January 8, 2012

Sunday January 8, 2012

Last night was something worth mentioning.  The moon seemed full and bright as ever.  I went out to sit in the cockpit for awhile and I could actually see the bottom with the light of the moon.  I have never been able to do that before.  The stars weren’t quite as plentiful because of the bright moonlight but wow...I could see that beautiful bottom.  God reveals beauty even when we think we won’t be able to see it.

“Time to wake up sweetie, we are going on a new adventure today”  yelled Fred from the cockpit.  I rolled over and tried to focus on where he was and spotted him in the cockpit with coffee in hand.  “Wind Lass”  had just radioed that they were pulling anchor.  Even though we were both heading to Georgetown, they went back out side through Adderly Cut and we went inside to see some pretty sites.  Tug and Barge Rocks, Marine research institute,  Perry Peak, which is the highest spot in the Bahamas and went outside through Rat Key Cut. The wind was great, we hoisted the main as well as the jib averaging 5 knots.  I let my hand line out and had a great feeling today is the day for a grouper.  Not to be though.  In fact, everything was gone, my spoon and planer and the fish that took it all!  Must not have meant to be.  At some points we were sailing on 2,800 feet of water.  It was a eerie feeling but as long as I was on the inside of the dry bucket, I felt safe.   I did learn that I am not quite as efficient in securing things as I thought I was.  Everything in the V-berth came down, pillows, placemats, the parrot in the salon, and everything in the galley that wasn’t attached to something.  We did get some water in the head above the sink, and Fred’s meds got his weekly rations wet enough, he can take them as one odd shaped cube at once.  I got lucky on that one.  I love zip lock bags!  We both came below, looked at the mess and without a work, dug in to put things away.  That’s what I call team spirit!   Finally got the boat back together and the bathroom is airing out to dry.  That was the only room that things didn’t fly around and it was the only place that got really really wet.  Fred put caulk stanchions on his to do list.  We can literally say we slid into Georgetown sideways on the starboard side.  Stasia had the best anchors of the three of us, claws deep into the cushions in the cockpit kept her in one place, no matter how much rocking and rolling we did.  She certainly has mastered balancing herself in a rough sail although she doesn’t hold back with that nauseous glare she gives us once in awhile.  I am so glad she is with us!  She’s an adventure in itself.

As we pulled into Georgetown waters, along came Roy and Mary from “Gideon” speeding up to greet us.  What a welcome!  I was taken back at such a welcome!  They tagged along next to us and we chatted and they even got to meet Stasia.  They have a calico also.  They invited us over to their boat for dinner this evening and we gladly accepted.  The anchor is set, near “Chat & Chill”  (I think that is what it is called)  and another name for it is called “Volleyball beach” or maybe these are two places.  I am still learning about this place.  Anyway, there are a lot of boats here, seems like the most popular vacation spot for sailing vessels to  come.  I hear this is quite the spot to meet people.  Some come this far and stay until it is time to turn around and head home.  Fred & I?  We hope to go further on to the DR.  Where ever the wind takes us.  Fred thinks we may be here for a few weeks to do some repairs.  I second that!  Especially in the leaking category.  I plan to jump right in there and get my hands greasy with him.  I have had a few people tell me those are the “Captains” job but we are in this together.  I’ll teach him how to put the toilet seat down and he will teach me how to reconnect wires.  I do draw the line at putting my hands in places I can’t see what’s in there though.  I’ll just stand close with the bug spray, just in case.  I do not like spiders...AT ALL!

Dinner on “Gideon” tonight was wonderful as well as the company.  Roy and Mary served stew and biscuits as we shared stories and had some fun laughs.  Even though we have been emailing for a few months now, it was nice to finally meet them.  They also have a cat ‘Skipper’ who makes her presence known, just as Stasia, and is just as friendly.  Tomorrow...we are going into Georgetown.  I can’t wait to explore this place.  I want to thank God for the safe journey here as well as a safe journey for others behind us.