enjoyed the noise of the surf blowing through them but there was little spray as the swell had died down. Then continued to Boo Boo hill, found the sign we had left on our last visit and stacked it on the pile again.

On the beach again we met a few other couples who had come in today – a couple from the UK as well as a SA couple based in Florida.

Soon we’ll be off to the beach again for “pot luck” sundowners with all the other boaters who have arrived today filling up this mooring field.

All was well on the western side of Big Majors but as we rounded the headland we were hit full force by the wind and waves. We plodded on a small distance but then turned back – defeated by the weather again

So, the swimming pigs were fed the bread we had taken along for the fish and they loved it. At the end of “piggy beach” we stopped to do a bit of snorkelling on a coral reef. I threw out Amadink’s anchor and Estelle set off. As luck would have it, one of the pigs decided to join her in the water!!! So we beat a hasty retreat a bit further up where the pigs couldn’t get to us.

Then we enjoyed a leisurely few hours exploring the various coral reefs where we saw many small fish and a huge starfish – we are convinced it was the same one we had seen when we were here a few weeks ago with Leanne and the boys.

Also saw a large stingray swimming past.

Then it was back to Amanzi for hot showers and hot drinks. After a few hours in the water we were all a bit chilled and a really hot luxurious shower was just what the doctor ordered

Now it’s time to BBQ the steak.

Tomorrow we will hopefully head further north to Warderick Wells as we have a very short weather window for moving.

2012-02-25 New arrivals!!

So today we decided to move to town and do some shopping and then anchor near sand Dollar Beach and organise a water taxi to take us into George Town later to collect Estelle and Alastair. We upanchored and on our way Mary espied two mooring balls vacant near Volleyball Beach (Chat ‘n’ Chill). At this time we were passing Elvis in his water taxi. He also happens to be the harbour master so Mary radioed him to ask if a ball was actually available. One was. So we about turned headed into Gaviota Bay and picked up the mooring ball – without wrecking and losing a boat hook. While there we organised a pump out – good grief, it’s amazing how quickly 2 people can fill a 40 gal tank!!! We then dinghied the 1.25 mile into George Town and bought some essential supplies (beer mainly, oh and a few groceries) We were so loaded that I couldn’t get the dinghy to plane on the way back to Amanzi, so it was a slow trip back!

Later, Elvis picked us up in his water taxi and ferried us to George Town government dock. There we proceeded to had a beer – Elvis had a supply in a cooler on his water taxi – and waited for the new arrivals. Estelle and Alastair duly arrived looking quite frazzled after their long trip from Scotland and were happy to get back to Amanzi via Elvis’ water taxi again.

Collapsed into bed after a light dinner and slept soundly

2012-02-26 Pig Roast at Chat ‘n’ Chill

Took ourselves off to Volleyball Beach and showed Alastair and Estelle around. Then we had a great pork roast at the Chat ‘n’ Chill for lunch. Sadly, though, the crackling was very soggy and not crackly at all but the rest was great. This was the first time we had rice and peas which is a traditional Bahamian dish which we have avoided till now as we envisaged white rice and green peas but this was spicy rice with black peas and tasted really good. Spent the  afternoon lazing around.

2012-02-27 Anchors dragging –  Pet Parade and Official Regatta Opening

Last night was an extremely bumpy night as the wind piped up to around 20-25 knots. Earlier yesterday we watched as a sailboat tried to squeeze into a small area in front of a motor yacht (MY) and behind the first line of mooring balls. It was very entertaining as he tried 4 times to set his anchor, It was a case of down anchor, up anchor, reverse a full 360 degrees, reposition, drop anchor, try to set it, it’s too close to the motor yacht, up anchor and try again – FOUR times!! Makes you think!

Anyway, Mary was awake due to the wind around midnight and noticed said sailboat moving backwards in the dark!!! Looked to be reversing again. Then the shouting started. Mary woke me up to tell me the yacht was dragging its anchor. Sure enough it was almost colliding with the motor yacht!!! We had grandstand seats for this but they managed to extricate themselves and anchored behind the motor yacht. This morning the motor yacht moved elsewhere and soon after the yacht moved in the same direction. Hopefully they didn’t go and anchor in front of the MY again!!!!

After lunch we went to the “pet parade” put on by the cruisers with their pets and then stayed for the official opening which was really excellent entertainment put on by various very talented cruisers

Quite an interesting experience trying to find Amanzi in the dark with a multitude of other boats around all displaying only a single anchor light. We knew the rough direction and it was quite close so didn’t really have any trouble. Some boats were anchored more than a mile away so I guess they had a very wet dinghy ride back to their boats!

