May 1-2, 2021 Goodby to the Berrys

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Clouds on the horizon are threatening to turn dark & become a squall from the west and southwest.  Sadly, it's time to leave Hoffmans Cay for a place a bit more sheltered, and also get away from the sudden onslought of no-see-ems, mosquitos and flies.

The Berrys are absolutely wonderful if you like remote destinations like we do. We could happily spend a lot more time exploring the islands. But.... it's time to move on.

 We paused at Soldier Cay where a couple boats we had met earlier were anchored, but by then the wind was 20 knots, we couldn't get a good set on the anchor, and we would have been potentially blown onto a lee shore.  No thanks!  We put up sails and did what just about everyone else was doing or talking about doing, we went to Sugar Beach on Great Harbor Cay.  It's a picture perfect place with long white sand beaches and calm, brilliant blue water.  (Forgot to take a photo! 😖)  Unfortunately the Beach Club that is reputed to serve a great cheeseburger was closed- a missed opportunity. 

 Looking around, Brent spotted some small Atlantic squid next to the boat. (Again no picture because the light was fading and they're kind of clear.)  We slept with the sound of the waves lapping at the beach.

This morning the wind looks good, the seas are fairly flat, and we are headed for the Abacos at 6-7 kts.  It's a hot day, but good calm sailing.

COMMERCIAL BREAK:  Fellow boaters, here is my current vote for greatest invention of the summer.  1) the Toadfish brand insulated travel cup.  The base has a suction cup system that will not let it fall over.  If you pull straight up, the suction releases.
 2) the ziplock brand 1-cup plastic containers with lids.  Fill these with water, pop 'em in the freezer, and the resulting "iceberg" fits perfectly in the toadfish cup.  Depending on how many times you refill the cup, the ice  lasts many hours.  It's wonderful to have ice in yoyr drink on a hot day like today!  You could even get all fancy & put some fruit in the ice.

Except we don't have any fruit.  Or fresh veg or eggs.  Overall our groceries are a bit low, so a provisioning stop may be in our near future.  I spent some time yesterday checking on what we do have.  I can be a creative cook made a menu to feed us for several more days, but some fresh produce would be very welcome. Since its Sunday none of the small village food stores are open, so we'll see what we can find in the days ahead. 

Today we sailed about 40 miles crossing from the Berry Islands to the Bight of Abaco.  We are anchor down just off the small settlement called Hard Bargain at Moores Island. 

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