Month: January 2013

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A Deja Vu Surprise

We love a calm sail, anywhere in the 60 – 120 degree zone is fine and boy we sure nailed one for the 7 hour trip to Thompson Bay, Long Island. We exited Elizabeth Harbor via the south “cut” which is wide enough to be relatively benign and noticed several boats ahead of us and a blue-hulled Nordic Tug behind- yep was Northstar headed for Conception Island. So far this was a one engine motor trip, but when the wind got up to 7kts we raised the main, unfurled the jib and before long were enjoying the ideal sail.  About this same time we crossed the Tropic of Cancer and officially entered the Tropics! No wonder the temp gauge reached 85!   For a while we slid along at 5kts in water calm enough to easily see bottom in 12-15ft.

We notice sails behind us which turn into being a catamaran which turns out to be Déjà Vu.

Sailing slowly, Deja Vu catches up.

Sailing slowly, Deja Vu catches up.

Before I realized who it was, the camera was out and I was poised to hail the boat. Why?  For that elusive photo of us under sail and what a great opportunity; a beautiful, calm, sunny day in the tropics!  Now that we KNEW the boat I was all smiles as I hailed them; Helen answered and said we’d inspired them to get that minor engine repair done and head to Long Island.

We are probably doing about 3kts now.

We are probably doing about 3kts now.

We took pictures of each other and of course by the time they caught up, the wind died down and soon after we resorted to motor-sailing.

By 3pm we’d dropped the Rocna in Thompson Bay which is a large anchorage on Long Island’s western shore about mid-island and the place where most boats spend at least a few days. Russ enjoyed a kayak tour of the north section where we’d joined 6 other boats, mostly cats. Saturday we’d join Déjà Vu and Yvonne of Options III for a walk to the beach and some serious beach combing.

Long Island’s northernmost point is Cape Santa Maria, named for Christopher Columbus’ ship. The island is roughly 80 miles long and no wider than 4 miles. “The most beautiful island in the world”, according to Chris’s log book- but then again this was only his third New World stop. It is perhaps one of the most dramatic islands of The Bahamas in natural beauty, with bold headlands, towering cliffs along with rolling hills- not to mention miles and miles of beaches. The prettiest sit on the west (banks) side. Those with the most to offer a beach comber sit on the east (ocean side) where the wind and waves move “you name it” on to shore in a never-ending refill of treasures. With a large population of 3,500 the island was/is fairly prosperous. The settlements are spread out, many with long stretches of “not much” in between.

Driftwood beach art at nearby mangrove flats

Driftwood beach “art” at nearby mangrove flats

PHOTO 143

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George Town: not the end of the line

The weather dictates much of our cruising lives and Monday, Jan 14, 2013 was no exception. Woke up to fairly low wind and with that we knew things would be alright. Anchor up at 8am and once out the cut and into Exuma Sound, we aired out those big white hankies and sailing south we did go; as did at least 15 other boats. Was a day not to be missed unless you wanted to stay put. Tacked once to keep sailing and not resort to motor sailing like so many who JUST WANTED TO GET THERE ASAP.
By 4pm we’d gotten ourselves anchored in Kidd’s Cove; looked behind us and hey there was Northstar who we’d met in Nassau. Made a quick trip in to the market; first removing some cash from the ATM at Scotia Bank across the street. The next day was a major re-stocking day; many water jugs filled, 3 jugs of diesel, outboard gas, a big market trip (lucky us that fresh produce just came in), liquor store, library for trading and regular lending and after all that another stop at the ATM was required. Wed the propane truck would be in and Russ would take our empty tank in for an $11 fill-up. Thursday, the wine we wanted was in at the liquor store, so we headed in for a wifi fix first. This wine is one we’ve never found anywhere else and the single bottle price is $7.15- not bad right? Buy 3 the price drops to $6.44 and for 6 or more the price is $5.50 each. Lazo, Sauvignon Blanc from Chile- the best deal in the Bahamas. Helps to counter the high cost of everything else. 🙂

Looking out at Kidd's Cove as we dinghy out from Lake Victoria.

Looking out at Kidd’s Cove as we dinghy out from Lake Victoria. (Northstar is the blue Nordic Tug)

Kidd’s Cove is a temporary anchoring spot, usually a bit lumpy, but boats move to there because not having a mile-long wet dinghy ride is a huge plus. We like Sand Dollar Beach and moved there Tuesday afternoon. Matina was there and welcomed us. Finally, on Thursday we found time and lower winds to tour the harbor in Ms Bunting. Re-connected with a few boats we knew and so ok, now we were ready to move on. The forecast was looking good for our much wished-for visit to Long Island, approx 40 miles SE of Elizabeth Harbor. Come Friday we hoped to be at least motor-sailing to Long Island- and do you know what occurs (to everyone) along the way? Hint- it happens at 23 27.00