Highborne Cay

Changing the course to Highborne turned out to be a good decision.  We slept in for the first time in days.  Ayrton was craving Raisin Brand  for breakfast but they didn't have any in their limited selection of $9.00 cereal boxes.  He ended up with SkittleFors and a soda while I had ice cream and a soda.

We expected Liberty to be at Allens Cay around 1 pm so we loaded up the snorkel gear and headed out over the two miles separating Allens and Highborne.  As we passed SW Allens Cay we could see Liberty in the anchorage.  They had arrived at 12:45.

A snorkeling trip to places we had not ventured before due to rowing the Walker Bay last time produced a couple of conchs and two speckled hinds.  After wards we invited them down to Highborne  the next day.

We finally strolled out of bed the next day just in time to greet the dinghy with Ben and Daren on board.  A short trip to Highborne Yacht Club for more ice cream and soda and we were off to the reef snorkeling.  Our big toll for the day was only two conch and a blue runner Ayrton caught on the conch scraps.  We noticed the local guy were hammering the small reef heads with fish traps in the afternoon and picking them up the next morning.  Most likely the reason we are seeing less grouper this year.   For some reason not a single lobster has been seen today.

Now that Liberty is anchored only a short distance away we are headed off to Normans Cay tomorrow.    Perhaps they will take a hike up to Carlos's House if it is still there.  We have heard of new construction  and grading on Normans but not to what extent.

Calling the Bluff

Calling the Bluff to an end.

Our last full day at Morgans Bluff was in less than favorable weather.  The wind was blowing 15-20 and gusting around 25.  This kept the pt at Morgans in a perpetual washing machine.  We took the dinghy ride to the bar in these conditions and the dinghy motor decided it had too much to drink (water) and would barely run.  Once inside the small inner harbor we drained the water from the float bowl an it did run somewhat better.

We were able to upload some f the photos tot he blog and check the weather on the less than perfect internet.  Aft checking the passage weather site for the upcoming weather we headed back to Gemini Dreams.  The Mercury was only slightly better and bay was full of 3 foot confused waves.  Once aboard we decided not to go back for ice.  Later in life this will prove to be an unwise decision.  We settled in for a rocky evening.

As the sky became lighter the next morning I dreaded getting out of bed.  Over the last 8 hours I may have slept two.  Even with the anchor alarms on and one of the anchors being wrapped around a 3 foot cube of solid concrete thoughts of lying on the beach with the other wrecks made for an uneasy night.  I eventually crawled up the companion way to find the crew of Liberty already retrieving their anchors.

With them already in this process it meant it was time to take a morning dive and unwrap the anchor chain from the 3 cubic foot mass.  Just what you need to wake you up on a cool march morning at 7 am.  I was originally surprised that the chain had not drawn tighter and under the mass but then I remembered how hard the bottom is here at Morgans.  With the Fortress and chain in hand I started to swim to Gemini Dreams but eventually dropped them and swam back to the boat as it gained momentum.  She wasn't going far with the Manson out but I needed the Fortress close enough to pick it up without problems.  All went well.

Finally we were free to raise the sails and head out of the channel.


One thing we have been doing on this trip is using the hand lines instead of the trolling rods.  In shear ease of use they excel.  If only they would catch a fish other than a barracuda.  We really hadn't expected anything other than barracuda from Bimini to Morgans but we wanted to practice with the hand lines.  Finally as we crossed the Tongue of the Ocean we had another fish on.  Not expecting a barracuda in 2,000 plus feet of water we were excited.  As we pulled the line in hand over hand we could see green, then blue, then gold.  Wooo Hooo!  We finally had a Mahi!  Pulling in a Mahi hand over hand is easy and quick with the hand lines.  Since our goal is food not a fun little fight on a $2,000 daily charter we are now hooked on trolling with hand lines.  We have even found a way to set up small outriggers using the other rods or pole spears to get a few extra feet from the center line.

Now if we only had that ice we didn't care to brave the elements to get last night.  No fear for we had s/v Liberty a few hundred yards away with a refrigerator on board.  The seas on The Tongue of The Ocean were not participating so we left it dressed until we hit the banks a few miles ahead.   Once in shallow water and smaller waves we cleaned the big Bull Mahi (39.5 inches) and arranged a pick up.  We talked on the radio about throwing a line between the boats and dragging it from boat to boat but as theory became reality I ended up trying to hand off with Ben.  Finally I made a toss for the cockpit of Liberty and made the touchdown.  We kept a small filet for lunch as it was mid afternoon and we had skipped breakfast.

A FISH! OH SO GOOD!  THEY GOT ME A FISH!

