It’s definitely warmer. Crossing the gulf stream through the night the sea temperature rises, less clothes are needed, while day break reveals turquoise waters rimmed with sandy low lying cays. Slowly heading east and south the shallow waters are navigated, turtles spotted and the occasional dolphins join us.

Anchored in Strangers Cay the midday sky darkens as thunder reverberates. All portable electronics are popped in the oven (with big notices to help us remember to take them out prior to using the oven later…note previous bad experience). Fortunately the squall passes to the south west leaving us relieved. Anchorages are very weather dependent. The tiny harbour of Carter’s Cay finds us surrounded by moored and slightly decaying ‘previously loved’ boats and not a huge distance away from a sunken wreck, or at least it looks that way.
Things are quite exciting though, meeting up with friends and former work colleague on Ocean Blue, it’s so nice to have familiar faces to share news, spare parts (plus experience) and the odd sun downer. The wind generator is revamped after a period of lethargy due to it’s circuit board and potentiometer failure. The successful remedy is celebrated after many adjustments but life is never boring.

Marsh Harbour, the main town in Abacos is where we meet Vince (of New Bern truck fame). Laundry, provisioning and a few days finding the best spots for propeller checks and the likely locations of conch (big sea snails with beautiful shells) and lobster. The required/recommended equipment for the lobster catching (spear pole) was purchased in Florida with much eager anticipation and accompanied by plenty of research on delightful lobster dishes. Several days later, the elusive lobsters were finally located and dispatched and the start of our lobster cuisine began. Or at least we thought. A malaise in the Juffa crew however put paid to the lobster events as a prolific rash appeared, which maybe lobster related. This unfortunate episode has not been confirmed but we will take tentative steps to identify the rash culprit over coming days.

Weaving between the small islands, cays, can be exhilarating. Slack water is often needed, tidal heights always important, wind and current directions impact hugely on the comfort and safety of passages. Current Cut, called for obvious reasons, was interesting. The steep waves, northerly winds and ebbing current were approached warily and all factors considered. Once through the sleigh ride the scene was tranquil and balmy as we watched the inter-island ferry cautiously transit the renowned pass.