This is what happens when you have a new moon and an extreme low tide. Not what you expect when you invite guests for a drink. Doesn't look right when there no rags up!
Monday, February 19, 2007
Man-O-War Cay (Lat: 26 35.50° Long.: 77 00.50°)
Just a short journey across the bay from Marsh Harbour lays a small island called Man-O-War Cay. We arrived here for two reasons: Saturday, a fundraising flea market and auction for the local school; and secondly on Sunday, a major cold front coming in with blows North West clocking northward up to 45 knots. This harbour is classified as a hurricane hole.
Saturday (17th Feb), we went ashore early for the flea market with a couple of purchases in mind, if available. I wanted to head to the Pantry, where the local ladies made homemade breads, cookies, pies and preservatives. While, Ted, had boat parts in mind. When we took our goodies back to the boat, the waters were calm. Ideal time, to test Topaz, by taking her for a dinghy ride. Keep in mind our dinghy is rubber/inflated and she is fully equipped with claws….sharp claws. I sat her on the two lifejackets that lay on the floor, Ted proceeds very slowly. All seems well, she’s calm, so he gradually increases the speed. She meows a little, but in most case’s, appears to be relaxed. Every once in awhile, she’ll go up to the bow, allowing the wind to blow in her face.
Once around the mooring field, we take Topaz back to Xcelsior. We head back ashore for some lunch at the big tent. After a couple of hours, we return with friends Bob and Linda for afternoon cocktails…or so we thought. What appears to be a extreme low tide, Xcelsior is laying on her side, baring more bottom than we like to see, unless under sail. Tide still going out, more bottom to be viewed. Once we found a vacant ball, we placed a reserve float on it with assistance from Bob and Linda. Three hours later we were upright and able to move to our new location. Tomorrow’s tide will even be lower (as it’s a new moon tide) and with the strong winds expected, the last thing we wish to happen, is to be hard aground as well.
Later that evening, we got bad news from home that a good friend had past away. Our condolences to his family and friends. Our heart and thoughts are with you.
Here it is Sunday, and the weather forecast was extremely accurate as the winds blow we have a lazy day on the boat. Soon to get an update of the weather at 1930. Our plans for the week (weather permitting) is to go back to Marsh Harbour for one night and than Tuesday off to Treasure Cay and over within the next couple of day to Little Harbour, before departing for Eleuthera Island. At this stage, we will have to say farewell to four new friends, that we have travel with since Florida.
Saturday (17th Feb), we went ashore early for the flea market with a couple of purchases in mind, if available. I wanted to head to the Pantry, where the local ladies made homemade breads, cookies, pies and preservatives. While, Ted, had boat parts in mind. When we took our goodies back to the boat, the waters were calm. Ideal time, to test Topaz, by taking her for a dinghy ride. Keep in mind our dinghy is rubber/inflated and she is fully equipped with claws….sharp claws. I sat her on the two lifejackets that lay on the floor, Ted proceeds very slowly. All seems well, she’s calm, so he gradually increases the speed. She meows a little, but in most case’s, appears to be relaxed. Every once in awhile, she’ll go up to the bow, allowing the wind to blow in her face.
Once around the mooring field, we take Topaz back to Xcelsior. We head back ashore for some lunch at the big tent. After a couple of hours, we return with friends Bob and Linda for afternoon cocktails…or so we thought. What appears to be a extreme low tide, Xcelsior is laying on her side, baring more bottom than we like to see, unless under sail. Tide still going out, more bottom to be viewed. Once we found a vacant ball, we placed a reserve float on it with assistance from Bob and Linda. Three hours later we were upright and able to move to our new location. Tomorrow’s tide will even be lower (as it’s a new moon tide) and with the strong winds expected, the last thing we wish to happen, is to be hard aground as well.
Later that evening, we got bad news from home that a good friend had past away. Our condolences to his family and friends. Our heart and thoughts are with you.
Here it is Sunday, and the weather forecast was extremely accurate as the winds blow we have a lazy day on the boat. Soon to get an update of the weather at 1930. Our plans for the week (weather permitting) is to go back to Marsh Harbour for one night and than Tuesday off to Treasure Cay and over within the next couple of day to Little Harbour, before departing for Eleuthera Island. At this stage, we will have to say farewell to four new friends, that we have travel with since Florida.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Fowl Reef with it's wildlife and beauty
Fowl Reef, stretches quite far and ranges from twenty feet to forty. On the edge, is the depth of sixty feet where the Nurse Shark hangs about. Once the tide is low, than the reef becomes one large sand bed, to tourists known as the Jacuzzi Reef. You’ll have the breath taking experience of being surrounded by yellow tail fish, groupers, angelfish, parrot fish, green turtles (video) barracuda and Reef and Nurse Shark’s, amongst the coral and many more.
On Thursday, we had gone out with a dive company called Above and Below Abaco. The water temperature was 74.5 degree’s, which was considered cold to Bahamian’s. The depth of the water, the chop and surf, intimidated me. I did get in the water, but it wasn't long before I was back in the boat. This left Ted without a buddy. Kay, owner of the dive shop was testing a young man for his first of four open water dives. Kristen, employee of Above and Below (also Bahamian) wasn't equiped with a suit to go snorkelling with Ted. Therefore, he was invited to swim above Kay and James the student being tested.
