Let's just put this boat on auto pilot and take a break. There is at least 2' of water under us and the water is crystal clear. You could see 30' down if it were that deep. Sailing in the Turks and Caiscos. "What is that Black spot in front of us" Dylan asked. "Oh S---" I yelled as I am scrambling to reach the auto pilot in time to turn it off. We are headed for certain disaster. I push the standby button to turn off the auto pilot and yank the wheel to starboard(left for you landlubbers). Just in time we squeak by the coral head. 2'under keel disappears pretty fast when you are headed over a coral head. So much for auto pilot. I am actually going to steer the boat.
Soon three dolphins are chasing the boat and then a fourth one follows them. They are no at the front of the boat just playing along side the boat. No coral heads in sight so auto pilot goes back on so the 3 human can laugh and shout at the dolphins. It is a great day.
We have joined two other boats who are going the same place we are. This is called buddy boating and is really a lot of fun. You keep an eye on each other, have someone to talk to, and have happy hours together when you get to your anchorage. The two couples have only been sailing for a few years and they are a joy to be around.
When we reached Great Ambergris Key, Franswaw(sp) and David dinged over to asked if I wanted to lobster hunting with them. I had never done it and had wanted to find out what it is all about so off I went. 1 1/2 hour later we have 6 lobster and an assortment of conch. The fresh lobster was so good after we cooked it on the grill.
Tomorrow we will leave the Turks and head to The Dominican Republic, a 24 hour sail.
The Turks and Caicos, What a beautiful place with wonderful fun memories and extremely sad ones. It will be a very bittersweet parting.