Killin' Time

We spent a couple of days in Ft. Pierce cleaning the boat, going to Publix, (still no Hy-Vee in Florida!) and going out to dinner with the Coconuts crew.

Lookin Good!

Finally on Tuesday the 8th we pulled out of Harbortown Marina and started the trek north. We were going to anchor for the night but the threat of strong storms and the fact that we have time to kill before we need to be in St. Augustine combined with the company of Coconuts lured us in to Melbourne Harbor Marina.

Melbourne Harbor Marina

Wednesday 5/9/12     At the invitation of Bru & Sandy we decided to stay another day in Melbourne. Their daughter lives close by and was willing to let us use her car for the day while she was at work. Our first stop was Ron Jon's Surf Shop. Once strictly a surfing shop, now more of an everything else that goes with it kind of shop.

Ron Jon's

We also walked across the street to the Cocoa Beach Surf Shop and found more items at a slightly lesser price. The highlight of this stop was the huge aquarium they have in the store. We were there just in time for the noon feeding.

Noon feeding. By Hand!

The diver had a bag of squid and other goodies that he hand fed to the fish and eels that occupy the tank. And yes that's a shark by his head!

Watching the fish feeding made us hungry and we moved on to a waterside restaurant for lunch followed by a stop in old town Cocoa for some shopping. We made a few more stops before heading back to the boats. As luck would have it the rains came before we got back and in our rush to leave in the morning I forgot to close the isinglass on the bridge. You guessed it. Everything under the seats got soaked! Oh well. It needed to be cleaned anyway.

Thursday 5/10/12     We said so long to Coconuts and headed out thinking this would be the last we saw them for awhile since they were stopping in Titusville to visit family and then hot footing it to North Carolina.
Tourist headed to Addison Point anchorage right beside the causeway that leads to the space center. We had a good night looking at the Vehicle Assembly Building and watching the dolphins play in the water around us.

Friday 5/11/12     Before we pulled anchor this morning I heard a loud slurping sound that I thought was coming from the causeway. When I looked out it went away. A few minutes later I heard it again and went out to investigate. In conjunction with the slurping it sounded like the generator exhaust was being muffled. When I looked over the side I was astonished at what I saw and called for Pam to come look.
We had a manatee drinking our exhaust water from our generator! Of course I took a picture even though most of him is under our swim platform. You can still see his head and nostrils in the photo.

Exhaust drinking manatee.

Swimming away.

Our travels today took us past Titusville, through the Haulover Canal and Mosquito Lagoon (sounds inviting doesn't it?), past New Smyrna Beach to our anchorage in Rockhouse Creek.

Haulover Canal.

Crab fishermen in Mosquito Lagoon.

Rockhouse Creek Anchorage.

Why is it that when there is plenty of room to anchor someone has to drop their hook right next to you?

The smaller Nordhavn was anchored first when the other guy came in. The gap between is smaller than it appears.

Saturday 5/12/12     Although a beautiful setting the anchorage didn't protect us from the wind like I had hoped so we decided to move up to Daytona to a spot we anchored in last year. Of course the spot we were heading to wasn't giving the protection I wanted either so plan B went into effect. Keep moving!

Fortunately we didn't have to move too far and found a spot tucked in behind a causeway that offered the protection I was looking for. A little while later we were surprised by Coconuts who had made the trek from Titusville. Their original plan was to stay in a marina in Daytona but when given their slip assignment decided against staying because of the difficulty in getting into it in the strong winds. We offered a raft up and they took it! (We were in a no wake area which made it less bumpy.) Cocktails, dips, oysters, and dominoes consumed the rest of the day. True to form by evening another boat anchored right off our bow.

Sunday 5/13/12     Happy Mother's Day!

Once again we said so long to Coconuts. Hopefully we catch up with them in Northern Virginia.

Adios Coconuts

About an hour later we pulled anchor and headed out. Along the way we passed this group of campers. Pam said this did not appeal to her at all!