Sailing south on the big island (New Providence) allowed us a close up breath of the trash burn.  At least I assumed it was a trash burn with the smell of burning plastic and little foils of carbon hitting the main sail occasionally that look to have been paper once.  The smoke trailed for miles almost a thousand feet high and a mile thick as we passed.  This is where Liberty could sense that our day sail may once again end up late into the night.  They chose to anchor near the big island for the night.

Another barracuda one we hit the Exuma Bank.  At least we had pulled in our good lures.

We sailed on toward Allens Cay as the day concluded.  Three and a half hours out I asked Ayrton if h wanted to go on to Allens or anchor the the evening and make dinner.  Since the boy does very little other than sleep on the passages he was all for continuing on.  Two hours outside Allens I asked about detouring to Highborne Cay as the entry to the anchorage was easier after dark.  As he thought seriously about the already made decision I changed the course plus two degrees.  At 9:30 we anchored about 150 yards from the rocky shore of Highborne Cay.

Morgans Bluff 3-2\8-2014

Other than an impending doom of the rear stay repair before moving on we have had a good time, island time, here at Morgans.

We took the first day, Sunday, to snorkel the wall here and pulled up a couple of lobsters along with two lion fish.  Darren and Ben treated us to Salad and fried the conch from Bimini Ayrton had so joyously hammered into "cracked conch".  We also supplied some fresh made conch salad to top it off. 

On our second day, Monday,  we headed west toward the second anchorage, yes there are more than one here but it is open to the swells.  We found a small reef, more of a small barrier wall just as the water starts to get 8 feet.  We were able to get another 4 lobsters.  Tonight we made cajun alfreado with blackened lobster for the four of us.   Today Ayrton also took his new car out for a spin.  One of the things we collected from the cruisers net in Boot Key was a used kayak for $15.  One small patch and he was on his way.  He loves the new found freedom.  Thirteen hasn't decided yet.

Our third, Tuesday,  day was in search of a real reef.  We tried the barrier reef just outside and north of the channel.  We found nothing of real interest.  Then off to the next section toward the north where the swell was breaking over it.  Ben and Darren's little dinghy was low on fuel so I asked if they wanted to go to the island or continue to the reel.  Island.  Off we went dropping the fortress just east (windward) of the island.  Seems everyone but me saw a lobster but no one brought on home.  Ayrton decided he was bored and started shooting the squirel fish.  

Next we went to the leeward side fof the island and found a beautifull reef.  It was what we were looking for all day!  They continued to randomly shoot the squirel fish and I got a small gheioshs.  Seems like we all followed this Nassau grouper on the reef but never got a close shot.  Dinner was fish tacos.

Day four, Wednesday, was the relaxation day with each crew doing their own thing.  We fixed the back stay and reorganized the cockpit on Gemini Dreams.  Ben and Darren went to Nichols Town for some shopping and to buy the paranoid "Gremlin in the bilge" a phone.  The rain came an wet everything.  Luckily the locals are not Americans and gave the crew of Liberty a ride to, a tour of the town, and a ride back to Morgans.   Thirteen decided to swim back to the boat from the kayak today. 

Day five, in preperation for the on coming front I wrapped one of our anchors around a 3 cubic foot block of concrete.  Tried to upload some of our pictures but was unsuccessful.  I also tried to get Ayrton caught up on his school work.  A squal came through in the early evening putting an explamation point on anchoring here in Morgans. The walls reflections make sitting here uncomfortable to say the least.

Day six, Friday the blow,  windy days and rainy days are stressful relaxation.  On windy days you worry about the anchor.  On rainy days you worry about the power or lack of power.  No snorkeling, no fishing just waiting on the next day in paradise.  Just getting to the bar to type this up and keep you posted was an adventure. 

Day seven, Saturday,  off to see the wizard once again.  Click your heals together and think there is no place like the Exumas, There is no place like the Exumas.  

W

So There We Were Sailing Along

About two miles out of Morgans Bluff and over fourteen hours into the passage I was trying to relax for a few minutes before entering the Channel.  It was a balancing act trying to stay on the windward seat as the autopilot and cooler occupied the leward.  Thonkl!

What was that?  Didn't sound familiar.  As I sat up nothing was apparently wrong in the dark.  I turned my head light on (Those things are great on a boat) and continued to search.   Nothing amiss in the cockpit floor.  If it is down below oh well it will have to stay that way for about two and one half miles.  But the sound was unselttling so I headlighted the water to see if we had hit any debris in a futil attempt to see what happened 3 minutes ago.   Not sounding like a hull thump I wasn't worried about taking on water at the moment so the inspection continued.  The fore deck, cabin roof and railings all looked good.  The sails were still flying and I could see the spreaders and side stays were attatched.  Finally I turned the search onto the aft section of the boat.

