February 23, 2014

Yesterday Jorge and Lynn worked on our stereo/dvd player and successfully got it working. Hooray - we can now listen to music and watch movies!

It was another gorgeous day in George Town. After a leisurely breakfast, Lynn downloaded a file of music from his computer to ours and then transferred some to a disc for us. Jorge did some watching up on news via the internet and I just wasted away the morning! lol.

We had lunch in the cockpit and then Jorge and Lynn went in search of the fellow who lent us the huka. He has not been answering his radio so we decided just to go to his boat and leave it in his cockpit. Fortunately he was there (just did not have his radio on). The guys were invited aboard for a drink and thoroughly enjoyed Dennis' conversation.

Back at CS'ta Time we all had cockpit showers and got ready to dinghy into town for dinner. Lynn kindly picked up the tab as a thank you for staying with us! Thankfully the waters were relatively calm and no one got a second shower going to dinner or going back to the boat. We had an excellent meal at Peace and Plenty.

Pool side at Peace and Plenty.

Pool.

Enjoying a fabulous dinner at Peace and Plenty.

 

February 24, 2014

We were up at 0700 as Lynn's stay was up and he was catching a flight back to the states. We left the boat at 0900 so he could be picked up by taxi in town at 0930 and taken to the airport. Sad farewells!

Waiting for the taxi.

Farewell hug.

I headed off to the laundry and Jorge did banking, downloading of grib files (wind) and various other errands. We met back at the Exuma Market and then went to the Driftwood Cafe for lunch. Post office, souvenir buying, some groceries (the mail boat had not been completely unloaded yet), etc.

There was a gathering at Chat and Chill put on by the regatta crew. Free appetizers, happy hour drinks, the presentation of awards for the regatta races and a dance. We took part until about 2030 when we headed back to CS'ta Time. We said good bye to Dave and Rose (Cloud 9) as they were heading north tomorrow. We had already said many "hasta la vista" to friends, some heading north and some heading south.

February 25, 2014

We were up before 0700 this morning after a very calm night, almost no wind and very little waves. Right after breakfast we weighed anchor and headed across Elizabeth Harbour to Kidd's Cove, right outside George Town. We had propane to buy, water to get to fill up the tanks, reprovisioning and a few other errands to do. I am waiting for a prescription to arrive from Canada, hopefully today or more likely tomorrow. We then plan on making our move south.

Okay so the day didn't go as well as we expected. We got most of the jobs done however, the phone accidentally slipped out of Jorge's pocket and into the water. He dove for the phone, retrieved it but then his wallet started to float away! Luckily he retrieved that too. Back on CS'ta Time he dried them both out but electronics and salt water are not a good mix. The phone is pooched. No telephone, no texting, no internet. Oh well. We are now at the mercy of the WIFI on shore.

I made numerous trips to the water station before supper while Jorge checked engine and transmission oil levels, topped up where needed and did other systems checks.

February 26, 2014

We had another very calm night however that meant no wind so it was quite warm on the boat but hey, I'm not complaining!.

We ripped apart the boat again after breakfast. Jorge wanted to change the fuel filter before moving on. Done. But . . . the self bleeding mechanism of the engine did not want to work. The engine was not getting fuel so we couldn't start the engine. Jorge spent all morning trouble shooting but to no avail. Needless to say he abandoned that job for the time being. We are now in town doing last minute errands (hooray, my prescription arrived, the only good thing that has happened today! No, we got good internet service as well so I can continue my blogging.) We are heading back to the boat shortly, hopefully get the engine started and move on. Because of no phone (hence no internet) the blogging will really be erratic.

We are hoping to move a few miles down the harbour later this afternoon to facilitate an easy and quick exit out of George Town. Wish us luck!

I wish I could blame Batelco on bad connections but truth is I have been neglecting my blogging duties. lol!

February 18, 2014

Lynn arrived safely this afternoon. Jorge met him at the airport while I stayed in town and shopped (mainly groceries!) They arrived in town around 1700 and we dinghied back to CS'ta Time, had dinner and a wonderful evening catching up on things with Lynn.

George Town, Bahamas airport.

 

Our arriving guest, Lynn Means.

 

February 19, 2014

We spent a lazy morning aboard CS'ta Time. Unfortunately for Lynn, he revealed that he was a diver so it was agreed that he would put a new zinc on the shaft for us. Nothing like making your guests earn their stay!

