2023-12-10 Made it to Bahamas - strong winds determining our travels

We had an uneventful crossing to the Bahamas.  Winds lighter than we would like, so had to motorsail.  Very glad we came over when we did, otherwise we would have had to wait a couple weeks for a good window.

Breathe crossed as well.   We checked in at West End, with no issues.

Charm and Breathe at dock at West End, waiting for the office to open so we can check in (note the Manta power cat in the background)

Kris's birthday was on the 4th.  Dean made homemade cinnamon rolls for her birthday treat.  After  a low sleep night, and waiting for customs to open at 9:00 in the morning, it was the perfect pick me up.

Wonderful birthday present - hot fresh cinnamon rolls for breakfast

As soon as we checked in, we left and headed across the bank, wanted to make Great Sale Cay for the night.   We got in about an hour later than wanted, so it was dark, but felt safe dropping the hook for the night.  Got a good nights sleep.   

Breathe approaching the anchorage behind us, during beautiful sunset.

Next morning we moved further north in the anchorage in preparation for some strong winds coming.  We went ashore to a small beach area for a walk.  Found quite a bit of trash.   Saw a pretty blue bottle in the water.  Joked that it was probably Pepto Bismol and it was

Bottle says "Leche de Magnesia"   - wonder how far it floated to wash up on this beach.

Charm at anchor in Great Sale Cay.   Look at the clear water.

We found some trash, and decided to make a trash man.   Jason even found a steel tank casing from 1947.  

Monica and Dean with our "Trash Man"

That evening the strong winds started, and lasted all night, but we were quite comfortable at the anchorage.   In the morning, had a nice sunrise greet us as we got up.

Nice sunrise

We motor sailed east to Crab Cay, just for the night.  Went over to Breathe for a nice dinner.

Next day was a big jump, as once again strong winds forecast. We decided to take the opportunity with some lighter winds to head SE and made it through Whale Cut.  This is a path where you go through a cut to the ocean and then back in to make it further south in the Abaco chain of islands.   It is very uncomfortable, and can be dangerous in strong easterly direction winds.   Since we are going to have strong east winds for the next week, it would be our only chance to get south for  a while.  So motor on for 46 miles.  The cut was bouncy, with large 4 to 6 foot rollers, but not dangerous, and we made it to our anchorage in Hope Town on Elbow Cay before dark.

Next day we went to town with Breathe and Turnerbout.  Nice walk in town, and on the beach before going to a nice lunch out at Cap'n Jacks.

Nice beach walk.   Piper, Aaron and Julie from Turnerbout, Dean and Kris, and Monica and Jason from Breathe.

Hope Town is a cute small town, with lots of small well kept homes off narrow pathways.  Many pretty flowers and shrubbery.

Back to boat, did laundry, and worked on our stove again, as the lighter function has stopped working again.   Looks like the electronic control module is out, so we will just use manual lighters again.

We will leave today, and head to Marsh Harbor which has good protection from winds, to wait out a week of strong winds, cloudy weather and rain.