Further South

Further South...

This blog is out of position and belongs before the Bimini Blog. Apologies!
We left Ft. Pierce after a 3 days of work, cleaning, shopping, stowing provisions We spent a lovely Sunday with Pat and Bruce including Sunday supper and Superbowl for the guys and a good visit for Pat and I!
Since Bill had a few things to do we did not get away until afternoon on Monday. We stopped for a quick overnight in Stuart then early rainy morning continued on past Jupiter to North Lake Worth where we anchored just at sunset. We had been held up for 2+ hours at the Donald Ross Bridge just south of Jupiter. We just dropped the anchor on the edge of the channel and relaxed until the bridge finally opened!
Lake Worth was calm and a serene anchorage and we slept well. beautiful reflexions from the buildings around the lake.
Early Wednesday we headed south through the ICW and 25 bridges much to Bill's disgust as he did want to go outside. It was an interesting trip through amazingly wealthy areas and mangrove swamps and huge condos. We passed a condo complex in Deerfield that my Aunt and Uncle and a lot of cousins used to go to. and had since the 1950's. The bridges are quite well timed for the distance between them so it went more smoothly and faster than Bill had anticipated.
We arrived at Las Olas Marina, a Ft. Lauderdale Municipal Marina about 3:30 and Bill and Marilyn joined us just at dark after a bit of difficulty finding us due to my poor instructions. We did get them there though!
What a treat to have them with us for a few days. We had dinner on the boat. Unfortunately we had had to schedule the water maker repairs while they were there as we did not get there early enough to get it done ahead. Bill also help with the install of a new water tank gauge...now we know how much water we have and are using. The wind continued to blow and it rained on and off. We ended up exploring Ft. Lauderdale a good bit and of couse did some shopping thanks to friends and family. We were joined Thursday by Bill's sister Pat and her husband John who had been at a trawler school and then training on a trawler out on the water. They are looking for a boat to do the Great loop or circle, up the east coast and Hudson River, through the canals in upstate NY to the Great Lakes and back down the Ohio, Missouri, and Mississippi to the Gulf and a back east around FL. They will then be called Loopers!
We all had dinner together at the 15th Street Fishery. Lots more rain that night too.
Friend Bev. joined us for dinner on Wind Spirit on Friday evening and stopped by Saturday AM with a friend too.
Bill and Marilyn left mid-day Saturday to go to Ft. Myers and on to Sarasota to visit family.
Bill and I decided to chill at the marina another night as it was very windy to get off the dock, so went out for an early Valentines to a place Bev recommended called Coconuts which was the best place we had eaten. We wished we had gone there with our visitors!
Our weather window to cross over changed to the end of the week so we went on down the ICW and anchored in Baker Haulover Inlet...or at a park just across the river from the inlet. The anchorage is lovely . It is not near any services so is very quiet. We watched the most beautiful sunset there and dolphins were all around us jumping and swimming for almost an hour in the lake. We took the dinghy down but the motor was not doing well and would not start. Bill worked on it, and then a motor angel came by and stayed to help. We or they got it going but it was still running roughly. Ed Rivers (grandson of E. Rivers of Atlanta fame) lives on a very small boat! He is a paraplegic he told us, from a teen accident. He is a motor genius but this one wasn't easy. He and Bill looked at everything that afternoon and the next morning when it wouldn't start again. They decided it was the electrical system.

We pulled anchor and went north to the Hollywod Municiple 'Ariana to a slip after saying goodby to our angel who would not take anything except thanks, no cookies, no a meal, no$$. He was just an angel!

One of the reasons we went back north was that there is a bridge on the ICW only 57 feet above the water and we are 53 ft from the deck so too close for comfort. The other reason was the huge boat show started in Miami the 16th so did not think we would find a marina easily! We had called several with no response.

We rented a car the next morning, took the motor to the service folks there, did last minute shopping again...the third time! It was a good day on land and wend fun AND got a lot done. Took advantage of the car to have brunch and dinner out...smile!
Motor...needing one new spark plug (had just been serviced in St,Augustine in December) was ready early! We went to a huge West Marine in Ft Lauderdale ...always a dangerously expensive place to enter! Finally picked up some new dock lines as they were on sale!

We were ready to go! We have been working towards this since September!!!

