Crazy flight delays and a bit of a zoo getting here.....but even so it was nice to be both here and in the water less than 2 full days after arriving. It is "slightly" more $$ to store a boat on the hard at Green Turtle than at Indiantown....but no full day trip to Stuart...another to Lake worth...wait on a window...another to cross and 2-3 more to get here.
Allure summered well. Teak had slight mold but decks were only slightly dirty and both the hull and interior were great!
Arrived, put panel on 1st, connected batteries and started other chores.
Just launched 30 minutes ago and we all know that dreaded moment....
After sitting for 9mths.....will it start???
Happy to report the lil Yanmar started on the 1st power stroke!! Literally instantly!! Relieved....
Just took a mooring in black sound as I want to semco the teak and a few other exterior details before putting on the dodger and sun shade.
Feels GREAT to be on the water!!!
On a seperate note....geez it feels more like home here than the town I grew up in!!! My 1st trip into New Plymouth (pop 350) I had more hand shakes and hugs in 30 minutes than I'd get at home in 2 years!! Between locals and other cruisers...ya truly feel a sense of community.
Busy week with a few things and then "island time" by late next week.
No plans after that other than following the wind...
May head to Exumas via "the marls" for something different later on.
Anyone else heading over??
Both pics within the last hour....
That's awesome!
Fair winds, Frank. I'll see you over there next year.
Todd
Congrads on getting her back in the water!
I am looking forward to reading about & seeing pictures of another one of your adventures.
Have a safe crossing!
Nice! Blast us with pictures!, please.
Fair winds Frank! Hmmm...looks to be a wee bit warmer than the Salish Sea at the moment. Wouldn't you rather be on Desolation Sound appreciating how well your heater works? ha ha ha.
Aye. The Neuse river is cccccold. It is your duty to take pictures swimming with manatees!
Sorry Woody.....never saw a Manatee over here....but there were ray's at the dock today.
Took this 2 minutes ago......it should warm you up a bit
thats a little ferry boat to the left
Been busy with prep, a new MPPT charge controller etc.
Should be all caught up and mobile by next week
Anchor is like that to keep chain off the bowsprit to add Semco Sealant to the teak
Almost ready to cruise...
A big day would get it done....so figure 2 :-)
"island time"
Neat boat took a mooring next to my lil guy
a cat with a mast on each hull....
I've seen pics before but never enroute
PS....sunny and 78 today after a few windy wet days
Hopefully lots more to come...
Waves and gusts to 54 in HopeTown. Not the calm harbor I last visited. Hope you are safe and sound!
Safely on a mooring in Black Sound. Eased up now a bit.....gusts were laying boat over earlier. Who needs carnival rides. ;) ;D :o
That's pretty protected in there. Surprised you were laying over. A mooring ball is a good feeling of security - at least you might be able to get some rest.
We went aground, briefly, trying to get out of there. Nearly a 6 foot draft on ET, though. A boat like Allure would be better suited for the Bahamas. Definitely always had to do the whale. No pressure when trying to be in Marsh Harbor for a flight. :P
Getting closer to feeling "caught up"
New MPPT charge controller installed.
Belts tightened, lockers cleaned out and organized.
Just back fro Bob and Alice's boat. Cruising Friends from Winnipeg....they just got here after crossing from Florida last Saturday. I was polishing stainless steel out side and heard my name called... Looked around and there they were taking a mooring behind me.
Long story short....ended up with 7 of us on the back of their boat...guitars and mouth organs out.....wine flowing....songs and laughs. From Neil Young to James Taylor and some traditional sailing tunes. Great, unplanned evening....always the best!!
It really is the friends you make and the sense of "community" amungst cruisers that makes it special
The "boat list" is nearly done. Just a good final clean up and once the wind lays down after sunday I'll be off to ??? No plan...follow the breeze.
Will blow hard starting tomorrow and very hard Saturday and Sunday. I brought several new books so "all good"
This picture was about 1/2 hour before sunrise today. Mornings are great....nice to see the day "open up"
A cockpit party turned to conversations of Eluethra and Exumas. I barely need charts in the Abacos after so many years and like the comfort of knowing "where to go" and "what to do".....but a change would be great. Not definate yet....but 3 of us may be heading down in a week or so.
Yep....as usual....I'll be the smallest of the 3.....by 16+ft
Any "favorite stops" CJ or others?
(CJ....I packed a flowery shirt for that "look" you wear so well) ;D
NO intention of doing Geargetown OR Nassau
Well, you have to go to Ocean Cabin Restaurant, Farmers Cay
Other than that, because I was sailing in a Sea Pearl, you all may have problems geting to where we we went. ;)
(http://www.pbase.com/morningdove/image/107972578/original.jpg)
http://www.pbase.com/morningdove/bahamas_08
Watched movie shown against wall of Ali's wife's store on Little Farmers. Set up folding chairs and most of the people came.
