Christmas, Junkanoo & Rock Sound

Well, so much has been going on & I have been very lax about the blog!  We crossed from Little Harbour, Abaco to Royal Island, Eleuthera on 12/16.  Prior to that we had spent a wonderful few days at Tahiti Beach and Lynyard Cay. 

Cracker P’s on Lubbers            The Castle

The weather was due to change & since we did not wish to be in Royal for 5-6 days we pressed on to Hatchet Bay.  That means passing through Current Cut.  Now most of you know that we sailboats do not travel all that fast and that we are not racers by any stretch of the imagination.  When our boat is going 8-9 knots – we are flying!  That’s Current Cut!  After that nice fast ride through there we went on to Hatchet Bay.  A lovely sail! We spent last Christmas there and if you wish to see the photos, just scroll back to previous blog entries.

A lot had changed there in the past year.  Some American has now gone into partnership with the Bahamian stone crab guys, built a processing plant & has contracted to sell all the catch to a Florida firm.  BOO-HISS!! That means no more fresh off the boat stone crab for the cruisers, locals & winter residents.  Luckily for us, Francis from The Front Porch restaurant understood our disappointment, took Rob aside & said that he would sell us some of his crab from his pots for the same price we paid last year!  YEAH FRANCIS!  He’s a great guy huh?   Last year whenever I went to get the crab it seemed that they had no “thank you bags”.  Thank You Bags are those bags you get in the shops that say….. ‘thank you’ on them.  I made a point of bringing a box over (thanks Pete) but since they now do not sell to the public, what to do…. give them to Francis & Gina (his wife) at The Front Porch.  For a couple of days we were the only boat in Hatchet Bay and that seemed odd but there are so many boats stacked up in Florida that when the flood gates (weather) open it will be packed. 

 

After a few days in Hatchet we told Francis & Gina bye & headed to Governors Harbour.  There were only 2 boats there!  One was a guy we met last year & the other was a young man named Patrick who had introduced himself to us at The Front Porch when he stopped in a rental car.  We walked through town and got some Frangelico, 1 liter bottle $18.00!  Much cheaper than the US.  Tanqueray gin is $21.00 for a liter!  The grocery next door has some wonderful English sausage that Rob adores so a package of those came too!  Now it is getting rater close to Christmas so it was time to move to Rock Sound where the Junkanoo Competition was to be held Christmas day.

We arrived in Rock Sound the afternoon of the 23rd   and anchored off of Pascal’s 4 Points Restaurant.  Again, we have gotten to know the owners over the years & its just really neat when you come back & they remember you.  We invited Patrick – the single hander – to join us for Christmas dinner & Junkanoo and what a time we had. 

The drums are made of goat skin & often absorb moisture so they are ‘tuned’ by warming & shrinking the skins. I was given a chance to play one & they are very heavy!  All of this & we have not even gotten to the festivities yet! 

I was given this hat by one of the performers… Its huge!  What to do with it??

The music, the costumes, the drums!  Junkanoo is just plain FUN!

 

What a blast!  I hope we didn’t make one of these out of ourselves!

 

I hope you get the idea, we had fun!  I hope this post is not too big!  More in a few days.  We are awaiting the arrival of our friends Pete & Jane on the 5th.  Bye for now!

The Messy But Good Crossing! 12/6-12/7/2013

                                  

Well, we had a grand time in Ft. Pierce but it was time to make a move over to the Bahamas.  The prescriptions had arrived, laundry done (thanks Pete & Jane!), the boat provisioned and all we needed was fuel & water and we would be ready to go. 

At about 1315 (12/6) we were pulling away from the fuel dock with the next planned stop being Green Turtle Cay in Abaco.  As we headed towards the inlet we could see the breakers.  It was a classic case of wind against tide for a few hundred yards.  There were no elephants dancing on the horizon so we decided to go on.  The water came over the bow so quickly that the scuppers (drains) on deck could not keep up!  The hawse pipe cover washed off the anchor chain locker but luckily was caught by the jerry cans.  It was quite a sight!  Not scary but very very wet!  Rob decided he would take the first watch so I went below to read.  Did I mention that it was wet??  Of course with all the rolling anything not securely stowed  fell somewhere.  Our pilot berth serves as the pantry & luckily I had secured it with lifeline netting and all was well there.  No so good with our bed.  Did I mention that we just got this mattress last September??  When all that water came over the bow and washed away the cover that left a nice 3in whole for seawater to enter.  There was so much water that it filled the bilge & chain locker and poured onto our bed.  The bilge pumps were earning their keep for a few minutes that day.  There is not too much you can do while underway for this so I took stock, thought about what do do the next day and went to read.  Now there is a vent at the forward end of the pilot berth for fresh air, I was sitting across from this vent when all of a sudden there was water hitting the hatch cover (secured) and pouring through this vent!  I normally have the computer there and was very pleased I had stowed it before we got underway.  Of course that got the starboard side cushion and new decorative pillows and my slippers wet with sea water.  For you non boater types let me explain that sea water never really dries.  It will always have a damp sticky feel until cleaned with fresh water. 

