Chilean Week Begins in the Bahamas

Patrick and Rose (and the Chilean flag) arrived safely on

Wednesday to join us in our Bahamian adventure

Back to Staniel Cay "Airport" one more time on Wednesday afternoon. Dan went in alone so there would be room for bags and such, but Patrick and Rose had taken us at our word and packed light. Only two medium sized duffels accompanied them back to Brunelle! We were anchored back at Big Majors and their 2 o'clock flight from Nassau landed them aboard around 3:30. They had had a long day, overnight from Santiago, a wait in Miami and then a wait in Nassau. They changed immediately into bathing suits and enjoyed a refreshing swim even before settling in. We were just starting to think about dinner when a Boston Whaler came by with two guys selling Bahamian lobsters. We bought two good sized ones and the dinner issue was solved. Having once been a "Maine-iac" I probably will be shot for saying they were just as tasty as any I've had "down east". ...Early to bed .

We had a full day on Thursday - toured Staniel Cay and got fresh bread at the bakery and were able to find fresh vegetables (the boat came in yesterday) at the Blue Store, back aboard Brunelle for a luncheon sail to Harvey Cay (about two miles SW of the Big Majors anchorage) where we snorkeled before eating, and then back to Big Majors anchorage for a late afternoon trip to Thunderball Grotto for another snorkeling adventure. A front was due in on Friday, so decided to stay put for another day.

While snorkeling at Harvey Cay we watched this Scrawled Cowfish change colors in less than two minutes as if swam from one location to another.

Trips to Thunderball Grotto are always a great photo op. Patrick loved diving down and getting close and personal with all the sargeant majors that swarm all over you. The queen angel (lower left) was very cooperative and photogenic.

The front did arrive on Friday morning with some rain and wind, but it didn't stop us from making a dinghy trip over to Sampson Cay where Andiamo and Pekabu III were still hanging out. We just donned bathing suits and foul weather jackets and headed out through the Fowls Cay cut and across a small "rage" and came into Sampson Cay through the "back door" - across the sandbar for a 2 for 1 pizza special lunch. The chef there is incredible, and so was the pizza! We had brought dry clothes and changed aboard Andiamo before lunch. The ride back (downwind) was less exciting. Dan and Patrick were ready to head out for a short snorkel trip when we returned but Rose and I chose to relax aboard. It was cool enough that we decided to eat below for dinner. Good sleeping weather!

We had requested a mooring for Saturday at Warderick Wells and listened to the nine o'clock radio report to see if we would get a spot. It is first come first served and possession is 9/10s, but there were enough boats leaving that all three of us would be together again at Emerald Rock, so we pulled the anchor shortly after hearing the report and had a wonderful sail up to the Park (14 nm) - making 6+knots most of the way with just the jib. When we slowed to 5 knots for a little while Patrick decided to try putting out a line and just as we were about to enter park waters and were talking about pulling it in he got a strike! He reeled in a nice sized Blue Runner Jack. We decided we weren't ready to deal with it, so we released it after getting a few pictures. We picked up a mooring at noon and had a quick lunch. Dan, Patrick and Rose headed into the Park office to pay for the mooring and get Wifi and then took a walk up BooBoo Hill. They called the wifi info back to me so I could make a blog entry while they explored.

Documentation of the first fish caught by Brunelle (and Patrick)

They returned to pick me up and we headed ashore to hike the trail that leads to the ruins of Tory settlers from 200 years ago. We were back aboard in time for another swim and to get ready for the weekly beach party on whale beach just below park headquarters. Rose made a batch of Pisco sours (Chilean "national" drink) and off we went with a few snacks to share. There were 16 dinghies on the beach when we headed back to Brunelle. Quite a gathering... it was enjoyed by all. ~~~_/)~~~D&M, P&R

I was tickled to see the same gorgonian coral

I had seen two years ago at Harvey Cay.

Brunelle from two different angles.

Cambridge Cay to Big Majors Spot to Sampson Cay

Nice stroke Mr. Pig

We left Emerald Rock around 9 am last Saturday and headed south east to Cambridge Cay, the southernmost part of the park. The wind was strong and on the nose as we headed into the cut leading into the mooring field and the current was running rapidly. Just as we were approaching the turn into the harbor we encountered a dive boat that asked us to keep clear, so we skirted them and lost concentration long enough to run aground as we entered a narrow passage to the mooring field. We spent five hours waiting for the tide to finish going down and then back up, but it wasn't an unpleasant experience. Sam snorkeled all around us and assessed the situation, so we knew which way to go when we did get off. We picked up the mooring at 5:30 and watched for the green flash as sunset-no dice. We had hoped to hike a bit on Cambridge, but didn't get a chance.

Next morning we were off in quieter wind headed for Big Majors Spot - the home of the famous beach pigs. We dropped the hook at 11 and joined about 20 other boats already there, including C-400 Runaway, Matt and Marty Miller from Solomons, MD. They were anchored in almost the same exact spot two years ago! They headed over to Thunderball Grotto at the same time Brunelle's crew did, so they checked in with Dan. I was aboard Brunelle with a napping Oliver so they stopped by on their way back to Runaway to chat. When Dan and the kids got back from diving on Thunderball grotto there was still time for a trip to the beach for Ben to "dig". They swung by the pig beach, where they were greeted with lots of grunts and anticipation, but alas not scraps, and then went further on to a quiet little beach for Ben.