Also Staniel Cay- Snorkel Thunderball cave and visit swimming pigs over on Big Major.
Then on Black Point, see Willie Rolle's "Garden of Eden" driftwood sculptures. And have dinner at Deshamon's
Quote from: CharlieJ on January 24, 2016, 11:46:30 AM
Watched movie shown against wall of Ali's wife's store on Little Farmers. Set up folding chairs and most of the people came.
Also Staniel Cay- Snorkel Thunderball cave and visit swimming pigs over on Big Major.
Then on Black Point, see Willie Rolle's "Garden of Eden" driftwood sculptures. And have dinner at Deshamon's
And I suggest you visit Thunderball Grotto BEFORE you go into Staniel Cay dock and see what is lurking a quarter mile away :o ;D
(http://www.pbase.com/morningdove/image/107972583/original.jpg)
Tried to head S across "don't Rock Passage"....but it was a rockin from the left over swells from yesterdays winds.
Turned back and anchored in the N end of Manjack.
Pic is looking back as I left Black Sound
New Plymouth from the water
Cat's are well represented as I turned into Manjack's anchorage
We had a "skippers meeting" this afternoon for the semi planned trip S.
I totally loved it!! All of us have been "out" before and a few miles on...
After much banter about "people say ya gotta see ?"
.......the "plan" is to sail to Spainsh Wells when the wind is right and go from there.....NO PLAN
"intentions" work better than itineraries when cruising
As unplanned as that sounds......that IS the best plan......
Quote from: CharlieJ on January 24, 2016, 11:46:30 AM
Also Staniel Cay- Snorkel Thunderball cave and visit swimming pigs over on Big Major.
Be sure to take some bread, if you want to "swim with the pigs". They will be expecting it.
Thunderbolt is awesome. Go at slack tide.
An even better snorkeling cave is at Rocky Dundass. They even have mooring balls for dinghies. It's in the Exumas Land Sea Park boundaries and I saw BIG lobster (illegal to take) and beautiful coral
Left early to catch high tide at dont Rock passage. Wind shifted to SW so was good going through.
Once through.....wind picked up.
Reefed down in 20-25 and loving it. :D
Pic from 2 minutes ago....gotta love a data plan. :-)
underway
still choopy at entrance
the fleet inside
from anchor
Great night at the Jib Room!!! Awesome ribs!! Geez he's a great chef!!
Bar/eating area
Line up for food
"da chef"
Our table: Great mix!! From a singlehander musician from Charleston...to a couple from Nova Scotia, a singlehander women that has more miles in reverse than most guys forward....to a trawler gal from Ontario
Our table
entertainment after...."rake and scrape"....then limbo
The limbo guy is the fuel dock....grab your lines guy by day :D
Anchoring.......
Anchored out in Marsh Harbour. Great holding but quite a few boats.
I'm in 10ft at high....about 7 at low. It was windy yestarday with heavy wind forecast for last night so I had about 110ft rode/chain out. Late day a big rental cat (48ft) anchored right beside me too close (with tons of room) After a few glares he picked up and moved slightly off. Didn't look too bad ...close...but barely in the "I guess it's OK" zone. About 11pm it started....
One gust laid me over so bad around 1am that I scrambled out of bed to start the engine "just in case". I've seen how fast a boat moves once it's broke free.....and yes it's been my own a time or 2 as well :D
Finally got enough confidence to crawl back into bed...probably about 2:30.
So, at some point after that the wind dis about a 45 degree shift while I was sleeping. I woke up at dawn, peered aft from my bunk to see the cat about 20ft off my stern. He darn near could of passed me a coffee. Figure he must of only had 50-60ft of chain out and with the shift I was nearly on him.
Funny thing was none of them cared..... They drank coffee...had a quick morning dip off the stern and carried on as if all was well. About 8:30am 2 guys from the rental company showed, words were exchanged, they boarded and moved the boat.
The best part of being near a rental boat fleet is the built in entertainment....just DON'T anchor close!!!!!!!!
After a few windy n wet days.....this was the treat to wake up to this morning.
off to Hopetown Elbow Cay after getting fuel/water. Will be a great sail down
SWEET!!!! 8)
sail down.....Hopetown light house in view
anchored outside near entrance...good view of boats in/out and lighthouse
treated to dingy races right after we anchored
Although its a bit of a dingy ride into town.....it is so much nicer anchoring out if the wind is right. The $$ saved on a mooring ball will let all of us rent golf carts for an island "tieny tiny tavern tour" :D
It was a great afternoon.....felt like "Bahamas cruising", sun out, blue-green water and warm gentle breeze...