Not Pam's idea of fun!

While travelling along I was reminded of just how small a world the boating community is. We were passed by a boat we had seen in Lucaya, Three Amigo's, but with a different Amigo at the helm. Then a call on the radio from Soul Mates asking if we were the same Tourist that was rafted off of Lindonia at Bobby's Fish Camp last November. They are the 55' Fleming that was in front of us. Then when we arrived at Marineland Marina we met up with Star Gazer, a sailboat we docked next to in Lucaya.

We checked into the marina for the next two nights. At $1.00 a foot one of the best buys in Florida!

Marineland Marina. Small but friendly with floating docks.

Monday 5/14/12     Boat cleaning, laundry, lunch across the street, and a decision to stay another night. One more decision was made also. I convinced Pam to take a sunset kayak tour! We met at 6:15 p.m., got our instructions and pushed off following our guide. Just like when we dance, Pam wanted to lead! However I had the rudder controls so as much as she wanted to turn right, I could make us go straight. It didn't take long for us to get in sync. We saw ducks, fish, and all kinds of birds along the route. We cruised over areas that at low tide would be dry and stopped long enough to watch the sun recede behind the clouds. By the time we were back, about 8:30, Pam thought she might like to get a kayak! Something I've been wanting for a few years.

I'm Ready!

Bye, Bye, Bahamas!

The winds continued to blow for two more days after Ryan left. The rain did let up which allowed us to walk downtown and to the grocery store. The store was much like any supermarket in the U.S. with a good selection of the things we needed. Downtown, on the other hand was a bust. Not much there other than a hardware store. A couple of liquor stores, and a KFC which we had lunch at since I love the Colonel! A word to future visitors....Save Your Steps! It just wasn't the same as back home.

Save Your Steps!

Before we pulled out of Marsh Harbour Pam & I had one last meal at Mangoes and talked the bartender into taking our picture. Pam always looks good for the camera. As for me, this is as good as it gets.

A handsome couple if I do say so myself!

Thursday morning we got ready to go. Filled the water tank,checked oil, paid the bill, etc. One last item was trading our Bahamian money for U.S. currency since we probably wouldn't be touching land again until Florida. I tried at the office but they only had Bahamian money. The office manager suggested I try one of the cab drivers sitting next door at the ferry dock so off I went. The first van I came to was operated by a nice lady who was more than happy to make a trade. Mission accomplished. We can leave.

Ray the dock master came out to give us a hand with our lines as well as the crew from Tropical Breeze, fellow loopers who had just arrived the night before. I must say that if we return to Marsh Harbour I'll definitely be staying at Mangoes again. The staff was friendly, accommodating, and genuinely cares about their customers.
We headed out of Marsh Harbour through the anchorage and set a course for Treasure Cay Marina about 11 miles away. It was a pleasant ride to Treasure cay with the wind mostly at our back. My reason for stopping here was twofold. One was to get fuel since they don't tack 5% onto the bill for the use of a credit card and two because I wanted to show Pam where we left the 57' Marlow last year that I helped deliver. Obviously a nice place which supposedly has one of the best beaches in the Abacos. We'll have to check it out next time. By the way. Fuel was $5.93 a gallon!

Treasure Cay

Our stop didn't take long and before you knew it we were back in the Sea of Abaco heading around Whale Cay passage. There is a shorter way through this area but shallow water and rocks keep the prudent mariner from attempting it. At any rate we're only talking a few miles additional but the Whale can be treacherous. Today though was pretty calm. About a 3' swell off the Atlantic was all we had.

Whale Cay

Our travel continued past Green Turtle Cay and on to Manjack Cay where we anchored for the night. On our way into the anchorage we spotted a sailboat we recognized. S/V Spindrift who we had been next to at the Leeward Yacht Club.