At noon we had a meeting on the beach outside Chat and Chill with other cruisers planning on heading south. It was decided that there were two main groups, those doing the Mona Passage and those doing the Windward Passage. It was informative but maybe not as much as we had hoped.

Chat and Chill bar and deck.

Jorge and Lynn went looking for a huka machine from a fellow cruiser later in the afternoon while I prepared appetizers for happy hour on the beach at Chat and Chill at 1630. Back to CS'ta Time for dinner and conversation.

February 20, 2014

Jorge and Lynn were able to pick up the huka machine this morning and also went to town. After lunch, Lynn doned the mask and fins along with the huka and down he went. By the way, a huka is a machine with a long tube and regulator, attached to an air pump, enabling a diver to breathe underwater without scuba tanks. Not only did he put a new zinc on the shaft for us but also inspected the prop and the hull, getting scraped by a few barnicles!

Aquaman!

 

Cockpit showers followed for all of us after the work and then appetizers and cold beers on the deck.

After a job well done.

We spent the night on the boat enjoying dinner after a good day's work.

February 21, 2014

I dropped Lynn off at the beach around 0930. He wanted to see about crewing on a boat in this weekend's regatta. Jorge stayed on CS'ta Time waiting for the pump out and trash boat. Annie and I went to town in our dinghy to catch a ride to the butcher shop where they had "recognizable" cuts of meat! I must admit my driving to town was great - we hardly got wet. After visiting the butcher shop, Annie got some fuel and I filled up the water container. Unfortunately the ride across the harbour to the big boats was not so dry. We were soaked about 3 minutes outside of the dinghy dock.

The ride to the butcher shop, in the back of a pickup truck.

Sign in the pickup truck to the butcher shop.

 

After arriving back to the boat, I made lunch and then Lynn, Jorge and I visited Cloud 9, a boat we had first met in Sandy Hook. Lynn dove for them and changed their zinc. We enjoyed cold beers with them and then back to CS'ta Time where we cleaned up to get ready for the opening of regatta. We dinghied to Chat and Chill and waited 1.5 hours for Elvis' water taxis to take us to town for dinner and regatta opening evening (including a variety show). We caught the taxi back around 2200 - staying dry going across the harbour.

Waiting for the water taxi. (l - r: Dave and Rose (Cloud 9), Jorge and Kim.

Dock boarding the water taxi.

The water taxi (life jackets for 4.)

 

Regatta Park, site of the regatta variety show and dinner.

February 22, 2014

After breakfast Lynn and Jorge went snorkeling with Cloud 9 in one of the hurricane holes next to our anchorage. I stayed on the boat, caught up with dishes and made lunch for when the hungry snorkelers returned. After lunch we dinghied into town and wandered around showing Lynn the town. He had not really had a chance to just wander as when with Jorge, they were always on a mission! We did some shopping and stopped for a cold beer at Two Turtles then back to CS'ta Time after getting fuel and water. (Yes, we are always getting water, every trip to town involves filling up the water container.)

The Straw Market.

 

Flower beside the library.

Jorge "chilling out" while Lynn and I shopped.

Peace and Plenty Hotel (Johnny Deep apparently received an award here.)

 

After dinner there was an emergency call on the VHF radio by a female cruiser immediately behind us. It seemed there was dinghy rage on the water. Another cruiser was threatening her and her husband. Within 3 to 4 minutes about half a dozen dinghies were on the scene to assist. Jorge had our spotlight on the suspect dinghy but after the dinghy approached CS'ta Time and was surrounded by the concerned dinghies, he took off towards another anchorage. He was identified by some cruisers and I imagine will be held accountable for his actions tomorrow. It was nice to know that the cruising community pulled together so fast to help out!

February 16, 2014

I wish I could say we had a leisurely morning but we didn't. Breakfast was leisurely but then we set to work with boat jobs. Jorge had previously dived under the boat to find one of the annodes completely gone along with 2 of the 3 screws holding it also gone! Off he went in search of the screws after a look in our screw supply revealed we didn't have them, Murphy eh? My job was to defrost the freezer and clean out the fridge. We didn't realize it but there are icebergs in the Bahamas (the ice build up in our freezer when thrown overboard created the icebergs! lol).

