Getting ready to head south. Plan is to drive down to New Smyrna and fly over to Abacos from there. It's taken a while for the "retired" mentality to set in. Have always been destination bound on the drives with no time to enjoy the tour down or home. This year I hope to make a few stops along the way to visit some old sailing friends. Looking forward to the more relaxed drive and catching up.
We've been blessed with a nice fall here at home, but the grass has stopped growing and too late for much yard work so I've been getting bored. Allure and the blue-green waters are calling 😄
Have a safe journey & looking forward to your posts Frank!
Frank, when do you expect to pass through the Washington DC area? I would enjoy meeting you!
The Bahamas are increasingly attractive as the temperatures drop!
Your descriptions of the areas you sail and accompanying pictures are very enjoyable. Not many Sailfarers making it down these days.
Norman....sent you a PM
Well, after a few hiccups, the "relaxed drive with visits" is turning out nicely. I've done the drive to Florida in two extremely long days all too often. This "retired" mind set takes a while, but I'm learning.
A plan to meet Norman didn't fair out well. I had his home address in my plotter (TomTom) and destinations further S. Another location was chosen underway and I zigged when I shoulda zagged....into CRAZY bumper to bumper traffic that was all but stopped. Arrrrrg..by the time I realized my error I was well over 20 miles into it and being rush hour....turning back wasn't in the cards. One down...
Off to see old friends and when I realized I'd be passing Capt Smollett's home town, I emailed but he replied that he was sick and had a "bug"... The thoughts of starting a cruise with a sickness kept me from pushing too hard for a visit, but I did spend some time in New Berne, got a nice walk in and really liked the place! Big enough to have variety but still had charm and character!! Nice town!
I was off to Oriental to see Annie and Neville. They are an inspiring couple that a love story could be written about. Extremely long story cut very short... Annie, newly single, solo'd her Shannon 28 across the Atlantic. Somewhere over there, she met Neville (a folk boat sailor) They hooked up at middle age, sailed the Shannon back, went back to England again, lived on a canal boat as together they built their Wharram TIKI 46. It was always a pleasure to watch the ease in their handling of that big boat. Before moving ashore 2 years ago, they had 53,000 miles "just on the Wharram"!
5 transatlantic's in all, a couple of Bermuda runs and countless Carribean tours. I just love the both of them! They are one of those couples that are a pleasure to be with in every way.
While there, 2 young solo sailing lads pulled in with their boats. They had been friends for years, but this was a big adventure for one of them as he'd never cruised before. A couple of hours later a free spirited young lady pulled in with her older Hunter 27 she had purchased in expensively at auction. "Heh....it floats, has sails and the engine runs" she proudly stated!....and she SHOULD be proud!
Annie invited them for dinner and it was a hoot !! (sorry about chat CJ)
Knowing what is needed by cruisers, Annie also offered showers which they all jumped at as well as a ride to groceries and laundry. Everyone who's been "out there" knows what a treat that is!!
Next morning we went down to visit and for me to say good bye as I was continuing on. We found out it was the young free spirit's birthday. She turned 21!!!! Annie got a few flowers from home to give her and when they were handed over, there she was, tools out fixing a golf club carrier. She had been carrying fuel back to the boat and there it was in someone's garbage. Ask the universe provides. It blew me away the way she handled tools and switched brackets around so it better suited her gas can. Warmed my heart...the 3 of them escaping the "American Dream"
Next it was S to see Kurt.....AKA "Capt K"
Easy to find at the marina....I just looked for a pretty A 30.
There it was....sweet lines topped with a nice blue dodger. Out came Barque. What a fine looking dog and shipmate he is!!
Then came Kurt.....
Well....
Heh.....2 outta 3 ain"t bad! 😄
After a few high end rums, he took me off to his friends restaurant, bragging about in along the way. Turns out he was totally right! What a great evening as we caught up, sipped drinks (actually he chugged his!) and had plate after plate of a veriety of offerings.....all extremely different and some of the best tasting treats I've been blessed to have eaten!
The way home side tracked to a dock for a bit of local history and moon lit views of the waterway. Beautiful area and awesome food.
Once back to the boats (yes...boats...3...count them!) we had a few more night caps before Barque put the good Captain to bed.
This morning I was up, shaved, walked back to see if there was life on the A30....Nope!
Already after 8, I drove around, found a McDonalds, got us large coffee's and went back to check for life.....still none at 9am! A tap in the hull got a bark out of Barque and finally "it" appeared. Actually, he didn't look that bad considering the amount we consumed the night before and came around quickly with the coffee. Always a fun stop to see the good Captain!!
By noon I was on the road again....
"Allure" is calling....
Good reason to miss the chat.
Was this the Annie who used to be Annie Hill of Badger? Her Voyaging on a small income has been on my shelf for years
Hey, we've been at that same table with Anne and Neville! They're pretty awesome folks who are always at the dock every time we've come to Oriental, making sure the travelling boaters have what they need. When we saw them they took us for a tour of their catamaran, which I think was for sale. Not sure if they've sold it or are still looking to sell it. It was a pretty awesome boat. I'd never seen a boat with the rudder attached with line before.
Anyways, drive safe and have fun.
Yep....rudders are lashed on and have 53,000 miles on the same lashings!
Still for sale but a serious looker flying in December. Sad...miss them out on the water. I remember them leaving the last time in the Abacos.
