Day 136: Bittersweet Day

Great Sale Cay to Old Bahama Bay Marina, West End, Grand Bahama (docked)

May 31, 2022

We left Great Sale Cay before any more torrential rain hit – we could see the rain bands over the island when we woke up.

Since our windlass is not functioning, John is the designated anchor-puller. Today he created a system that works pretty well: using a chain hook attached to the line so he could winch up the anchor.

Our run today was about 50 miles – one of the longer trips we’ve taken. While there was some rain around us, we were lucky that we only had some random drizzles. We had following seas to push us along, but the winds were too light to get the sails up.

Navigation in the Bahamas requires attention. We use our electronic systems but we also have to look at water color and for random markers. On our way into Grand Bahama today we had to slow down to make sure we had enough depth. There was also a pole in the water to mark a shallow spot (this is part of the reason we get where we are going in the daylight).

This marina is attached to a resort with guest rooms, restaurants, laundry facilities, and showers. The best part is that Bahamas Customs and Immigration have an office here, so we were able to clear out for tomorrow. The resort grounds are pretty, too.

Tonight we’ll check the wind reports one more time (we want winds with no northern components, so nothing from the north, northeast or northwest). We learned a lot about preparation for potentially sporty travel: we’ll have snacks and drinks in the cockpit to minimize going below where the rocking can be terrible; we’ll stash everything that can fall; and I will take a Dramamine before I go to sleep tonight so it’s in my system tomorrow morning.

The forecast actually calls for light winds and low waves, so we are hopeful that the crossing to Lake Worth is easy.

We have spent 92 days in the Bahamas and have visited Bimini, the Berry Islands, Nassau (New Providence), the Exumas, Spanish Wells (Eleuthera), the Abacos, and finally Grand Bahama. If the weather would have cooperated, we would have stayed longer.

It’s really difficult to describe these last few months without sounding trite or superficial. We can steal lines like, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” or throw out one-liners about how “everything is broken on your boat, you just don’t know it” but it doesn’t really capture the entire experience of having some of the best days in the most gorgeous settings while dealing with all kinds of challenges (physical, emotional, and mechanical). We have been awed, bored, challenged, and excited. I have been scared and anxious more than I thought I would have been. We’ve caught our breath at the colors of the water and the sky. We’ve spent time in the company of some adventurous folks who have enriched our lives, commiserated with us, and explored with us.