I packed a picnic lunch and we went to Stocking Island (more specifically Chat and Chill Bar and Volleyball Beach a 2 minute dinghy ride away) where we had lunch, listened to a local Bahamian give a history talk on the islands and then just relaxed with a group of friends and enjoyed doing nothing the rest of the afternoon, at a picnic table, in the shade.

Everyone went back to their respective boats for supper and a quiet evening.

February 17, 2014

We are up pretty much shortly before 0800 every morning when we catch the cruisers' net. I usually have breakfast in the cockpit enjoying the warm weather and sunshine. Diana and I had decided this morning was a laundry day. The local laundromat was a little, well, undesirable so we called another laundromat about 5 miles out of town. They come into town, pick you up and then drive you back to town free. I'm glad we opted for that option because that laundromat was much nicer with lots of machines and free WIFI . The lady was also kind enough to take Jorge another 2 miles down the road to a marina.

We left town at 1030 to do laundry and got back shortly after 1300. Diana and I each got 3 loads done. Now you know why we consider ourselves lucky when we get one boat job done per day! We met up with Gilbert in town and the four of us set out to have lunch. We found an adorable cafe and enjoyed a wonderful lunch - a change from the typical Bahamian diet.

The cafe.

After lunch on the outdoor patio of the cafe.

Jorge talked to a fellow cruiser who had found the right size screws for the annodes and who had also dropped them off in our cockpit. The cruising life is so friendly and helpful, ask and you shall receive, everyone helps each other in whatever way they can!

Exuma Markets (the main George Town grocery store.)

Turtle statue outside of what else . . . Two Turtle Bar and Inn (only there are 3 turtles on the statue.)

George Town government building housing the police station, post office and courthouse.

We dinghied back to CS'ta Time and managed to stay dry. The wind and waves were quite substantial. After dinner we dinghied to Stocking Island and caught the water taxi back into town along with 8 other couples. Da New Eddie's Bar was putting on a rake and scrape (the local music)evening. It was a good evening, lots of drinking, dancing and having a good time. We got back to the boat at 2330.

February 18, 2014

We were up at our usual time, had breakfast and then started getting the boat "ship shape" for Lynn who is arriving this afternoon. Looking forward to seeing him!

February 14, 2014

After a leisurely breakfast it was down to work. I dinghied ashore to purchase tickets for tonight's Valentine dinner at Chat and Chill Bar. This was the first time I took the dinghy to shore (not a dinghy dock). Okay so Jorge neglected to show me how to raise the motor when in shallow water. There I was like a dumb female fumbling around with the engine when a male cruiser came to my rescue. He also pulled the dinghy up on the sand for me and instructed me on how to get it back into the water easily when leaving (that part I already knew). Next I went to the bar to get the tickets but the bartender was going in to be after 0900 (it was already 0930) to take the money and could I come back. At least I got our names on the reservation list. I got the dinghy back into the water alright but what was the trick to getting the engine down! I was fumbling with the same locking mechanism but hey being mechanically challenged I couldn't get it to work. The same male cruiser helped me out again after I rowed back to shore (as I was drifting away). Having successfully lowered the engine I impressed the guy by starting the engine on the first pull! Not totally useless! LOL. Jorge was on CS'ta Time doing some big boat engine maintenance while I was struggling with the dinghy.

We spent the day on the boat checking out systems and doing boat jobs. There always seems to be something that needs doing!

We finished the jobs mid afternoon, had cockpit showers and then enjoyed a good beer while drying in the sun and breeze. Diana and Gilbert stopped by on the way to Chat and Chill as did another couple, Tom and Annie. The six of us then headed to the beach for Valentine's dinner which was very good. After dinner there was a dance and I swear I felt the deck was going to collapse as the cruisers danced up a storm. We were literally shoulder to shoulder on the deck trying to dance! It was a good time and we were back on the boat at 2215 - way past boater's midnight which is 2100.

Valentine's dinner at Chat and Chill (l - r: Annie, Tom, Diana, Gilbert.)

Kim and Jorge Valentine's Day Chat and Chill.

 

February 15, 2014

 

For the third night in a row it rained, not as heavy last night as the two previous nights. The boats are thoroughly enjoying the rinse and getting rid of the salt water.