It was very early, we'd had a bonfire the night before for a farewell. No fanfare, they raised sail, hauled the anchor, back winded the jib to bring the bows over, then sheeted in and silently sailed off between the other boats anchored. Conch horns were blowing good byes to them... It was beautiful to witness..
Ask them about the "baggy winkle society" next time you see them.
You'll laugh...
Annie's solo boat was "Peace"
The cat is "Peace 3"
Don't think she wrote the book but could have.
Lived on $3000/yr for many years
The first year we met them, we also met up with some awesome couchsurfers who were working on their own boat project. The couchsurfer's boat was kind of the antithesis of Anne and Neville's boat. They were putting in a 300A alternator, for instance. I'm not making any kind of judgement about that at all except that we could never afford to be fitting out a boat that way. It was nice to run into Anne and Neville and see their boat for contrast. We could say, "Well, we're never going to be buying a 300A alternator, but we can definitely afford string! And evidently there's nothing you can't do with string!" Though I'm sure they still put a lot of time and money into it, it gave me the feeling that that sort of boat was actually achievable for people without a major financial windfall.
hmm- TWO sailing Annie's :) and apparently that's not who you met. That Annie's second husband is named Trevor and they are aboard a 26 footer called Fantail, in New Zealand
Quote from: Frank on November 13, 2016, 08:15:13 AM
...Have always been destination bound on the drives with no time to enjoy the tour down or home. This year I hope to make a few stops along the way to visit some old sailing friends. Looking forward to the more relaxed drive and catching up.
Good to see that you did it...:) Barque looks quite distinguished there, guarding the companionway...
Your road trip reminds me of ones that I made years ago, and hope to do again...which, as usual, is remembered with a soundtrack...
Drive South by John Hiatt...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7pQ4iiSo6E
Great tune Jim
CJ...the young girl in the picture is "Anna"
A small boat sailing friend that I've cruised often with is Annie Westlund... a legend in the North Channel, Lake Huron, in her own way.
Lots of sailing Annie's out there!! Must be the name 😄
Oh yes, I know that Annie. She and I have emailed back and too over the years. Seems a really neat woman- wish I was able to meet her.
Too many Annie's 😄😄
I sailed with North Channel Annie for the 1st time in 05.
She joined a bunch of us Montgomery sailors on a cruise. Very proficient sailor!! She had a Sovereign 17 then, but previously sailed a Potter 15 for about 4-5 summers up there. She knew every nook and cranny.
Next cruise with her was my buddy Rick, her and I. She had just purchased a ComPac Suncat. It was a hoot as all 3 of us had the same lil gaff rigged cats. Made for some really nice pictures. She's still boating, had a small tug for a few years but just purchased a Northern 25 for next year. That's a huge boat for her!! 😄
I'lll have to get back in touch. Sort of fell away, sadly
Great flight over from New Smyrna Beach. By the time I worked my way to Green Turtle from Marsh Harbour it was too late to start on boat work so staying a friend's bunk tonight.
In at Sundowners for a rum and visit with friends. More hugs and handshakes here in 30 minutes than a few months back home. Feels great to be back!!
Allure tomorrow.
Now....why do they call it "Sundowners bar" 😄
Big day...
Add water to batteries
Solar panel put back up (get batteries charging and engel on)
Dodger, bimini up (need shade!)
Both sails on.
A fair job alone...
I'd forgotten how much I hate boat yards. I'm in the back, next to the road. Extremely little wind to cool Ya off working and they are grading and prepping the road for paving (big news on Green Turtle) which makes it a hot, dusty and loud spot!!
Boat clean up tomorrow. Hope to wax Friday morning and launch after lunch.
Will be SO much nicer afloat!!
A young couple sailed in today on a Pearson triton yawl. Very pretty boat!
Got talking to them and as the local band "Gully Roosters" was playing tonight, asked if they wanted a lift to the club as I have a golf cart untill I launch. Great to see them out!! Their deflatable dingy was leaky both with air and water. No motor...row only. Warms my heart to see them out "doing it".
An early night as they have to leave at 5:30am to make "Dont Rock passage" at mid tide. Hope to meet more younger folks throughout the year. Always a pleasure!!
Enjoying the updates. Read thru the previous years adventures. Looks you are enjoying it more each year. Hope to be finding myself over there as well in the next year or so. Fair winds
So glad you are "out there" again Frank! I seem to remember getting a phone call a week or so ago.... Iirc it was a couple of slurred voices that may have been yours and Kurts? Barque was easier to understand.... I am glad he was there to look after 'youse'.
Quote from: Frank on November 19, 2016, 11:04:18 PM
Yep....rudders are lashed on and have 53,000 miles on the same lashings!
Still for sale but a serious looker flying in December. Sad...miss them out on the water. I remember them leaving the last time in the Abacos.
It was very early, we'd had a bonfire the night before for a farewell. No fanfare, they raised sail, hauled the anchor, back winded the jib to bring the bows over, then sheeted in and silently sailed off between the other boats anchored. Conch horns were blowing good byes to them... It was beautiful to witness..
Ask them about the "baggy winkle society" next time you see them.
You'll laugh...
Does my memory serve me Frank, was that the bonfire we shared with them when I was passing through aboard Emerald Tide with Beth?
Slurred "voice".....NOT "voice s"
I was trying to take care of my buddy Kurt..but as you know..thats a job!!😄
Yep, Annie and Nev were at the fire.
Ya gotta get Faith cleaned up and over here!!