Nice relaxing afternoon following the short hop over here.
Molson...the big guy on the left lives in Smith Falls...about 1 1/2 hours from my home
Reg on the right is a "down easter", lives in Nova Scotia, born in Newfoundland.
Both very easy going guys!
Took a dingy tour into town for breakfast at the lodge. My sunday treat after PBJ and hot dogs yesterday :D
Pics are harbour, lodge outside patio and view from table.
Feels kinda decadent when it's snowing back home. ;D
May do the golf cart teenie tiny tavern tour later with the gang
Back to hot dogs tomorrow. :o
Just back on Allure....
Best thing about anchoring beside the entrance is the veriety of boats in/out.
This beauty just sailed in...
Extremely pretty under sail!!!
A group of us did a golf cart rental "teenie tiny tavern tour" yesterday....good time...tons of laughs
What kind of rig would you say is on that sloop? No gaff, but the head is cut off. It looks Dutch...
I'm envious! Keep the pictures coming!
Yep that's a dutch gaff rig. Has that curved gaff typical of that area some time ago
One quick last tour of HopeTown and left yestaday with an awesome slow sail to Lynyard Cay. Water was often 6ft or less...but pretty!! Nice beach walk followed by a steak dinner!!
Passed a young couple on the way down on a Westerly...swung over to chat. Kinda funny....she was all smiles and he showed concern I was a pirate or something. Chatted for a while, told them about sailfar and carried on.
Anhored, beach and sunset from Lynyard Cay last night.
Off to Little Harbour shortly
Great pics Frank! Nice to vicariously experience warm water cruising while enduring the usual Salish Sea winter...cold, dark and wet here. At least there's wind with it. :-) Please keep the photos coming!
Quoteshe was all smiles and he showed concern I was a pirate or something
He was probably worried about you stealing his rum ;) She of course just thought you were cute
Thanks for the continuing voyage, looks like I will have to be living vicariously until August.
You DO understand I hate you???
Not really- been there, wish I was again- Have a blast
just had an incredible evening!!!!
Met (finally) Ricki and Dayna (Ricki is 'she'....Dayna is 'he')
They've lived aboard their entire lives (almost) , home schooled their kids...
now BOTH daughters are HERE with them as adults!!! One with their partner on a tri....the other on a trawler. All ole 'hippy' mentality!!!!....love it !!!
Good music as Jeff joined in and Dayna can ablib songs and play guitar too...
Too much fun!!
sail down .....big rollers don' show....but cleared shelves...
entrance to Little Harbour
Anchored inside (yes...anchored!! $20-25 for a ball!!)
It truly IS a small harbour
PS.....sorry CJ :D
For those of us who are not intimate with the Bahamas here is a chart to follow Franks (ad)venture.
http://www.charts.noaa.gov/OnLineViewer/11013.shtml (http://www.charts.noaa.gov/OnLineViewer/11013.shtml)
Several fronts coming in back to back, so with a nice S wind I hauled anchor in Little Harbour yesterday morning and sailed back up to Green Turtle. Had a blast as it was between a close and broad reach the entire trip. The ole girl hit 6.4 a few times!! Averaged 5.2 which is fast for Allure
Super Bowl at Sundowners is always a blast.
Will hang out here until the next window S
Pics are breaking dawn and just after sunrise here in Black Sound
Just back from the Superbowl party at Sundowners.....always fun!!
Geez I know a lot of people here now.... Too much fun catching up.
I "kinda" behaved...... safely back on da boat after a windy, choppy dingy ride!
Great evening!!!
walk in town today
loving it here
Solar uppdate
Last year I had my 230 watt panel, 2-6volt golf cart batteries, 1 "deep cycle/start" battery and an older style charge controller.
I was running all LED's and an Engel cold plate in the ice box.
This worked fine for about 2mths, but I found as time went on the set up was having trouble keeping up even tho the sun was up longer and I'd switch batteries to "all"
I know a bunch of you already will know this stuff, but thought I'd share for others...
So, have come to learn that:
1-there are no "true" deep cycle/start batteries.
The only deep cycle are just that "deep cycle"
2-it's a no no to draw from dissimilar batteries....not good for either
So, to improve things, this year I have:
*added 1-1/2 inch high density foam inside my ice box (used as fridge)
This not only improved the insulation but reduced the interior volume a bit
both add to efficiency
*removed the group 27 "deep/start" and replaced with 2 more 6 Volt golf cart batteries....4 total now...al the same
*switched out the conventional charge controller for a blue Sky MPPT unit
This set up is working so well thay even tho the last 2 days have been sun/cloud mix, it has kept up with the fridge (engel plate in ice box) and a small engel cooler now used and my "freezer" with meats inside. This morning waking up it was still at 12.39.
