As we've mentioned before one of the rewards of the cruising life style is unexpectedly meeting old friends in distant anchorages. Such was the case when we arrived at Old Bight. While enjoying our morning coffee on the first day we noticed a familiar looking boat headed our way. Lo and behold it turned out to be our friends on First Love who we had met a few years ago. Plans were made to rendezvous on the beach later in the day over a cold beer. The owners of Rollezz Resort are very accommodating to cruisers and allow us to relax on their beach, all they ask is respect for their guests. We're always sure to spend a little cash in the bar and restaurant and are careful not to abuse their wonderful hospitality.

By 3:30 the sun was getting high on the yardarm signalling it was time to head ashore and catch up with Gil and Sharlene. As it turns out a couple we had met from Scotland 2 years ago were here as well. Every winter they rent one of the beautiful little cottages for 2 -3 months to get away from the Scottish weather. The Scots have become proficient bocce ball players and we capped off each day with an International match, Canada, Scotland, South Africa and the US. Sadly Bev and I did not defend our national honour very well. More practice is definitely needed!

Strong northerly winds had been in the forecast for 6 days and as the front approached it was time to move 4 miles further north east to New Bight in search of better shelter. The one disadvantage to Cat is that there isn't any protection from west winds, and the forecast called for 4-6 hours of west wind before it clocked through the north. Once we tucked in as close as we dared to the beach we headed ashore for one of Duke's famous conch salads. The front was due to hit in a day so we made sure to get some exercise before being stuck on the boat.

True to the forecast, light west winds rolled in by lunchtime the following day but didn't start building above 12 knots until they had veered to the NW. The swell wound it's way around Bonefish Point making for a very rolly anchorage. By bedtime you had to be sure to hold onto something when moving around the boat and sleep was very hard to come. But true to the forecast as the wind veered further through the north after midnight and built the land protection kicked in and the waters settled. For the next two days it blew constantly over 20, gusting to 35 but the anchorage was calm.

Finally after 8 relaxing days it was time to think of moving on. Lesley was due to fly into Staniel Cay on Feb. 1st and we didn't want to get caught crossing the Exumas Sound in unfavourable conditions. We spent our last day at Cat doing the usual boats stuff including laundry in a super clean, well run laundromat. As the sun set over the calm waters we took a moment to reflect on the enjoyment we get from meeting friends in remote places.

Today's picture is of a barracuda that hung around our boat. BTW the water is 9' deep.