Our weather window was Thursday through Saturday to cross the Gulf Stream, we went back through 2 bridges to the cut at Ft.Lauderdale and outside. Wind was of course on our nose so we motored south a couple of hours, in through Governors cut at Miami and tucked into a lovely anchorage behind Fisher Island that is close to the cut and where we had stayed once before. We tied on our new Jack lines, had dinner and went to bed...me only to lie awake, but Bill slept. The alarm went off at 4 AM and we left at 5:30 after coffee, a breakfast snack, a final look at the charts, final check of email and Facebook, texting to Christine, and oil check. The city lights were brilliant, and we sailed out with them to our stern just as the sky was lightening in the east. It was an amazing start to our adventure!

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!

Bimini and Lobster Salad...

We motored most of the way across the gulf stream, but flat water there is my preference! Flat water is so much better than a rough crossing. Bill was able to put up the main for a while, but we noticed the battens we're falling out so pulled it in before we lost them!!! We had had the sails cleaned and had the batten pockets repaired in the fall. This was our first time sailing wih the new pockets, Sail care will be hearing from us.
We sailed with just the jib and were able to get 6 knots with the motor on too.
We arrived in Bimini negotiating the range finder and going in along the shore, We went into Bimini Blue Water Marina where we had stayed once before. It is a local marina with lots going on! People come form all over the island for their reverse osmosis water to drink and they have fuel as well. We put up our yellow flag when we came into Bahama waters and then after we docked, Bill took all our papers, passports and boat papers to customs and immigration. We pay for a cruising permit and then when he came back, we put up the Bahamas flag again!

The Marina is a friendly place with boaters coming by to say hello and locals helping with lines etc. A woman stopped by with conch and lobster salad. Bought 2 containers of lobster salad which we had with crackers on deck for appetizers. Mmmmm yummy! Enough for tonight too!
Had thought about going out for dinner here, but decided to relax and stay aboard.

We motored most of the way across the gulf stream, but flat water there is my preference! Flat water is so much better than a rough crossing. Bill was able to put up the main sail for a while, but we noticed the battens we're coming out so pulled it in before we lost them!!! We had had the sails cleaned and had the batten pockets repaired in the fall. This was our first time sailing with the new pockets. Sailcare Inc. will be hearing from us.

We sailed with just the jib and were able to get 6 knots with the motor on too.
We arrived in Bimini negotiating the range and going in along the shore, We went into Bimini Blue Water Marina where we had stayed once before in Alice Town. It is a local marina with lots going on! People come form all over the island for their reverse osmosis water to drink and they have fuel as well.

The Marina is a friendly place with boaters coming by to say hello and locals helping with lines etc. A woman stopped by with conch and lobster salad. Bought 2 containers of lobster salad which we had with crackers on deck for appetizers. Mmmmm yummy! Enough for tonight too!
Had thought about going out, but as the breeze died we took down the sail and taped all the battens with sail tape! Hopefully that will hold them in. Decide to just stay aboard to eat as we were both tired. Early bedtime.

Up this AM to beautiful sunrise, and great weather report from Chris Parker so we could go on and not worry about the front coming in as strongly or as soon. We had time to cross the Bahamas Bank. Left the dock after 8:30 this morning,

We are sailing east, and have been all day with all sails flying going 6 knots with 11 knots of wind in the sails. I don't have to do much except knit or write a blog and spell Bill at the wheel now and then when he needs a break. This is a perfect sail! Think of all the fuel we are saving using wind power! Love it...wonderful!

Another Adventure Begins...

Wind Spirit spent a quiet summer at Port Royal Landings Marina. We made a quick visit in August after a week at the beach to take off the sails to send them to be cleaned and serviced, and to prepare the boat in case of a severe storm. In September Bill and I refinished almost all of the teak on the deck. Friend Claude spent another fall week working with Bill to get things ship shape. We or Bill...installed new doors, and a larger cockpit table.

We finally left the dock the week before Thanksgiving and headed down the ICW. It was lovely and sunny but we did run into too much shallow water in the Mud River in GA! Atlanta friends who were in St. Simons Island had invited us to stop, and greeted us at the Dock at Golden Isles. We had not planned to stay long, but the best laid plans "gang oft aglay". Pardon my spelling Robbie Burns.

