The run south to Gun Cay and Cat Cay was pleasant. We anchored off the airstrip at Cat Cay, our choice of a jump off point to the Berry chain in the morning. This spot affords easy access to the Bank in the dark, since we plan to start before sunup. Most navigation in the Bahamas is done by reading the water, so the few markers that are present are in disrepair, or more often are simply wrong. They can’t be counted on, and unless you’re intimately familiar with the local waters, you don’t want to be picking your way through the shallow waters in the dark. Daytime navigation is best, with the water color guiding, the deeper the blue, the deeper the water. Brown is bad, indicating either a coral head to avoid, or shallow grass, “Go in brown, run aground” is the saying. Run aground on a coral head, it’s bad news. They’re rock! We’re becoming acclimated to reading the water, but it makes for some tense times, since you can see the bottom, and it looks really close!
We arrived at Cat Cay shortly after 1 PM, in time to dink to Gun Cay and go ashore. The beach there is an interesting mix of white sand and coral heads. Lots to explore, and a great place for the dogs to run.
We began our run to the Berry Island chain bright & early, well, dark & early! We raised the anchor at 0517 and started across the Great Bahama Bank, a run of about 80 miles. Our original plan was to head for Bullocks Harbor, but after reviewing our cruising guides en route, a change of plans took us to the south part of the Berry chain, and our destination became Chub Cay. Chub is a private development, very high end homes line the marina and beach. Landing on the beach from the anchorage is not permitted. We opted for a marina stay since the boat was encrusted in salt from the day’s run and we wanted to get some of it removed before we began our stay in the Berry chain. Hopefully we won’t repeat the process before we find a suitable anchorage. We’ll need protection from SE winds, since the prediction is for the trend to continue well past this coming weekend.
We’re not sure exactly where we’ll be, but internet coverage in the Berry’s is sparse, so there may be a few day’s gap in blog updates and Skype™ calls! Which, by the way, are much more affordable at $.021/min compared to Verizon roaming at $1.99/ min. So if any of our readers have been trying to call, it won’t work- cellphones are shut off.
More photos in the gallery, click on the menu link at the top of the page, nav bar to left, or simply click on any of the photos in the blog to open the photo gallery. Note that the photo gallery has a “View latest Updates” function on the sidebar that will quickly take you to the most recently posted photos.
Liz Albert on 17 Mar 2009 at 2:46 PM #
Hi there Cruisin’ Couple! The bahamian bronze look really suits you. I love seeing the dogs playing in the sand and surf. Easter is comming up, so many good memories of egg hunts at grandma & grandpa’s. Maybe you’ll be cracking open lobster shells instead of an egg this year!
Take care and enjoy!
Lisa on 17 Mar 2009 at 5:41 PM #
Hi,
Looks like a beautiful,exciting,adventure.
I like that Barbs suit matches the water color very appropriate
It looks as though the cruising life is agreeing with all of you,you all look very relaxed and happy.
The scenery is breathtaking!Keep the pictures coming.
I am enjoying dreaming with you and look forward to hearing about your next adventure in the next port
I have gotten a tour book from the library on Bahamas Turks and caicos and reading about the hot spots you are visiting
Love Lisa
Cindy on 19 Mar 2009 at 9:11 AM #
What a great picture of the 2 of you. You look so relaxed, refreshed and RETIRED. It looks like a paradise.