 S/V Spindrift

Once settled in we dropped the dink in the water and went back to say hello to Scott. When we had met Scott before he had a female companion visiting for a few days from San Diego and so was the case this time....only a different female! Hmmm? At any rate we had a cocktail onboard and then went off to explore the island as Scott headed back to Leeward.

When the tide is in you can dinghy up some mangrove lined streams with crystal clear water. We saw turtles and fish of different species on our ride and didn't get stuck once!

Manjack Tidal River

Clear water.

Manjack wildlife!

Spotted this cabana near a home across the anchorage.
Once back at Tourist I grabbed my mask and scuff pad and went to work cleaning the trim tabs and waterline. Amazing floating around the boat in 10' of water and being able to see bottom! We're certainly not in the Mississippi.

Scrubber

We grilled out and enjoyed a beautiful sunset.

Friday morning we were up and moving by 7:15 a.m. We had been in contact with Coconuts the previous day and agreed to run together back to Florida. They got started a few minutes later than us probably because of the tough job of breaking loose from the roots they had grown over the last 4 months at Leeward Y.C. We travelled past Spanish Cay, Center of the World Rock, Foxtown and below Great Sale Cay and on to Mangrove Cay to anchor for the night. Seems others had the same idea as 3 boats were already there and another 4 had the same idea. Before long Coconuts arrived and we agreed to toast our days travels on our respective boats before turning in for the night.

Center of the World Rock.

Cruisin towards Mangrove.

Coconuts arriving at Mangrove Cay.

Moonlight over Mangrove anchorage.

Cinco de Mayo. By the time we got up several of the boats had already left the anchorage. Coconuts pulled out and we weren't too far behind. There was about a 1 and half foot chop on the Little Bahama Bank making for a comfortable ride at trawler speed. Around 11:30 we neared the White Sand Ridge waypoint where the shallow water of the banks ends and the deep water of the ocean begins. There is a distinct color change which shows up in the photo below.

Shallow Banks water in the foreground. Darker ocean water beyond.

Once off the banks the water deepens dramatically until the depth finder just blinks at 1414'. Deep enough for the commercial traffic that passes up and down the East coast. Even with all that open water you can't take a nap. The freighters come up on you fast.

One of 3 freighters we encountered on our crossing to Ft. Pierce.

Our crossing was as smooth as you could ask for enabling us to travel around 9 to 10 knots and conserve some fuel. It was one of those days when you just want to keep going! That is until you get close to Florida. Saturday along with a full moon brings out all the crazies and we found them all in our path as we neared Ft. Pierce. Somehow we managed to dodge them and slid in through the Ft. Pierce inlet and into Harbortown Marina where we'll stay until Tuesday.

Ft. Pierce Inlet.

Not long after we were secured in our slip we got company.

Time to celebrate Cinco de Mayo!

Rain, Rain, Go Away

Before we left Green Turtle Cay we were treated to a tour of the island by Bru & Sandy on a golf cart they had rented. Most of the residents use carts for transportation on the island. We checked out the beach on the Atlantic side of the island as well as the Bluff House and the Green Turtle Club. Of course we had to make sure their respective bars were functioning properly!

Bluff House Bar

Our ride. You know it's good when the rental agency is named T & A!

Beach scene.
Our last night at the Tiki Hut Pam met Kevin, the lead singer for the Gully Roosters, a long time favorite band of the Abacos. It just happened to take place while I was taking something to the boat. She said he gave her a full body hug that almost made her blush! I think he put a scare in to her because we had no problem leaving in the morning!

Wednesday 3/25/12     We cruised out into the Sea of Abaco and headed towards an area called "The Whale". A passage open to the Atlantic that can at times be impassable. Fortunately our passage wasn't bad with just a 4' swell rolling in from the ocean. We travelled just a few miles further before dropping the anchor in Fischer Bay off the shores of Great Guana Cay.

