Wednesday, January 14, 2015

We Done Reached!

Yesterday morning, the new ice maker arrived, was installed and summarily began producing ice cubes.  Yippee!  We were all set to move south to West Palm Beach and the lovely marina there, staging for the next available crossing window.

Underway by 11:30, we had a simple lunch on the fly bridge while we motored down the ICW (InterCoastal Waterway).  I got out my quilting books to amuse myself during the two hour trip and Captain B began playing with his instruments...not always a good sign, as you will soon learn.  As we approached the intersection of the ICW and the St. Lucie Inlet to the Atlantic, there was some quiet discussion about did we want to "go outside" or stay "inside"?  Considering bridges and  no-wake zones on the ICW, we opted for leaving the quiet, calm, predictable "inside" and headed out into the chop and slop.

Four foot waves tossed us around, gave us a few slams and reminded me why I usually take drugs for seas like this.  After about an hour, we angled our course to take the waves more forward, hopefully more comfortably.  More checking of instruments and calculations on the Captain's part and he announced we'd make West End "easily" before dark.  A sharp left turn, and we were making way to the East.  Groan!  I wasn't ready.  There was nothing to do now but hang on.

The waves became confused and hit us from several angles.  The Gulf Stream, flowing opposite to our course, did its best to drag us away from our intentions.  Land disappeared and we were at sea, alone and getting ready to barf.  Did you know salty popcorn helps settle seasick stomachs once the barfing has finished?

The good news is, Steadfast rode it well.  We arrived safely.

I love seeing the southern birds:  Pelicans, Herons, Egrets, Cranes....


And then...there's the Birds of Paradise

Here's a whole flock of them!

We are now at Old Bahama Bay Resort and Marina.  A delightful little place on the West End of Grand Bahama Island.  On the other end of the island, the busy end, is Freeport and Lucaya.

The immediate plans are for some well-deserved R&R.  If things look good on Sunday, we will make our next move, probably to Chubb Cay.  Maybe some fishing too?????  Wish me luck, and stay tuned for what comes next.  One never knows when a good story will come to light.

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