Have fun on da west coast!!
Hectic few days of prep, but back "on da water" and floating yesterday afternoon. It is SO much nicer than being in the yard! Going to take a few easy days and then head to ???
Good to see you afloat again, Frank. :)
You make it look easy...can easily see how keeping the boat there frees you up to spend your time already at the area where you want to be.
Thanks Jim
Not all that easy...
Just be organized and "gitterdun" 😄
Laundry and interior cleaning today. Washed sheets before I left but after the summer "baking" below...sheets n pillow cases smelled a bit musty.
Used Scott's "liquid gold" spray on interior teak today. Easier than oil to apply and looks rich.
A few pics..
Bad forecast
Sailing into harbour late
New Plymouth this morning
Love the "home port" 😄 great sailing lil C&C 25
Makes me want to sew a little planet earth flag for our stern.
Too funny seeing Chritmas lights AND snowmen down here!!
Quick update:
Spent some time at "da Turtle"
After several years increasingly frustrated and carb apart twice since landing, sailed to Marsh Harbour and got a new 5hp Yamaha 2 stroke for the dingy. Sweet... My 2 didn't really have nuetral and no reverse. Such luxury now 😄
On the way I guided friends through "don't Rock passage" it's very shallow and they'd never done it. Saves close to 2 hours on the way down.
While there saw a boat from France and another from Hawia.
Sailed up to Treasure Cay today to refuel and provision. Much better prices than Green Turtle and a way shorter walk with groceries than Marsh H.
Coming in the entrance, a ray broke water in front of me. Only the 3rd time I've seen it happen. They sure splash on the re-entry.
Had to walk over to the beach, then treated myself to a bbq Tbone onboard.
Meat prices here aren't bad. Juice, paper towel and TP are crazy!
Depending on winds...may sail to Allan's Pensacola tomorrow as friends just crossed and are hanging out there. No set plan...
What do you use to post so often? Do you get on the Internet everyday or have some kind of international data plan?
IPad with SIM card. Betelco is the local provider. 2gigs/mth for $30
Great for weather, emails, banking etc.
Last year was the 1st time I used it. Before that was stealing wifi where I could. Much like nuetral and reverse on my new dingy engine...what luxury 😄😄
Quote from: ralay on December 02, 2016, 08:02:42 PM
What do you use to post so often? Do you get on the Internet everyday or have some kind of international data plan?
Ralay-WHERE did you post the pic of Mona bashing to weather down the Chesapeake?? Can't find it again
You are the king of thread hijacking, Charlie. ;D I posted one on Facebook. Maybe that's what you're thinking of.
Great day to sail from Treasure Cay up to Manjack. At times 5.7....other times down to 2.2, but it didn't matter. Felt great to be back!
Anchored off the beach near "Brendal's dock" at Manjack. Beautiful afternoon...just cleaning up and listening to tunes. Brendal had some guests up at the beach and when he left..swung by and passed a "boom bay smash" over to me ..."welcome back" ...
Ya gotta love it 😄
I'm trying not to post sunset pictures......but geez they never get old to me. Every night is different .....
Morning coffee view doesn't get much better.
Was rocking at anchor overnight but sure calmed down for the morning!
Wonderful shot and no reason to scimp on sunset pictures. I'm not in the Midwest anymore but i know all your pics are important to the snowbound. :-)
A grog for keeping up the good work Frank! ;D
My new dingy is here.
Borrowed a friends for the 1st while...
I was going to go with an injection/molded indestructible...but...
Would have had to make truck racks to take it to Florida, then sail Allure back to get it, then back here... Too complicated....
So....a cheap west marine dingy and my new 5hp 2 stroke bought here.
Only 46lbs AND a seperate 3 gallon tank.
Easily planes when alone, nuetral/ reverse a luxury (after soon to be 15yrs of 2hp 'point and shoot' starts), no over the transon refills etc.....feeling spoiled!
No biggy...but cruising makes small things big 😄
Allure today on a mooring in Black Sound
Geez the panel looks big 😄
But....even overcast days like today keep things running...
Edit: kinda funny....
Looking at the picture I know my water tank (at bow, 50 gallons) is
Half full from the boats trim 😄
How many knots does the solar panel add when sailing down wind?
Must be good for at least half a knot 😄
Wonder if that would be legal in a race? 😳😳
Not much has changed here...
Black sound pictures close to 11yrs apart
"Revival", my Ariel 26 in January 2006
"Allure", my 27 last week
Nice sunset last night!
After some windy n wet days....nice weather has returned
A 'super tide' this morning....water was close to the street when I walked in for the morning coffee and BS session with the boys
Been in Black Sound all week visiting
Was awakened at 5am daily by loud, guttural drum beats and chants. Seems a local Christmas tradition here with the blacks is a 5am march through town, beating the big drums, singing Christmas carols and wishing everyone well. It ends at various little restaurants that give out free breakfasts to the marchers.
Thought I'd drag my lazy butt off the boat and walk into town to join them saturday. Got up at 4am, took the dingy to shore and walked into town to the building they start from. Got there at 4:50, by 5:10, nobody was there so thought they might start late Saturday's. Sat alone in the dark until 6:10 (an hour n 20minutes) then walked down to where some local lads have coffee every morning. Got teased cuz they only do do the march week days 😄
First Christmas here seems to have a few surprises :-)
I need to be there it was 20 Degrees here this morning and looks like about 15 for tonight dang I am tired of this already
Had a nice broad reach up to Manjack today for a "Christmas tree decorating party"
Wonderful evening!! About 15 cruisers joined friends on their veranda for drinks, went in and finished decorating the tree, the more food and drinks again....only with music. 4 guitar players, 3 sang and a fiddler all jammed or took turns solo. Nice to see some old cruising friends and meet a couple of new ones too!!
