Day 151, Wednesday November 20

Day 151, Wednesday November 20
 

We wake up with plans to move northward up to Green Turtle Cay (key). Dawson has been charting for us as we have to head back out to the Atlantic amongst some reefs to get around a shallow section in the Sea of Abacos. This is one of the “cuts” as they call them that is subject to a rage which we mentioned is when the swells break and sent boats flying. We consult the cruisers net for advice and although weather here is very calm, tropical storm Melissa 500 miles away is causing some swells. We hear that it is do-able to get through so make the decision to head north. (Note that storm Melissa is heading towards England so no concern for us other than some swells). It seems like a long time since we set sail and we run through the list of to do’s before weighing anchor. We are both a bit nervous as we sail along in 7-12 foot depths often hoping the charts are accurate. Julie goes forward as a bow watch and the bow is going up and down what seems like 5 feet and she worries the depths did not take that into account. We have chosen to go over a shallower section vs. the main channel as rumor has it there are some old posts in the main channel that could skewer us. Our depth remains good with a minimum of 12 feet so no threat to touching.

Soon we are at the passage and Dawson hails a fellow sailor who is coming in from the passage to ask for conditions. He says it is lumpy out there. We continue on and see a fuel barge that is hung up on a reef. It has been there awhile, but not that long. Maybe abandoned 6 months ago or so. It is eerie to see it there and reminds us to be diligent. The waves are about 6 foot and soon we turn and they are hitting us on the side which makes for an uncomfortable ride. We do not turn green, like some Fay’s do and carry on. We are only out on the Atlantic for about 30 minutes then get to turn west and tuck back into the Sea of Abacos. The swells continue for about an hour, but then subside as we are tucked behind no name cay. Dawson launches a kayak for some thru hull inspections as we just drift along in a beautiful sunny day. There are some nasty clouds around us but no rain where we are. We actually want rain/rinse. The salt is incessant and nothing dries properly and the stainless shows signs of rusting. A good rain is what we need.

By 2:00 we have entered the channel at Green Turtle Cay and get anchored easily. We read for awhile awaiting the rain to visit us. We have our collection pails ready and our bathing suits on so we can scrub the deck when the rain comes. By 4 a light rain starts then suddenly we are pelted with wind, rain, thunder and lightning. The boat swings on its anchor as we have put out about 90 feet of chain and the wind is whipping around. Unfortunately the neighbouring boat is on a mooring that has virtually no swing so as we dip southwards the boat is within about 10 feet. We quickly pull in about 20 foot of our chain and start the engine so we will not collide. For the next hour we are in a thunderous downpour where we can hardly see, trying to stay off neighbouring boats. It feels like we are careening towards this one boat that is on a mooring ball, plus we can hardly see through the rainfall. It is a bit freaky. Julie pulls out the rubber shoes and gloves so the lightning will not eat us. By 5 the storm is passing and we re-anchor far away from everyone as there is no wind so everyone is swinging differently and those on mooring balls have little scope on their rotation compared to those of us at anchor.

We were supposed to head over to Comocean for dinner tonight and we radio them to advise we will be tardy and they suggest we push the social to Thursday night. This works for us as we have not even dropped the dinghy yet. We have our own happy hour and snuggle in for a quiet night.

Cheers

Julie and Dawson