 

After breakfast Gilbert called on the VHF and asked if we wanted to hike up Monument Hill. We were game! We packed a picnic lunch and met Diana and Gibert and Annie and Tom on the beach and away we went. We first walked across the island to the beach on the other side and then found a gazebo (belonging to a local resort) where we enjoyed lunch. We sat around and chatted before gathering up energy to hike up Monument Hill. Once at the monument we had an excellent view of George Town and the anchorages.

 

The walk across Stocking Island to the beach.

The beach on the eastern side of Stocking Island.

It was such an exhausting walk the girls just had to relax in the hammock at the gazebo!

 

Crystal clear ocean water.

Ferns along the walking path.

View from atop Monument Hill.

Kim and Jorge at base of Monument Hill.

(Jorge scaled down the face while the rest of us wimped out and took the walking path down.)

 

We parted ways with Diana and Gilbert and Annie and Tom once back at the dinghies. Jorge and I toured around close to our anchorage visiting the local hurricane holes - spots very well protected from the winds. We then dinghed across the harbour to George Town and wandered around for a couple of hours, then back to CS'ta Time.

 

We have been in contact with Lynn and Sally (who we hung out with in Annapolis). Due to some boat and family issues they are back in Long Island, New York and totally bummed out about being delayed in getting back to their boat (which is in the Abacos, Bahamas). Sally has some family business to attend to but Lynn is free and will be joining us this week aboard CS'ta Time for a six day visit. We are looking forward to seeing him but I'm sure not as much as he is looking forward to getting away from the wrath of this winter!

February 12, 2014

We were up listening to the cruiser's net this morning. It reconfirmed that the propane truck was going to be available outside of Da New Eddie's Restaurant at 1100. Great because we were out of propane in one tank! Off we went to town (about 1 nm mile dinghy ride). We had a few other things to do in town as well.

My job was to wait with the propane tank in the parking lot and get it filled. Jorge was off getting gasoline for the generator and dinghy. Unfortunately the word spread that the propane truck had broken down and was not going to be available. Oh well, I had to wait for Jorge to come back from getting the gas so sat in the parking lot and waited. Good thing because word had spread that a pick up was going to gather all the propane tanks, take them to the shop, fill them and then return them! Okay so the pick up arrived at 1130, took the tanks (those who hadn't left) and promised them back in half an hour. Jorge returned shortly with his tanks filled and we waited. Not bad, the propane tanks were back in just over an hour - filled! While we waited, we had our picnic lunch. A couple of local young men picked some coconuts and using a machette opened two of them for Jorge and me so we enjoyed fresh coconut water with lunch.

The propane line up.

 

Going for gasoline.

 

Dinghy central.

We then went towards the main part of town where we met Diana and Gilbert. We walked back to Da New Eddie's with them as they had not had lunch. Jorge and I had drinks.

The guys headed off to the hardware store. After having heard that Gilbert caught a 4' mahi mahi (fish) Jorge got so excited that he decided to buy fishing gear at the hardware store and try his hand at fishing! Diana and I did one of the grocery stores. This was their first time in town so we were "showing" them around.

We met up with the guys at the hardware store and then parted ways, Jorge and I to CS'ta Time and Diana and Gilbert to do some more touring of the town. Before leaving town, we also got free fresh water in our water containers from the dinghy dock.

It was hot today, I'm sure in the low 30s!

February 13, 2014

Just as predicted the wind picked up during the night to 20 - 25 kts along with a thunderstorm and lots of rain! Jorge was up a few times checking on things but all remained secure. It had rained off and on all night but had stopped by 0900 and the skies started to clear.

We had just mentioned to Diana and Gilbert yesterday that we were surprised our Batelco package was still working. We were sure we had used up the money we had put on the data plan. Lo and behold last night when we tried to get internet, there it was gone! That was Jorge's job after lunch. I decided to stay on the boat and do some cleaning.

The rain had made things a bit cooler today, although not being directly in the sun, it may have been deceiving.

There is another lightening show this evening to the south. More rain is forecast for tonight, hopefully the winds will not increase.

February 10, 2014

We set the alarm for 0530. Boy it has been a long time since we did that! We were anxious to get an early start from Little Farmer's Cay to George Town. We weighed anchor and were leaving the anchorage by 0645.