A surprise was Jason and Anna....2 of the 3 young people in the picture of dinner at Annie and Neville's I had posted earlier were there! Cleared in 3 days ago. Great to see them!
An amazing, laid back "feel good" evening. Full stars on the dingy ride back to Allure and phosphorous sparkling in the wake kinda completed it all.
Yeah, we are getting hammered too, but not sub zero- here's an excerpt from a meteorologist in Houston--
Temperature falls with the front are averaging 25-30 degrees in about an hour. Front will reach College Station between 1000-1100pm, metro Houston by midnight and blast off the coast by 200-300am
And yeah it did. Was 80 yesterday at about 4;00 was 34 this morning. With 35 mph winds
Ya this is nuts, was 75 Saturday, this morning 7.
Now......back to regularly scheduled programming on this thread 😄
Taken just now.....
beautiful
Enjoying your posts and photos Frank. :)
Feeling a little warmer while up late/early on a -10F night, keeping the wood fires burning...
It's been real cold up home too.
Some days were -25 with the windchill. Seems not too bad now.
After a few wind/rain days last week, it's beautiful here right through Christmas. I sailed back from Manjack this morning and just anchored out by the mailboat dock.
Pic is last nights sunset.
Every night is different....they never get old to me...
:) :) :) :)
Up at 4am to make it in and do the Christmas carol-drum beat March with them at 5am this morning. Started with about 15 or so but more joined in as we passed houses until the group was around 40. They marched, beat drums and sang for a full hour! Felt neat to join in their tradition.
you're living right!!!!
Hay Frank
Just seen this today, but if your a football fan, i seen there is an collage bowl game in Nassau, the Bahamas Bowl, might sail over and enjoy something a bit different, know its a long shot, but it amused me, so thought i would mention it :)
They take football pretty seriously here!
I'm not much of a fan....but enjoy watching others get all wound up when a game is on tv during happy hour. Surprised there's not more fan heart attacks 😄😜
Im not a big fan either, but i might go to the bowl game just to say i had went. would make for a fun story.
Sorry.....
Can't help it...
If you listen.....you'll hear the conch horn blowing!
Tonight's:
LOL Blew mine today for some kids that were visiting. They were amazed at the sound
Long ago, in Boot Key, at sundown, folks were blowing horns.I gave a prolonged balst on my conch shell horn, and they all stopped
Love the sound
CJ....Knowing my love of sunsets.....some artistic friends gave mine a creative sunset paint job
neat
Moved Allure around and anchored in front of my friends bar for Christmas Eve pot luck.
Awesome meal!!
Home baked beans, multiple salads, huge ham.....and great company!!
After a few "digestive wines" (😄) I'll be doing a nice night sail up to Manjack Cay. Big cruisers pot luck there tomorrow.
Loving my 1st Christmas here!!
Awesome night sail last night....gentle broad reach.
Passed Kieth's big cat all dressed up for Christmas
He wins the "most decorated boat"
Looking forward to the cruisers pot luck this afternoon.
Hope everyone has a great day!!!!
Merry Christmas
The Manjack pot luck ended up sitting 52 people!
Awesome day, food and company!!
Wonderful Christmas!!
Allure anchored out front
The Buffett
A few of the crowd. Table were on 3 verandas and the grounds!
nice pictures. as always, much appreciated!
Thx
I always wonder if I post too many...
Was in town, got more supplies but just too nice out so I literally sailed off my mooring in Black Sound and enjoyed a really slow sail to Manjack. Only made between 1.8 and 3.2 the entire way...but....was in no hurry and simply enjoyed being out on the water!!
Pic is just now, anchored near the beach.
Looks like there may be more sunset pictures coming along later 😄
Had to do it....😄
I don't think there's really any such thing as posting too many sailing pictures on a sailing site. Please carry on.
I second both Lance and Ralay.
Much appreciated, keep 'em coming!
heck yes, keep them coming. I have been a bit out of touch up in the mountains over the holidays. Merry Christmas, Happy Boxing Day, and stay outa trouble for the New Year Frank.
OK.....last sunset this year!!
I promise...
Neat little catamaran anchored in the shallow town harbour at New Plymouth.
Shoal draft in BAHAMAS or Florida Keys opens up so many more places.
It's been 15yrs next month since I first sailed in here.
In that time I have never been here over Christmas and New Years so I've never experienced "Junkanoo" on my favourite island.
What a great day today!! They go all out!! Great music, costumes, culture and food!!
Whoa. Looks like some kinda Heinz Edelmann/Peter Max parade.
It's a very big deal here.
Months of prep... They take it seriously!
Multiple mini bars and food vendors set up all over.
Tons of "off island" folks cone in to see it.
As I was boarding my dingy, another couple was getting into theirs as well...with just "a bit" of difficulty. I said "did you enjoy Junkanoo"?
She replied..."heck YES......BUT THEY SHOULD CHANGE IT TO 'DRUNKANOO'"
Is it a celebration of some person or event in particular? Or just a party party?