Here's a week with Ben followed by....

a week with Oliver

Monday meant an early run to the airport to send Julia, John and Betty's daughter back to DC. Dan rode along in our dinghy as a dry run for the trip tomorrow for our crew. There wasn't a breath of air this morning, unlike any day we've seen in either of our experiences here in the Bahamas. We spent most of the morning swimming off the stern of the boat. Ben got very good and very brave about swimming all around. Oliver enjoyed it too. We made an abortive snorkel run in the afternoon, we couldn't seem to find the spot we had visited two years ago, so it turned into a scenic tour of the area. It included us running out of gas in the dinghy about a quarter of a mile from the boat. Sam took to the oars and got us halfway home when a Boston Whaler came by and offered a tow.

We borrowed Andiamo's dinghy on Tuesday morning to get all six of us and lots of luggage ashore. We made it in plenty of time and joined a crowd of about twenty people waiting for Flamingo Air and Watermakers Air to show up. The Hinckley crew made it onto the first plane and so did all their luggage and we headed back to Brunelle to prepare for tomorrow's crew, Patrick and Rose. We headed to Samson Cay at about 11. We had heard that Tuesday was free water day and all sorts of other deals. The trip was only 3 miles, so we arrived in time for $2 lunch specials and joined Pekabu III (who have been here at Sampson for two days) Andiamo and new friends from Jubilee for a leisurely (actually incredibly slow) lunch! It was so slow the chef came out and told us there would be no charge. I was able to do two loads of laundry while we waited to order and be served! Two more loads and we are ready for tomorrow. It was early to bed as we were both beat.

The trip to Staniel Cay "Airport" was an experience! I wish I had gotten a picture of the pilot, Chester, who had to weigh 300 lbs, as he climbed in the window into the pilot's seat! Patrick and Rose had him as a pilot on their flight and Patrick was less than enthusiastic when he noticed that most of the gauges didn't even work! At least all arrived safely.

Sampson Cay is a beautiful spot and we enjoyed our short stay, but we're off for Staniel Cay to pick up Patrick and Rose. We haven't been able to get on the internet here even though they offer it, so I'll just keep updating this until I can send it. ~~~_/)~~~M&D

BooBoo Hill adventure

The wind really howled over the hills Thursday night and we donned long sleeves to eat breakfast in the cockpit, but the sun warmed us up by mid morning. We worked all morning on creating our "souvenir" to leave at the top of BooBoo Hill. Dan found a nice oval piece of teak and I drew a design that he etched in with his dremel. We "colorized" it with magic marker, varnished it and were ready to make the hike by 11:30. All three dinghies headed to the beach by the park office and proceeded to hike to the top of BooBoo Hill with Ben and Popov leading the way. As we started along the path we saw a sign that said "Use only driftwood to leave your sign, all others will be removed" Oh well, at least we got a picture of it before they rip it down! We saw lots of other non-driftwood signs once we got up there, so here's hoping the next CCYC sailors will be able to find our "entry" in the amazing pile of creativity that sits on the top of the hill. The wind was still howling and the temperature was much cooler once we reached the top and were exposed to the ENE winds.

After lunch Oliver needed a nap, so Ben and Jess headed to the beach to play, Dan and Sam went snorkeling over by Emerald Rock and I baked bread and made dinner while the big "O" slept. The guys were amazed at how many fish they found on a relatively small coral head. Sam took some awesome movies, but there isn't enough bandwidth here in the park to load them, sorry! Each 24 hr period you are allowed 100 megabytes, and they go fast! I was only halfway through loading pictures last night when our connection shut down because I had reached 100.

Andiamo invited all of us over for heavy hors d'oeuvres at 5:15. It was great to gather again. I felt I had been going through withdrawal - - not hanging out with our buddy boats each evening for a meal! We hope to be on the move tomorrow, so we probably won't have a post for a few days. ~~~_/)~~~M&D and crew

Oliver reminds us of Ralphie's (A Christmas Story) little brother when he gets bundled for a dinghy ride. Ben likes to look a all the "ships". The shallows at Park HQ are peppered with conchs, so I moved two to the water's edge to show how they can flip themselves over. The middle shot shows a conch "path" under the water.

The top of BooBoo Hill is amazing. Our little entry (Ignore the arrow, it moved when I uploaded the picture!) was dwarfed by most every other grand display! Ben and Grand Mar listen at the blow hole on the top of the hill.

The windward side ---a picture is worth a 1000 words!

This little bird seemed to take a great interest in Sam's shoes as he donned them for the walk up BooBoo Hill...he must not have a strong sense of smell!

Just a few of the shots Sam took near Emerald Rock.

Brunelle at sunrise crossing the Banks

Not all of you are following Pekabu III's blog, so I "borrowed" Kathy's photo of us as we left our anchorage in the middle of nowhere on the banks - - - it's just too good to miss.

