Our journey will begin in just a few days. Most of the food and beverage has been stored as well as "spare parts", charts and books. Today, we brought our clothes to Sogno and will move on board on Sunday - YIKES!! Our lists are now short -- or are we just not adding to them anymore?
Depending on the weather -- and how tired we are -- we will spend our first night in either Scituate or Onset.
Monty and Sara Lewis
We had a chance to meet the creators of the Bahamas Explorer Chart series who were anchored near us in Governor's Harbour. We had cocktails aboard their trawler "Saranade."
Governor's Harbour
We enjoyed walking about the historic sections of Governor's Harbor. Many of the houses have been lovingly restored.
Party Time in Rock Sound
We went to the "Return to the Rock" fund raiser and had fun with some of the kids that were there.
Our First Day on Eleuthera
We walked about the streets of Rock Sound settlement as the sun was setting.
A Great Sail to Eleuthera
The main was double reefed, but it was a great run across Exuma Sound to Point Eleuthera and Rock Sound.
A Special Lobster Dinner
A special lobster dinner at Ocean Cabin Restuarant was a highlight of our visit to Farmer's Cay.
JR and Sue
We adopt a carved Bahamian Parrot from "JR" on Farmers Cay
Waiting Out the Cold Front
Every 4 or 5 days, a cold front spins off from the US. By the time they get to the Exumas, they aren't cold, but they can be windy. Just double check your anchor, and catch up on your reading!
Cooking a Spiney Lobster Tail
The excitement aboard Sogno was intense, as the chef prepared our first local lobster tail. We received it as a going away present at Compass Cay. Thank you Gail and Dennis of Gadabaut
Chat 'n Chill, Stocking Island
Chat 'n Chill is a favorite hangout near Volleyball Beach. Besides food, drink and volleyball, many other cruiser activities take place here.
George Town Dinghy Dock
Exuma Market provides a first-class dinghy dock, plus free water for cruisers to haul back to their boats via jerry jugs.
Anchoring Near George Town
Most cruisers anchor on the North side of Elizabeth Harbor off Stocking Island. This anchorage was close to Chat 'n Chill, Volleyball Beach, and the St. Francis resort.
Relaxing at the Tiki Bar
We took the shuttle van from the Emerald Bay Marina to the nearby Four Seasons Resort. We headed to the beachside bar to savor the sunset.
A Day at Pigs Beach
Before leaving our anchorage off Big Majors, we hit the beach with other cruisers to feed the resident pigs some stale Oreos.
Sue Calls Dad From Staniel Cay
Phone calls could always be an adventure. We found a pay phone that would read our "smart" phone card, so Sue took time to call Minnesota to report we were OK and compare weather reports!
Moon over Compass Cay
Compass Cay Marina was a great place for Brian's finger to convalesce and for the Buds to hang out.
A Valentine's Day at the Beach
After lunch at Sampson Cay, we stopped at a beach hutch for Dark and Stormies with friends Karin, Gail and Dennis.
Our Favorite Fisherman
Marino, Dennis and Mano shared some of their fishing success with us. Here they are seated at the hilltop rental villa they have been putting the finishing touches on recently.
Fresh Fish on the Manu
Sue cooks up a Strawberry Grouper only a few hours after it came out of the sea. Delish!
Hermit Crab Shell Exchange
A previously owned hermit crab shell (right) has been exchanged for a new one already. Two more (Dennis, Gail) await new occupants.
Worth the Wait
Sue sweet-talked her way to a Strawberry Grouper and even got Marino to clean it for her.
The Finger
Brian had to wear a sling to elevate "the finger" when we first returned to Sogno from Nassau. This was a great opportunity to catch up on some reading.
Compass Cay from the Air
In our 5-seater Flamingo Air flight from Nassau we flew over Compass Cay (top) and Pipe Cay (bottom).
Brian on the Trail
With his trail map, Brian was determined to check it all out.
Ron the Hermit Crab
We saw this crab during one of our walks. We didn't have to ask his name either.
Where Everyone Knows Your Name?
Even the sharks have name at Compass Cay.
Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay
At high tide, even the sharks come out to relax on a marina dock.
Our Fabulous Snorkel Guide
Susan (Gypsy Soul) took us out to some favorite snorkel sites at Rocky Dundas and Fowl Cay.
