We spent more time in Nassau than planned, however, we are glad we stayed as long as we did. When the strong low pressure system came through it blew for two days 25-30 K with gusts to 40. We were not even able to get off of the boat because the boat was blown so far away from the dock. Chris Parker (the person we contact daily for weather reports) reported there was a gust of 106 knots in the Central Exumas. Even if the anemometer was not calibrated perfectly, that is still a very high wind speed. He even said, he wasn't sure what meteorologist were calling this type of wind event.

During the last couple of days in Nassau, Ron noticed that the battery monitor was not reading the correct voltage levels. He took his multi meter and check the voltage of all the batteries, they were fine. However, the battery monitor was showing lower levels. After checking all of the connections in the system, he decided it was time to call in an electrician. After 45 minutes of diagnostics, it was determined that all of the connections were good. He then asked Ron to start the engine. When Ron went to start the engine, there was nothing but a clicking sound. The engine would not start. The electrician looked back by the battery cables and could see a sparking at the negative bus bar. It was determined that one of the main ground wires had a screw that needed to be tightened. Repair completed. All is good and it only cost $150.00.

The following day we fueled up and got underway at 9:00 AM and headed across the Banks to the Northern Exumas. Our new friends on Quest (Bob and Julie) suggested we put in a way point between the White and Yellow Banks (The White and Yellow Banks are dotted with coral heads.) By taking this route, we did not see any coral heads. And it only added five miles to our trip.

Our initial destination was Allan Cay. When we got there the winds were blowing in the mid teens out of the NW with a following swell. When we got into the anchorage it seemed to be pretty full, so we turned around and head on further south to Highborne Cay. Once there, we tucked into the north west corner behind Highborne Rocks and anchored for the night.

The next morning we awoke to sunny skies and calm seas. We pulled anchor and headed further south to the beautiful anchorage at Shroud Cay. After lunch we dropped the dinghy in the water and immediately started exploring the Island. We went to the far north end and entered a creek which wound through mangroves until you reached the end, which opened up to the ocean that presented bright blue waters and a beautiful pristine beach. The sand was so white and soft that it went up to our ankles when we wiggled our toes. Not only was the ocean and beach beautiful, but the wild life that we saw while going through the mangrove was incredible. During our ride we saw six turtles, one of them was accompanied by two very large anglel fish. We also saw many other various species of fish and a stingray. It is great to be in the Islands.

Tomorrow we will move further south to Warderick Wells which is one of the best anchorages in an area know as in the Exumas Park.

Please note: This posting is being sent via SSB, therefore pictures can not be included. We will post pictures when we get to wifi.