WTF!  There was the port split stay dangling in the air.  The back stay is only a single wire ran from the port to the starboard ubolts.  Luckily it broke just under the crimp looping it to the back stay.   That half of the split stay kept our rig from going to Davey Jones and possibly pulling s/v Gemini Dreams under with it in the 15 plus knots.  

Ayrton! Ayrton get up!  As I rolled in the roller furler too lighten the load on the rigging there was no stirring down below.  Ayrton Get up NOW!  Sleepily he made it to the top of the stairs.  His inverter had kicked out and wouldn't power on earlier and I wasn't going to trouple shoot it in this wind so he decieded to sleep.  Once in the cockpit I told him.  "I have to get the sail down.  The rigging broke and the mast could be next.  Be prepared for the boat to go under!"  Off to the mast to haul the sail down.  

Everything went like clock work which was good for now, without sails, we were a cork in 6 foot seas.  During all the events so far i was trying to make a plan to secure the rear stay.  I decide the half inch line lying in the cockpit would do until Morgans.   After making the port stay secure with the line and only a couple miles out of Morgans it was time to share the news.

"Liberty, Gemini Dreams.  "This is Liberty."  "Seems we had a back stay fail.  All is okay now."  

W

Running to the Bluff

We had accomplished most of what we wanted to do in Bimini.  Check in.  Go to CJ's for conch fritters and fries a couple of times.  Make it half way up the island for Conch Salad at Stewart's (pronounced here as Staurts).  We also made an adventure with the expedition up the creek.  It was now time to go for the wind was in our favor over the next two days to make it to Morgans Bluff.

We utilized the westward wind that was blowing the day before departure to move from Bimini Blue Water Marina to the NE side of the island.  Here we anchored for the night as the wind clocke to the NW and allowed s/v Liberty a taste of things to come.

We pulled the anchor and were off before 7am with out enough wind to fill the sails.  As we motored SE toward Mackie Shoal the wind finally arrived allowing us to motor sail.  As we passed Mackie Shoal the wind had slowly increased and we were motor sailing at 6 knts.  We maintained this speed all the way until the Northwest Shoal.   Here we discussed the anchorage for the evening but the wind continued to build slowly.  We decided that since the North wind had increased steadily to 15 knots we would rather make way and head on to Morgans Bluff.  

As we rounded the NW Channel Marker and turned 20 degrees more south we expected the wind to be more to the stearn.  However as things go the wind changed to ENE at the same time.  The combination of lagging waves, The new wind direction complete with gusting and our route made for a very hard to balance boat.  Every gust whe wanted to helm up into the wind and the autopilot just couldn't keep up due to it's overall reach.  It would spend too much time maxed out during the gusts and kept walking us toward New Providence instead.  No combination of the main and genny would balance us but yet keep that wonderful 6 knts.  I could drop the speed and spend another hour on our way to Morgans or 86 the auto pilot and take over.   So here I was on the plus side of 6 knts hoping to be at Morgans channel in about two and a half hours.  

About two hours into the journey about 3 miles out of the channel the gusts had subsided and the autopilot had taken over once again.  The toll of 14 hours had settled in and I relaxed in the cockpit lying back agains a dry bag and the mandated type 4.  I was just trying to relax some not get any sleep as I knew there would be no problems finding Morgans Channel but entering in the NE wind and big waves would not be fun.  There was also the possibility of hitting the marker bouys if any still existed.  I wasn't afraid of the reef or bluff but those unlighted marker balls!

So here I was lying back with one hand holding me into the windward setee and one hand holding my jacket tail closed to stay warm and then it happened.

THONK!

W

Up the creek without Paddling.

One thing that is a great plus is the fact that we now use the motor on the dinghy.  Two years ago we rowed everywhere the dinghy went.  Needless to say it was a limiting factor especially at Morgan's Bluff.  Today we took a dinghy ride looking for the "Healing Hole".  We never found the final destination but had fun in the creek.  Life is an adventure!

Internet at the Straw Market

USA side of Bimini

Heading out for an adventure up the long channel inside North Bimini

Motoring along the creek as it opens up into the bight

Blue chart view of today's trip

Catch of the Day, 6 Conch per dinghy

We will be off soon toward Morgan's Bluff and hopefully a good supply of fish, conch, and lobster until we get tired of it.  

Gremlins in Bilge

We had a huge window of 7 days for a crossing to the Bahamas.  Of course some of those 7 were better than the others.  Day one and day two were occupied by s/v Liberty and the dinghy saga.  Day three was used for final stocking of items and a last meal on shore.