Very happy with the addition of the lil "freezer" and the system performance
And gotta thank:
http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/solar_controller_testing
and
http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/deep_cycle_battery
Great articles
Don't want to turn this into a solar/battery thread but thought I'd share how Allure's new set up is working "out here"
Day break this morning.....
Solar panel tipped down awaiting the Rays...
Nice! Thank you Frank. I really enjoy the pics. I wish others would really wake up this site with more pics!
The temp was up only 1 degree, but the wind dropped enough to make it feel warmer so I got motivated and had a "domestics day"
Boat looked like a Chinese "junk" ;D
2-5 gallon pails and a plunger....away I went... :o
;D ;D
Boy is THAT a familiar sight!!
Been there, done that ;D
I always add a third clothes pin in the middle- have had sudden gusts cause trouble
yesterday was finally a light wind day so several of ua took a slow sail up to Manjack.
Thought I'd treat all the "winter bound" folks to some Bahama beach pictures
Allure anchored near "Brendal's dock"
Marie and Feebee playing with a Stingray
Back ocean beach
We all walked around the point into the NW cove
later we all gathered for a pork chop grill, tunes and drinks for sundown.
awesome day!!
Days like this make the crappy ones worth while :D
Thanks for posting the pictures Frank.
Looks like a real nice place to be.
Weather wise, beats the 7 degree day here in NH anyway LOL
Yep......I got an amail from home. Will go into the -30's tonight!!
Glad to be here. :D
Edit: last Saturday was -43 with the wind chill !!!
Went to go into a little locals bar....
I didn't qualify to enter :D ::)
Quote from: Frank on February 14, 2016, 10:34:02 AM
I didn't qualify to enter :D ::)
What's that quote by Groucho Marx...
"I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member." ;)
Winds finally laid down enough that 4 of us headed up to Powell Cay. Nice close reach up. Winds are to lay down more later.....a bit of a washing machine feeling at anchor right now.
Great Beachs here and the sunset tonight was awesome.
Will spend tomorrow walking and helping another boat with OB issues.
Allens Pen next....
Thank You for the pics, keeps me going and reawakens the want to get out there
Choices..... ;)
That quote: "the hardest part of a voyage is leaving the dock"
Yep. After that it's just keep on keeping on.
I should mention I'm jealous. Talked to a bud today who just returned from Turks and Caicos
He was describing the water. Told him to stfu. :)
But ai'm going sailing tomorrow at
least
Good beach day at Powell. Water is super clear! Pic is about 12ft.
Wind shifting so the flotilla sailed to Allens-Pen. Just got anchor down 20 minutes ago. Jeff caught a big mutton snapper coming over. Grilled fish tonight!
Pic is passing Spanish Cay
Great meal.....fed 7 of us!
Great evening....unplanned....as all the good ones are...
Sunset at Allens P
Was the snappa' caught trolling or bottom fishing? Enquiring minds.....
Trolling while underway here....pink "hoola hoops"
Jeff was happy!!
Good beach day yesterday at Allens-Pen
Gang aboard last night for a spagetti dinner n tunes
never get sick of the sunsets.....
Tonight was a music evening. Unplanned guitar, harmonica and bongo's.... fun evening.
I never get tired of sunsets !!
Hope I'm not posting too many...
Tonight from the lee side of Allens-Pensacola.....looking W over the Sea of Abaco
took the dingy's up to Guineaman's Cay to do some beach combing.
anchored on the lee side and walked across to the ocean
the girls found this super wierd "egg" type thing on the beach.
basket ball sized....thick skin...and when we peeled back a piece..
the inside is like an 'organ'.....flesh like.....
too wierd!!! anyone ever seen one? know what it is??
too cute a shot not to share for dog lovers...
Morgan and Feebee cruise with 3 Yorkie's
when approaching...they use line feeds to see who's coming
a very cute "welcome"
Left Allens-Pen at 7:30 and had a great reach most of the way to Grand Cay on the NW tip of the Abacos, 39 kt miles away. Seems not long ago I was at Little Harbour on the extreme SE end...
Not many "1st's" for me in the Abacos, but this was the 1st time into Grand.
Allure in back ground at anchor
pic into town from dock
Nice! As always, thanks for the pics. I am curious Frank, when you return each time to the Bahamas... does it seem like there is lots of new development? Or is it not so noticeable?
Not too much changes.....
Much like a small town, there is the odd new home here and there or addition being built....but nothing too major. Since 2008 things have slowed. They are SO affected by the USA economy here....as are we in Canada...