We wanted to take them all out sailing for the afternoon, and with good winds and sun and snacks ready, grocery run done and we were all set. We threw off the dock lines and slowly then more quickly just drifted off the dock too far to throw a line!!! No transmission! The wind and current was bearing us towards a low bridge and across the river into shallows. Lots of advice but the best one was throw out the anchor! Well, we tried some different tactics to get the boat back and had good help from a fellow sailor. Tommy was able to get his boat and finally to rescue our passengers. Tow Boat US came over from Jekyll and we returned to the dock safely. We hauled up a huge piece of cable as well on the anchor probably a relic from old shrimp boats. No sailing that day!

Amazingly, We were able to get a very temporary repair done that same afternoon before Thanksgiving.

We spent a lovely Thanksgiving with Collin and Tommy, Ward and Alli, the children and friends at the beach house. We were so appreciative their wonderful hospitality . A windy walk on the beach after eating was so delightful.

Fueled and a little apprehensively we headed south again toward St Augustine the next morning. By the way the Golden Isles Marina was very comfortable and Bill loved the newspaper and muffin service every morning! They were very helpful too!

Spent a night at Palm Coast Marina in case we needed an extra pump, and then arrived the following afternoon at St Augustine. We spent 3 fun nights with friends Brian and Louise as the boat was being repaired, dinghy engine serviced and sacrificial donut replaced that protects the transmission! We were so grateful for the wonderful hospitality! Love spending time with Lou and Brian and Peanut too!

OK, back to normal we hoped, and so puttered along south taking our time and exploring at Titusville where we visited Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge seeing wonderful birds including Roseate spoonbills, and Cape Canaveral National Seashore. Cocoa...a knitting store to the rescue for a needed needle as well as some Christmas shopping

Finally decided to get going and head home earlier than we planned as lots to do for Christmas!

We had planned to have the boat hauled at Harbor Town Marina at Ft. Pierce while we were away for a month, getting the bottom painted, hull waxed, and now the prop, shaft, stuffing box examined carefully and aligned if needed after the Mud River shallows episode.

We saw Passages as we came in and had spent time with them in Emerald Bay and Staniel Cay

last winter. We had a wonderful dinner on board with Karen and Ed and----and they even took Bill to get a rental car. Great cruisers so helpful!! Thanks so much!

The car was packed the boat pumped out and then hauled out.

We left Wind Spirit behind as we headed north for a 10 hour drive back to Atlanta knitting all the way!!!

We had a wonderful Christmas with the pageant at Church, lots of music events to attend with friend Joan, Candlelight Christmas Eve at Covenant with friends, Christmas Day at Christine and Mark's, dinner with Sturgeses and friends, crackers, candles, cookies, beef tenderloin and Buche de Noel,

Kelly, Bruce, Will and Andrew arrived the 26th for a week of fun! Playgrounds, puppet show, puppets, play and sleepovers with cousins and Nann and Papa. Medieval Times and horses and knights! And a plane ride home! We miss them!

But then on to preparing for Isabel Robertson Browne's 90th Birthday celebration in Redlands California. My job as I saw it was to scan in old photos, slides etc. Found lots more when we got out there at Sally and John's, what fun! With Colin and Christine, and Jessie's help we put together a slide show which was filled with pictures from the 1940s to the present! The party was a joyful celebration of Isabel's rich life with family and friends! Sally did it again! She was the primary organizer of the fun event.

Well now the goal is to get back to Wind Spirit and we are working on getting there. As soon as we are both over bronchitis and pneumonia we will head back to FL. We will get organized on the boat, and want to head further south then over to the Exumas as soon as we can! One more fix of the water maker, and installation of a new manual bilge pump, provisioning, and we should be set!

Northbound... and home!

We left Ft. Pierce early and headed up the Indian River. It was Sunday and Mother's Day so LOTs of boat traffic on the water. Lots of wake all day. Was so happy to hear from the kids and Bill fixed breakfast. Austin called his Mom too! We anchored south of Palm Bay behind some little islands. Water was shallow, but we did fine as very little tide here. Saw ibis flying to perch in the trees, and Osprey feeding young.

Left early next morning continuing to follow the magenta ICW line on the GPS going north. We passed Coco and went into the Titusville Municipal Marina where we had stayed before. It was hot and we had had a lot of love bugs that day so had to scrub the bugs off the deck and clean up. That was the worst part of the trip and fortunately didn't last too long. These are weird little black flies who attach on to each other and appear to just want to attach on to anything. Ughhh.