On Thursday, we had gone out with a dive company called Above and Below Abaco. The water temperature was 74.5 degree’s, which was considered cold to Bahamian’s. The depth of the water, the chop and surf, intimidated me. I did get in the water, but it wasn't long before I was back in the boat. This left Ted without a buddy. Kay, owner of the dive shop was testing a young man for his first of four open water dives. Kristen, employee of Above and Below (also Bahamian) wasn't equiped with a suit to go snorkelling with Ted. Therefore, he was invited to swim above Kay and James the student being tested.
It killed Ted not to be able to dive to the depths of the divers. More than once he took a deep breath and dove to twenty feet and surprised Kay with pictures etc. This was when he was greeted by the Nurse Shark. Keep scrolling down the pages and we will try to post as many photo's as possible. Tried to post the turtles video but unfortunately not supported with this blog software.
Snorkelling in the Abaco at Mermaid's Reef
The water wasn't very clear at Mermaid's Reef as we had three days of heavy winds and sea's. It takes about four days to clear and settle. This reef is just off the beach from across where we anchored in Marsh Harbour. We took the dinghy over and tied to a mooring ball.
Nurse Sharks verses Reef Sharks
Can you tell the difference from these two sharks?
The Nurse Shark has two dorsal fins fairly close together. Equal in size and situated near the rear of the body. They are faound in and around reefs from shallow water to approximately 115 feet. Nurse sharks are not known to attack divers unless provoked.
Reef Sharks, on the other hand have a sleek body with two dorsal fins, the one forward is larger than the one closer to the tail. It is also found in and around reefs from shallow water to approximately 215 feet deep. They are often cruising alone or in groups. Although appears to be shy is considered dangerous.
The Reef Shark is the picture out of focus. He was swimming in sixty feet of water, although Ted at the time of the picture was down 20 feet. Remember, Ted was snorkelling and most snorkellers wouldn't dive to twenty feet.....but we are talking Ted here.
The Nurse Shark has two dorsal fins fairly close together. Equal in size and situated near the rear of the body. They are faound in and around reefs from shallow water to approximately 115 feet. Nurse sharks are not known to attack divers unless provoked.
Reef Sharks, on the other hand have a sleek body with two dorsal fins, the one forward is larger than the one closer to the tail. It is also found in and around reefs from shallow water to approximately 215 feet deep. They are often cruising alone or in groups. Although appears to be shy is considered dangerous.
The Reef Shark is the picture out of focus. He was swimming in sixty feet of water, although Ted at the time of the picture was down 20 feet. Remember, Ted was snorkelling and most snorkellers wouldn't dive to twenty feet.....but we are talking Ted here.
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Quaint village of New Plymouth, Green Turtle Cay
This small community consisted of approximately 100 families. Transportation was golf carts and/or small cars and trucks.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Our first two weeks adventure in Abaco - Bahama
Finally….crossing the Bluewaters to Bahamas’ on Tuesday, January 22 at 00:22 hour.
It’s hard to believe, after twenty-five years of talking about it, we are finally here. The crossing of the Gulf Stream couldn’t have been planned any better. We timed it so our exit of Lake Worth Inlet, FL was at slack water (high tide). This will assist our boats to get good current out into the Gulf Stream and gain speed. Twelve hours later we entered West End, Bahamas’ – Old Bahama Bay Marina for clearance.
The weather window allowed for two days of good weather with a front coming in on Thursday. We had great seas for the first half of the crossing. With a stern sea for the last half, Ted relieving the auto-helm by taking things in hand. Five boats crossed together, Callisto (Bob and Bobby from Baltimore, Maryland); Syzygy (Bob and Lynda from Troy, NY); Seabird (Bruce and Nancy from Maine); Pilgrim from Toronto and of course Xcelsior. Within the first four hours, we had a visitor on Xcelsior; the flying fish was a blue and black back, silver sides and belly. The nets worked perfect, but we released him as one isn’t enough to feed us both.
Pilgrim is the only boat that continued to Memory Rock, while the rest of us cleared into Customs and Immigration at West End. Bahamas’ cruising/fishing liscence for 35 ft. and under is $150 US, while 36 plus is $300 US. Marina fees were a minimum of 40 feet at $60 and water $10 (whether you took it or not). I was worried all night as to whether Topaz would be allowed in, we had the permit but her Health Certificate was one year old. I worried for nothing.
Heading out the next morning, to our first anchorage at Mangrove Cay (pronounced Key), where we toasted Wendy and Bill in NS, with the port they gave us back in May. This was shared with Callisto crew and Syzygy crew. The wee hours, of Thursday morning, we weighed (raised) anchor, to move onto Great Sale Cay, as a storm was approaching but noon. Like clock work, the squall hit us by noon, with one hour away from anchorage. Thirty-three knot winds and twelve feet of water creating three to six foot swells. Topaz was like a trooper, scared and hiding her head into the blanket under the dodger, she remained still and out of the way. The bimini was taking a beating, as mother- nature was trying to take her down by undoing the zippers. We ended up tying it down so it wouldn’t blow into the wind generator.
