March 31, 2021 Back to Great Harbor

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Yesterday was lovely, relaxing & quiet.  The biggest concern was that we couldn't find where I had stashed a jar of mushrooms to put on the pizza we were making for dinner.  Tough life, I know.

Today we, along with every other boat anchored within sight along this little chain of islands got underway to find more shelter from tomorrow night's storm. Winds are to be 30 kts, but the bigger concern was that the wind direction was going to blow 5-8 ft waves right through where we were anchored.  We were hoping the wind and waves would move more eastward, in which case we were in a wonderful spot.  But the latest forecast suggests no joy on wind and wave direction.  

The obvious choice is to go back to the marina at Great Harbour Cay, which is very well protected.  We chat with them over the phone, they say they will call us back if they can fit us in. 




Second Star is running sweetly in a beautiful breeze absolutely eating the miles.  The water is incredibly clear and changes color depending on depth.  On the bank in 30 foot water depth the water has a blue green color which transitions to deep blue as the depth drops to 2000 feet over a very short distance.  There must be awesome cliffs and dropoffs down there.  Every now and then a school of flying fish shoot out of the waves in a panic to escape our path.


(Routes are approximate. We did NOT run into the edge of the island as my line shows.  It's tough drawing on a small screen while bobbing on the ocean!)


We have a great sail north up through the Berry Island chain and round Stirrup Cay where Carnival Cruise Lines has manufactured a shore experience on an otherwise beautiful cay.  There is an amusement park, villas, a zip line, jet ski rentals....all very quiet for now as the place awaits the rebirth of the cruise industry.  

Also cruising around out here are several Carnival  Cruise liners, going very slowly, pretty much driving around on circles. Apparently they have no passengers, minimal operating crew, just waiting for the storm to pass so they can anchor again to continue killing time.  Its safer for them to be on the ocean than risking dragging anchor.

We end the day anchored in Bullocks Harbor in a sweet cove protected from the Big Nasty wind forecast for Friday and Saturday.  100 feet away is the wreck of a DC 3 airplane now laying on the bottom of a shallow bay.  Snorkeling for tomorrow! Much of the wreck is above water at low tide, so wegot a preview as we came in. Around the corner is another blue hole to check out later.  

We have not heard from the marina, but are fine to ride out the storm right here.  Next to us is a boat we recognize from the Chesapeake.

All is well.


Comments

Jane said…
Please stay safe during the storm, which I hope is milder then expected. BTW- you don't even like mushrooms.....
March 31, 2021 at 9:35 PM
Lynn and Ed said…
Stay snug in the harbor! Friday looks exciting according to the wind maps.
April 1, 2021 at 10:04 PM
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