The crossing itself was wonderful!  We take watches (turns so the other may rest/sleep) and there is nothing as beautiful as a clear night sky when you are on deck with just your thoughts & dreams!  I really think the ancient Greeks must have had too much time on their hands!  Some of the constellations I really have a hard time seeing.  Of course the Big & Little Dippers are easy, and I have no problem with Orion's Belt… its just the rest of him I can’t find!    Because of this I started making my on constellations!  Should I ever be on watch with any of you I’ll be happy to share them with you.  Hey – it does pass the time! 

Another great new “toy” we got is AIS – Automatic Identification System.  Your biggest concern when on the ocean at night are the big containerships.  Now if you are close enough to read their name you are already in deep do-do!  AIS will show them as a “target” on the chartplotter.  The you place you cursor over the target, follow the commands & voila you have there name, course, speed and all sorts of info!  When you call them by name on VHF 16 they always seem to answer!  hmmmmmm.  Luckily we have never had to call any of them but its interesting to look at their info.

Since the bed was wet and we were tired we decided to stop at Great Sale Cay for the night.  It worked out well.  Arrived at 1415 – 25 hours for the crossing- and set about straightening & cleaning.  We got the mattress as best we could with fresh water but it still needs to dry another day or two but all of the saltwater up forward has been cleaned and the pilot berth/cushion too.  All that remains is the shower stall which was being used as a storage closet! 

It was now getting late & we were tired and hungry so we fixed a nice dinner, put on our Bahamian music and decided to eat topside.  Towards the end of the meal I heard a noise & it turned out that our propane regulator/gauge had just failed!  While we were cooking Rob had asked me to turn off the propane so he could change tanks.  The grill was just not getting hot he said but while there was still a flame on the veg I was cooking below we thought maybe it was just about empty.  It was not 20 min after that I heard the hissing.  That was really lucky on so many levels!  Thank You God!  Of course now we have no fuel for cooking/coffee & today is Sunday and even if we were near a shop they would be closed but that is ok!  We have plenty to eat & drink and there was no harm to us or the boat. 

Whoops–I Forgot!

OK, here are the pics I haven’t posted!

The top left is a cross in St Augustine that can be seen from miles offshore.  Top right & bottom left are of the fort of San Marco that defended the “oldest city” and the bottom right is the waterfront of St. Augustine today.

These are of our tree!  The big ornament is made from ‘conch feet’.  The ornament on the right photo was made for us by our dear friend Jane from S/V Sereno 55 from beach glass!  I’ll get a pic of our Santa in his hammock over the main and the ornaments individually soon.

Later!                                           

 

 

Thanksgiving with Pete & Jane

 

We are safely tucked into Harbor Town Marina and with our good friends Pete & Jane for the holiday.  Later we will go to Pete’s sister Paula’s for dinner.  Cool but beautiful weather!  Of course after Thanksgiving dinner it is time for the tree to go up!  What a grand time!  Good friends – good times – good people!

At Pete’s sisters house we had the chance to meet a lovely 6th grader named Eleanor who wrote the most fantastic poem for the blessing:

The laughter, the joy- all at the table

The happiness, the love- all at the table

Joined together by hope

Joined together by love

Sitting with one another

Reminiscing about the past

Thinking about the future

The laughter, the joy- all at the table

The happiness, the love- all at the table

Isn't that just great?

Well, now it is Sunday, the turkey & ham are gone – we had shrimp & lobster for dinner last night!  Today, of course it is raining and we need to move the boat out of the marina – too expensive!  Still waiting on prescriptions and stuff so we will do that from the anchorage.  Pete & Jane are nice enough to let us keep stuff in their freezer & garage until a better day when its not raining!  What a great visit as usual & we have been making plans for their visit to the Bahamas next year – not that far away!  Last season they paid us a visit in the Abacos so this time it will be Eleuthera.  Later!