Seems there is a bit of confidence beginning again and used home sales are up a "bit"
Grand has seen changes. Rosie pretty well runs the show here and since Walkers Cay closed in 04, he has added and built.
For the uber rich...the Bakers Bay development on Guana has done well. World class private golf coarse and lots starting at a million!!
Other than that.....about the same...
OK.....the "egg" mystery....
It was too weird....
Thick leather like skin you could peel back, totally detached from the "sack" inside. The sack was pink and had an outer, semi transparent "skin" on it. You could push in on the inner sack and it was soft....but not too soft.
It all looked and felt too wierd.
We took it to other boaters, several have been cruising for many years. No one knew what it was. Jokes of sea monster eggs and alien beings kept keeping into the conversation.
After a day of curiosity and looking on the net, we were no further ahead..
An autopsy was performed.....
This is what a Water Mellon looks like after being in sea water for a while :o
Must have fallen off a cruise ship and washed up ashore....
Mystery solved. ;D
Sunrise just now......
Every bit as beautiful as sunsets !!
Quote from: Frank on February 22, 2016, 06:43:37 AM
OK.....the "egg" mystery....
It was too weird....
Thick leather like skin you could peel back, totally detached from the "sack" inside. The sack was pink and had an outer, semi transparent "skin" on it. You could push in on the inner sack and it was soft....but not too soft.
It all looked and felt too wierd.
We took it to other boaters, several have been cruising for many years. No one knew what it was. Jokes of sea monster eggs and alien beings kept keeping into the conversation.
After a day of curiosity and looking on the net, we were no further ahead..
An autopsy was performed.....
This is what a Water Mellon looks like after being in sea water for a while :o
Must have fallen off a cruise ship and washed up ashore....
Mystery solved. ;D
Pheww! :o I thought we were going to have to nuke the Bahamas to get rid of the "Alien" or aliens ;)
There's a few "alien's" on this cruise :o
We all took our dingy's for a tour to the ocean beach.
Water colour was awesome!!
Everybody like's beach combing....but....Feebee is the "beach rat"
After lunch we headed to the NW cove's long beach.
Lengthy dingy ride but totally worth it!
There was NO one but us on the beach!!
Were treated to a Mature, I assume mother Ray and her younger one in shallow water for about 15 minutes!!
Neat to see
Quick shower, then steak dinner on Morgan's big trawler. GREAT DAY!!!
We did a day trip to Walkers Cay. I was there years ago when it was still operating, then again in Nov. 04 after 2 back to back hurricanes caused a ton of damage. They've since ripped down the buildings except for the church.
Felt odd looking at an empty hot tub and black water pool, remembering getting drinks served sitting in it years ago from a now demolished bar.
High NW winds forecast so yesterday we headed to the SW bay on Great Sale Cay. I had to stop at Double Breasted Cay on the way. The water colour is unreal there.
The wind hit about 1am last night. Hunkered down here until Saturday, then continue back SE.
It has been an awesome few weeks. Feels so good to be back exploring.
Walkers hot tub n pool
Double Breasted colours
When the wind hit, it did a 90+ degree shift and as typical....was strongest as it hit.
We all dragged somewhat.
During the dreaded "anchor" exchanges.... I always say go with the one, from experience, you can sleep with in a blow
Pics are from anchor the next morning. Waves n wind always look smaller in pictures, but it was gusting over 30
After 2 days on the hook, we were treated to a nice 38 kt mile sail back to Allens-Pensacola. Supplies are getting low so back to GTC SOON
OK.....we all screw up!
Anchoring...docking...whatever. If you are out, sooner or later you ARE the show.
Last week I was below reading when I heard what sounded like "my" out board outside. I went up to find friends bringing it back. It had untied and drifted away. Yep...I got teased!
So.....today on the sail to Allens Pen....I looked back and my dingy was gone. Did a 180 and got on the VHF.
Yep....the boat behind had grabbed it for me. Bad news was its the same crew that rescued it the 1st time.....
So.......this is how it was delivered back to me. :D
Not a darn thing I could say..... :o
Sunset tonight at Allens-Pen
Get http://www.animatedknots.com/indexboating.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com#ScrollPoint (http://www.animatedknots.com/indexboating.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com#ScrollPoint) ;D
I've got the book of knots aboard......
I know..... I know.....
:-[. :o
Me dumb....
been there, done that. Once was because I didn't tie it right, the other was because tow bridle wore through
NASTY surprise to look back and see just water!!!
Tim
Don't want to co-oped the thread
But thank you for this link, i haven't seen it before.