There is no definitive "why" or "how" it started.
Some think a take off of a folk legend here "John Canoe"
Others think it is a twist of a French word.
Most think it started when the slaves celebrated during their minimal time off over Christmas years ago here (empire loyalists settled BAHAMAS)
Try Bimini on Easter weekend. It's homecoming, and pretty much the same- food booths all over, marching bands, the whole works. Made it purely by accident one year. Pretty kewl weekend
As much fun as it's been....time to move on, so sailed to Guana Cay today. Just needed a change od scenery and to feel water moving under the keel 😄
Will go in for sundowners shortly.
Off to Rib night at the Jib Room in Marsh Harbour tomorrow.
Allure anchored at Guana
Up early and had a nice close winded sail to Marsh Harbour this morning.
There will be several cruisers at rib night tonight so it will be fun.
Sunset last night
Sail over this morning
oh man! that looks appealing!
Very nice!
Rib night was great!
Cam n Jan are heading further S.....maybe Cuba. Hope to see them on their way home. Others are scattering around...
Cruising is intense. Hard to explain if you haven't done it......but you build tight-temporary friendships on the bond of being "water people". We "get each other", are there for each other, have fun but know.....when one sails off...we may never see each other again.
I've been lucky to see many again.... But not all....
Marsh harbour is busy so I left after breakfast and had a nice, if slow sail, back up to Green Turtle. High winds coming Saturday....once settled... I'm heading N.
Old friends at Allens P and hopefully talk a few into further N to Grand etc.
Will see how things unfold....
Pic is the sail up today.
Just chatting with da lads...
My stairs are slightly offset...BUT...
A box of wine fits exactly to port....a water jug to Stbd... garbage under
Perfectly imperfect!
OK...... I'm surpised now other longer term cruisers didn't jump in on my comments on the intense, if temporary friendships formed while cruising.
And they are intense..... You help each other out...you have a bond....
No one cares how much money you make or how big your home/boat is... you're a cruiser and that's all that matters and creates the bond!!
Ran into a great couple tonight! Met them many years ago.... They bought a island Packet 27 new about 29yrs before. Maintained it "like new" to the end and health forced a sale 2yrs ago.
Tonight they walked into Sundowners bar.....like ROYALTY!!
They flew over, rented a dirt home for a few weeks, but everyone knew them! They were overcome with hugs and greetings !!!
I'm sure they felt overwhelmed....
Yep......the cruising community is small....but tight....
They were "home".....
Started blowing hard saturday and looks like very little relief until mid next week. Not really bad but 20's gusting 30's gets tiresome after a while. At least it's warmer today 😄
Will help an old buddy launch today and probably sail up to Allens Pensacola tomorrow. Should make for a fast reach going up!
Pic is last night
Beautiful day to sail to Allens Pensacola.
Friends there contacted me to "bring carrots and rum" 😄
Pic is just now....I'm feeling blessed
Carrots and rum delivered.
Nice sail up... Anchor down and over to Sheena 'just' in time for sunset.
Was treated to a fish dinner! A few drinks and nestled back on Allure.
Great day!!
Mike has a 30ft trawler....nice, roomy boat! Last night we had "movie night" complete with pop corn....seemed like such a treat at a remote out island.
Sunset was amazing again
Here's an easy-to-consult map of the Abacos so you can see where/what Frank is bouncing off of down there.. ;D
http://www.abacoescape.com/OffPath/AbacoMapMed.jpg
Cool Kurt 😄
If wind is right I'll pull anchor and head to Double Breasted or Grand Cay tomorrow.
Top NW of the chain.
A dull, wet day here today.
we need a Frank tracker :D
kinda like NORAD does Santa at Christmas :)
Pulled anchor and sailed from Allens Pensacola around 5:15am. Very bright with the moon and nice to get a bit of a 'night sail' in for an early start. It's 38ktm to Grand and it has been an awesome day! Sun is out, Stbd tack the entire trip and currently about 20minutes put so making good time. The ole gal has done better than expected today 😄
Sunrise underway this morning
Beam reach all the way!!
Anchor down at Grand Cay.
Hoping for a cold beer 😄😄
Great day!!
Thanks for the updates! And keeping us all stocked up in warm sailing thoughts.
I'm always in Florida or Georgia these days, so I know there are others around here appreciating the 'warm' part more than I.
QUESTION.....
OK.... Mona was mobile, but I think now hunkered down for winter.
Are there any other members mobile right now?
(I think Maxii Swede is)
So....
I'm in town...if Ya can call an island with 381 people "town'....today, having a beer, looking out over the marina and Allure anchored and suddenly remembered Craig off Faith (long term member here) telling me the story of picking up a rat at Grand Cay while tied to the dock. I remember the humour as he went into detail on how the battle to find and kill said rat became very personal as the rat chewed on his favourite "treat" supplies.
Craig....if you're out there....chime in and tell the story. It really was TOO funny....as long as it wasn't your boat 😄😄
Thinking of that Craig...Geez...musta been tight getting in with 6ft draft!!
This is a shallow entrance and harbour!
Anyhoot....good memories of story telling in the cockpit of the boat Craig was cruising in a few years back.
No rats on Allure....anchors make EM swim 😄😄
BUT....lotsa sharks at the fish cleaning station!
Don't slip getting in your dingy 😄
Those that have cruised over here know what I mean....
Why does the &@#% wind seem to pick up so much at night?
Geez !!!
