Keys to Nassua

4 Dec 08, 1630 - N25 04.539 W077 18.996

My Wifi just showed up. The duty was $278.00 on the package. Wow that is almost 50%. Anyway it look like we will out of here tomorrow morning. Can't say I would be sorry to leave Nassau.

4 Dec 08, 0730 - N25 04.539 W077 18.996

My Wifi adapter should show up today. I figured out how to lash up a better connection using my repeater so now I can publish pictures again. Looks like another cold front will be here Sunday so we better get out of here and get to the Islands. Looks like tomorrow we leave. At least then we will be at anchor and not bouncing against the pilings.

3 Dec 08, 2000 - N25 04.539 W077 18.996

We went to the Green Parrot for diner and some drinks. We were told that the cruisers go there on Wednesday evening. We did not see and cruisers, although it is on the shore of the anchorage. It may have been due to the 20 kts winds. Looks like the next stop is will be Allans Cay at N 24 44.960 W 076 50.227. This is the place that people tell us that the Iguanas come up and eat out of your hand. Hopefully the internet adapter will show up tomorrow.

3 Dec 08, 1200 - N25 04.539 W077 18.996

Walked across the bridge to Atlantis Marina Village. I had some internet parts sent to here but they will not get here until tomorrow, so it looks like another day in Nassau.

3 Dec 08, 0700 - N25 04.539 W077 18.996

Another windy day. We will go around the city and see what there is to do.

2 Dec 08, 1600 - N25 04.539 W077 18.996

Made it to Nassau this afternoon. The winds were light so had to motor sail to get here before dark. Decided to try out the water maker and after have to switch a few circuit breakers around it worked like a charm. (I had a 25 A breaker and would trip, so put a 30 A) After only about 2.5 hrs the 125 gal tank went from 82% to 100%. As we got closer to Nassau the winds picked up and we started sailing on a run doing 7+ kts. The seas got bigger and the rain started just when entering the harbor. A little trouble understanding the people on the radio, you what I mean man! Anyway we are in a slip and the wind keeps going. About time for a beer at the poop deck.

2 Dec 08, 0800 - N25 24.609 W077 54.237

Getting ready to shove off to Nassau today. A 35 nm run. Weather is not great, but it is not going to get better. Staying at Nassau Yacht Haven. More when we get there.

1 Dec 08, 1000 - N25 24.609 W077 54.237

I looked at our track for the passage to the Bahamas. Unfortunately the one from Niceville to Boot Key got erased. But I do have the one from Boot Key to Chub Cay. The Green line is the planned route and the blue is the actual. The winds across the gulf stream would not allow me to point as low as I wanted to. The Gulf Stream extends a lot further east than I had ever expected. Next time I will start off heading much lower on my course. Not bad though realizing we sailed all the way with the exception of the last part in the NW channel.

1 Dec 08, 0700 - N25 24.609 W077 54.237

Just a few notes on yesterday:

When we got to the NW Channel and decided to motor into the waves We were going to take down the sails and I started the motor and there was a vibration and could only get 1.5 kst. Did not know if it was the big waves, 25+ winds, or stuff on the prop. I put it in reverse and ran it hard then I could get about 4 Kts. In forward there still was a vibration and into the waves we only got about 2 Kts. So I decided to anchor. We were in 28 ft water and in about 1.2 mile it was going to be 6000 ft deep. How do you anchor in that! So down the hook, jump off that bunking bronco and hold on. Oh ya there is a 1 kt current, hope I don’t get washed away! Cut the mess of poly line and sea weed. Now no vibration and we could do 5.5 kts into the crashing waves. Entering the Chum Cay channel we had to turn the waves on the beam. Now try to drive down a channel between the markers when you can only keep the bow pointed +- 45 deg. The harbor is cut out of the middle of the coral key so at least it is flat here. We are non tied up to the floating dock.

clearing customs was interesting. Fill out all kinds of forms in duplicate. Get on a bus and go to the Airport on a old bus. Down dirt (coral) roads to the Airport, which is a narrow runway about 40 ft wide and a mix of asphalt and coral. No taxi ways, no lights, tall bushes/trees right next to it on both sides. Anyway into the shack and sit down with a big 400 lb person. He fills out more paperwork with carbon paper, stamps all the paperwork, asks a bunch of questions ( I really did not understand hem ) and answer the best I could. The biggest problem was I had put a stay of 120 days on my visitor card and 125 on my cruising permit. So got it done. Oh yah, give the man $300 cash. He calls the bus for me to get back to the marina. "Ya Man, don’t forget to tip the driver, that is the way he gets paid."

Get back to the marina office and fill out more paperwork so I can pay $2.85 per foot, + electricity, + water. On the walk back to the boat it starts to rain. Take a nap, and get up with wind and rain. The boat only showed 28 kts but it was blowing. Glad to be at the dock.

Ready for the next challenge!

30 Nov 08, 1500 - N25 24.609 W077 54.237

Passed Riding Rock about 11:00 PM last night and arrived Chub Key Marina about 1:00 today. Sailed the entire way with the exception of the last 12 miles down the NW Chanel. 25+ winds in the face and 10 ft seas made it the longest 12 Miles. Been up for 2 days and need a nap. More later.

29 Nov 08

Did some fishing on the way across the Gulf Stream, and caught some! The second one was a big one about 4' that was similar to the first but much bigger head. The problem was when it was being attempted to be brought aboard the gaff broke through his back and back in he went breaking the line. What a fish story! (but true). Chip cooked it up that day and I tried it and still do not like fish.

29 Nov 08, 0530 - N24 41.615 W081 07.130

Up early and the weather looks good. As soon as the coffee is ready we will start underway. Should arrive Sunday sometime.

28 Nov 08, 1600 - N24 41.615 W081 07.130

While sitting at anchor Chip and I were swapping pictures. I don't remember if I told you about the eggs. We left with 4 Boxes of eggs with 15 dozen in each box. No we are not refrigerating them! Each morning we have 10 scrambles eggs. so far none have spoiled.