Boy, have the last few days been filled with adventure, danger, suspense, and of course, lobster. We left Bimini Tues day Am, headed for Frazier's Hog Cay and the Berry Island Club. This route takes us across the Bahama Banks, a shallow Open "sea" with nary a light, Cay, or boat in sight. Most sailors will tell you that they prefer lots of water under their keels; here the average depth was about a foot more than we needed. The sun was shining and the sea was calm as we started out. As the day progressed, the wind kicked up from the east, the direction we were headed. This meant we had to motor into the waves which, because of the shallow depths, were becoming quite large. I've heard one doesn't want to be on the banks when the weather kicks up. Oops, too late. As we had many a mile to cover before the Berrys, we had to anchor on the banks Tuesday night. The wind howled and the boat did a see-saw all night long. We slept in fits and starts, as we tried to will our bodies to stay in our bunks. We hoped that Wednesday would bring an improvement, but it was not to be. We knew we were in store for another night at anchor as we were only able to make about 2.5- 3.5 MPH against the waves and wind. Wednesday night all hell broke loose. The wind was clocked at 30knots, and it rained like the world was coming to an end. The poor boat was rocked to death, and of course Al and I were along for that ride. Al says to say he's not ashamed to admit he was ASCARED! Me too, and we had to check as soon as the three hour nightmare ended to see if we had dragged. Many coral bommies are on the banks and one doesn't stray too far off the beaten path. We hadn't dragged at all, amazing, considering what we had gone through! Now, if that doesn't get your fun factor meter scooting , consider the icing on the cake for Tuesday and Wednesday AM. The engine refused to start. Al thinks there's a problem w/ the fuel prime, and it may have been a result of all the hobby-horsing we did each night. We have never had this problem before, but it's kinda eerie to be rocking at anchor for a few hours in the AM, in the middle of nowhere Ville, while your better half is dismantling the engine, and (being a diesel mechanic) is saying to you "I'm open to suggestions" and "I wish I knew what the problem is." Yikes.
The next morning we flew under jib into Hog Cay, and snorkeling brought us our lobster for thanksgiving dinner, we caught 4 and gave three away, as they were easily four lb tails. This place is great. The Berry Island Club has super food, docks and mooring balls, and sells diesel. (Or will, as soon as the fuel freighter can get here.... Welcome to the islands!) I've been being put on hold for washers, showers, water, fuel, mooring balls and free wifi. They have been so nice about telling me to wait, it will be soon, that I can't be mad. Besides, the snorkeling is awesome. There are hundreds of lionfish here, and as soon as I get my nerve up, I'm going to catch some for dinner. The locals say they taste awesome. Just avoid the spines!