Calm breeze all day and now, ready to hit the bunk, about a 90 degree shift and wind is up to mid-high teens and gusting higher!
Normally not a big deal but it's relativelt tight in here and a way grassier bottom than I feel comfortable on.
One of those times where you surrender trust to your anchor!
Don't know about always ( I found that also at night) but there are some MASSIVE strong systems moving across the bottom half of the US right now, Tornados, VERY strong winds, like 70 MPH straight line. and as they move east, they have a huge impact on Bahamas weather
One reason I use the anchors and chain I do :)
Well.....
It was in the exact place this morning it was last night.
Funny.....I've anchored out in much higher winds but this grassy bottom had/has me spooked. Every time the dreaded anchor talk cones up I always say "use the one you know from experience you can trust and go to sleep with". Guess that was my problem....never did this much grass before. (We're talking bottom conditions here people!! 😄)
Now I trust it more than ever.
Think that the best part of this sailing-cruising thing
Ya just never stop learning!
You can see from the picture there isn't much room.
Coral one side, boats the other
Grassy bottom in between
Will be heading back to Allens Pensacola tomorrow.
Jeff's 60th and I want to be there. (He lives aboard and cruises a 28)
Stopped at the mini bakery yesterday to order some small pies to take for a surprise. Went this afternoon to get them. My goodness!!! The smells coming out of that little shed 75ft away were heavenly!! The baker is a sweet black women with a huge smile and good heart! I put the pies, still warm, in my travel bag and got a fresh bread to go as well.
Special little bakery
Special baker
Great products!
Awesome smiles
Hey Frank PHTTTTTTTTTTTTT :( Wishing I was there
I wish you were here too CJ
Have a few wobbly pops and swap stories 😄😄
Fell asleep about 8:30pm best I can figure, then woke up at 12:45am feeling way too awake. I knew it would be a "toss n turn" event trying to get back to sleep so, I did what any sailor would do on a moon lit night, I hauled anchor to get an ealy start on delivering those birthday pies 😄
Currently about 5 miles into a 38 mile trip, clear sky's, full stars, light seas on the banks and LOVING IT!!
One of those "great to be alive" times...
Edit:about 10 miles in...forgot how much I enjoy night sailing'
Anchor down at 8:45am
Beautiful night!
Went from sailing to motor sailing to motoring
Sunrise at sea is always special
This mornings...
It's been almost two years since we last sailed together Frank, have the 'authorities' stopped asking questions about that 'thing' you talked me into?
Gotta PM me Craig ....
I'm lost as to the "thing" 😄😄
Unreal sunset tonight!!
Some locals call these an "Aztec sunset"
Simply beautiful. Even the water looked red!!
Quote from: Frank on January 18, 2017, 08:13:42 PM
Some locals call these an "Aztec sunset"
Spectacular, Frank!
After an extended period of higher than desired seas, last Weds onward has been good crossing weather so all the folks that were waiting in Florida had an Exellent window to come over late this week. With high winds coming late Sunday to Weds, I sailed down to Green Turtle yesterday and felt like I was in a flotilla as we pulled "onto the highway" of boats arriving and heading SE.
Nice to see the activity.
Gotta luv the water colour!
Woke up to another beautiful morning.
Geez the dew was heavy last night.
The calm before the storm.
35-40+ on Monday!
Every year I read your posts I get a little closer to saying, "screw it", and turning the boat south. Maybe next winter we will join you for rum drinks down there...Would be great to meet someone who knows the lay of the land/water as well as yourself.
Get your boat to West Palm (Lake Worth inlet) or Ft Lauderdale.
A decent window and your across in 12-14hrs.
Then the island hopping starts 😄😄
After you've done it once you'll wonder why you didn't sooner.
Ocean side today
Got that right. would LOVE to get back
After 3 days of high winds and occasional driving rain, awoke to "calm" this morming. I guess you need the bad days to truly appreciate the good ones.
Nice day for a sail to Treasure Cay for water/fuel/provisions.
BBQ on a friend's trawler at sunset.
Great day!
Dang I need to be there. Tired of the cold already
"ROAD TRIP"
Got invited to join 2 friends on a vehicle trip SE on the mainland to see some inland blue holes, bat caves and Abaco Parrots.
What a great day!!
The Parrots are often hard to find but we came upon over 30!! They mate for life and are extremely vocal (read LOUD!) Beautiful green, red and blue tipped wings. You can't see the blue unless they are flying and I lucked out with one pic! Too bad it wasn't brighter outside.
A huge part of a good cruise are the activities off the boat!
Always nice to learn about more local points of interest.
Just back aboard from a walk into town.....what a great day!
Picture is just now....
Motivation for all you northern folks to get your boats down here!!
I know.... I know.....
Can't help it.
Just love sunsets!
Last night...
Allure at anchor
Very pretty- I love them too, except the cold red deep winter ones. Here's one from the Texas Intercoastal
It occurred to me a few years ago back home that it takes visitors to appreciate your local sights. Friends came for a week and we toured the local caves, cliffs, watched the white water rafts go through the Rapids and did all the tourist things. I enjoyed them all and chuckled to myself how you take things so for granted after a while.
The same just happened here. A friend is visiting so I'm playing tour guide and loving it. Walking the long ocean beach on Manjack, playing with the Rays, dingying up the back "mangrove creek" looking at the multitude of sea turtles and snorkelling all the easy dive sights. A great time and nice to do it all again. Company motivates you to enjoy all the things you have seen and done before.
