We finally made it although we are both a little washed-out today. We crossed the gulf Stream on Wednesday on what should have been a "flat motor boat crossing". It was not...
We left the marina at 8am and motored down to the Lake Worth Inlet and directly out. It was flat and wind under 10kts just as predicted. We hit the Gulf Stream at about 6 miles out and still just a slight ocean ride. Then the wind started to pickup out of the NW -- not predicted. Pretty soon it was up to 16kts for about an hour and the seas grew to 2 - 3 feet and we were rolling a bit -- this is uncomfortable. Then the wind picked up to 17 - 21 for a few hours. At this point Karen was uncomfortable and wanted to go back but now we were some 20 miles out and motor sailing. If we turned then the wind and waves would be against us and we could not sail and thus a VERY ROUGH ride, worse actually back in. So we went on. This kept up till about 3pm then moderated but seas still uncomfortable. We hit the banks and Memory Rock at 5:30pm and now it was very calm. We continued on in the dark to Mangrove Cay. We were both tired so we didn't continue but anchored off Mangrove cay at 10pm (that was 14 hours). There were 3 boats already there but plenty of room.
The forecast was for deteriorating conditions tomorrow afternoon with a BIG BLOW until Monday. That means we could make Great Sale Cay (which is in the middle of NOWHERE) for 4 days or push on. We left first light and headed for Green Turtle Cay knowing we would arrive after dark. It was a smooth crossing but some 80 miles a very long 12 hour day. Ohhh we saw a very peculiar phenomenon on the way. Thee was like this fog only thinner that slowly dissipated and then we were under a dark cloud. Soon the "fog" reappeared and the dark cloud dissipated. This cycle continued 2 more times. It was like a fog as seen on outer limits where something comes out only didn't. Maybe it was just a cloud rising into the sky and then descending again . Very weird but no rain. We arrived off New Plymouth at Green Turtle Cay around 7pm. There were several boats already anchored there but with the settlements lights in the background we easily dropped the hook. Oh it felt good.
This morning after a rain squall and increasing winds we headed into White Sound and hailed the Green Turtle Club marina for a slip. It was an easy in and we have arrived but are both very tired.
Around 10am Customs came to the boat and we officially entered the Bahamas and have our cruising permit. Ahhh feels good.
HOWEVER --- I was a bad boy and abused my dinghy again! After we pulled in I was taking the crossing web straps off the dinghy and I saw a spot under the forward davit where it had chafed completely through the color fabric of the dinghy and was rubbing against the air bladder but had not yet punched a hole in it. I was sick. Now another patch albeit and easy one but my poor dinghy is now a "raggedy Annie". I know better and on previous crossing I always put a chaffing rag under that spot but failed to do this time. Karen had even reminded me to do it but with such a forecast mild crossing -- why bother?? Me BAD. The shortcuts will hurt you!
Now it's time to enjoy Green Turtle Cay. With the forecast high winds predicted tonight I suspect we will see RAGE conditions on the ocean tomorrow. I'll get some pictures and maybe even go for a shallow water swim.
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