It’s mind bogging to look down into clear water and see bottom. Twelve feet of water has been the average dept to date, which is clearer than seven feet. So far Ted has caught two fish, both a Sand Diver, which is related to the Lizard Fish. According to our fish books they have no food value. So it was their lucky day to be released to catch more shrimp and small fish. To satisfy our fish desire, we had Tuna Salad Sandwich for lunch.
After four days since arriving in the Bahamas’, we arrive at a small Island called Green Turtle Cay. This island has protection from most wind directions. It is a small community but very quaint. Automobiles consist of golf carts and/or small cars and trucks. It reminds me of England or Marblehead area, with narrow streets for only one vehicle. In most cases the streets are one way. It’s Saturday and most stores close by six and nothing open on Sunday. I have placed our name on the list for Coconut Bread for Monday morning. Coconut pie was the treat for the day. Conch was tried in two forms, fritters (deep fried) and salad and enjoyed extremely. The homes are small built of concrete or Spanish stucco with bright colours of green, yellow and blue. Each household seemed to have one if not more roosters, in which, we woke to the sound of “Cockle doddle do” this a.m. A lovely sound if I might add.
It’s hard to believe, after twenty-five years of talking about it, we are finally here. The crossing of the Gulf Stream couldn’t have been planned any better. We timed it so our exit of Lake Worth Inlet, FL was at slack water (high tide). This will assist our boats to get good current out into the Gulf Stream and gain speed. Twelve hours later we entered West End, Bahamas’ – Old Bahama Bay Marina for clearance.
The weather window allowed for two days of good weather with a front coming in on Thursday. We had great seas for the first half of the crossing. With a stern sea for the last half, Ted relieving the auto-helm by taking things in hand. Five boats crossed together, Callisto (Bob and Bobby from Baltimore, Maryland); Syzygy (Bob and Lynda from Troy, NY); Seabird (Bruce and Nancy from Maine); Pilgrim from Toronto and of course Xcelsior. Within the first four hours, we had a visitor on Xcelsior; the flying fish was a blue and black back, silver sides and belly. The nets worked perfect, but we released him as one isn’t enough to feed us both.
Pilgrim is the only boat that continued to Memory Rock, while the rest of us cleared into Customs and Immigration at West End. Bahamas’ cruising/fishing liscence for 35 ft. and under is $150 US, while 36 plus is $300 US. Marina fees were a minimum of 40 feet at $60 and water $10 (whether you took it or not). I was worried all night as to whether Topaz would be allowed in, we had the permit but her Health Certificate was one year old. I worried for nothing.
Heading out the next morning, to our first anchorage at Mangrove Cay (pronounced Key), where we toasted Wendy and Bill in NS, with the port they gave us back in May. This was shared with Callisto crew and Syzygy crew. The wee hours, of Thursday morning, we weighed (raised) anchor, to move onto Great Sale Cay, as a storm was approaching but noon. Like clock work, the squall hit us by noon, with one hour away from anchorage. Thirty-three knot winds and twelve feet of water creating three to six foot swells. Topaz was like a trooper, scared and hiding her head into the blanket under the dodger, she remained still and out of the way. The bimini was taking a beating, as mother- nature was trying to take her down by undoing the zippers. We ended up tying it down so it wouldn’t blow into the wind generator.
It’s mind bogging to look down into clear water and see bottom. Twelve feet of water has been the average dept to date, which is clearer than seven feet. So far Ted has caught two fish, both a Sand Diver, which is related to the Lizard Fish. According to our fish books they have no food value. So it was their lucky day to be released to catch more shrimp and small fish. To satisfy our fish desire, we had Tuna Salad Sandwich for lunch.
After four days since arriving in the Bahamas’, we arrive at a small Island called Green Turtle Cay. This island has protection from most wind directions. It is a small community but very quaint. Automobiles consist of golf carts and/or small cars and trucks. It reminds me of England or Marblehead area, with narrow streets for only one vehicle. In most cases the streets are one way. It’s Saturday and most stores close by six and nothing open on Sunday. I have placed our name on the list for Coconut Bread for Monday morning. Coconut pie was the treat for the day. Conch was tried in two forms, fritters (deep fried) and salad and enjoyed extremely. The homes are small built of concrete or Spanish stucco with bright colours of green, yellow and blue. Each household seemed to have one if not more roosters, in which, we woke to the sound of “Cockle doddle do” this a.m. A lovely sound if I might add.
As I post this story we are in Marsh Harbour, Abaco - Bahamas'.
Anxious, to walk the beach and do some snorkeling. Hopefully, for this section of the blog we will have some underwater pictures.
Anxious, to walk the beach and do some snorkeling. Hopefully, for this section of the blog we will have some underwater pictures.
Ted under heavy supervision
While at anchorage in Black Sound, Green Turtle Cay, Ted dove to replace the anode (zinc) on the shaft. During the whole time he was supervised by this little fish....no fear of human kind what so ever.
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