Well it sure looks like I need to catch up on the blog. We've been so busy that the blog has been on the back burner.
Following up from Evan's last entry as we arrived in George Town, we endured some windy, rocking weather the following Sunday the 7th. A front came thru that day and it blew all day and thru the night. We re-anchored near the settlement (east of Kidd Harbor) to get protection from the westerly component winds. But as the wind went to the NW, the seas really rolled under us. At the peak winds of 20-25kt, gusting into the 30's we were bucking 3 to 4 footers. It wasn't a good night for sleeping.
But it eventually moderated and we spent Monday exploring more of George Town. We moved back to Monument Beach anchorage with the promise of clocking winds to the NNE so that we could hike the beaches on Stocking island. Afterwards we visited volleyball beach and the Chat n Chill beach bar for some "social exploration". It was an interesting group of people there. Mostly couples with several years of George Town visits under their keels.
We up-anchored from Monument on Wednesday and went down to the Black Rock anchorage. That was relatively uncrowded until later that day when it filled in quite a bit. But it was a nice quiet night that made for a good night's sleep.
Chris Parker's forecast for the following several days made it sound like we'd need to dash north on Friday the 12th if we wanted to leave George Town before another front swept thru with accompanying nasty winds lasting for the next week. But his Thursday morning forecast showed an increase in wind and waves earlier than expected. So we raised anchor right after hearing his forecast and headed north to Black Point. We motor sailed close hauled into 15-20 knots of wind and 3-4' seas. But the seas occasionally were in the 5-6' range as winds picked up over 20. It made for some significant pounding at times and solid water over the fore deck often. It was an uncomfortable trip but it made the calm waters of Black Point anchorage that much more appreciated.
Well the front that Chris was expecting for Monday/Tuesday of next week is still headed our way with some westerly component winds forecast. So we've got to find some anchorages with protection for then.
Today we are staying in Black Point, doing laundry and food shopping prior to moving north into the Exuma Land and Sea park again. We may find some protection in Warderick Cay or Cambridge Cay to carry us thru next week. We will see.
Photo is in Black Point anchorage at sunrise.