Snorkel Sue
Brian finally got his courage up to try out the underwater camera case and catch Sue snorkeling off Fowl Cay.
Swim with the Sharks
Kevin (Solange IV) is in the water already, James and Caleb are still deciding whether to join dad with the nurse sharks.
Island Time at the Gazebo
There's something about the beaches, water colors and scenery to slow you down one more notch.
Hitting the Beaches
On our first full day we headed out to see Crescent Beach on Exuma Sound.
Compass Cay Marina
Compass Cay is a private island with a marina, rental cottages and lots to explore.
Battery Man
Brian's first priority on arriving at Compass Cay was to give the house batteries a full equalizer charge.
Cold Front Arrives in Warderick Wells Cay
We were well prepared, but the front came quite suddenly Sunday afternoon, with winds of 20 to 25 knots.
The Solange IV Crew
Kevin, Melissa, James and Caleb came over to Sogno to watch the sun go down. We first met them in the Berry Islands, and have been sharing anchorages off and on. It's a lot warmer here than there home back in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
The View from Capture Beachf, Southern Anchorage
There were picnic tables set up off the beach and near the "haunted' Pirate's Lair.
Escape Beach
Our southern anchorage was surrounded by lots of beaches. Escape Beach was near a water "tunnel" you could escape through to the Exuma Sound side of Hog Cay.
Victory on the Causeway
Brian managed to make it across the causeway to the bridge without falling. Sue was already on the other side to take his picture.
Crossing the Mangrove Swamp outlet
The park provided a causeway and bridge, but Sue preferred the direct approach, rather than scrambling on the rocky causeway.
Exploring the Exuma Sound Shoreline
After the nature walk, we headed off on our own.
Boo Boo Hill
We got a good view of both the harbor and the sound from the top of Boo Boo Hill. Cruisers carve their name on wood scraps and leave them at the summit.
Sperm Whale Skeleton
Our nature walk took us to the remains of a whale that washed up on Warderick Wells back in the 80's.
Arrival in Exuma Land and Sea Park
We had a great sail, and the entrance to the South Anchorage made our day. Brian can't stop grinning at what a beautiful spot we were in.
Camp Driftwood
We climbed to the top of a small 65 foot hill, to see the camp. It was the highest spot in Shroud Cay, and the view was terrific.
Shroud Cay Mangrove Swamps
Shroud Cay is mostly explored via water
Shroud Cay Excursion
We dinghied from Norman's to Shroud Cay. This is the view of Exuma Sound, from Camp Driftwood.
The McDuff Burger
Norman's was known for this Beach Club speciality. We managed to eat "the whole thing" but it was a very close call!
Build a Beach Club and They Will Come
Planes kept arriving on the little air strip. Their first stop seemed to be the Beach Club and McDuffs.
Exploring Norman's "Pond"
We headed north to see the protected "pond" but only got half way before the outgoing tide and shallow water forced us to quickly retreat.
Brian and Sue Sel-Portrait
In case you hadn't noticed, we are slowly but surely getting very relaxed.
A One Palm Tree Island
We invaded this one-tree island at the entrance to Norman's Cay and found lots of small conch, but not much else.
Welcome to Norman's Cay
After you landed by plane, this sign confirmed you were in Norman's. Domestic security at this particular airstrip was not too strict.
Norman's Cay Beach Club
McDuff's Bar and Grill was the place to be for NFL football, good company, and great food.
Submerged Plane in Norman's Cay
A favorite snorkeling site, this plane is a relic of the 80's when Norman's was the center of a drug smuggling operation.
The Old Man and the Sea
Brian poses before trolling on the way from Highborne to Norman's Cay.
Nap Time for Nurse Sharks
We saw these guys being fed as we dinghied into Highborne Cay Marina. By the time we made it over to "their dock" they looked like they were taking an afternoon nap on the bottom.
A Day at the Beach - Iguana Style
Our first stop in the Exumas was Allen's Cay, home to a population of iguanas. Here they greet us at Leaf Cay. They're not interested in us, only the food they are hoping we brought.
Returning to Nassau
Once the winds died down, we had a great sail back to Nassau on Sunday. It was a close reach all the way, with Sogno averaging 6.5 knots. The diesel finally got a day of rest.
What a difference a day makes!
