back to Turquoise Waters at Emerald Rock
17 February 2010 | Warderick Wells, Exuma Land and Sea Park
Beth / 73 F and 20 knots NW wind
We had a successful - but motoring - trip across the Tongue of the Ocean onto the Bahama Banks on Monday, arriving just after dark at Highborne Cay in the Exumas. Lousy shelter from the NW wind but it was the best we could do at the time. We rocked and rolled and pitched all night - anchor chain dragging across the bowsprit and banging on the bobstays and waves slapping on the bow. Between the motion and the noise, and the never ending anxiety about dragging, neither of us got much sleep. (And for those who are thinking, WHY do they do this? It's just the flip side of enjoying winter in the south on a boat!)
We decided we could manage only one night of that, and headed south on Tuesday. First thought was Shroud Cay and a mooring ball there but still no protection, and the wind made for lovely sailing southward so we kept going to Warderick Wells.
At Emerald Rock, we are on a mooring so no dragging worries. We have a wee bit of shelter from NW and if the wind would ever move more to N, we'd be in a pretty good spot. It is still blowing at 15 to 20 knots so we are not exactly sitting serenely! On the upside, we are really close to a beach and trails for walking, the sun is shining, the water is that most breathtaking turquoise hue - even though the temp is cool enough that I'm not inclined to get into it today! We're taking naps because the wind is supposed to blow harder tonight! We have a bit of an internet connection so that is another good thing.
We'll stay here another day or so and then head down toward Staniel Cay. More fill ins and up to date info coming...