Today (15th) I spent the morning down in the engine room removing and testing the depth sounder transducer. I have re-installed it previously but still it was giving problems.
Now for those landlubbers, a depth sounder is critically important especially here in the Bahamas. The water is so clear that it’s next to impossible to visually judge your depth under the boat – see some of the photos later. And this is important when entering an anchorage where you want to get fairly close to the shore to get the best protection. Without a properly functioning sounder you run the risk of running aground!!
So here I am relocating the position of the transducer again. This is not as easy as it sounds as it is essentially siliconed to the inside of the hull. So first, you have to break down the bond between the transducer casing and hull and then clean all the old silicone from all surfaces. Not difficult – just very time consuming!
Anyway, got that done and then joined the rest of the family on the beach for some serious R & R.
Back to the boat for lunch and get out of the midday sun. On the way saw some other sailors getting advice from one of the most experienced sailor on where to go, what to see, where to anchor and where to find good lobster. Apparently the best place to find lobster is in the Exuma National Park where it is illegal to take anything from the sea – go figure!!!
Later we went for a tour around this small island. hired a golf cart for an hour and went up to the northern tip and then down to the south. Not difficult as there is only one road 
Saw some amazing beaches and beautiful waters.
Last night we had dinner at the restaurant – sumptuous burgers and chips (fries for my US friends) while the kids had chicken tenders. The Restaurant is just starting up and was not supposed to be open on Sunday evening (or Mondays) but was kept open especially for us However, it wasn’t long before a crowd of about 8 other sailors turned up and were also provided with burgers – although some had to have fish burgers as the restaurant had run out of meat patties.
Today (16th) I attached the depth transducer to the newly installed bracket, tested it and found all to be working perfectly. Let’s hope it stays like that as it worked perfectly both previous times!!
Then I joined the rest of the family on the beach again. While there we saw a large yacht up anchor and head out to sea – only to run aground on a sand bank!! Obviously wasn’t looking at his depth sounder!! Anyway, the tide was rising and he floated off after about an hour or so – feeling mighty humiliated I’m sure!! Not something I want to experience!!
Then it was lunch on board. Mary had baked another of her fine loaves of bread this morning (thanks to Amanda from Diane) and it tasted fantastic. Sadly, it was not compleeeetely cooked through as I had been left in charge and removed it when the timer went off. Tested it with a knife, and it seemed to be cooked through but could have done with another 5-10 minutes in the oven.
This afternoon was spent quietly on board – Zeke in the cabin (but not interested in sleep) and Luther playing with playdough with Leanne. I read some of my book while Mary baked some muffins for afternoon tea!
Everyone’s gone for a walk while I finish this blog….
Tomorrow looks good for a departure to Norman’s Cay to explore an old plane wreck in the sea.
So love following your blogs. I’m completely sold on the Bahamas now. Long may the good times roll for you guys.