A cold front arrived Jan 2, and we had to wait until Jan 6 before we could leave the shelter of our anchorage. (Cold in the Bahamas is the mid 60s!)
Hey this beach stuff is fun!
Admiral Sue discovers that snorkeling in the Bahamas can be fun, as long as all that beach sand is kept out of the boat.
New Years Day in Cabbage Cay
We're novices at snorkeling but one of our New Year's resolutions was to start learning.
No Problem Mon!
The clear bottom bucket is a new anchoring tool for us. You use it to check if your anchor is properly set. In the clear waters of Little Harbour Cay you can easily see your anchor in 15 feet of water.
Marching Flamingo Show
We took two Jitney rides to reach Ardastra Gardens, where the flamingos (the national bird of the Bahamas) is a hard act to follow.
Land ho!
Arriving at Nassau on Boxing Day (Dec26). That's Paradise Island to port with the Nassau cruise ship docks further to the right.
"The Crossing" begins
Equipped with his new head lamp, Skipper Brian actually looks like he's enjoying the departure from No Name Harbor
Merry Christmas on the Gulf Stream
Santa brought blue skies and manageable seas as we motor sailed toward Bimini's North Rock
Tilapia in No Name Harbor
After stocking up in Miami Beach, we settled down on Sunday to wait for our weather window in No Name Harbor, Key Biscayne, FL
Departing Ft. Lauderdale
The New River runs through the middle of town. We enjoyed maneuvering between the high rises and large mega yachts.
Rafting in Velcro Beach
In front of us "My Way" and "Dyad". Along side us was "Flutter Bye" and further outboard was "Delphinus". A snug harbor indeed!
Vero Beach Municipal Marina
The boaters keep coming, and the staff works hard to pack the boats in, rafting up to 3 boats to a mooring.
Luncheon is Served on the ICW
One nice thing about the ICW was the opportunity to have a civilized lunch at the helm each day
What manatees?
We only saw one manatee during our ICW time in FL. We honored the speed limits, but even in Manatee sanctuaries, we came up empty.
Daytona Beach -- look both ways!
When you're walking here, you better look for traffic before going into the water. Treat your auto to a day at the beach.
Operators are Standing By
We signed up for Skype, an inexpensive way to call the States in the Bahamas, whenever we could get internet access.
Sogno and Sue in the Slings
Seven Seas Marina, near Daytona Beach, was a great place to replace our zincs and clean the bottom at a good price.
St. Augustine Lit Up for Christmas
The Lightner Museum was all decked out for the Holidays when we walked about town that evening
Entering St. Augustine, FL
A temporary lift bride was filling in for the Bridge of Lions draw, whch was undergoing major rebuilding.
Buds Break for GA Shrimp
After two pounds of GA shrimp, all our biking exercise was cancelled out.
A Happy Gardener
The Jekyll Island Club (a classic hotel now) has wonderfully landscaped grounds to wonder around in.
Prepared for the Weather
We had some brief showers as we started biking, but by the end of the trip the foul weather gear was off!
Jekyll Island Biking
The Skipper seems a bit bewildered trying to navigate the island bike trails.
Where's the Warm Weather
The further south we got in GA, the cooler it got. Florida where are you?
Be Careful of What You Wish For
After complaining about the shoaling in GA, we discovered in this super high tide south of Duplin Cr, GA, that sometimes you can have too much of a good thing!
The Megadock
Charleston City Marina. A great facility -- and an excellent place to get your walking exercise each day!
Charleston, SC in November
A pineapple fountain in the seaside park.
Calhoun House, Charleston, SC
Sue was quite content to wait for the next tour as long as there was a garden -- and gift shop -- to browse
Sunset in Minim Creek, SC
Only two more days and we will be in Charleston -- a sailor's delight.
Red Right Returning
Sometimes the usual triangular shape of red daymarks can be hard to see.
Golfing Across the ICW
These trams carried the players across the ICW, complete with outside baskets to hold their golf bags.
They don't make 'em like this anymore
Checking in with the bridge keeper of the Sunset Beach pontoon bridge. The bridge keepers always asked your boat's name and hailing port.
Tug Boat Savannah
This tug got us through the Wrightsville Beach bridge 15 minutes early. Thanks Captain!
Keeping ahead of a barge
This barge was following us until the Figure Eight Island bridge finally opened after a 3 hour closure.