Wing and Wing on the way to Rodreguez Key

For a last meal we chose Burdine's for no other reason than it was close by.  As Ben and Darren entered the dinghy I offered Dockside as a second option.  We remained with Burdine's and took the chart books and iPad with us.  Of course dinner became an adventure but Brenda, our second waitress, made it all excellent.

Sunset over Rodriguez Key

Our plan was to leave by lunch on Monday and sail overnight to Bimini from Marathon.  This is when the "What if Gremlins" started to eat after midnight and seemed to get wet. So now instead of hours to get ready in the morning we were rushing to do it tonight so that we could leave to go to Rodriguez Key at 6:30 in the morning.  Just past sunset we anchored trying to eat, check weather and sleep a before for a 3 am wake up buzzer to go to Bimini.  By 11 something we were asleep with a NW changing to W forecast.

I woke at 2 am and stuck my head out, DAMN NE at 10.  Rechecking the weather everything said all on the other side of N but the reality of life was NE.  At 3 am I heard a Gremlin on the radio, "What do you think about this weather?"  Well it was time to go back to bed and try again tomorrow.

As the time got close I could here the Gremlin, "What do you think about this weather?" "All good" I answered.  Then a Gremlin put water on the oil pressure sensor.  As we crossed the reef, "What do you think about this weather?  "All good", I answered.  As we hit the Gulf Stream speeding onward at 9 knts in the little Vega... "What do you think about this weather?"  "Full sails! Wide open motor!" I answered.

Sunrise on the way to Bimini

About 30 miles from Bimini I powered down the motor and sailed for a little while at 7.7 knts.  As the speed fell to 6 knots with the falling wind I started the Honda once again.  The Gulf Stream is for getting there!  Islands are for day sails!  Get what you can while you can!   Better to be safe in an anchorage when the surprise squalls come than leisurely sailing along.

Liberty a mile out of Bimini after the wind blew out. 

We were never out of our comfort zone even with the 10-15 N winds crossing the stream (Forecast was for light and variable after Alligator Reef).   All those seminars about never crossing with any N in the forecast the Gremlin left white knuckle marks on the tiller.  Just like a pig on a bike that Gremlin going to go "Wheeee!".

Raising the Bahamas Flag after check in.

Good news is that the 32 foot s/v Liberty received a check in fee of only $150.  Also a plus is that we can still get conch after the Bahamas posted on the site last fall that cruisers would no longer be able to.


We will hit the next weather window and head toward Morgan's Bluff.  Time for some lobster and fish!

W

In the Bahamas

Arrived at Bimini Blue water at 10:30 am

Damn Rabid Dinghies

We went to a meeting the other night to support the boating community.  Actually it was a follow up meeting to the December meeting for which there are comments on the Boot Key Facebook Page in case you missed the basics.  The short summary of the meeting is as follows:

After attending the meeting last night if felt an immense presence of smoke in my shorts and shook my head all the way to the boat in disbelief.

I don't even know where to begin to explain the long version.  Nothing I could say would be anything other than my opinion.

1. First to openly admit that you have no clue to the exact law you are writing tickets for missing registrations on documented boats and dinghies. They then referred all Documented Boats to the Coast Guard to find out what they needed to make sure they were legal.  So... write tickets now and let the courts settle it!
2. Then there is the dinghy light issue.  Maybe a Ouija board or Rosetta Stone could help decipher their interpretation of what the Coast Guard said.   So... write tickets now and let the courts settle it!
3. On the 7mph dinghy dpeed you are at the mercy of their radar/plotter.  At least with this you have a definitive number that can be right or wrong.  But do you get undiputed proof that it is your dinghy?
4. The Coast Guard must have done a good job with the flare number and identification as this was to the book and simple.  
5. My favorite was the small outboard internal tank issue.  Seams you can bolt a 12 gallon tank to the floor of your dinghy, run a hose with all it's failure points to the motor and you do not need a fire extinguisher on the dinghy since it is not enclosed.  But if you have a 3.5 with the internal tank you need a fire extinguisher because "it is not removable!"  

So there you have it... the jist of the meeting.  It's all about the dinghy!  Not one word about fishing regulations while you are here in Florida!  

But it wouldn't be a meeting without a personal agenda from someone.  

Round about the cauldron go,

In the poisoned entrails throw.

Toad, that under cold stone

Days and nights has thirty-one

Sweltered venom sleeping got,

Boil thou first i' th' charmèd pot.

 Double, double toil and trouble,

Fire burn, and cauldron bubble.

Two little creatures missing their hats seemed to cast their spell trying to condemn a boat in the eyes of others.

Live and Let Live.
W