Emerald Rock environs

This pretty much sums up life aboard Brunelle on Wednesday, Ben sleeping, poor Brookstone bear drying in the breeze after a bath following a bout with tossed cookies, and threatening skies all around.

Last night was a lot quieter aboard Brunelle, everyone slept very well and were ready for a new day. The cold front that came in yesterday afternoon brought strong winds, so we decided to remain here and do some adventuring around Warderick Wells. Oliver was ready for a nap before everyone else was ready to head off, so Grand Mar remained aboard with Oliver while the rest of the crew lead another dinghy expedition around the southern end of the Cay to the Pirate's Lair. Andiamo picked up Kathy so that Pete could continue to work. We're off to the beach for a while - later.....~~~_/)~~~M&D, et al.

Before any major trips, Ben made sure we were properly de-iced with his special mainsheet deicer hose. Kathy joined the crew of Andiamo for the trip around the southern end. The Hinckleys are following the conch trail into the Pirate's Lair. Jess and Ben brace for the wet ride back to Brunelle.

v

Sam's camera was also busy on the trip to the Pirate's Lair and captured some shots from the windward side of the island.

Ben busily sails his boat through bunches of "bobbing buoys."

Warderick Wells (Emerald Rock Mooring Field)

Just a quick update as everyone here is asleep and half are under the weather! We left Nassau Tuesday morning at 8:30 and headed for Shroud Cay with the wind on the nose but not as strong as yesterday. We decided we would rather sail even though it entailed tacking back and forth across the rhumb line to avoid shallows, and made it to the mooring field at Shroud by 4:00. That gave us time to lead a dinghy expedition through the "river" that cuts Shroud in two and takes you out to the ocean side. It was high tide, which is the only time you can make the trip, so we headed off quickly with just Oliver in tow while Sam, Jess and Ben hit the beach in the kayaks.

Oliver was the first to show signs of what we thought was seasickness when he threw up all over Sam after his nap on our way across the banks. Jess had not felt well all day and also attributed it to seasickness, but it didn't subside when we stopped and we now think it was the first in a nasty round of stomach bugs. Ben was up all night tossing his cookies which put a strain on our sheet supply, and then slept most of today. Dan joined him this morning and also slept most of the day. Sam was next when he decided he couldn't face any dinner. I JUST CAN'T WAIT!!

Anyways, we did move today and had a beautiful sail from Shroud to Warderick Wells and picked up the same mooring buoy at noon that we had two years ago, just inside of Emerald Rock, right near a beautiful beach. The sleeping schedule and a rainy cold front kept us from doing much exploring this afternoon and I haven't had the camera out much, so....as they say tomorrow is another day and hopefully a better one! ~~~_/)~~~M&D et al.

Sam's camera is always in action, as are the boys. Ben loves to say "Cheese", Oliver just likes to look cute or make raspberries. Ben loved going to the bow with Dada.

Nasau excitement 2/27-2/28

They're here! Sunday saw us doing one last laundry, building two junior bunks and one big one (the dinette folded down) and heading across Nassau Harbor to Paradise Island and the Atlantis Marina....not something we thought we'd ever do. Turns out it is not such a bad deal. $4 a foot provides an amazing amount of amenities at this first class resort. Admittedly we were in the bleacher section, but it was right next to a perfect swimming pool for munchkins and "The Point", a pool bar and grill. The Hinckley crew was due in at 12:45, so at 1:30 we began wondering. Finally at 2:30 they arrived (de-icing in Boston was the delay - the de-icing trucks kept Ben enthralled during their hour delay!) We immediately made for the pool and Ben showed how much he learned during his recent swim lessons! Oliver seemed to enjoy it too. We fed the boys early and then went in shifts to The Point for dinner.

We fueled up at NHC before heading across to Atlantis where we were instructed to clear to channel because "Casino Royale" was on her way out. We tied up in slip #1 which is right at the entrance, but also near the pool and restaurant. A trip to the pool was imperative!

Check-out on Monday was at 11 and we made the most of the morning by visiting the aquarium which surrounds you as you walk through. It's an amazing display, very well done, and we enjoyed our walk. Atlantis provides shuttle service to and from your slip in overgrown golf carts (room for 6) and deliver newspaper and ice to your slip (the carts are a necessity as it was over 1/2 a mile to the marina office from our slip! We got back to the boat in time to take another short swim before heading out at 11.

The trip to the aquarium was exciting and Ben was happy to offer commentary about the whole adventure.

Our intention was to head for Highborne Cay (a 30 mile trip) but strong headwinds and seas kept our speed down to an average of less than 4 knots and we wouldn't make it there before dark, so we returned to Nassau Harbor, but back to the "other side of town" at Nassau Harbour Club. An early start tomorrow in lighter winds should be better!

The change in plans gave us a chance to send Dan to the "docks" where local fishermen were bringing in their catch for Nassau's restaurants where he got us fresh grouper for dinner AND to celebrate Ben's third birthday with everyone.

Ben enjoyed decorating his sailboat cake

Tomorrow we'll skip Highborne and probably head for Shroud Cay. New day, new month, new adventures! ~~~_/)~~~M&D, S,J,B&O