Thursday, March 24, 2016

March 24, 2016: Fowl Cay, Elizabeth Harbor, Exumas

We were sad to see Molly leave us yesterday, after 10 wonderful days of Bahamian adventure. We sailed back north, this time in familiar waters.  We chased eagle rays at Lee Stocking Island, saw a mermaid playing piano at Rudder Cut Cay, celebrated St. Patty's Day with rum punch at Staniel Cay, explored underwater caves at Rocky Dundas, cleaned up at Rachel's Bubble Bath, and snorkeled with turtles, squid and a hundred variety of colorful fish off O'Briens Cay before completing a 60 mile overnight sail back down Exuma Sound to Georgetown. 




Georgetown is a fascinating place.  When we first arrived in early March, there were 500 sailboats anchored in the harbor.   At night, the anchor lights resemble a small city.  And like a city, the days here have a predictable rhythm.  At 8:00 am each morning, the "cruisers net" - emceed by a rotation of volunteers - starts on VHF 72.   Hundreds of sailors huddle by their radios to get the latest secondhand weather forecast, discover what specials local businesses are running, and learn what time and on what beach someone will be leading yoga lessons or organizing a volley ball tournament today.  Boats newly arrived in the harbor are invited to introduce themselves, and departing boats can say a public goodbye.




I listen with interest when sailors are invited to announce what they'd like to buy, sell, or trade.  Copper Penny is leaving and has unneeded crackers.  The crew of Last Tango will fly back to the states for a few days and needs someone to look after the boat dog.  Tacks Free is renting a car today, and will be heading to the airport at noon if anyone needs a ride.  Mother Goose needs a rigger.  Morse Code needs parts for his Raritan toilet (Still? Poor guy.)

It has been 75 days now since we left New Orleans aboard La Peregrina.  During this time, we've spent 9 nights in a marina (all in the first month,) 6 nights underway at sea, 5 nights on mooring balls, and 55 nights at anchor.  We've put 254 hours on the motor and used 140 gallons of diesel.  We arrived in the Bahamas on February 4th.  In the 50 days since, we've had 20+ kts of wind on 28 days.  It has rained twice, both times lightly and for less than 30 minutes.   We've had a bunch of little mechanical, electrical, and plumbing issues, but nothing significant.  Yet.

It is time for us to leave the Exumas. We're anchored tonight off Fowl Cay, at the eastern edge of Elizabeth Harbor.  The swell from Exuma Sound swings around this little island.  La Peregrina rocks and rolls, and her spars and halyards slap and bang.  But the anchor is well set, our stomachs are full, there is wine in our glasses, and a giant moon just rose in the east.  It's not a bad evening.

At dawn, if things go as planned, we'll set sail for Calabash Bay, on the north end of Long Island.  

We miss all of you, and continue to hope you'll find a way to join us.  To our Nashville tribe,  don't forget that Saturday is the annual Spring Walk from Percy Priest Dam to downtown via Nashville's greenways.  We regret we can't join you this year, but we'll drink a beer and think of you.





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