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Early on Tuesday, May 3rd (Barry's Mom's 104th birthday),  Sea Star was hauled out by Abaco Yacht Services in Green Turtle Cay and our journey home had begun. 

We caught the ferry from Green Turtle Cay to Treasure Cay, then a taxi to the airport at Marsh Harbour.  The drive along the road on Great Abaco Island gave a view of the horrific devastation caused by hurricane Dorian (Sept. 2019).  There were literally fields full of abandoned vehicles that had been damaged beyond repair in the hurricane.  As well, miles and miles of forests of trunks of trees left behind.  We wonder if they will "re-grow" someday?

We caught the 3:45 p.m. flight to Miami.  Masks were required for this flight but quickly abandoned once we lifted off and the bar service began.  We caught a great view from the air of West End on Grand Bahama Island.

We picked up our luggage and a rental car in the Miami airport and started on the drive to get our car which we had left in storage at Tiger Point Marina (Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island) Florida.  The rental car had to be returned to the airport at Jacksonville, so on our way through that area we decided to have a look at where we needed to go as it was in the middle of the night and the traffic was light.  We didn't want to put money on our U.S. phone, so once we left Fernandina Beach in our separate vehicles the prospect of losing each other in the traffic at the airport was somewhat daunting.  All went well and we picked up our car and were able to drop off the rental without incident.  

Now we just faced the 2,529 kilometer drive home.  We left Miami at 6:30 p.m. on May 3rd and arrived  home at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 5th, 2022.  ..... exhausted but so very happy to be safely home.

"Out" and About

 

Abaco Yacht Services on Green Turtle Cay is where we've booked to have Sea Star hauled out on May 3rd, 2022. 

The weather forecast is for yet another stormy week-end between now and when we haul.  This prompted us to make haste while the weather was good.  We headed out on the 6 hour passage to Marsh Harbour to pick up the transmission parts. 

(Further to "The Whale Channel" blog - April 15).  

Each way, between Green Turtle Cay and Marsh Harbour, 3 hours of the passage are through the whale channel. 

                            North end of Great Guana Cay - south end of the Whale Channel

We had the luxury of slack water for most of the outward trip however we were mid flood tide on our return.  Coupled with that we encountered a large swell running in out of the north.

The Atlantic swell off of our starboard side created a huge curl wave that stretched intermittently for miles.  Surf was definitely up!!

On our port side the swell was spectacular as it crashed over Whale Cay and surrounding rocks.  We travelled along, riding between the two in awe of the phenomena surrounding our little boat.  We got through okay but will revisit the scene in our minds for quite some time  :)

"The Whale" is a truly unique boating "situation" ..... certainly a learning experience for us. 

We've never given that much thought to "swell".  In the Caribbean a north swell will be forecast as a weather event in which boaters avoid anchoring in areas that are open to the north.  That was about it until we encountered "the whale". 

The rest of our passage to and from Marsh Harbour, in the beautiful turquoise Sea of Abaco, was very pleasant. 

                               Transmission parts - $309 U.S. + $60.00 shipping + $58.00 duty

We are so very grateful that Barry was able to catch up with the package of transmission parts before we leave the Bahamas.  He plans on making the repair upon our return.

Once back on Green Turtle Cay we anchored off Coco Beach and explored the shallow water there for starfish.  (orange as well as black stars were in profusion)

I regrettably grounded Sea Star in the soft sand of Coco Beach.  Barry rigged an anchor, attached to the mast and ran it off to the deeper water on our starboard side.  A passing power boat assisted us to list Sea Star over enough to set her free.  

Everyday is a whole new adventure.  :)

                               McIntosh Restaurant and Bakery - New Plymouth, Green Turtle Cay

                                                                 Breakfast Specials