2012-02-28 George Town

Today I completed some small projects – including setting up my new iPad after the last one died. We then got a pump out (again!!!) and then took a water taxi into town across the harbour. It was pretty windy and there was quite a chop so we decided to forego Amadink and use the water taxi instead. In town we got some laundry done and then went to Club Peace and Plenty for lunch but we were too late so headed across the road for a lovely light meal at the Driftwood Café.

More shopping – fins for Estelle and Alastair – and then some supplies including a case of Kalik – the local beer which I find very tasty and enjoyable. Then it was a walk back to the water taxi carrying all the supplies which included 2 cases of soft drinks cans. Waited arounf chatting to some other cruisers who had flown back home for 3 weeks and were returning to their boat. They actually have a young (30s) crew member who actually sails their boat back to the USa while they fly in and out.

Now we are waiting for the next weather window so start our return journey to Fernandina Beach. Looks like sometime from Thursday through Sunday and then some big winds are predicted. We’ll see. We’re not sure

2012-02-29 Weather window soon

Today we dropped the mooring ball and headed to our favourite anchorage just west of Goat Cay. This we did in preparation for an early start on our journey northbound starting tomorrow. There is a small weather window tomorrow and then reasonable weather till Sunday after which the weather is going to be slamming us with 25-30 knot winds gusting to 35+ So we are heading towards Big Majors Spot at Staniel Cay where we should have good protection from the predicted east winds.

In the Goat Cay anchorage we found it quite rolly although we were protected from the wind. We noticed that is was worst at high tide when the north easterly swell rolled in over the various shoals from the Exuma Sound. It settled down and we actually had a good night’s sleep.

2012-03-01 Heading North to Little Farmer’s Cay —–  MAHI MAHI

We awoke at sparrows to check out the weather report. All seemed good for a very early start so that we would enter the cut at Little Farmers Cay just before high tide. After our last experience we didn’t want to enter the cut on a falling tide with the water rushing out against the wind causing huge standing waves.

We were having a good trip with 10-15 knot wind out of the south east and the swell also out of the south east (onto our starboard [right hand side] quarter). About half way there, Mary was getting some drinks when she noticed the tip of the fishing rod suddenly bend over followed by the unmistakable zzzzzzz of the ratchet.

“FISH” she  shouted up to me on the flybridge as she scrambled up. I rushed down, fitted my fishing buckle and started playing the fish and gradually reeling it in. Great excitement as I eventually brought it alongside and Estelle gaffed it and we hauled it on board.

There was no time to get the alcohol to pour into its gills so I got a rope line around its tail and hung it over the side of the boat (not in the water!!! Didn’t want to share it with the sharks ) Unfortunately the line was a bit short and I didn’t cleat it properly and suddenly said Mahi Mahi was swimming away to freedom Fortunately I hadn’t removed the hook so I brought it in again and this time secured it properly!!!!

This was a much larger Mahi Mahi than the one I caught on the way down

Arrived in Little Farmers just before the tide turned and picked up a mooring ball and proceeded to fillet the fish. Mmmm, lots of fillets in the freezer now

We then headed into town to pay for the mooring ball and had a drink at the Ocean Cabin Bar and Restaurant where we had an interesting conversation with Terry, the owner! He is very well travelled, educated and read!!!

Back at Amanzi we BBQ’d a large fillet of Mahi Mahi and enjoyed a sumptuous meal. After that it was time to turn in for the night.

2012-03-02 Little Farmers Cay to Big Majors Spot via Little Guana Cay

Had a long lie, caught up on the weather and eventually set off around mid morning. The wind was a bit stronger and there was a considerable swell but, once again from behind, so we had a good trip to Little Guana Cay where we stopped to go ashore and have a look at the iguanas. These were quite brave and I had one come up to within 30cm of my foot. Quite amazing little creatures!!!

After lunch we continued our journey to Big Majors Spot and tucked ourselves in nice and close to the beach so that we will be well protected from the big winds which are due on Monday and will last for the week.

Now it’s time to see if we will see the green flash as the sun sets but I am doubtful as there is some land in the way. More later…

Sundowners in the cockpit as we watched the sun go down. There were some small cays in the way the setting sun so we weren’t sure if we would see the green flash. Both Mary and I did see the flash just as the sun had dipped below the horizon:) That’s twice now that we’ve seen it!!! And here I had always been the all time sceptic

2012-03-03 Swimming pigs and Staniel Cay – Provisions

This morning we dinghied to “piggy beach” (as we call it) to see the swimming pigs. They weren’t much interested in the scraps of food we brought them but were, once again, fascinating to watch. There was also a litter (?) of about 12 piglets on the beach!! Makes me wonder what has happened to previous litters – dinner for someone??? Also large numbers of smallish fish around – I guess they have learnt that there is always food available if the pigs don’t get it first!