Quote from: Tim on February 27, 2016, 09:02:54 PM
Get http://www.animatedknots.com/indexboating.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com#ScrollPoint (http://www.animatedknots.com/indexboating.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com#ScrollPoint) ;D
A few years back, I had my Aleutka anchored in Boot Key Harbor, outside the mooring field, just off the Dockside cafe. Came back to the dinghy dock after a day ashore and guess what...no dinghy! I'm pretty sure it was untied by a drunken boater from the marina there who was harrassing me for anchoring outside the mooring field. Luckily, the harbor is almost fully enclosed and I was able to pull my little inflatable out of the leeward mangroves the next morning when it was light out. Still, not a good feeling to lose it!
:) Been there Woody- In March, 2010, I counted 72 dinghies on the BIG dock,, and about 20 on the little one
We were anchored out also. I think there were about 460 boats in the harbor, or so they said.
Part of the big dinghy dock-One more pier not shown, for hard dinghies
(http://img.trailersailor.com/174/2016/145669466029.jpg)
Quote from: Frank on February 27, 2016, 07:56:17 PM
Bad news was its the same crew that rescued it
They have a good sense of humor for sure:)
Yep....they do have great humour!
Been just lazing around Manjack. Went for a nice ocean beach walk yesterday. Not a soul on it....beautiful!
Jeff....who sings and plays guitar, having a sunset 'zen moment' last night on his fore deck
Here's a rare boat....
Commissioned and sailed all over the carribean by A. O. Halsley until his passing (A.O. Was a true character!)
Now owned and sailed by his friend George...
George sailed in and anchored for a visit this morning
It's a Lyle Hess 26
Yep....not a Falmouth OR Bristol Channel cutter...but a 26!
Only about 5 built
SWEET!!!
Picture is anchored at Manjack.
It truly is a small world. Here, over 2000 miles from home, on the boat to the left is a couple from my area. In fact Sue was born at the same hospital as I was. A trawler (just out of the picture) travelling with us is owned by a couple born a half hour drive from home. Nope....we didn't know each other before..
My 1st sailing pic
Hard to take solo :o
Had just left Allens-Pensacola (back ground) and sailing to Manjack
14-16 knot breeze, close reach, making 4.8 to 5.6+
Great pics........thanks!!
"Glory B" just emailed me a couple more....
A few days ago the ladies got together on one boat to do art work. Some painted pictures, other painted up floatsum or shells
This is what Mike's outboard looked like when his wife brought it back.
moral of story...
Do NOT leave your dingy alone with a group of drinking women! :D
Uh Oh!!!
Spent some time at Manjack, then Green Turtle.
Sheena2 hosted a huge turkey dinner last night...awesome!!
Glory B even baked a double chocolate cake!! ruffin it :D
2 of the boats I've been cruising with are heading back west as next week has good crossing windows. No plans and with a great E wind, I thought I'd sail up to Allens-P to get a few more vists in before they left. Very good run all the way.
pic of the boats at anchor here
and yes....another sunset! Jeff on P J Whoopie made me a conch horn
got to try it out at sunset tonight
I'll apologize for another sunset pic
They just never get old to me...
last night:
And........tonight's....
Allens-Pensacola is a remote out island (no inhabitants)
Tonight we had a totally unplanned beach bonfire night complete with amplified vocals, awesome electric guitar (a pro....Jeff) and great company.
Handshakes and hugs as I left in my dingy. I won't see 6 of them, God willing, until next year.
A "good bye" night. They head home...I'm heading S
It has been so awesome to get to know these folks better cruising this year!!
Always kinda sad...
Yep- leaving newly found, very nice folks is the downside. But when you meet again, it's usually as if you never separated
HUGE St Patty's day golf cart parade followed by a "every child counts" fund raiser at my favorite ratty bar.
Great day!!!!
Great B day!!!
At 7am, my friends downs syndrome boy greeted me with "happy birthday Frank" and gave me this card....
Nearly brought tears.....
How can a B Day get better?
Beautiful!!
And they are so open and guileless. Isn't it a shame the rest of us aren't as open?
A great card.
Thank you for the wonderful ongoing updates and photos.
Happy birthday, Frank!
Happy birthday Frank, and thank you for being you and sharing it with us. :)
Super sweet card! Happy Birthday Frank. Thank you for taking us along on a cool trip.
Happy birthday Frank!
May it be a good one :o
Thanks for all the pictures you post from your adventures.
Thanks guys!!!
Hauled anchor late morning and headed S.
It was rolling quite a bit at "Don't Rock Passage" but not unmanagable.
Wind will be changing and making a trip to the southern Abacos harder shortly. Both "the Whale passage" (outside) and "Don't Rock" (inside...shallow draft required) get nasty!
It dawned on me this morning hauling anchor that other than 2 nights at Indiantown when I first rigged Allure, stepped the mast etc.....we have never been to a dock other than fuel/water....never plugged in either.