It was a good travel day. Winds were light, less than 10 kts and from the NE, not a bad direction for a close hulled sail to George Town, averaging 5 kts. We were able to sail for a few hours but then the winds diminished and we were forced to motor sail the last few hours to George Town, arriving and setting anchor at 1515. The day was great, warm temp, steady but light winds and comfortable seas.

Monument Beach anchorage.

Sailing past Monument Beach towards Volleyball Beach anchorage.

Blair and Edith from our home port in HYC were anchored close by and stopped to say hello.

We enjoyed supper aboard CS'ta Time with Gwen and Guyom, a couple from Oakville, who are also planning on going further south so you know what most of the conversation revolved around.

February 11, 2014

There is a cruiser's net on the VHF radio every morning at 0800, informing cruisers of activities planned for the day/week (yoga, volleyball, bridge, etc.), work parties (helping the local community with projects) and a multitude of other things. We listened to that and then enjoyed breakfast in the cockpit. We then dinghied to Stocking Island (across from George Town on Great Exuma Island.) Jorge changed the gear oil in the lower case of the dinghy outboard and we had a picnic lunch beside the beach volleyball court before heading across Elizabeth Harbour to George Town. We walked through town making the usual stops in grocery stores (George Town has 2!) and liquor stores.

Welcome to George Town (Jorge in the background.)

This one is for you Bill and Lynn!

Lake Victoria (George Town is on Elizabeth Harbour and is also built around this lake.)

Nearby towns with their distances away.

The "tunnel" exiting Lake Victoria to get to the anchorages in Elizabeth Harbour.

The plan was to get back to CS'ta Time, have our own happy hour and then go to Chat and Chill Bar and Restaurant for dinner. However after getting there at 1900 we were informed the kitchen was closed. Bummer! I had to come up with Plan B. We spent a quiet evening on board with lights out at 2230.

P.S. Jorge refers to the town as "Jorge Town" (Spanish pronunciation.)

February 8, 2014

We continued to partake in the 5Fs. However before that, we went for a walk with Diana and Gilbert to the next island to explore the cave and walk the beach. We packed a picnic lunch and then set out. The walk was not too long, good thing because again it was a hot day. The cave was amazing, some 90 feet long. Some people actually snorkel in the water but that wasn't for us.

Rock markers indicating the way to the cave.

Gilbert and Jorge inside the cave.

Stalactites.

Jorge "posing" inside the cave.

More stalactites.

The opening to the cave behind us (l - r: Diana, Kim, Gilbert).

 

Bats on the ceiling of the cave.

Jorge and Kim.

"Mother and child" stalagmite.

Still inside the cave.

Ditto.

 

After exploring the cave, Jorge found a shady spot with some breeze so we sat and had lunch. We then walked to the beach and walked the beach! Unfortunately on the bank side of the Exumas a lot of garbage from boats washes up on the shores, definitely taking away the natural beauty!

Part of the walking path to the beach.

The beach.

Osprey's eggs.

Gilbert beside the osprey's nest.

Mom back protecting her eggs.

 

Jorge and I then explored a wrecked fishing boat on the shore across from Little Farmer's Cay Yacht Club.

The fishing boat wreck.

Yes there is a turtle in there somewhere!

By this time it was 1500 and time for the hermit crab races! 9 crabs have numbers painted on them, they are placed in the center of a large circle and whichever crab walks outside the circle first wins. Jorge bet $6 and won $16! He then bet more conservatively, $1 and lost it. Oh well, afternoon drinks were paid for.

Approaching Little Harbour by dinghy.

The hermit crabs.

The race.

Wanna be stowaways!

There were ladies selling crafts, food and music throughout the island. Because we were on the opposite side of the island to the sailboat races, we missed them today. Glad we caught them the day before.

We stopped by Serenada and said good-bye to Vita (from Trenton). They are turning around here and starting their trek back to Canada.

We had invited another cruiser from Canada for supper. He is sailing single-handed and is also starting to make his way home although he keeps his boat in Florida when in Canada. Hard to believe it is already turn-around time for some cruisers!

February 9, 2014

We spent a lazy morning onboard CS'ta Time. However most of the some 100 boats in the anchorage left. The bay certainly looks empty with only a handful of boats still here. Jorge and I had decided to stay another day and head for George Town tomorrow. We are not sure if we will go the whole distance (some 40 nm) or do it in two days. We are leaning towards doing it in one shot.

Another gorgeous day in paradise.