After that we continued around the headland towards Staniel Cay and were slammed by the wind and waves. Fortunately we had taken the precaution of wearing swimming trunks for the trip!! We seemed to be the only mad people in a small dinghy heading to Staniel Cay Yacht Club! Anyway, we showed Estelle and Alastair around and picked up some supplies from the pink and blue stores as well as at Isles General Store. The stores were quite well supplied so I guess the mail boat had been in recently. Nice tomatoes were not available sadly. And the grapes at $4 per pound were a bit expensive!

Headed back to the yacht club for lunch and some internet time – mainly for the weather. Unfortunately I didn’t place my blog onto the memory stick so couldn’t upload it

Heading back to Amanzi we didn’t get as wet although the trip was a lot bouncier as the wind had piped up but the swell was on our stern.

WEATHER UPDATE – we are still waiting for the front to arrive after which we are expecting winds of 25-30 knots – gusting to 35. At the moment we are doing something we would never have dreamed of doing in our previous sailing life!!!!! And that’s being anchored on a lee shore!!!! This screams at me as being contrary to everything I have learnt and practised!! But there is little option as the wind is expected to clock around from SE to S to SW (current position) to W. fortunately the wind is expected to diminish a bit as it moves through these directions. Tonight at about 10pm the wind will swing to the N and then NE/E and then we’ll be correctly aligned in the lee of the shore. So we wait in anticipation – or is that trepidation???

2012-03-04 Waiting for wind shift

The wind has been blowing southerly and we spent the whole day waiting for it to clock around. We knew it was going to clock SW -W -  NW – N – NE. As we were quite close to the beach – we had really tucked ourselves in close in preparation for the N/NE/E – we did not want to be away from the boat when we swung around. Had to make sure that we didn’t end up on the beach or that the anchor didn’t drag as we swung around!!! As I said, we waited the whole day!!! And we slowly angled round as far as W/SW. Then at about 9pm the wind hit and we rapidly swung around W – NW – N – N/NE. The actual onset of the change was sudden and dramatic!!

Anyway, there were no problems and we swung around safely and my Manson Supreme anchor held perfectly – gotta love that anchor and chain

2012-03-05 Miserable day – Boat Projects – Canasta

Today dawned cold and windy and overcast. So it was a day for some boat projects and then an enjoyable afternoon playing Canasta. The boys vs the girls. Sadly, the boys were not up to the task and were trounced by the girls. That evening it was BBQ’d Mahi Mahi for dinner again – yummy and scrumptious!

The early part of the night was relatively calm but the wind and gusts started coming through at about 2am but, due to our proximity to the island, the sea was quite calm

2012-03-07 Boat projects completed – “Pirate Beach”

This morning I completed a “to do” project and then we took ourselves off to Pirate Beach just off our bow. The wind is still blowing – I heard a figure of 34 knots – but we are nicely tucked away behind the little hill and are fairly comfortable. The sea is flat so we decided to take ourselves off to the beach till lunch time. This just to get off the boat and do some walking and preventing “cabin fever!!!” It was very pleasant on the beach – intermittent sunshine, hot when the wind wasn’t blowing and the water was warm. An interesting phenomenon was that, on the beach, the wind was actually blowing onto the beach!! This in contrast to the actual wind direction which was AWAY from the island!!!!

Once again he wind has piped up and there are some powerful gusts. Two boats left this morning – one a 48’ motor-sailor (John and Jane on Exploerer II who we met at Little Farmers Cay a few days ago) headed off southwards and later a motor yacht packed up and motored away in the direction of Staniel Cay – presumably to the marina. Apart from those two boats there’s been no other movement.

This afternoon we are just spending some quiet time, reading, napping, chatting etc.

2012-03-08 Patience…..

We wait and wait and wait and still there’s no let up in the weather Never mind!! We enjoy pancakes for a late breakfast with lovely Canadian Maple syrup (complements of Amanda and Steve of Diana – see chasingice.ca). Then we laze and read a bit till lunch time. We notice a few of the bigger boats and big catamarans have left – guess they don’t mind the 25-30 knot winds or else they have a schedule to be somewhere! We prefer gentler winds and calmer waters. Mary and Estelle spent some time this morning doing the clothes washing!! Everything has been hung up on the flybridge where it’s actually baking hot as it acts like a little greenhouse which is a good thing as we had a couple of squalls coming over with howling wind and drenching rain. Very short-lived, mind you!!

This afternoon, after lunch we all went to the beach to soak up some sun and avoid cabin fever.

Listening to the VHF it seems that a lot of folks are suffering from said cabin fever and there have been a few more people venturing out to the beaches today. We are the closest boat to the one beach which makes it nice and easy for us

The forecast is still for high winds through to Tuesday with a possible decrease on Friday or Saturday. Patience…..