February 27-28, 2018 HopeTown Celebrations

February 27, 2018  Steve's day today

Big milestone since Steve turned 65 today!  Happy Birthday my dear.  I made him a brownie cake to celebrate.  Not the greatest but it is better than nothing.  I have to get used to cooking in a propane stove. 

We dropped off two of our propane tanks to get filled.  You leave them at the propane dock and then pick them up the next day and pay at one of the grocery store.

 

Afterwards, we  went to the beach and went snorkelling.  There wasn't a lot of fish since it was low tide.  The water was beautiful.  We brought our umbrella for shade and stayed for a couple of hours.  When we saw clouds rolling in, we went back to the boat since we had all our hatches opened. 

 

Steve read while I painted.  I decide to enter into a contest which is run in Hopetown every year.  You pay $1.00 for each canvas which has to be 10 X 10 and it has to be submitted by March 6.  It will be interesting first to see what I create and what others paint.

 

Getting all my supplies ready to paint

5:30pm - For Steve's gift, I brought him out to eat at Wine Down, Sip, Sip in Hopetown.  We then shared a piece of  cake.  Steve was pleasantly surprise and pleased with all the birthday wishes he received on Facebook. 

 

65 years old today

 

Came back to the boat and watched 3 episodes of Call the Midwife.  It is nice to finally have Wi-Fi and not pay for data.
Goodnight

February 28, 2018 Happy Birthday Lyla

Thinking of my grand daughter, Lyla, today who turned 8 years old.

We listened to the Cruiser's Net while having our breakfast and coffee.  They announced that there will be a power outage tomorrow from 9 to 2pm throughout the whole Abaco.  They need to upgrade their generators at Marsh Harbour plant. 

10:30am-  We found a new place in Hopetown that has laundry facilities and hardly anyone uses it.  We took advantage and did two loads.  There were manatees drinking water from a running tap. It was funny to see them share the area where the water was dripping.  

Steve read all afternoon while I worked on my painting since I have to submit it by March 6.

Had a great pork chop, potatoes, carrot and cabbage dinner.
 

 

February 25 & 26, 2018 Man O War

February 25, 2018 - Man O War

8:30am- Left Marsh Harbor 

9:30am- Anchored at Man O War.  It rained all the way.  It gave the boat a good clean. 

Steve made water for 3 hours once we anchored.  He then went snorkelling when the sun came out and got me treasures.  He got me eight sea biscuits in a matter of an hour.  

I was so thrilled.  Doesn't take much to please me.  

Had a spaghetti meal with wine and blew the conch when the sun went down,  

Watched a couple more series of Calling the Midwife.

Goodnight.

February 26, 2917  Ice Cream....

Woke up to a beautiful morning.  After breakfast, Steve made water and filled up the water tanks while I cleaned the inside of the boat.

We then went and walked around  Man O War and noticed certain changes from the last time we came.

A new board with history of boat builders with locations

Display of carved half boats

For lunch, we had ice cream.  Since we haven't had ice cream in a while, we really devoured and enjoyed the cone. 

We sure enjoyed our ice cream

 We stopped in to get tomatoes at the local grocery store and came out with a lot more... $40 worth

These were our neighbors anchored

Steve read while I painted all afternoon.  We made hamburgers for dinner.




Sunset had such a nice reflection on Steve's face

 Watched a couple of episodes of Calling the Midwife.

Goodnight.

 

 

 

February 19 - 24, 2018 - Marsh Harbour

February 19, 2018  Rocking and a rolling

It was sure rocking and rolling last night as we were anchored at Linear Cay.  We were going to stay for another night however there isn't much here. 

10:15am- We departed after having breakfast and coffee to Marsh Harbour.m Steve wants to get parts for the water maker and they only deliver Tuesday and Thursday.  It is very cloudy but not raining yet. 

It is a lot calmer here than Linear Cay. 

Went in town to bring in our garbage, top up our data plan at BTC and looked around some hardware store.  

Had pizza for dinner, and watched a movie.

Goodnight

February 20, 2018 Waiting for Parts at Marsh Harbor

We are planning on staying at Marsh Harbour until our parts come in.  We usually don't mind karaoke but last night we could hear from a distance people singing ( if that is what you call it) from the bar until 11pm and earlier in the evening we could hear someone singing opera from their boat.  I think people don't realize how your voice projects from the water.  We sure get entertained.  

