We stayed just for few days in San Juan, to get a good rest before the next leg. Of course resting does not mean lying down or even sitting down. Bogdan was hard at work on his big project - the dividers for the water tank. Jacob was put on the upper deck, chained to the railing (just kidding) and worked diligently on the prep for painting the upper deck. Boy, this man can take the heat really well. Bogdan was cooking in its own juices being somewhat protected from the sun whereas Jake was in full sun all day long and did not complained once. When he arrived, he was as fair as they come but by the end, he was so tanned that I doubt his own wife recognized him.
On July 5 around 7am we pulled the anchor and started what will be the longest trip non stop ever taken by us. We planned to go straight to Mayaguana - Bahamas. We made it as expected in 76 hours.
Again, this was amazing. Pretty much the whole trip we had very weak winds and the voyage was pleasant. Sometimes the current made us a bit uncomfortable but overall, no one can complain. Even Jake was joking that God must like him and gave him good weather for this trip. I was able to warm up a soup for suppers which is normally unheard of when underway.
At night, Jake was still not very comfortable at keeping the watch when you can not see much or anything really around you except you rely on the radar.
So usually the first watch Bogdan took, then me and then at 4am we left Jake by himself so he had only 2 hours of total darkness instead of 4. Very fast he was getting to be more comfortable of being under way and no sea sickness at all.
In Mayaguana we went to check in but they did not have the proper forms and told us to do that in George Town.
We stayed there just one night and the next morning went again on the way to Georgetown, another 10 hours and we were at hub of crusing Bahamas - Exumas. Wow, what a difference between January and now. In the season this anchorage can hold several hundred boats. Now it was just a few.
Bahamas holds a special place in our hearts. We spent here quite a bit of time and our favourite was always Exumas.
It is also special because in the winter, there is plenty of Canadian boats (snowbirds as they call us). Now, I think we were the only Canadian flag out there.
At this point we have decided that instead of going further, we stay here for a while and have some work done.
Both projects- the water tank and the upper deck were waiting. Because there was no one close to us, we could sand the deck without fear of dusting someone else's boat.
It was also a good spot as there is a decent grocery store with ample supplies of fresh vegies and fruits.
So both men were doing their respective chores (some updates in the engine room as well.)
I was busy in the galley making sure, Bogdan and Jake had plenty of food and as healty as possible.
We did a bit of swimming each day after work. The water was so warm that it felt as if you going into a hot tub, not ocean.
All meals we had outside, although the deck was full of tools and we shared the table with those, but we did not mind. We always enjoyed that time of the day, good meal, nice sunset and after dark we would often watch movie on our 55" screen.
After few days, the decision was made that we will stay here till Jake's departure. We knew that we can manage to go further just the two of us but Jake's valuable help with the upper deck was very important to us. He managed to finish everything and Bogdan and him painted it white a day before his departure. It was tricky because there was a bit of rain every day, but we were lucky and made it. It looks like a million bucks now.
Jake left July 25 back home to his wife and 2 dogs and to his work. Thank you Jake for all your help. It was a pleasure to have you aboard Griffin. Hopefully you will remember this trip for a long time.