1-23-09 This morning we hauled anchor from Black Point on Great Giuana Cay, Exuma, and sailed to Little Farmers Cay. I say sail, but even though we pulled the main sail the wind diminished and we ended up motoring. Shallow water, but we were the test boat for the big guys who followed us in as they draw more water than we do. We took the dinghy to some of the beaches that surround us. They are just beautiful. We are back in the sandstone area. We swam and cooled off. The tracks we saw in the sand look like pig or goats are on the island, but we never did see one. We then went into the government pier. Fishermen were cleaning their catch. We met other boaters and did happy hour with them. There are many,many Canadiens cruising. Maybe the dollar value??? The story is old, but once again there is a weather system that will keep us here, rocking and rolling, for a couple of days. We are watching the anchor for any drag. Sleep is difficult the last few days. However, if you have to be stalled, let it be in the Bahamas, Exuimas. It is warm and the people are wonderful and the water is to die for.




1-25-10 Yesterday we couldn't leave the boat for the wind and sea. This morning is a repeat although we understand this is to be the last day of this system. Sleep isn't easy with this rock and roll. Bill changed some filters and did some other engine maintenance yesterday and worked on the bright work. I waxed the cockpit and cleaned it up and polished the chrome. Water is premium so the boat hasn't been washed since the mainland. It is starting to look it. However, we have to do what we can to maintain our traditional image. We are starting to dig into our backup provisions now - canned goods, boxed milk, rice, etc. I am hoping to be able to reprovision in George Town. We are also running out of cash. There have been no banks since Nassau. George Town does have a bank. You can't live with a credit card on these islands. Signs posted read: Mr./Mrs. Credit have died. As I write, the wind is starting to calm and a few dinghies with dogs are headed into the mainland. We'll go in today for water and ice and to tour the island. I am sure weather permitting tomorrow we head for George Town.



1-27-10 Yesterday when we got up in the morning we listened to the VHF Bahama weather lwith Chris Parker. It predicted the only day in the next week to sail was yesterday. So we started out of Little Farmers Cay Cut and were followed by a flotilla (yes, we are the smaller boat with the lesser draw) of six other boats behind us. The wind was good but the seas were high, following seas, so we just pulled the jib and headed for George Town. We need cash, water and provisions. We stayed in contact with the other cruisers and pulled into anchorage under the monument. I have no idea what the monument is, but we'll investigate. Today, we ran out of water in the AM and took the dinghy and water cans into George Town. The water was free at the Exuma Markets pier so we filled up 28 gallons of containers (some borrowered from Release) and headed for the Snow Goose. Well, the winds are still blowing at 20 plus or minus. The gas that we purchased at Staniel had water in it. The outboard lasted about one-third our trip back to the Snow Goose and then quit. A French couple gave us a tow back into the "pond" at George Town. We got the outboard going again and started out with our water supply to the Snow Goose. We again made it about one third the way when the motor quit again. Now, if I have forgotten to mention, the winds going into George Town are blowing the sea in a favorable direction. However, going back to the Snow Goose anchorage, not so good. We are now wet from top to bottom and factor in the wind really Cold. Now we have to row back into George Town, Barb first up but Bill taking over to get rid of his by then ill temper. We decide we need to get rid of water in the gas. So we ride around and around the "pond"" in George Town until we use up all the gas in the outboard, many, many times. Then we walk to the Esso station with the gas can. The owner has Bill dump all but the very bottom of the can into his Dodge pickup and the rest into a dumpster (so much of fuel recycling) Then we buy a container of dry gas and fill up the gas can, emply it into the outboard and head out once again. By now we are both very wet and have been for a number of hours. We make it across to the Snow Goose!!! We fill our water tanks from the six containers we have carried over, change clothes, wash off the salt water and collapse until happy hour at the beach in front of our anchorage. We go over, meet a lot of fellow cruisers. However, the happy hour turns out to be no rum, no cups and no $1 bills, and no hamburgers. We will try to provision up tomorrow.



1-30-10 We have taken the nature trail hike on Stocking Cay where we are anchored. Stocking Cay is the island across from Great Exuma and George Town. We are anchored under the monument and we wanted to hike up to the monument. The nature trail was a surprise. The trail was labeled with the various trees and bushes and wildlife. There were water containers to fill the bird baths along the way. And on the other side of Stocking Cay was the most beautiful beach. It is still very windy, so we can't snokel yet, but we will come back to do just that. We continued our hike up to the monument which is a way point for sailors. The view is truly incredible. The colors of the ocean range from sage to green to a blue green and then a navy blue. Because the water is shallow, you can see the reefs and where they drop off. We had to do laundry today, so we once again braved it into George Town against the wind raged seas. It is about three miles by dinghy. We have now solved our water in the gas problem though - even bought a new gas can with a better spout. So our trip was uneventful albeit wet (we wore our foul weather gear across and Barb has learned to stand up and hold onto the bow line). Laundry was found and done. Water and power is expensive so laundry is expensive, but you can only go so long with salt washed clothing. We did find a store that sells beer at $1.75 a bottle and a restaurant that had Red Snapper a salad and Kalik at a vey reasonable price. That was lunch. George Town is a settlement where many cruisers come and stay all winter, and thus they have developed this social network. Bill and I have decided it is more like a trailer park - not for us. We want to travel back down the Exumas toward Nassau and take in what we missed on our way down to George Town. The beyond is very shallow unless you intend to go to the Dominican Republic, and we have still too much to see here. Again, with Renee's expertise, and Internet availability I will try to post some pictures of George Town. Yesterday we came across a Bahamian cracking a coconut; cutting up a Grouper; and opening up Conch; all of which they had just brought into government dock. So wonderful to meet the people.



2-3-10 The last few days we have spent exploring the islands and trails, laying around and being beach bums. Yesterday we were invited for a sail on the Release. It was fun not to have a time-destination deadline and just sail around the harbor. There is a storm system headed our way, so tomorrow we will haul the anchor and head for shelter from the northerly winds in Red Shank Cay - not very far from here. I again today am going to try to get WiFi.