  

There were a lot of boats anchored at Marsh Harbor

February 21, 2018  Lets Get Those Parts
Part of the morning was very frustrating with our water maker support team in Beamsville, Ontario.  We are very disappointed with their customer service. We were on the phone with them all morning trying to get the proper parts.  They knew a month ago when we contacted them we need the acid wash cartridge but never had it ready for us to get shipped.  It was on back order.  After very difficult to get anything shipped at a reasonable cost to the Bahamas but if you need it bad enough, you have to pay the extra money to get it here sooner.  Most things have to go to Fort Lauderdale and then Island Wing ships it to the Bahamas every Monday and Thursday.  Finally, after hours of frustrating conversations, the part is support to be in Fort Lauderdale tomorrow.  Unfortunately though, it will not be there on time for the Thursday shipment, so we will have to wait until Monday. 
In the meantime, we tried all over Marsh Harbor to get a specific glue for our dinghy.  One of the straps came off however no one has the glue for hypalon.  Someone told us we might be able to get some in Man O War.  At least it is not that big of a deal since we could fix when we bring the boat to Florida.
We also fixed the stern shower head which had a small crack in it.  So today was spent either trying to fix things or finding different parts. 

Later in the afternoon, I painted while Steve sat out on the boat.
After dinner, we watched a movie.
Goodnight.

February 22, 2018 - Let the rain clean GaYa

Update on our part situation
Looks like the parts have now arrived in Fort Lauderdale however not soon enough for us to get them today.  That means they will be flying in to Marsh Harbor airport on Monday. 

In the meantime, we dinghied in town to get groceries. We welcomed the rain before we left in order to clean the salt off the boat. Steve is sure getting a workout carrying most of the packages back to the dinghy since I placed all the heavy stuff in his bags.  That is probably why he is slimming down.
Steve managed to find a store who were selling used books and bought a couple of them.  Now he can relax and read while I learn some of my guitar.

We watched a movie.  Actually, we have been watching "Calling the Midwife" series and it is good. 
Goodnight.

February 23, 2018 Yeah Fresh Fruit

Marsh Harbour is the only place that always seem to have fruit and vegetables that haven't started rotting.  It is always hard to find even bananas on the island so I took advantage of the opportunity to buy some yesterday.  It was so nice to have fresh fruit with our yogurt this morning. 

8:15am- While having our breakfast and coffee, we sometimes listen to the cruisers net on VHF 68 for 30 minutes.  They inform boaters on weather, sea conditions, passage conditions  community events, local businesses invitations and open mic in the Abaco.  

10:30am- Walked around town to get some exercise.  We looks at the Wall of Heroes

 

3:00pm- We were so excited to find out our boat parts came in today and Steve took a taxi to the airport to pick them up.  We will be able to start the process of making water tomorrow. 

Steve looking at other boaters leaving

5:30pm - Went to Snappa's for dinner.  We met a couple Andre Gagne and Nicole Hay from Montreal. They were celebrating her 63rd birthday.  Their boat is called Gabalto. 

We enjoyed a great dinner at Snappas

Came back to the boat around 8:00pm and watched a movie..

Goodnight.

February 24, 2018  The Process Begin

After breakfast and listening to the cruiser's net, we went over Andre and Nicole's boat to download some charts for Quebec area.  Who knows if we will ever sail there but at least we have the information needed.

Steve put in a new plate in the barbecue.  He then started the process of cleaning the crystals in the water maker with the acid wash.  We will be able to start making water tomorrow.

We got the diesel and fuel tanks filled went in town to top up my data plan. 

I made meatloaf for tonight's dinner.

It is kind of sad watching all these catamarans come back to return the vessel which they rented probably for a week or so and now they are returning it.  I could only imagine what that would feel like.  We are so blessed to be able to do this for at least 5 months. 

6;30pm- We went to watch the Junkanoo in town which  consist of a street procession of characters in traditional costumes and dancing to drums, bells, and whistles. The posters said it would start at 7pm however we sat on the bench for 2 hours before anything started.  Bahamian have a different speed than we do.  At least we got to watch some of it and the part we did watch was really good and colorful. 

9:30pm- Came back to the boat and watch a movie.  We could still here the Junkanoo parade going on at 11;30pm.
 Goodnight.

February 19, 2018 - Across the ocean to Linear Cay

.February 19, 2018

5:45am-  The alarm went off for us to get ready for our 6:15am departure across the ocean. Love getting up that early to say good morning to the sunshine. 

We have around 60 kilometres to cover in order to get to Linear Cay so it will be a long day.  

No need for a motor since there is enough wind to sail at least 6 knots.  Of course, Steve is dragging a fishing line hoping for a big one. 

10:30am- Chuck chuck .....that is right. For the first time on the GaYa, I got sick.  Usually I get nauseous but haven't actually chucked.  At least it was one time and then I was fine.  The seas were wild. 