Our anchorage @ Great Guana Cay

Once secured we dropped Minnie T into the drink and went off in search of Nipper's Bar. We tied off to the public dock in Settlement Bay and walked over the hill to Nipper's. Since it was a weekday the place was pretty subdued with only a few testosterone filled sportfishermen sitting at the bar. Apparently Sunday is the day that things get cranking with a pig roast and music.
Nipper's has a great view of the reef just offshore and access to a beautiful beach. Truly a tropical paradise with alcohol, food, and souveniers to round out the amenities! Yes I bought the t-shirt!

Settlement Bay Public Dock

Nipper's

The View from Nipper's

The remainder of the day we enjoyed the sun and scenery sitting in the cockpit of Tourist.

Sunset in Fischer's Bay
Thursday 3/26/12     We awoke to the rocking from the wakes of passing sportfishermen heading out to get those elusive fish. Following coffee we pulled anchor and sauntered in to Marsh Harbour to find the Jib Room where we had reserved a slip for the next few nights to use as a base of operations while my son Ryan visits us.
Once we made radio contact with them they instructed me to head into a fairway that got narrower as you went in. Only when we were beside the slip did they realize that we may be too big so I was instructed to back out while they found us another, more accomodating slip. Just inside the T head was where we ended up. Much better! We went up to check in and scope the place out.
While at the bar/office/restaurant we decided to have lunch and combined it with laundry. Only $4.00 a load! Pam was cranked! Not so much at the price but because one of the employee's was doing her laundry and had things backed up.  That was only the first problem. The biggie was that we couldn't get internet at the boat and when we brought it up to the bar we still couldn't get on. One night without internet at a marina is ok. Several without is a deal breaker. The final straw came when upon Ryan's arrival we tried to have dinner only to be informed that they weren't serving food and in fact were just about to close for the night! Pam's galley here we come!

Ryan's flight was on time and in spite of our keeping a lookout he was walking out the dock before we saw him. We relaxed after dinner and visited into the night.

Friday 3/27/12     Before we checked out of the Jib Room Pam made biscuits & gravy for breakfast. A truck stop treat that is unsurpassed! I also took the dink across the harbor to check out Mangoe's Marina and more importantly their internet. While over there I spotted a familiar boat last seen on the Tennessee River. Nauti Nell, a fellow looper is in the next marina over from Mangoe's. Hopefully we can catch up with them before we head out of Dodge.
Anyway Mangoe's looked good and got good reviews from the folks I talked to.

With a forecast that looked like spring in the Midwest rather than the Bahamas we headed out in Tourist to explore the area. We rode over past the lighthouse at HopeTown and down to Tahiti Beach where we dropped the anchor and went to shore. In spite of the windy overcast conditions we checked out the area and talked to the others on the beach before going back to Tourist. On the reccomendation of one of the beachcombers we headed off in the dink to Cracker P's for lunch. Another beach bar setting with decent food and two little dogs that wouldn't leave our table side.

Hope Town Lighthouse

Ryan checking out Tahiti Beach

We found Cracker P's

Ryan with his new friend.
After Cracker P's we dinghied back to Tourist and headed to Marsh Harbour to find our new slip at Mangoe's.

That evening Pam prepared the last of the Bahamain lobsters for dinner which of course were delicious!

Saturday 3/28/12     Unfortunately the forecast was right and Saturday arrived with increased winds and rain which squashed any plans for venturing away from the dock. Sunday was even worse. Unfortunately for Ryan the weather wasn't what any of us had hoped for during his visit. We did get to spend a lot of time catching up, watching movies, eating, drinking, & smoking cigars under the gazebo at the marina! In spite of the weather it was great to have him here even if it was for only a short time. Monday came all too fast and in keeping with the week-end he flew out in the rain!

Ryan kicking back with his I-Pad.

We dodged the rain drops to have lunch at Curly Tails next door to Mangoes.

Heading home in the rain.

Shortly after Ryan departed we lost the internet for 2 days. It wasn't until the 3rd day after he left that we had word that he made it home safely! That sucked!