Bahamas - we are here

The big day was finally creeping up on us. We really had to do what we said we are going to do. Cross the big oceans and see the world. So we had to leave the world as we knew it and started our Gulf Stream crossing on April 3rd, 2007 from Marathon, in the Florida Key’s. Being out there for about five hours we had to face the weather god – and return to safe shores and wait for less than 6 to 8 feet of waves. It’s a tricky river this Gulf Stream and we have read so much that we did not want to risk it. We went again the next morning and had a wonderful trip with less than three foot waves – but no wind, so we had to motor the entire time. We arrived in the Bahamas in less than 18 hours, which was quite a good speed for us. We checked in with customs at Cat Cay at a very friendly marina without any problems and very little bureaucracy. The fist day in the Bahamas we had a long shower; a walk at the beach, a nap and visited the little grocery store (just in case we did not have enough food!!) and enjoyed the euphoria of our big achievement.

The weather caught up with us that night and we had a huge thunderstorm with great rain – it helped to wash the boat after all the salt we had on it. After that one more day of big winds; so one more day of relaxation and to get ready for Easter. It’s dangerous to hide Easter eggs on a boat – what if we can’t find them? Well, Jackie got a little Easter rabbit that got its ear bitten off instantly. So we had a happy dog but a not so happy bunny.

We left on April 8th, 2007 to head for Chubb Cay about 75 miles across the Bahamas banks. The water was about 10 to 15 feet deep and crystal clear – like driving in a pool of mineral water. We were able to count the sea stars from the deck while we were motoring (no wind to sail again, but also not a ripple on the water). After about 60 miles we went from 12 feet to 1500 feet in the Atlantic Ocean. Chris caught instantly a 30 pound Mahi Mahi bull. We ate three days and gave some away to friends. What a wonderful fish that was – who needs cows if you can have fresh fish?!

Some very friendly and generous people on “Bold Pursuit” invited us to a fabulous dinner after a twelve hour trip when we arrived happy but tired in Chub Cay, which is part of the Berry Islands. We can’t say this enough. The biggest and most wonderful part about cruising is to meet fellow cruisers and share some very happy moments together.

Today is April 10th, 2007 and we are about 10 miles north of Chubb Cay to hide from a low pressure that should arrive late in the evening. They are expecting winds between 30 and 50 knots sustained. We are getting some more anchor gear out and make sure that nothing is flying off the boat. Let’s get that bottle of wine out we have saved for a while!! Maybe it would be better not to have a weather forecast so I could enjoy paradise until the bad stuff hits – at least then I would not be in fear for 24 hours before it all happens. I am sure that I will get better about this and maybe – who knows – I will sail on a spinnaker at 30 knots one day? But until than, I will bite my nails and hope for the best.