2:09pm. Arrived in the Abaco's.  We covered 58 miles from anchor up to anchor down in 7 hrs and 45 minutes in average speed of 7 knots.  The wind was 17 to 25 knots beam reach.  One reef in the main and one in the jib.  Waves were 6 to 10 ft  Highest speed was 9.2.  The GaYa  sure gave us a ride.

We are now anchored in Linear Cay. Fuel used "0"

Steve is having his well deserve beer and a lie down.  It was a big workout for him.  He doesn't have to workout today.  

February 18, 2018 - Caves then Royal Island

 

February 18, 2018 Visiting  Hatchet Caves
 

7:30am- We wanted to see the caves so we figure we might as well have a good hearty breakfast.  After we enjoyed our French toast, we packed up for the caves.  People told us to bring good lighting.

We dinghied into shore and saw Francis, the chef, from the Front Porch since the restaurant was right as we got off the dinghy.  He asked if we had enough water since it was at least 4 miles away.  Knowing that we only brought one bottle, he was kind enough to give us another.  He also told us if we hitchhike, that someone will pick us up.  And that is exactly what we did.  It would have been a long hot walk.

 

As we approached the cave sign, we noticed many abandoned silo and grassland. At one time it was cattle land. 

We managed to find the cave and entered.  When we entered, it was very musty and damp.  You can go down a set of ladder rope and continue on however we decided we wouldn't since there was no one to guide us and I didn't want my allergies to act up.  We actually were very disappointed with the graffiti which was sprayed onto the walls.  As we were walking back to the road, we talked to a local who said there are many others caves but they do not want the general public accessing them because of the damaged done to the one we entered.  We surely don't blame them. 

 

The bridge at Glass Window

12:15pm- We are just going by the Glass Window.  It is a 9.8 mm from CURCE on a course of 073/253 true to the Glass Window.  The Glass Window is a narrow bridge that is the only land link between the north end of this very long, thin island and the southern two-thirds of the island. 

To the east, and right up to the concrete bridge itself, you see the deep blue water of the Atlantic Ocean.  To the west, it is turquoise green. 

 We found out surfing is the favored sport here. East on the Ocean Blvd about 2 miles south of Gregory town on the Atlantic side to Surfers Beach.  It is home of the 'Big Wave Surf Classic Pro Am'

2:00pm-  We went they the Current Cut. At slack time currents and with the wind behind us boat speed showed 5.6 but the GPS showed 10.2 over the ground. We were flying thru the cut. 

Current Cut is the Eleuthera Panama Canal that runs between Current Island and Eleuthera. It is known to Divers as a source of the greatest 'drift' dive ever.  Divers report that it is not uncommon to be rocketed totally out of control through the cut at 6 knots or more.  CRAZY! 

On the path to Spanish Wells lies Royal Island.  Royal Island is only 430-square acres strung out 4.5 miles wide at its widest point.  This is where we will anchor tonight. 

3:30pm- We are anchored at Royal Island.  We covered 23.9 nautical miles today.

When we were arriving at Royal Island, we thought this boat might of been Audrey and Randy from Heart Tug from Fifty Point.  It was an American boat.  She is a beauty!

 

 

5;30pm- We are barbecuing steak tonight.  Yum Yum.

Watched the sun set and had a conch blowing contest with other boats who had conch.  I think my sister would be proud of me since I out blew them all. 

Getting to bed early tonight since we are doing a long crossing early tomorrow morning to Linear Cay.  

Goodnight. 

February 17, 2018 Autrevoir Governors Bay, Hello Hatchet Cay

February 17, 2018   Hatchet Bay

 Between the roosters, dogs barking and someone yelling out "Halleluiah", we had no choice but to wake up early.  It sounded like someone was having a sermon on land.  Steve just shut the hatch while I went out and watch the sunrise.
It was so nice to have fruit and yogurt again for breakfast.  When you go without something you like for a while, you appreciate it that much more.  There is a lot of activity on land and there seems to be a lot of construction.  There are a lot of people who vacation here on land.  In fact, a couple was telling Steve that they come to Governors Harbor twice a year to vacation.
Before we left, Steve went to shore to drop off the garbage and stopped by Crystal Blues to drop of our boat card with our information.

9:30am-  Headed to Hatchet Bay.  The seas were very calm and we motor sailed. 

Last night festivities took a toll on Steve.  Guess mixing beer, rum and tequila will do it.  But we did have fun. 

We arrived around noon and anchored in Hatchet Bay.  Had lunch and then went in town. Since we could hear music in the distance.  We thought maybe there was a big festival however there was loud music playing in a field which had all kinds of booth but only one was opened.....the bar.  How strange.
Alice Town seems to be a simple, authentic, Bahamian settlement. Certainly no frills and no glamour however very friendly.  
We ran into another boater who knew his way around. He told us where to get groceries, post office, police station, water and do laundry on the island.  We then ran into Francis and we asked him where "The Front Porch" restaurant is which Neil recommended to us.  He pointed up a set of stairs where he was standing and said: "Did someone recommend us?"  He then said he was the chef.  He brought us inside seeing that Steve needed to use the washroom.  It was really cute and quaint.  He specializes in fish.  

