The wind kept blowing so we opted not to head out into the 12-foot swells in the Sound, and stayed mostly in one place these last couple of days. On Wednesday we shifted a few hundred meters northeast over to the nook between Big Farmers Cay and Little Galliot Cay in order to escape the stronger wind and bigger waves that arrived as the wind shifted further south.

We've done some odds and sods of boat jobs over the last couple of days. Jim installed the frame around the chimney (from our little baby fireplace) that will prevent our sheets (lines for the foresails) from getting caught in it, and replaced the caulking around one chainplate (place where part of the rigging attaches to the deck) that will end the leak in our nice big locker (cupboard) in the head (bathroom).

I tidied up the chaos that has taken over our salon (living/diningroom), forward cabin (bedroom) and aft cabin (spare room aka garage) of late, washed down the floors and walls to rid them of salt, scoured the fish-frying grease from the galley (3 x 6 ft kitchen) and tackled the stainless on the deck. Our stainless is holding up pretty well but it still needs regular attention to remove the rust spots that crop up.

We took regular runs ashore to walk the small beaches, pick our way across the coral on the east side and swim in the clear water. As we walked around a corner on Big Farmer's Cay late one afternoon, we spotted a herd of goats on the rocks. They were pretty shy and took off into the woods while we were still a long way down the beach. The temperature has dropped to about 24 C at night and when the sun goes behind a cloud and we're in the wind, it even feels chilly. No, no, no...I'm not complaining, honest!

Jeffrey and Nick came by in their fishing boat and asked if we wanted anything from Cave Cay where they were headed for fuel. Perfect timing as that was on our to-do list. Jim tossed them a couple of jerry cans and away they went. By the time they returned, I had a chocolate cake fresh out of the oven so they came onboard and visited. Nick filleted a grouper and left that for us in exchange for the cake, and they roared off to get the rest of their catch on a plane to Nassau.

We have appreciated getting to know these folks. Hallan Rolle (aka Little Jeff - his call sign) took Blair, Mary, Jim and me to Barraterre, and Jeffery (his son) has become our regular fish supplier. He would also be happy to take us (or anyone) out fishing. We have Jeffery's phone number, Little Jeff is easily found on VHF 16, and we would recommend them both.

I wasn't feeling all that well for a day or so - headache, general soreness and swollen lymph glands - the first bit of illness in months and months, and I was happy to take it easy. Jim had the same thing the next day so we figure we picked up a bug of some kind. We are both on the mend now.