The dredgin continues
The dredge captains were always happy to advise you on the best path around them.
On the way to Wrightsville Beach, NC
An ICW home with an architectural statement to make!
Beaufort NC, Cemetary
The historic cemetaries can always tell a more personal story of life in past times.
Dredging just north of Beaufort, NC
We're always happy to see the Army Corp of Engineers funding ICW maintenance.
An American Star Arrives
Just after we left our anchorage, this cruise ship arrived to take our place -- and more!
Where's the Warm Weather??
Sue at the helm as we motor sail down the Alligator River with the remnants of Noel providing more than enough wind for our furled topsail.
Sunset in the Staights
It was the calm before tropical storm Noel passed offshore of North Carolina, but we were treated to a "sailors delight" before the winds began picking up at midnight.
Great Blue Heron
We spotted this fellow in the Pasquotank River, NC as we were heading to Elizabeth City.
Exiting the Dismal Swamp at the South Mills Lock
The Duck Weed growth was so thick at this end of the canal, that our engine cooling water intake clogged up and we had to stop to clear our sea strainer.
Lining up for the Deep Creek Lock
We were 5th in a line of sailboats getting ready to be the last group let into the Dismal Swamp Canal until the water levels recover in Lake Drummond.
'Fog on the Great Dismal Swamp Route
We left Deep Creek basin in a thick ground fog. We could see the tops of the trees, but not the banks of the basin or creek.
Capt. Ed gives Us a LIft
We were able to get through the Jordan lift bridge a half hour early thanks to the timely arrival of Capt. Ed and his barge. The bridge wouldn't open until 5pm, EXCEPT for commercial vessels, so we were able to sneak through.
Family and Friends Visit
Sue's nieces Louisa and Joanna (next to Sue) and friends Matt and Amy came for a visit while we were in Seaford, VA
Brian Schanning "Shucking"
With knife and glove, and our friend Nancy coaching, Brian tries to open the oyster and not his palm!
Oyster Roasting, Seaford Style
The Seaford Yacht Club knows how to put on quite a feast with roasted oysters served by the shovel load.
Onancock Harbor at Dawn
A restful start to the day at Onancock, VA.
Happy Hour in Onancock
Jenny and Leon toast to a wonderful visit in Onancock on Virginia's Eastern Shore.
Oyster Shucking Contest
Eventual winner, Sam, quickly opens and serves 24 oysters on a silver platter in under 2 minutes.
Crisfield Watermen's Festival
Sue dives in to another half dozen steamed crabs, with beverages at close reach.
Tangier Marina in the Rain
Sue and I visited this marina in 1976 in our first boat -- Windrift II.
Tangier Island
View of crab shacks and town as we arrive by water.
St. Leonard's Creek
A quiet anchorage, a beatiful sunset
Hard to Run Aground Here
The Patuxent R. boasts the deepest spot in the Chesapeake Bay estuary
Calvert Marine Museum
The tour of the former Drum Light House was the highlight of our visit
Visitors from Woodbridge, VA
Sue's brother David and wife Lisa visited us in Solomons
Tiki Bar at Solomons Island
It maybe October, but the margaritas are still in season.
Hudson Creek off Little Choptank R.
The cruise books promised beautiful sunsets.
Kent Narrows Draw
All smiles after fighting a 2.5 knot current to pass through at the 2:30PM opening . Next stop Dividing Creek.
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
Brian checks out a fresnel lens on display at the former Hooper Straight lighthouse
Steamed Crabs at Mike's
New and Old Friends get together to crack some crabs
Cruising in Style
Some laundry dryers work better than others!
US Sailboat Show, Annapolis, MD
Passing under Chesapeake Bay Bridge
Weighing Anchor in Back River, MD
The CQR hooks a cinder block!
Sailbooats, Helicopters and East River
Blues Bros. Sighting in Havre De Grace
Deleware Bay Lunch with No Wind
Early Start for Cape May Canal
Staten Island Bartender Magician
Dark & Stormies at Barnegat Light
Free At Last! In NY Harbor
Scrap Barge Passes While We Wait
Sunset at Mystic Seaport
East River, Roosevelt Is
Mystic River bascule bridge
New York City
Spectacle Island
1 comment:
Your trip sounds like a lot of fun. Do you plan to travel with othe boats?
Post a Comment