Black Point

Saturday morning we got up early and headed over to a little cove just South of Black Point. We had opted to anchor here for the night just to check out some of these beaches and this cove was just calling my name!

We loaded up the mutt and dinghied in to the cove and were not disappointed. The water was crystal clear and it was perfect for an early morning swim. There was a large storm passing just West of us and we waited until we were sure it wasn't headed in the same direction we were before we headed back to the mothership.

We upped anchor at 10am and jib sailed the short (5m) to Black Point where we found a perfect anchor spot close to town. We got the hook down and headed into town. There was an event going on at the local school - food, music and games - to raise money for the kids. The food smelled delicious and we couldn't help but give in and support the kids. It was some of the best local bahamaian fare we have had since being here!

The music blared from town all through the day, the sky was cloudless and the water was clear and inviting. So, after soaking in some rays, we decided to jump in for a cool down. Brad got motivated and started scrubbing the bottom....as you can see, I just monitored his progress and took lots of pictures. Hey, someone has to be the photog!!

We capped off the evening with a few rousing games of Battleship at sunset and then a movie to end the day. It was a perfect Exuma day!! Tomorrow we head up to Staniel Cay to rendevous with old friends!


Waiting for this nasty storm to pass us by:

This definitely qualifies as a blue job!

Georgetown Take 2

Well, here we are back in Georgetown. Even though we never thought we would end up back here, we have made the best of it and only stayed for a few days before heading farther North up the Exumas.

We did get to meet up with some friends that were still lingering around town (most of the cruisers start heading back to the States by now) and we sailed into town just in time for a poker night. I decided I would join Brad up at St. Francis for dinner since they make my favorite cracked conch (seriously...just like crack).

We made time to do a few repairs to the boat, stock up on food and water and refill our fuel jerry jugs. Then we relaxed and enjoyed some serious beach time with the mutt and hiked around Stocking Island a bit, including a trip up to the Monument, which looks out across the whole harbour.

Unfortunately, while we were there, the local straw market, which was a building housing about ten women's goods for sale, went up in flames. It was a devastating blow to this community, as so many of the local families rely on that business. We could see the flames from across the harbour - all the straw (including a thatched roof) made for quite a blaze. We went in to town the next day and walked past the remains - devastating. But, by 4pm that afternoon, all the rubble had been cleared and it seemed that the town was banding together to get it rebuilt post haste. We couldn't stick around to see the final product, but hope they get it done quickly, as the Family Island Regatta is right around the corner.

We left Georgetown at first light on Friday morning and headed out into open seas. We threw out a fishing line in hopes of luring in a mahi, but it was to no avail. We had a good sail in calm seas and were happy to make it to the Exuma Sound well before dark and get the hook down in time to go for a quick dip and enjoy a spectacular sunset.

All In is the first Sailboat on the left....so close to the beach we would swim ashore to take Koa swimming!

The day that never ends

We left Long Island yesterday and have a beautiful downwind sail back to Georgetown. We made great time and had the hook down by 3pm. It reaffirmed our love of sailing and also our decision to go with the winds instead of against.

Unfortunately, as soon as we got the hook down there was work that needed to be done. Usually, we set the hook and toast the anchor gods with a rum drink while enjoying the rest of a lazy evening. Not today!

We had gotten some bad water in Long Island and so we had to empty the tanks and put some bleach through the lines and then re-empty them. We had to do the same with our water jerry jugs, so it was a bit of a task. And, on top of that, our fresh water pump went up and we had to replace that as well. (We = Brad = Blue job). No rest for the weary.

So, as Brad was elbow deep replacing the water pump, I was handling the jerry jugs and cleaning the boat when Koa picked that moment to upchuck his breakfast. He always hides his head in the corner and so got not only the salon cushions, but down the side of the couch, into the area where we store all of our bags (bookbags, grocery sacks, etc) and all over the carpet. Fabulous.

So, after all the cleaning, cleansing the water and replacing of the water pump, we had to run into town to get enough water to last us through the night before we could finally settle down for the night. We were both exhausted and barely made it through dinner before crashing.

Needless to say, we will be taking the next couple of days to relax, reprovision, catch up with friends and have lots of lazy beach time. Can't wait....