EDIT: I forgot the night at the west end Marina after crossing the stream. Tied up, but didn't plug in.
Anchored at Treasure Cay tonight....hopefully Man Of War tomorrow
Treasure Cay is a good spot to re provision. Not as busy/hectic as Marsh Harbour but although a smaller store, it is bigger with far more selection and way better prices than the smaller Cays. The bank has an ATM as well so a great place to get cash....not all that easy elswhere. The basin now has mooring balls. I guess they can get more in this way....it was always good holding here.
Ended up at Guana for a few days, then Marsh Harbour for supplies.
It has been a good bye period. !st was Glory B and Sheena's crew's. Then yesterday a farewell to Cam and Jan, tonight a farewell to Reg and Marie as well as Bob and Alice. I hate this time of year! All great cruising folks I've known for years and hope to see again! Good news is the pot luck meal get togethers and music have been great!
Party on Cam and Jan's ketch
Tonights fare well to Reg and Marie, Bob on guitar, Alice beside
Anchored fleet at Marsh Harbour
(http://sailfar.net/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=4593.0;attach=6415;image)
Wow, print-worthy!
Started a slow sail to Treasure Cay 2 days ago. About 1/2 way here I noticed 2 sailboats anchored in the lee of a point. Bagged from all the party dinners, I pulled in, dropped the hook and had a 5 hour nap! You KNOW you've been partying too much when you can have a 5 hour nap and then a good nights sleep later on.
It was an easy broad reach into Treasure Cay yesterday. An associate is flying in toorrow to a rental condo for a few days and I'll be doing the toour guide thing. Got some supplies today. Great spot to get groceries, booze, cash and fuel/water....but too Americanized. It lacks the "out island charm". The beach is incredible!!
Mooring field
beach/water
my micro loaner dingy....yes it IS a "wet ass dingy" :o
Left early this morning headed back to Green Turtle. The Whale passage was just gentle swells so even tho near low tide, I opted for "don't rock"..... a shallow water short cut. Made it across with less than a foot below the keel. Gotta truly love shallow draft boats! Time and time again they make life simpler and easier.
Once at Green Turtle, I had to anchor out front as Black Sounds mooring balls were full. Just a mild chop so not too bad.
Allure anchored out front
The fleet in Black Sound
A sail up to Manjack yeasterday for a beach bonfire party with several musicion's at the S bay. Great evening!
Sailed up to the N anchorage late morning. Prettier beach, more protected and nicer views. Several others here as well.
Going.....
Gone
just never gets old...
The last thing I did before hitting the bunk was let out about 30ft more rode as high winds were forecast.
Was awakened at 2:30am with the worst gusts laying Allure over. Hard to get back to sleep as I was doing that "anchor watch" thing....
You've all been there....
After about 30 minutes, feeling fairly confident Allure was holding, I turned on my Ipad, pulled up Isailor and set a 50ft radious on the 'anchor watch' alarm.
Woke up this morning....still gusting hard, still in the same place and at 7am 3 of the 4 boats beside me were there, the 4th had drug well out into the Sea of Abaco.
They're back in and re-set now....musta felt strange waking up "alone" out there ;)
We all have our preferences......I do trust my delta.
Music seems such a part of cruising....
Unplanned 'jams' happen often as do cockpit party's with someone playing.
More friends leave today so yesterday was a 'cruisers jam' at Pinapples in the afternoon followed by a cockpit part later.
great sunset too
Quote from: Frank on March 12, 2016, 03:53:19 PM
I'll apologize for another sunset pic
They just never get old to me...
Your telling about the music there, goodbyes to friends, and words about the sunset brings to mind this...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ouyC24IFlo&nohtml5=False
Very cool
Thanks for the link and yes, would be a fitting tune with all the good byes lately.
Slow sail to Bluff Bay today to visit my Swiss friends LuLu and GiGi.
They've circumnavigated and lived aboard for over 30yrs (other than their flights home for medical etc)
Great folks!!
At 71, still have that 'twinkle in the eye' and full of life!!
GiGi and LuLu
Allure anchored in Bluff Bay (panel tipped to sun)
Pretty spot!
Oh man, it looks fun with all the company you have down there. We seem to be in the vanguard of the northbound cruisers. We're stuck in Cape May all week with North winds, but the anchorage and town are empty. It's kinda lonely.
Yep....
It truly is the people you meet along the way that make it special!!
A week to haul out so that "mental shift" is setting in....
Trying to still enjoy the moment but haul out 'to do' lists and my spring at home work lists are sure creepng in...
pic of Allure was yesterday after a bit of rain.
