STORMY WEATHER IN EXUMAS

Now, as a Canadian, stormy could mean many things. However, stormy weather in the Exumas here in the Bahamas is something else. It is not freezing rain, not snow, no shoveling involved. It means pulling anchor and getting tucked in behind an island as the west winds pound the air and water. For two nights we were anchored along with 11 sailboats at North Gaulin Cay, near Big Majors, Staniel Cay. There is only so much room for so many (few) boats. Others found other anchorages. When a boater knows the weather is coming, up goes the anchors and positioning and re-anchoring takes place. We arrived at our anchorage with 2 other sailboats early Monday morning. As the day worsened other boats arrived and we all hope the other boat has their anchor set well. The winds howling, water splashing on swim platforms, and pounding of waves on the hull. I mean not the lull of waves... pounding, like someone is knocking on your door all night. Our VHF Radio was on and waiting for chit chat of activity.

This morning at 9am we moved back to Big Major's anchorage to get a good spot as the winds slowly died down today. Today, the lull of water on the hull is not pounding, just a whisper of a knock. A good night's sleep is to be had by all here. No socializing at the beach this afternoon, everyone was tired and calling it an early night.

Last night's sunset happened so quickly but look at this cool picture of me looking forward from our side door on port side,

22 minutes... that is how long it took to upload this one picture on blog. Hmmmmm dial-up? No... just here in the out islands of the Bahamas.

We were the only motoryacht in this anchorage.... see all the sailboats. Which is fine with us. We just thought it was funny. I had to go ashore to walk, sit and read. Enough rolling already!! This was my view from the beach yesterday afternoon.

When the winds blow.... do laundry!! The wind became a fast acting dryer.

Off we went into Staniel Cay today to the grocery store because the Captain C boat came in. This boat brings everything to this island once a week from a washing machine to a tree (yes, saw two on dock today) to lettuce and bread. We have our son and girlfriend coming on Sunday so it was super important to get our lettuce, zucchini and other produce. We are ready!!

"A smooth sea never made a skillful sailor"