We were able to spend the next day at the Kennedy Space Center which was great fun and very interesting. We saw the shuttle in it launch pad from a distance. Watched some IMAX movies and explored the exhibits.

At the Space Center.

Had a not so good but expensive lunch...typical. We went back to the boat hot and tired and relaxed and had dinner. Wished there was a pool at that marina! Next morning we saw our first manatee. Austin spotted it in the marina and we watched it swim and feed there.

We went on through the narrow Haulover canal and saw manatees frolicking in the little bay maybe 3 or 4 of them. As we went along the Mosquito Lagoon there were lots of birds and jumping fish. Stopped on a small creek called Rockhouse just near the Ponce de Leon Inlet north of New Smyrna Beach, a lovely quiet spot with strong current and about 6 boats stopped there. We could see the waves breaking on the inlet and fish were jumping in big groups probably being chased by bigger fish, but it was fun to watch and listen to the splashes. we had a good game of Scrabble, one of many we played on this trip. Bill was the champion!

Austin behind the wheel.


Was able to talk to mother's friend Helen as we went past Port Orange. Couldn't stop as tide was too low to get into their marina. We arrived in St. Augustine late and went on a mooring at the marina. Next morning we went to shore and toured the city on a little red train. Austin loved the fort that had seen action between the British and Spanish, and Bill loved the tour of Flagler College an old hotel Flagler had built now the college. Had a fun and delicious dinner that evening at the AIA Brewery with friends Brian and Louise and Louise's mother.

Stowed the dinghy on board but had trouble with the motor harness which has shrunk with all the dunking. The harness will have to be replaced when we get back to South Carolina. It is not safe to use the dinghy motor until we do that...so we will be rowing. We made it past the currents in outlet at St Augustine and followed the ICW north. It was a cloudy day, and we had some good rain storms for most of the afternoon around Jacksonville with thunder and lightening and it became much cooler. We anchored in the Fort George River right by a lovely state park. We planned to visit in the morning. We loaded ourselves into the dinghy to go with Austin wanting to row and the current in the river was so strong that we had to return with difficulty to the boat and not go as we couldn't use the motor. Will save that park and plantation for the next trip. Currents were too strong to row into the dock!

Happy Captain!

Fernandina Beach was our next stop initially for fuel, but the winds were so strong we decided to stay put and possibly head outside into the Atlantic if things settled down. We were at the marina right at the end of main street in Fernandina so it was fun to be able to wander through town and do some shopping and eat at the dock at Brett's. Austin had a great time finding funny things for his brothers in the sovenier shops! Also enjoyed exploring the town with Bill and on his own. We also found the ice cream shop! Yummy!

A couple on another Island Packet (larger and newer than ours) stopped by. We talked to them the next morning and they were hoping to go outside too so we did make plans with them and headed out the next afternoon when the winds were predicted to be less than 15. it was encouraging to have a buddy. We were headed straight for Beaufort/Port Royal on an overnight sail.

Sunset, the last of this trip.


We had a great sail, beautiful sunset with a full moon, until about one AM when the winds increase to about 20 knots and changed direction so they were NW on our nose and seas became much rougher. We had taken down most of the sails and just kept a reefed main sail for stability and bounced along very slowly with waves breaking over the bow. Austin was able to wedge himself in below and slept. I was seasick and poor Bill had to stay at the wheel. Thank goodness for auto pilot! I was better about 3 and then he got to take a nap in the cockpit. We had to stay on the high side as water was splashing in on the low side.

Sunrise heading toward Beaufort and the Port Royal Marina on the last morning.

winds and waves settled and we were able to resume speed with the motor, and the sun came up.
We arrived at Port Royal Marina at 10:30 AM on Wednesday. We had a quiet day with everyone napping specially me and had a lovely Chinese dinner with Mary and Roy our friends on Gideon.

We packed up the boat on Thursday morning got a rental car, and headed back to Atlanta as Austin had a plane to California Friday morning early. We enjoyed having him on Wind Spirit!

It is wonderful to be home with friends and family. Thank you all for your interest and support.

Wind Spirit is signing off until her next adventure begins probably in the fall.

Crossing east to west…

After a wonderful stay at Exuma Land and Sea Park we went north to Norman Cay for one night at anchor and then to Highborne Cay for a second rolly night. Did not snorkel or go ashore just hung out. We both had good books so just read and had dinner. A group of boats we had been with were heading to Nassau and we tagged along and were able to go to the same marina. The trip over was blustery and the seas got bigger as we went north. We went through the Yellow Banks and found ourselves surrounded by huge coral heads. We pulled in the sails and used the motor to twist and dodge around them. Scary time, but Bill did amazingly well and we missed them all miraculously! Was praying all the way through.

