February 23, 2017 - February 24,2017
Our crossing was less than smooth. The predicted 4-5 knot winds never materialized and we were slammed with 10 - 12 knots with gusts up to 18 knots until the last two hours of our crossing when the winds calmed down slightly. Since the winds were out of the WSW the waves it created were hitting the boat obliquely on the right rear corner. They were 5 - 6 feet in height. Consequently, we were rocking and rolling the whole 10 hours of the crossing. I managed this condition well in the beginning praising myself for getting my sea legs already and feeling great even though I had spent some time below deck making coffee. When Bob asked me to take over the helm for awhile my stomach began to rock and roll too. At the helm the brightness of the chart plotter ruined my night vision and I was unable to focus well on the horizon line mainly because I couldn't see it. When Bob took the helm back I was quite queasy and green around the gills. That initiated my first two bouts of "feeding the fishes" (an euphemism for puking over the side of the boat).
We were getting beat up by the waves, but the beauty of the deep indigo water was stunning. About 1/2 way across the Gulf Stream we started to see flying fish. It's amazing how they sail right out of the water and continue sailing through the air for up to 500 feet or so.
As we got closer to West End and Old Bay Marina I was reading the guide book for tips on how to enter the marina and watching boats ahead with the binoculars in order to locate the entrance. This caused another round of "feeding the fishes". I wasn't much help to Bob on this crossing, depending on him to go below for snacks, ginger ale, etc. But WE MADE IT!!!
We tied up at the marina at about 12:30 exhausted, beat up, but exhilarated by the turquoise water, colorful buildings and calm harbor (finally).
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| Old Bay Resort and Yacht Harbor |
We spent most of the rest of the day recovering from our trip across the Gulf Stream.
Our first full day in the Bahamas was a day of contrasts. We explored the marina and resort that we were docked in enjoying the perfect weather and beautiful scenery.
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| We are ready to explore the area. |
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Yes, the sky is really that blue
and the water that turquoise.
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Here's the resort directory.
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I enjoyed swimming and sunbathing
at the infinity pool later in the afternoon. |
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After walking on the beach
Bob waited at the bar for Happy Hour. |
After touring the marina complex we borrowed beach bikes and rode into the settlement looking for a restaurant called Ellas's Take Out. On the way we saw evidence of the devastation of Hurricane Matthew. The eye of the hurricane passed right over Grand Bahama and many residents are still displaced.
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| A picture is worth a thousand words. |
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| This small home was blown completely off its foundation |
We will be leaving in the morning to sail to a more remote island and anchoring out. We could get very spoiled and very broke staying at a marina like Old Bahama Bay in West End.
Thank you for reading my blog post.
