Day 27 - Cambridge Cay
24 April 2014
Day 27 Wed 23-Apr 2014
Cambridge Cay
LAT N24 deg 18.21
LON W076 deg 32.43
[photo: there was terrific snorkeling around this tiny islet]
When we awoke around 0600, the water was like glass in the anchorage and even in the very dim pre-dawn light you could see the bottom 15 feet below very clearly. We got underway at 0700 with the last of the ebbing current carrying us eastward out the Warderick Wells cut that brings you to Exuma Sound. It is basically the Atlantic Ocean, but since there are some islands to the east, they give it its own name.
We motored with barely a ripple on the water except for our wake and could see the bottom clearly at 35 feet. It was such a peaceful little passage except for the fact that there was no wind to sail and we had to endure the drone of the engine. Unfortunately, we did not have to listen to the drone of the engine for much longer, because despite my fairly frequent checks of engine speed, voltage output, fuel gauge, and coolant temperature, I suddenly heard the alarm sounding. A quick glance down and the overheat light was on.
Once again, we are very thankful that a failure did not occur when it would have been potentially disastrous. I knew we were in no immediate danger, so I shut down the engine right away and we drifted and slowed. To Diane's credit, she did not make a fuss. I asked her to set the headsail and found a course where we would be away from any shoals/rocks and could use the very light wind to make almost 1 knot.
With Diane at the helm, I removed the companionway ladder and engine cover to find the v-belt that drives both the alternator and the engine coolant pump had broken. I spun both the alternator and coolant pump to see if either had seized up, and was happy to find that they seemed fine. The only explanation I have is that the belt got too loose since the last time I checked it and it eventually failed. I wish the engine was easier to check on this boat. I can check the oil level through a side door, but that doesn't let you see the hoses and belt. I guess I will have to make the effort more frequently.
Anyway, I had two spare belts and set to work replacing it. First, though, I had to clean up the mess of the rubber "dust" that was all over. That part would not have been a necessity if getting the belt on was the immediate priority, but we were in no danger, so I did it all at once. Once the belt was changed and tightened, we ran the engine with me observing and then I carefully replaced the cover and ladder.
Back on course, the wind actually filled in a little from the SW and we could motor-sail effectively. Our fuel gauge read a little over half, and we still had 10 gals in jugs. Nevertheless, I plan to top up the fuel in Staniel Cay (assuming they have some). Despite the 30 minute loss, we arrived at the cut N of Cambridge Cay before 0900 and worked our way into the mooring field.
We didn't want to crowd the sailing cat on the first ball, but at the other end of the mooring field (of about 12 balls) was a mega-yacht that had to be 140 feet long. From its upper deck was an inflatable sliding board (with sea water pumped up and flowing no doubt), and four PWCs (Personal Water Craft - Jet Skis), so we didn't want to be any closer to them than necessary.
After settling on the mooring, we got our snorkeling gear and dinghy ladder ready, along with a chart, handheld GPS and VHF radio. It was a bit of a ride even at 14 kts in the dinghy to cross the cut and go N to O'Brien's Cay where we reprised our visit to the Sea Aquarium. It is probably our favorite snorkeling spot because in one compact area is an abundance of healthy corals, and a varied, interesting population of fish. We happened to go just after slack tide, but even then you had to be careful how far around the rock you went before the current started to get serious.
Diane had donned her wetsuit for the 79F water and still was a bit chilled at first. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit, but decided it was time to head back to Diva Di. The light wind and changing current made for some notable variations as we proceeded. At times the water was almost flat calm and you could see the bottom contours, rocks, and corals clearly. Then there were mini-rivers of water flowing through the little islets and cays in different patterns that caused the water to swirl and become choppy, only to revert to calm again 100 feet further on.
Back on Diva Di, we rinsed off and then grabbed a welcome and delicious lunch that Diane prepared. Diane wanted to warm up on deck with her folding chair and a book in the bright sun. I elected to stay out of the sun and stayed below with the charts, tide tables, and my novel.
About 1430, it was nearing high tide, so we set off in the dinghy again to a tiny islet with a few scrubby trees growing atop that is called Bonsai Cay. The local host boat (volunteers for the Exuma Park) here at Cambridge Cay told us it had good coral and fish and they were right. Twice in one day we have done some fantastic snorkeling in perfect weather (well, Diane wishes the water were warmer).
Back aboard, we took our hot showers on the stern with less one gallon of water between us and it felt great. Diane remarked as she was toweling off that she already had her share of "boat kisses" as Cheryl on Slowdown calls the inevitable bruises one gets from being on a boat. Our ship's clock had "died" a week or so ago, so we don't have a ready gauge of the time unless we turn on the smart phones or pick up my watch. Regardless, we knew it was five o'clock somewhere, and had our first beverage.
Around 1730, the crew from Inspiration and Allure came over for cocktails. Tony and Liza (pronounced Lisa) on Inspiration are the host boat for Cambridge Cay, watching over the area and collecting mooring fees. Ken and Deanna on Allure are also from Toronto, Canada, and have visited here many times. It was a nice exchange, and we shared many stories and good tips.
By 1920, we were all ready for supper, so everyone headed "home." Before we ate, it was sunset and I blew the conch horn in celebration. Shortly thereafter, we heated our ready-to-go meat, veggie, pasta meal and were quite happy. After supper and cleanup, we relaxed on deck with Clyde and some soft music. The temperature, light breeze, brilliant stars, and peaceful conditions could not have been better.