It was fun coming into the big harbor at Nassau, and we slipped into the marina beautifully after dodging a flock of little sailboats at the Nassau Yacht Club. They were tumbling over in the wind, flipping them back over and going every which way. We did slow down and they cleared a path for us to get through. Think they were all kids and just having a great time and sailing amazingly well.

The Nassau Harbour Club Marina was just fine and felt secure. Nassau was the only place we had been warned about security. They had a great pool and we did appreciate it as it was a hot day. We went to dinner with a couple from Osprey that we had come in with , and had a great evening. We cleaned and went to the grocery the second day and then in late afternoon after a swim, we went with the group we had been with at the Park over to Atlantis. After spending some time wandering around we had a delicious dinner at Bimini Road. After the day trippers from the huge cruise ships in the harbor have left the aquarium is open as are the grounds and we walked all over. It is a totally amazing place and so different from the smaller resorts and islands. It provides work for over 7000 people in Nassau. The casino is open at any time as are the stores.

And the camera ran out of battery at Atlantis.

We waited for the tide to change to leave and headed to Great Harbor Cay. We wanted a more tranquil anchorage as we had bounce on the surge all the night before so went around to the west side of the cay passing the Stirrup cays which are the Tiki Villages for Norwegian Cruise Lines. Ships anchor off these cays and ferry passengers to the islands for beach fun. The seas were larger than we expected and it was a rough ride. We anchored in tranquil Bullock Harbour just at sundown. We explored the settlement and the harbor and the marina in the dinghy the next day. We were able to get Atlantis on the way out of Nassau.

some drinks, cookies and a phone card as we were out of minutes. The harbor channel entrance was blasted right through rock and the harbor is wonderfully protected inside.

Sunset reflection at Frozen Island.

From Bullock we psyched ourselves up and after listening to the Chris Parker weather we headed out towards Lucaya and Freeport, sailing on past West End and across the Gulf Stream to Ft Pierce. We arrive late afternoon on Wednesday. Coming in the Ft. Pierce Cut was the most excitement we had the entire trip. Big waves and current slowed us down to 2 knots with the engine running hard!

We have been at Harbortown Marina since then and Silver Girl and Iolar were both here so we had a fun reunion exchanging stories of our adventures. Meals at the restaurant here are delicious. Today our nephew Austin arrived from California to travel the rest of the way back to Beaufort and Atlanta with us. He will be going into the Coast Guard in June after his brother’s wedding. We are looking forward to having some time with him before he starts this part of his life . Cooked out at the Marina grill tonight.

Tomorrow we head north with a mid tide to cross the bar at the entrance to the creek. On the way again!

Play Time in the Islands...

Dawn at Emerald Bay Marina.

We spent a couple of days in Emerald Bay Marina which is connected with the Sandals Resort at Emerald Bay. It has the most beautiful amenities and a free laundromat, but it was hot and for the first time we had lots of flies and no-see-ums that were wicked. We used the screens when we were in the marina which helped a lot. Nancy and Bill arrived late Friday and we had a yummy dinner out that evening at the Palappa with no-see-ums for dessert. The next morning we sailed to south anchoring at Stocking Island for some fun exploring the beaches and the little town across the water. Had some higher winds and got absolutely soaked in the dinghy going into George Town. Who else could laugh doing this crazy stuff with us?

Nancy and Bill exploring stromatolytes on the beach at Stocking Island.

We walked the beach at Stocking Island which is the outside part of the huge harbor at George Town (GT) called Elizabeth Harbour. On the east side of the island all along the beach are growing rocks which are some of the oldest in the world, and there is also evidence of the DNA in rocks from the moon which are called Stramatolytes which we all found very interesting. They exist on several islands along the Exuma Sound.

Over- looking the Harbor.

Bill and Marilyn on the beach.

Two Bills and Marilys on the wonderful beach at Stocking Island.