                                    

                                               

 

St. Augustine to Ft. Pierce

St, Augustine was a blast as usual!  We had dinner at our friends Paul & Dawn with Ed & Mary too.  We met Paul & Dawn our very first year of cruising in Elizabeth city, NC.  2002 – wow! We crisscrossed paths all the way to the Bahamas & back again.  Great folks!  I won’t try to explain the Brotherhood of the Coast to you – it would take too long to explain it properly – just know that it’s an international sailing organization that Rob, Paul & Ed all belong to.  It was a wonderful evening as we had not seen Paul & Dawn in a few years but were lucky enough to have dinner with Ed & Mary when they passed through Norfolk right before we left.

Of course there was a snafu with West Marine & our part did not arrive as promised so we have now reordered it for Ft. Pierce, Fl.  Some of you may remember that we spent last Thanksgiving with Pete & Jane there so  I guess we will be making it a tradition! 

In the meantime we meandered our way down to Cocoa to see our buddy Gary.  We had a real treat to be able to see Bob & Kathy that we have met through him.  I really enjoy spending time with Kathryn – you don’t get much ‘girl time’  cruising.  They have recently sold their home on the beach & moved into one of the most beautiful condos I have ever seen, and she said it’s a work in progress as they have only been there since August. 

As the weather was due to change (NE gale advisory) we decided that Cocoa was not the place to be (open to the NE) so we were not able to join Gary on Sunday the 24th for a concert/festival in Melbourne.  Johnny Winter – he’s still alive???!! – was the headline act.  It would have been fun & would also have given us a chance to see Roland but it was not meant to be.  We have really met some very nice folks through Gary!

Off we went & tucked up very nicely on the SW corner on the Pineda Causeway! While there were whitecaps on the Banana River, we were very comfortable. 

Fill in the Blanks!

Well, the last post was without photos and lets face it… Rob is the better writer and I try to post pics of various places, people & things.  We went on to the Frederica River to ride out the blow and we were quite comfortable.  It did blow a lot but we were tucked in nicely and had a great view of Fort Frederica.

                                          Fort Frederica on the Frederica River, Georgia

We had lots of wildlife for company but unfortunately not many photos came out well.

After the blow we decided to head on south towards Fernandina Beach and while crossing the St. Simon’s Sound got  to see a sight not many see up close – The U.S. Coast Guard training their rescue swimmers!

 

It was quite a sight with the spray all around from the helicopter!  Of course that is when the camera came up with ‘change batteries’ so that is why there are so few photos!  It was quite a sight! 

That day we made it south of Fernandina Beach…… FLORIDA!  We went on to Beach marine in Jacksonville Beach and took a marina to see our dear friend Rob who lived in our same marina in Virginia before his retirement from the Navy. 

While he is now officially a ‘dirt dweller (bought a home & sold the boat) we still think the world of him.  His house is wonderful too!  After a great time with him it was time to head south.  After a lovely night off Pine Island we are now heading into St. Augustine – another favorite stop.  Unfortunately we have another repair (Lectra Scan) to do.  Our previous Lectra San (yes-they changed the name) lasted 12 years!  For you non nautical types – think toilet system.

We have many friends who live in the area and we hope to see them all but with the repair & the cost of a mooring we’ll see!

The City of St. Augustine has put in a mooring field in the prime anchoring area.  On the east side the holding is not so good and during the last blow a catamaran drug its anchor into the Bridge of Lions!  The boat is a total loss per the USCG.

That’s it for now – we will be in St. Augustine soon.

Georgia!

On our way again!  We had a fantastic dinner on Barefootin’ with Bob, Francie, Bill & Kippin (the boat dog).  While Barefootin’ & Long Winded left on Saturday Rob & I decided to wander about Beaufort.  Of course I tried to do too much with the foot but it was still a wonderful day.  We nosed down the main drag and I stopped at a bench while Rob went onto The Chocolate Tree.  Now this place is great!  Although most resort areas will have a really good chocolate shop – The Chocolate Tree has been inducted into the Chocolatiers Hall of Fame!  Who knew there was such a thing?  One thing for sure – it is really good!  When he returned we walked back down the opposite side of the street and looked into a few more shops.  By now my foot needed a rest so we sat for a moment on a bench before heading on to Luther’s for lunch.  Luther’s was at one time a pharmacy and much of the old flavor remains.  There are high barstools (normal) on one side of the bar and short barstools (chairs) on the other.  As a friend once said “Less distance to fall on the short side!”. 

As we sat (on the short side ) I felt something down my shirt.  Well – my necklace had come undone and while I had the chain, my pendant was gone!  This was just heartbreaking!  It was given to me by my dear, dear friend Howdy and is the logo of his business.  While most of you know him for those who do not he is one of the finest people you could ever meet & builds one hell of a boat too!  Just Google Howdy Bailey Yacht Service!  To shorten the story, Rob & I went back outside to retrace our steps and lo & behold Rob found it!  I am so very happy as it would have ruined my entire week had it been gone!