Ray pic
Turtle pics
Sailed to Marsh Harbour for rib night, then to pretty Hope Town.
The view from the candy striped lighthouse is great.
It is now the last kerosene fired-manned lighthouse in the world.
View from the cockpit this morning...
A few pics from Elbow Cay yesterday
Beach views
Treated to a nice downwind sail yesterday. Was 'wing on wing' for several hours. My guest felt quesy with the downwind roll so changed it to a broad reach to settle the motion.
Beautiful full moon at anchorage last night.
For whatever the reason I can't see the pictures on my tablet or smart phone so being home today on account of a decent snow storm, I fired up the laptop.
It's always nice to see pictures of your travels Frank.
I know perceptions are sometimes deceiving but it's looks pretty neat down there!
Beats running a snowblower I'm sure :)
Yes, pictures can be deceiving...but it really is "pretty neat down here" 😄
Like anywhere....there can be extended periods of high wind and driving rain that make you question your sanity, but then you get a long beam reach over blue-green water and all is forgotten.
The best part are the folks you meet. Everyone has a story, a skill and all are here to have fun.
Pic is "just now" from Allure's cockpit, Hope Town Harbour
Just to add to the "pretty neat down there", here's a pic from the Berry's
My anchor chain and a starfish, in 10-12 feet
You can't hate any of that.
A lot of the pictures you've posted have shown what looks like pretty crowded mooring fields. Do you have trouble finding room to anchor? Are things as crowded as they look?
Rachel. Can't speak for Frank, but in my 3 months there never had any trouble finding a place to anchor. Of course I had a 25 foot boat, and you have a 32, but really shouldn't be a problem
My "home base" is Green Turtle and I grab a mooring in Black Sound as its an easy walk to town. Way too grassy a bottom to anchor there in strong wind. Currently in HopeTown for the music festival and grabbed a ball in the harbour. I often anchor out here in the typical NE winds but S was forcast and as it was busy with the festival, figured a ball was best inside.
Manjack, AllensPensacola, Grand, Marsh a Harbour and some Green Turtle pics are all at anchor. Is it usually easy to anchor out. North of the whale a S wind is hard to find good shelter....S of the whale a SW is difficult. Niether are impossible to find good protection in a blow.
So.....short answer is "YES", you can anchor out 😄😄
Anchored out:
Powel Cay
Marsh Harbour
Front of Green Turtle
Lynyard Cay
Anchored out:
Little Harbour
Manjack Cay
Grand Cay
Bluff Bay
Anchored out:
Double Breasted
From anchor during the big blow at Great Sail Cay last year
From Allens Pensacola
And lots more 😄😄😄
Had an awesome sail yesterday!
The Hopetown sailing club had a cruisers race scheduled and my friends Bob and Alice on "Neesa", a Morgan 38 asked me to help crew. We went out to prep and tucked a reef in the main as it was blowing pretty good.
The sailing club's rule is to cancel in winds over 20 knots so after some debate, the race chairman cancelled the start.
So...we did what any sailor would do...we went for a nice sail!
Winds were mid 20's gusting 30.
The Morgan is a heavy boat and handled the wind and seas very well.
Was fun bashing along in the high 6's and up to 7.3 at one point.
After several hours we returned to harbour....all of us a bit tired but grinning from the ride. Fun stuff!!
all great photos....but of the 3 marked "beach views", I love the one in the center. thanks for posting!
This is my favorite.
NE ocean beach on Manjack cay.
Pic is from last year.....just seems a great shot to me
Relay....easy anchoring at multiple locations at Manjack. This beach is a couple of miles long and typically has NO ONE else on it!
The outer reef isn't to far offshore...good fishing and diving.
Went to hop in my dingy and realized there was a visiter....
He hung around for over 30 minutes....
Now my dingy "feels so used" 😍
Ha, Frank. You captured a real "tender" moment there... ;)
Too funny 👍
That's hilarious.
Day 4 into a 6 day song writers festival here at HopeTown. Patrick Davis (a gifted writer/performer himself) started 5 years ago to bring a group of fellow writers over here to play their songs at different venues on Elbow Cay. It has taken off and what an amazing group here this year. All have written songs you have heard. One has 11 number one hits! It's incredible to sit back and listen to them talk about how the song came about and then play it....often as good as the "star" that they wrote it for. It's a very laid back atmosphere and most of the writers are well lubricated by the time they perform their music. Just a great time!!
If any of you are looking for an excuse to come over next year...this IS it!!
For next year's dates....save
songwritersinparadise.com
Harbour last night...
This morning...
I've been back at Green Turtle for almost a week now. Laundry and groceries today then heading west island hopping to visit friends. Really trying to do the "sail west when the wind will take you there" thing. Nice to not have a schedule and have to motor.
Pics are from my walk into town this morning
You just never know what you'll see...
Shark is only about 4-1/2 ft
Turtle is quite large....shell would be around 30in
Nice sail up to Manjack, anchored at the N bay....had it all to myself last night. Came down to the Crab/Manjack bay this afternoon to visit friends.
Took a dingy tour up the "mangrove creek" out back to look at sea turtles.
They are SO fast it's really hard to get a decent pic. Took 36 in total but lucked out with my clearest ever.
Sunset tonight.
Allure at anchor
Absolutely beautiful Frank.... Was just looking at pictures from my last trip earlier this afternoon (recoup from a bit of flu)....
