Heading East and South to the Exuma Cays...

We spent the night on the Great Bahama Bank as had been suggested. "Just drop your anchor anywhere, sleep and then go ahead the next morning" You don't have to worry about the anchor dragging as there is no boat for miles to run into! That comment was from Muchacha just a bit behind us. Mainly it was recommended that we not go through the Northwest Channel at night for the first time.

Well it was quiet when we set the anchor, but the winds did rise and we rocked and rolled all night. We raised anchor happily in the morning to sunny skies and great sailing winds. The taped battens are sort of holding but tape is not staying stuck well. Will have to do something else when we have some quiet weather.

We arrived in Frazers Hog Cay (FHC) just beyond the fancy Chub Cay. (if you stop there and anchor or land to check into Customs it is $100.00 ...they only want the big boats in there). We took a mooring at FHC as there is lots of current. It is very small place in the Berry Islands, recently rescued from drug people and being redone. It is very isolated, but it is possible to get a ride to the airport and sign into the Bahamas there too, which we did not know or may have gone on and not stopped in Bimini...but then we would have missed the lobster salad! There are about a dozen moorings and all taken.

We met several sailors...all the boats in there were sailboats. Everyone had a story about their crossing and were working on repairs, laundry, and getting organized for the next leg. We did some exploring and went along the shore in the dinghy. People were fishing and conching too. Bill invited several people over for sundowners, and we ended up with 7 on the boat sharing all kinds of good things including wonderful conch from Azaya and home made guacamole from Iolar! We had a fun surprise when we arrived as Iolar was there whom we had run into several time before in the Abacos and in Ft. Pierce. Stayed an extra day to rest mainly.

We headed out on Wednesday and went across to Providence island which is the island Nassau is on, but we went to the West Bay. Motored most of the way with wind on the nose, but a lovely day and shorter distance. Met 2 more boats there in the bay, Tis Good and Easy Times who had been at FHC. Lots of boats in the bay, and we all left after the Chris Parker weather report between 7:30 and 8:30 as the next leg for us was 50 nautical miles across the Exuma Banks to Highbourne Cay. We arrived at Highbourne after a fantastic day of sailing just before sunset. We had stopped at Highbourne on the way home last year, but had not explored so are planning to do that.

But first we seem to have a generator problem! It overheated and stopped. Our refrigeration depends on the generator! Bill worked on it today for 6 hours down in the lazeret (the locker in the cockpit under the seat) and it did the same thing again! We called the Highbourne Marina who have someone here who was able to help. We waited until 5 as they had no slips available and are now at the fuel dock. They could not have been more pleasant and helpful!!! The generator is working perfectly tonight thanks to Juan! We had a lovely dinner out, AND have internet! Bill ran into models doing a photo shoot here, and we ran into them again at dinner, and also met the photographer! The shoot is for the swimsuit issue and 25th anniversary issue of Southern Boating.

Will be leaving before the fuel dock opens in the AM and hopefully get to explore a bit tomorrow.
Going to post this Blog with no pictures and will try to add some later. Will be tucking in maybe at Norman Cay for a few days where we can land the dinghy and explore that island too. We will slowly head south down the chain.

All is well on Wind Spirit!