We traveled to Big Majors Cay which features several feral pigs on the beach and a protected anchorage for all but west quadrant winds. Winds were about 20 knots out of the northeast making for a fast broad reach with excellent protection from the Exuma island chain.
Ed put down the dinghy and off we went to feed the pigs, two sows and one piglet, some crackers. Then he thought to head over to Staniel Cay to visit the yacht club but of course picking a rough wet route and not bringing any cash to even buy a beer! Bad captain.
The next day we went to Big Farmers Cay which offers protection from westerlies which were expected over night. This cay was owned by a freed slave woman who then willed it to any and all of her descendants to live on forever. We anchored off the white beach but the holding was poor so we took a mooring ball.
We went for a walk on the island and visited a man who carves small statues of birds and women. Eventually we ended up at the Ocean Beach Club where we had beers and talked politics with Terry (proprietor) and several boaters. It was all very nice and lowest key. Terry, as are many Bahamians, was very tuned into US politics and extremely hopeful that Obama will lead us well.
1-19-2009
We sailed the 36 miles from Little Farmers to Georgetown right into the anchorage in Kid Harbor using the engine only briefly while weighing anchor and dropping anchor. We used the light air symetric spannaker all the way but still have a lot to learn about exactly how to rig and fly it. Several times we had it collapse on us leading to big pops as it reinflated.
We continue to meet new folks, exchanging boat cards, enjoying sundown drinks and appetizers. Otherwise the nights are too long and boring. One can only read so many books.
We spent a day in Georgetown doing boring stuff like a walk, visit to the library, ferrying jugs of water and buying gas. Little did we realize but the wind came up and northwest during the night such that we bobbed up and down all night. Neither of us slept very well after 1:30. Ed feared that we might be moving as night exaggerates distances between boats and does the opposite with objects. In the morning all was fine but we quickly went across the harbor to Sand Dollar beach where it was protected from the NW winds. Ahhh, peace and quiet and we slept like babies that night.
1-22-09
Off to Thompson Bay, Long Island. We linked up with three other boats for a little while at least. We were supposed to leave at 8am but one of the boats ended up with its anchor chain pulled under a coral head so Ed volunteered to see why it was fouled and free it if possible. So while Ann drove Windswept Dreams around because we had already weighed anchor, Ed put on his mask, snorkel and fins and checked it out. His remedy was to have the other boat circle the coral head clockwise which freed the chain. Ed believes that every favor done for another boater results in even greater benefits to us down the road.
The winds were slightly on the nose today with it ending up to be a 7 hour motor sail, especially the last half when the sails were only up because we had not taken them down. Still it was beautiful and calm as we left the Exumas temporarily for the out islands which is a name given to islands more to the west or south of the major chains.
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