We sailed back to Emerald Bay, and sent Nancy and Bill on their way home off by taxi, and welcomed Marilyn and Bill. Some of y’all may remember that we have done lots of charters with these two couples so are used to being together in small spaces. The trip south to GT was a bit rough but we made it with some discomfort but safely. Winds were not so bad, but seas were bigger. After relaxing we went into GT and visited some shops and sights. It is a small and not too pretty place but has lots of the basics for sailors and a charming Anglican Church. The Straw Market is interesting too watching the ladies plaiting with palm and making baskets not too unlike some of the ones we see in the low country. They also make market baskets and beach bags. A fun part of the trip to GT is going into the Harbor and dinghy docks at Lake Victoria under a little stone bridge though a narrow channel! There is lots of current and it is like an amusement park ride going through! With both couples we had several meals out mostly for lunch, which was lovely and played scrabble with Nancy, and Scrabble and Hearts with Marilyn and Bill in the evenings.


The town was getting ready building booths for the regatta which is the last weekend in April, and hopefully we will be well on our way north by then so we can be in Chicago for nephew Branigan's wedding the end of May.

We had a great if a bit slow sail south around Stocking Island and all the way back to Emerald Bay with Marilyn and Bill after playing a day at Fowl Cay and spending some time at Red Shanks in the south part of the harbor. They headed home on Wednesday, and Christine came down to spend a week with us. We grocery shopped and headed north stopping at Rat Cay to swim, but anchoring at Children’s Bay Cay because of the tidal surge rolling us around at Rat Cay. Christine found a beautiful King Helmet shell on the beach there . We saw one in a store at Staniel Cay for 40 and another for 50 dollars!!


Children’s Bay Cay used to be owned by Jessica Tandy and her husband ….Hume forget his name. It was sold to the Heinz family. Don’t know who owns it now. But they are building a huge marina there near where we were anchored. We went back out the narrow Rat Cut and down to Rudder Cut where we went in and stayed in along the west side of the cays and on the Exuma Bank stopping at Rudder Cay, then at Black Point.

Rocks and caves at Rudder Cay.

Went ashore at Black Point and had some internet time and explored the community. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming. We did a bit of shopping and had lunch at Lorraine’s. Met some interesting boaters there and also saw the boat Smashie which was written about in Blue Water magazine recently. It is a handmade wooden C-class boat with handmade cotton sails and a wooden mast. The boat races in all the local regattas. We watched them step the mast and bend on the sail and do some sailing in the bay …very pure sailing and they are good! We tried to keep up with them in the dinghy but they were too fast.Smashie getting too far away from us!


A class A boat made by hand in Blackpoint.

We headed on to Staniel Cay anchoring at Big Majors Spot where we swam, fed the swimming pigs and snorkled in the Thunderball Grotto. We drove all over the island on a golf cart and had a yummy lunch. Had to say goodbye to Christine on Tuesday and she flew back to Atlanta after a terrific visit! She got home in time to go to Mark's Gig. You might not know that he is playing his Zendrum in a band now and is having a great time with his music! .

It was such fun to share these 3 weeks with friends and family and it was very special to have them all with us here sharing this amazing place and our adventure on Wind Spirit!

We relaxed a couple of days in Big Major Spot and had a delicious dinner on “Passages with Ed and Karen. But the BIG boats were there all around us, in full force with their noisy toys so we left and came north to Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park where we have been for 2 days and will be staying a couple of more. It is just lovely here. We are on a mooring, have some limited Sputnik internet of about 10 minutes a day for 10 dollars and no cellular service. We have been snorkeling and swimming and hiked up Boo Boo Hill and across to the beach on the Exuma Sound, facing the Atlantic. Have seen conch all over the bottom of the sea and helmet shells. There is beautiful coral and lots of fish on the reefs here. Had Sundowners on the beach with a bunch of sailors last night and there was an Easter pot luckon Sunday afternoon at the park staff house with a 360 degree view of the water and the island.. Having fun in other words!


Whale skeleton at Exuma Park died from eating plastic.

Sunsets continue to be lovely and every night in whatever harbor we are in someone there blows a conch shell at sunset. After sunset last night someone else played taps. So moving!

Sunset at Children's Bay Cay.

We plan to head to Norman Cay on Monday depending on the wind and then probably on to Nassau and heading north from there towards South Carolina through the Berry Islands.

Rainbow at the park on Easter Monday. We didn't leave until Tuesday because of the weather.


Will add pictures to this as soon as have decent internet, which may be Nassau!

Well we are in Ft. Pierce FL and finally can do the pictures but connection is still a bit slow.