 

We made the decision to head farther south not only to get warmer but to make some southerly as there is weather heading our way Tuesday through Thursday.  This may mean that we bypass our friends in Savannah but it can’t be helped.  Spending 2-3 days in a marina just isn’t in the budget at this time.  Last spring we rode some weather out in Frederica Creek by Fort Frederica so we will see.

WOW!  Our first gator of the season!  Just north of the Savannah River.  Only about 4-5 ft. but as cold as it is we were surprised!

Well, now its Friday & we are in Jax, FL!  Sitting on the porch at our friend Rob’s house!  More later!

On Towards Beaufort, SC

The next trip to the Dr. was the one I was dreading.  No details but I am now without a toenail. Ouch!  Maybe now the staph will clear up & I can get back on the psoriasis meds & be able to walk normally again!

Thanks AGAIN to John & Julie for taking such good care of me!  You guys are awesome!

While I was in VA Rob was a busy guy.  Not only did he complete a number of ‘boat projects’ but had creative time as well.  Georgetown, SC is one of our favorite stops on the ICW.   The town has a wonderful historic waterfront, great restaurants & bars and some of the freshest seafood to be had.  Unfortunately there was a major fire a month or so ago that basically wiped out the 700 block of the waterfront.  One of our favorite restaurants – Limpin’ Jane’s (related to hoppin’ John??) was destroyed.  There are photos of the fire & the aftermath on waterway guide.com if you are interested.  The town is determined to rebuild & they were starting to palletize the old bricks when it came to light the high content of asbestos.  For now at least it is all on hold.  About 70 people lost their jobs, several apartments atop the businesses were destroyed & unfortunately two pets were lost as well.

I mentioned seafood….  Well the dock sits right outside of Independent Seafood so you know the shrimp are fresh when you see the catch unloaded!  We normally drop the hook & Rob got some fine photos and a great drawing too!

                                                      Pretty good huh?

We spent a couple of days provisioning and stuff and took off on Tues. the 5th. Our friend Bill on another 365 had caught up with us so off we went!  It had been rather cold & we were really ready to make some southerly so a couple of long days later we actually wore shorts in the afternoon!  We had planned to spend a few days in Charleston, perhaps at the Maritime Center so we would be closer to the attractions but with my toe still smarting and walking in 1 shoe & 1 slipper being a tad awkward we decided to press on.  Church Creek it was last night and here is Bill at anchor on Long Winded.

Long Winded on the hook.                                   Rob at the helm

“Retired” shrimp boats at Georgetown                        Yard art on Wapoo Cut

Pulled into Beaufort this afternoon & Bob & Francie from Barefootin’ are here & have invited us & Bill to dinner tonight!  Can’t wait to give them a hug! 

Bye!

 

Where Did The Summer Go?

 

SHOULD HAVE PUBLISHED THIS 3WKS AGO!  Currently in Georgetown, SC & leaving tomorrow for points south.  11/4/2013

Wow, what a busy summer.  The new engine is in and the instruments installed (except for wind & that is another story) and we are heading south again.  it was work –work -work for both of us with Rob at the boat daily & me at West Marine.  Currently still nursing a broken big toe as well as a staph infection on same.  Will head back to the Dr. next week and hopefully will get the all clear to resume the psoriasis meds.

We decided to come down through the Dismal Swamp & stop at the NC visitors center, something we have not done since 2009. 

A marina mate bidding farewell!

We made it to the Deep Creek Locks in a bit over 5 hours!  Love that new engine!  We tied up after the locks with 2 other boats and had an impromptu get together.  Rob & I went home & the 4 guys were still going strong at 2:30am!  We got underway with the duck weed the next morning.  If you do not know what duck weed is well a pic is worth well, you know……..

In front of the boat…..                                Behind the boat

South side of ICW                                        North side of ICW

The bottom 2 photos are remnants of my childhood.  As a youngster I rode horses at a place called the Triple R Ranch in Chesapeake, VA.  Now this was the time before litigation and near Christmas we would go on what was billed as an “Eighteen Hour Trail Ride” .  Part of this adventure was when the ‘bridge’ was pulled across the ICW and all of us would ride the horses across.  It made me smile to see it was still there although I seriously doubt if the trailride is still  in existence between attorney’s and property owners fear of same! 

We got to the visitors center and stayed a day longer than planned due to weather.  It has now turned cold & wet and we are on a beeline to Bath, NC where JoRuth will take me to the doc back in Norfolk. 

Fast forward a few days… I went to the Dr. and still have the infection so back again on the 28th