We dinghied back to the boat and I painted while Steve cleaned the stainless steel on the boat.  We want to make sure the salt doesn't corrode it.
 

5:30pm-  Went to 'The Front Porch' for dinner.. We ordered Stone Crab and 5 Spiced Crusted Mahi.  It was the best Crab and Mahi that we have had.  Both came with broccoli, carrot and gnocchi with palm hearts and lobster sauce.  Chef France's made us feel right at home and ensure we enjoyed our meal. We would highly recommend going to his restaurant.  He told us he would have a total of 10 people which includes us but that is all he wanted for business.  He prefers quality over quantity.  It is so different than what we are used to.

Hand painted wine glasses

Stone crab where so big

Steve with Chef Francis at the Front Porch

 

How ironic that my sister text me stating she made gnocchi and that we are invited.  Of course we couldn't go since she lives in Niagara but Francis, the chef made us gnocchi.

 

Came back to the boat after diinner and sat outside the boat while looking at the smiley moon.  We can hear music and dogs barking.  Good thing roosters are sleeping.  Guess they will make up at 3 in the morning.

Watch a movie at then off to bed.  The music in the background stopped at 10:30pm. 
Goodnight.

February 16, 2018 Governors Harbour

February 16, 2018

7:00am-  Woke up to another gorgeous morning.  Steve and I want for a nice long walk with our coffee along the Marina and ran into Linda, a boater from Minnesota.  She was very interesting to talk to.  Very environmentally conscious and very active. They have had there boat for 30 years and was travelling with her husband and sister. We really enjoyed talking to her.  She told us to read up on the history of Cape Eleuthera and I will.  She told us the Devos family now owns that island.

When we got back to the boat, we figured we should wash our GaYa.  She was covered in salt and we took advantage of the water at the marina

We also took another shower after we cleaned not only the outside but the inside. Felt so good. 

10:00am- We left Cape Eleuthera heading to Governor's Bay.  We hope to provision there.  Steve bought a loaf of homemade bread last night at the Marina for $5.99 but we sure need more things.  

The seas were calm and there was just enough wind to put up our spinnaker.  It has been a while since we have used it.  We were admiring it. We were only going 1.2 to 2 knots.  With 22 miles to go, we will surely eventually motor.

After a half an hour admiring our sail, we ended up taking her down and motoring.  

11:30am- There is another boat in the same direction as us named Tudo Bem.  We talked to Leslie and Ken last night at the restaurant who are also on there way back to the Abacos. 

2:45pm-  Just as we were arriving in Governors Harbour, 4 dolphins greeted us and swam around our boat.  What a thrill! 

3:00pm- We are anchored in the bay.  We covered around 24 knots today.
Governors Harbor has a great charm and is Eleuthera's capital and home to the Government offices.  It is the largest town on the island, with some of the prettiest Victorian-era houses built on Buccaneer Hill, which overlooks the harbor. 

After anchoring we went in town to get provision. After $130.00, we hope that it holds us until we get to Marsh Harbour in the Abacos. It is nice to have yogurt and fruit again.

Coming back on the dinghy, a guy stopped us and asked if we knew what time the fish fry was.  We told him we didn't know there was one.  He said he would come by our boat to let us know the time once he found out.  He introduced himself as Neil.  His boats name is Crystal Blues.



We joined Neil & Ley later at the fish fry



We sat with Bill & Jan from Pelican Express at the Fish Fry

 

After finding out it was at 5:30lm, Steve and I got ready for a night out.  Although they did say they start at 5:30pm we should have known it would be more like 7:30pm.  In the meantime, we walked around town.  We noticed many churches. 

The food was worth the wait.  They fried snapper served with rice and potatoe salad for $12 each.  Afterwards, they had a limbo contest and Stece represented Canada and Neil's wife, Ley, represented Australia.  They were a very interesting couple who have travelled the world.  Needless to say, Steve or Lee never won although Steve was quite entertaining as usual.  Jan & Bill from California did not participate.

Steve participed in the Limbo contest

 

We danced a little and then were back at the boat by 9:30pm.  

It was such a lovely evening.  We were anchored nearby the fish fry were they were playing a lot of Bahamian music.  Apparently, they have a fish fry every Friday.  It was such a great time.  

We really liked it here. 

The plan tomorrow is to head to Hatchett Bay.  

Goodnight