Just sailed into town from Manjack. Spent a few days anchored, visiting old nieghbors.
Yesterday was high winds, rain and thunder. Read and cleaned/tidy'd the interior. Sure was nice waking up to a neat clean boat this morning...
Last night the wind gusts were over 30. Anchored in the Lee so not much wave action but sure rattled Allure a few times. Once in the middle of the night a gust hit, the anchor rode groaned and jerked taunt on the bow roller. Then silence....
That "silence" that typically means your dragging...
Up, out of the bunk to check but all was good. Still took a while to get back to sleep...
Awoke to sunshine and winds down to about 20.
Decided to sail off the anchor and had a great beam reach down to Green Turtle.
It struck me how all this will change soon....no more blue-green water, white sand Beachs or spontaneous sails for a while...
Still a full week to haul out..
I'm going to try and enjoy every minute
I hear ya...I'm starting work in about two weeks and am not ready at all...
Last day "floating"...
Haul out tomorrow at 9am.
A bit depressed, but it has been an awesome winter. Allure has taken me from literally one end of the Abacos to the other stopping at almost every point in between.
I'm actually looking forward to being home, feeding the deer and yard work.
There is something about "home"...
In late June my ole trailersailing buddy Rick will meet me at Lake Champlain.
Will be fun to explore it on our little cat boats for 9 days.
I'm sitting here, looking out from the town dock over the Sea of Abaco, the sleepy little hamlet of New Plymouth behind me thinking how different both the view and "life" will be shortly.
I guess that's what makes it so special Upon returning.....
Thanks for sharing it all with us, Frank. I'll be looking forward to hearing about Lake Champlain.
Quote from: Frank on April 24, 2016, 09:18:47 AM
Last day "floating"...
Haul out tomorrow at 9am.
A bit depressed, but it has been an awesome winter. Allure has taken me from literally one end of the Abacos to the other stopping at almost every point in between.
I'm actually looking forward to being home, feeding the deer and yard work.
There is something about "home"...
Sounds like a good balanced life to me Frank.
Thanks for sharing your adventure & have a safe trip home!
Bob
What does it cost to haul and store a boat in the Bahamas?
The yard at Green Turtle is very well run, safe and they are professional.
Paved, fenced, security cameras.
Boats are blocked, strapped and set in a 'wooden cradle"
$7ft/mth last time I checked
That's real reasonable. A lot easier than sailing back an forth every year, assuming you don't live in FL.
It sure simplify's cruising here. I have hauled at 3 different places in Florida over the years. Even taking Indiantown for an example...once launched you have a day to Manetee Pocket (Stuart), another day to Lake Worth, how ever many days there waiting for a window to cross, a day to cross, another long, boring day to Great Sale....and then it begins to feel like "Abaco cruising".
Hauled here, fly in, take small ferry from Treasure Cay (airport) to Green Turtle, the captain drops you off right at the boat yard dock, prep boat (same as you had to in Florida...only less mold to clean up) and you splash. Too simple, fast and easy.
Funny thing is I will be flying back here in November to launch and then sail to Florida, get my new dingy and a ton of other things, provision while there and sail back to cruise.
We're loosely considering the same thing in New England. It's already clear that there's way more stuff we'd like to see here than we could see in a single season. We could rush back in Fall and rush up again in spring or we could just haul the boat for the winter. The back and forth is more fun when it's new. There are a lot of places we've been to 4 times now and it's harder to get excited. It's harder to haul out for a season when you don't have a house, though.
Dry....
Hauled, blocked and strapped down.
Will start taking things down this afternoon.
Wash n wax tomorrow..
Excited to get home but Geez it's hard to leave.....
Quote from: ralay on April 25, 2016, 07:43:36 AM
We're loosely considering the same thing in New England. It's already clear that there's way more stuff we'd like to see here than we could see in a single season.
You could spend 10 years cruising New England & never get bored Ralay.
Problem is it is a short sailing season, lot of fog in Maine during june/july & storing a boat up here for the winter isn't cheap.
Forgot to mention there are year round marinas in Boston & Portland but compared to N.C. it does get wicked cold up here typically. I go down to the carolinas in the winter & walk around in shorts. The locals look at me like I got a screw loose while they're bundled up in their michelin jackets.
Stripped, wahed n waxed and oil change.
1-1/2 HOT windless full sun days in a paved boat yard...
I'm hot, sweaty and totally bagged! Not used to the heat! Way nicer floating with a breeze!!
Off to the showers.....rum to follow...
Looks awfully bare stripped...
Frank,
Sorry the season has to end, but many thanks for providing an opportunity for those of us to the north a chance to sail the Abacos vicariously through you. I've truly enjoyed the pics and stories!
Have a safe trip home.