Of course, the Rayfrigginmarine Wheel Pilot decided to pack it in, so I had to hand-steer the boat when the seas got rough. Almost forgot how. Fortunately, I found the loose wires the next day and got it working again. Good thing, too - since I really didn't want to have to run on manual all the way back to Florida (about 160 miles, including crossing the Gulf Stream). Nearest Raymarine repair place: Fort Lauderdale.
One of our buddy boats, sv-Utopia, i.e. Frank and Diane from last year, is here at the same marina in Nassau. They will be here for possibly a couple of weeks - their Yamaha 10hp outboard is having problems and they need to get it fixed before they head down the Exuma chain. Repairs here in the Bahamas are pretty typical of everything here, where people are on island-time, repair parts and supplies are in the USA, and sometimes things get done. Laid back is nice, unless you need something - like service, parts, provisions, fuel. Oh, well - that's the beauty of camping out.
Yesterday we took some buses (with F&D) to see the famous Caves here on the island. It was HOT and I was getting heat-stroked. [Note: Commenting but not complaining about the heat; I save my serious pissing and moaning for winter when it really needs it.] Took a big rum drink and two Kalik beers to put me back together. We stopped on the way back for a Fish Fry, and had cracked conch (deep fried) with fries (ditto), and of course a couple of beers. It was pouring rain, so we took a bus back. Got some water in thru an open portlight; Ilona did laundry this AM so all is well and dry.
Today's breakage and repair report - 1. Wheel Pilot. See above. 2. about a dozen other fairly small and unimportant projects, all of which are not critical and can wait until we get back to the USA.
Today I'm enjoying not having to dinghy ashore for anything - marina is nice, if old (read: needs work). It has a fresh-water swimming pool - no coral to snorkel, but refreshing. Across the street is a shopping center with a Byerly's Class Fresh Market. I really appreciate civilization for a change.
The Pelicans stopped by - flew into Nassau for a checkup and uncasting. They are back on their boat in Black Point by now, then bound for Eleuthera today. The Rag Dollars were last seen at Little Farmers Cay; they may head north or south next - maybe Georgetown. The Tranquillitys said they have been tossed around enough in Georgetown Harbor, and may be headed back north sometime. We really miss them already, but are hooked up with the Utopians for a few days.
Sometime we will head back to Florida. About 110 miles to Bimini (marinas! provisions! fuel! restaurants!), so we will probably anchor overnight on the Banks which means we will wait until we have Force 1 or less for 2 days (Chris Parker: we are placing an order - can you get this for us?). Then we hang out again in Bimini until we get a really nice smooth enjoyable weather window to cross the Gulf Stream. We have plenty of time; remember: Safety, Comfort, Pleasure.
Even if we get back to Florida, there is lots to do there - we have our camper, and friends and relatives to crash with all over the state while waiting for winter to end so it will be safe to go home to Minnesnowta.
Finally got good Internet - free and in the Fresh Market. Beats paying for service here which only works sometimes.
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