Berry Islands District

Grand Bahama was so much different than we thought it would be. Dave literally had it marked as a "gas stop". It was, in fact, a cultural delight. We had another epic adventure here with the boat and were able to spend a little more time than planned. First, the marina itself, it was a very welcoming marina resort with pool and restaurant and access to beach clubs and shopping district. We were able to dinghy or walk to entertainments and beaches as we desired. Second, the people at the marina turned out to be VERY helpful.

After staying two nights and deciding on a good enough weather window, we took off for our next stop. Less than a mile out of the marina, one of our engines made a HORRIBLE noise and stopped running. After a quick diagnostic, Dave said, "turn around, we are going back." Back we went, only to discover that a $75 part in the United States that we now needed was going to cost us $750. But the good news was that the people of the marina helped us get the part and get around. They were impressed that Dave knew what he was fixing and how. They expressed some dismay about the discrepancy in the pricing, but, it was agreed, "This is boating in the Bahamas!"

We spent the next two days focused on getting the part made and installed and getting laundry done and dogs seen to. It went pretty quick. But we did get out to the local area and enjoyed the sights. Then we decided it was time to make another 75 mile jump to Great Harbour Cay.

Do you remember when we crossed the Delaware bay and I said we would never do that again? Well today was another of those crossings. We will NOT do that again. The wind was around 15 to 20 miles at our side (we have learned some lessons, like no head winds or cross winds to waves) with waves going in the same direction, but these waves took on a life of their own. Pushing us and pulling us in all sorts of directions. Dave, at one point, said, "Driving was like wrestling an alligator!" And it went on for 5 hours! Nope, not going to do that again. It is really hard to explain how stressful it is rolling in the ocean while at the same time holding on to the belief that anything that could happen could be fixed. It's exhausting and for Duke, it is literally sick making.

But land in Great Harbour Cay, we did and it is wonderful. A sparsely populated island in the middle of the Bahamas with dirt roads and a beautiful beach. We took the dogs for an extra long walk and let them run free after their days of being cooped up (yacht clubs are not conducive to freedom for dogs).

We really aren't sure how long we are going to be here in Great Harbour. One school of thought has us here until Friday, one until Saturday and yet another until Monday. We are playing it by ear.

What Could Go Right? Once Dave fixed that part, What Could Go Wrong? ran like a champ. Smooth as silk through all that upheaval we experienced in the crossing. Also, while both dogs MUCH prefer to run the beach, they are both doing so well with boat life. Finally, we are meeting so many people with such interesting stories. The most interesting to me, are the people that solo cruise for months or even years at a time. They find their peace and gratification in being on their boats alone managing all these things I would NEVER NEVER NEVER do without Dave.

What Could Go Wrong? We wrestle with the solar power and equipment on our boat. It is a constant awareness of what we have gained vs. what we have lost and what we need. Like watching the weather, we find that watching the batteries is a full time unpredictable job!Read more