Coco Beach, and on the way Home
20 April 2018
Paul & Helle
One thing we have not mentioned in any of our blogs. The beautiful church bells.
In several of the small local settlements, the small churches are ringing their bells at 6am - noon - 6pm. Every day a new tune, always very beautiful. For me it was lovely to wake up to as well as listening to while sitting sipping our “Sun downer”.
So we left Fox Town 26.55.568 - 077.47.859 bright and early, lovely sailing day, such a treat, as we got close to Sale Cay, where we originally had planned to stop. However, we did so well so decided to go all the way to Mangrove Cay 26.55.288 - 078.36.502. Before we got there to anchor, which by the way is in the middle of nowhere, we joked about how busy it would be. Well we had just set anchor and within an hour 6 other boats had anchored around us in protection of the tiny little piece of land. You will never guess what was on the island; just mangroves!
Next day the winds had picked up a bit, yes on the nose, so not as lovely a sail day. Short day to West End 26.42.294 - 078.59.345, so we were happy to have settled in and anchor set by 15:00. The peace ended around 17:00 when suddenly the sky turned very dark and the winds piped up big time to 38-40+ knots. As well torrential rain started. Everything closed up, rain gear out, then we are watching the boat in front of us “Norma Jean”, much larger and heavier than R’Liberty which started to drift down on us. For the next 2 hours the skipper on “Norma Jean” motored into the winds in order not to crash into us. In the conditions, Paul said we can do nothing. Our anchor showed 100% steady. Just stay in the cockpit and if we get hit, it will be the boat not us getting hurt.
During this we were in radio contact with “Norma Jean” and we were all very relieved when the winds calmed down to 25-28. Both boats were on watch for the rest of the night. Norma Jean only had the captain on board whereas we could at least “spell each other off” if required. Fortunately for both parties, the rest of the night was uneventful.
The plus side about this bad scare was, that it happened during daylight instead of the middle of the night. As well, we got a fantastic free fresh water wash of the boats!
Stayed at anchor for a couple of days, then moving in to Old Bahama Marina’s custom dock Thursday evening. Got checked out of Bahama which we then found out we did not really have to do. I guess once they have your cruising permit money they don’t worry anymore.
Friday we were out by 06:45 and on our way in very calm winds and waves on our stern. It became a motorsail, which was fine with me, Paul found it very boring.
Arrived at Lake Worth inlet by 16:00 then around Peanut Island and up to our friends Jan & Wayne’s dock just past Parker bridge and off the ICW where we arrived by 17:45. Another crossing and very great to be back with a warm welcome by friends.
The week-end went with grocery shopping and having a lot of fun and laughter. Great BBQ’s and then playing games.
Monday, off we went to CBP to check in and get our cruising permit. NO LUCK. As our permit had just expired, we were told could not get another one for 2 weeks. No this little clause is not stated anywhere on your permit. This is something you should know. The officer, after quite some time digging, did find a piece of paper she copied for us with this clause.
So now we got another “permission to proceed” which means we have to personally go to Cape Canaveral to check in, then when we leave from here next Season, we have to go back to Cape Canaveral. Very frustrating.
Tuesday, we waved goodbye and off we went to Jensen Beach 27.14.967 - 080.13.335 for the night. Then next stop Vero Beach 27.39.252 - 080.22.255 and then on to Cocoa Beach 28.21.200 - 080.43.188. Today, Friday April 20th arrived back here in Titusville at Westland Marina safe and sound. Just before another high wind/storm predicted to roll in late tonight/early tomorrow morning.
We have had another really good cruising season, lovely to have visitors and now happy to be back.
Over the next 2 weeks the days will be very busy getting everything washed, cleaned and prepped for the Summer.
Looking forward to catch up with friends & family around the world this Summer.
All the best
Paul & Helle
R’Liberty