Thanks for the posts, keep them coming!
Tonight...
Sorry....
They just don't get old to me....
It's been BLOWING
Hopefully head N on Weds for a change...
I'm getting "antsie"
Those that cruise know what I mean...
When things start feeling like Groundhog Day.....nice as it is...it's time to move.
No plan. Have breakfast with the boys tomorrow and a good E wind so I'm headed W.
See where the hook drops....
Just nice the wind has settled down a bit.
SOoooo nice to be underway!!
Lazy man's 'genny only' broad reach making high 4s and low 5s.
Water is beautiful!!
Life is good 😃
lovely pics! thanks Frank!
Now that looks peaceful!
So....I'll apologize ahead. The wine is working 😃
Sitting in the cockpit...ipad on Bluetooth to mini Bose sound link ....tunes on shuffle.
Sun set is over but a red glowwww to horizon...
On comes Fiddlers Green.....
Those that don't know......a classic sailors poem...
The Tragically Hip made a song of that title... Ponient
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7DzRDGeOgWw
They are an old university band from Up home
Years ago, Dan Ackroyd was guest hosting Saturday Night Live and announced them "a band from my home town, Kingston Ontario Canada.......the Tragically Hip"
So.....their lead singer, Downey, was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer last year. He wanted to keep touring.....and they did!! ......all summer!!
They never really broke into the USA market......but did well up home.
Great band
Great tune...
I'd heard the term, but never really knew... (from Wikipedia):
"Fiddler's Green is a legendary supposed afterlife, where there is perpetual mirth, a fiddle that never stops playing, and dancers who never tire. In 19th-century maritime folklore it was a kind of afterlife for sailors who have served at least 50 years at sea."
Lyrics:
September seventeen
For a girl I know it's Mother's Day
Here son has gone alee
And that's where he will stay
Wind on the weathervane
Tearing blue eyes sailor-mean
As Falstaff sings a sorrowful refrain
For a boy in Fiddler's Green
His tiny knotted heart
Well, I guess it never worked too good
The timber tore apart
And the water gorged the wood
You can hear her whispered prayer
For men at masts that always lean
The same wind that moves her hair
Moves a boy through Fiddler's Green
Nothing's changed anyway
Nothing's changed anyway
Any time today
He doesn't know a soul
There's nowhere that he's really been
But he won't travel long alone
No, not in Fiddler's Green
Balloons all filled with rain
As children's eyes turn sleepy-mean
And Falstaff sings a sorrowful refrain
For a boy in Fiddler's Green
After being diagnosed......it took on a whole new meaning when he sang it...
Their last gig on their final tour last summer was broadcast "commercial free" on multiple stations and youtube!! Almost 12,000,000 people watched!!! That IS one third of Canada's population!!! Unreal actually.....
Think of it.....not locally, not county wide, not state (province wide)...but one third of the entire country tuned in (AND.....commercial free!!) That is amazing support!
Thanks Kurt....
Great tune by an awesome performer.....
Anchored a few nights ago tucked in behind Rat Cat between Manjack and Crab Cays, right near the entrance to the mangrove lined "creek" out back. You gotta love shallow draft at times. Did a dingy tour near low tide to see turtles and birds. Sure is pretty back in there.
Taken at 6:47 this morning.....before the rain hit.
Didn't last too long....sun was out by 11am
Made me think of Kurts "1000 word story"
Nasty looking clouds.......
Yep....it "hit" shortly after the picture.
If you look....you'll notice the front is moving at 180 degrees to our boats at anchor.
Wind/rain hit hard with that 180 shift laying the boats over.
Fronts are often like that.
Good news is it seldom last long.
Sometimes it's 10+ minutes after sunset that's the prettiest.
Last night:
Hauling out early.....this coming Tuesday.
I arrived early this year, loved CHRISTMAS and New Years here, but my cabin, deer and birds are calling 😃
On my last tour. Visited friends at Allens Pensacola yesterday and was treated to a super fresh fish dinner last night on Mikes lil blue cement trawler "Sheena"
Will head down to Manjack later today to say goodbye, Green Turtle on Tuesday to haul.
It's been a good winter!
Pic is Sheena (Mike), Whoopie (Jeff) and Teamwork (Bill n BettySue)
Allure at sunset last night
Was treated to a good sail up to A.P. yesterday and a super run back to Manjack today.
Nice to "sail" then entire last tour.
I'm tucked in at Manjack with a 25+ norther forcast for tonight.
Will get final visits in tomorrow and head back to GTC for haul out Tuesday.
Tonight I just want to savour the anchorage alone...watch the sunset.
Nearing Manjack
Final turn towards the dock (see sail shadow in water)
Awesome water colour!!
Franks hauling. Hmm, guess this means spring's coming soon for us northerners 8)
Several things drawing me home...
BUT....
Questioning my sanity...
Good thing I'm doing a few visits on the way
Temps are in F
Tonight.....
Before and during......
Just never gets old......
Always sad.....
But....managed a few awesome sails shortly before hauling out.
Got my flight back to Florida last Saturday, hopped into my car and headed home visiting a few old friends along the way.
Arrived late yesterday afternoon to this!!
The snow was SO hard from freeze/melt cycles that a truck couldn't plow it !
Questioning my rush home 😄😄
Hey-not too late to go back. Stay there til say June? Snow should be gone by then :) ;D