Cheeseburgers in Paradise!
28 November 2015 | 23 31.00'N:75 45.50'W, Chat N' Chill, Stocking Island
Chris
Well, we made it! After 1650 miles we enjoyed some well deserved greasy cheeseburgers, fries and a strong rum drink at the crusiers mecca known as the Chat N'Chill. This is the THE place to be for cruisers from all over to boast about passages made and scary situations that ended fine. Unfortunately for us, the bar was quite empty so we had to cheer to ourselves and relive our own stories. The scariest one had happened only a few short hours before we were enjoying the burgers. In fact, it was probably the one part of the whole passage that our hearts were really pounding and nerves were rattled. In order to enter Elizabeth Harbor between Stocking Island and Great Exuma Island, there are small cuts that require calm water and good daylight. Of which, we had neither. The clouds and rain didn't allow the sun and the swells on the ocean side were really rolling. The water depths change quite fast at the openings from thousands of feet to 20 so these huge waves need a place to break. This is right at the opening of the cuts. Once you turn into the cuts, there is no turning back with the waves breaking right behind you as you enter. We spent sometime outside waiting for a good opportunity but realized we just need to go for it. Hang on! With Chuck behind the wheel and me looking out for breakers, we motored into the cut. At one time, i was looking behind the boat and a wall of green water that was breaking at the top was all that was visisble. We road a few of these in and finally made into calmer water. With hearts pounding and hands shaking we realized we made i t in safely. PHEW! What a ride! Boundless proved herself once again! That is the story we would have told at the Chat N' Chill if anyone was around to listen!