We left Vero Beach about 0600 and made our way south to the Ft Pierce inlet. Sunrise over the condos and good light to navigate the turns to get out to sea.
All systems were running well, and the seas were 1-2 feet as predicted, so full speed ahead for Walker’s Cay Bahamas! What a delightful change, from brown river water to the deep blue of the open Atlantic! The ocean was empty of traffic and the transition to the Gulf stream itself was a non-event thanks to the ideal weather conditions.
The only indicators telling us that we were in the legendary river in the ocean, was an increase of 3 degrees in outside water temperature, and a shift in our course-over-ground as indicated on the GPS. The clear and sunny conditions were calm enough to set the autopilot to take over steering duties. The Captain was able to doze off on the bridge while Jacob took the watch, to man the helm, watch for traffic, and keep an eye on the instruments.
After a couple hours’ rest, a large auto carrier and a mega yacht were
spotted, and set to cross our path, one ahead and one astern. Jacob woke the
Captain to relay this information and seek instructions. Tonnage rules has
always been our mantra when underway, and these ships being bigger than us, we
stayed out of their way. Steady as she goes was the Captain’s order. We passed far astern of the ship ahead, and all
vessels continued on their way without incident and with well over a mile
between us all. We had hoped to catch some fish while under way, so we tied a cedar plug tipped with frozen squid to our heavy trolling rod and streamed it in our wake. Switching the lever to make sure the “clicker” was engaged, we checked on it often. We kept an ear out for the buzzing sound the clicker would make when the drag was letting line out. Soon enough, we had a bite! Taking the rod out of the holder, and reeling in, the fish broke off the line. We repeated this process twice more, before running out of trolling lures. First thing on the shopping list is heavier fishing line! (and more cedar plug trolling lures.)
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| Gram keeping warm in the cool breeze |
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| Rat Pack keeping warm |
We entered the Bahama banks after dark, so we had to use the spotlight to see the shallow, clear, turquoise waters we had dreamt about since leaving the Florida Keys. Navigating carefully to avoid any shoals by a wide margin. Knowing we would not get to the customs office before it closed, we planned to anchor near Walkers Cay and clear customs first thing the next morning. Changing our destination waypoint while underway, at night, in unfamiliar shallow waters, was not taken lightly. Danielle took the helm and steered by the planet Jupiter while the Captain reprogrammed the GPS. Luckily, one of the windshield supports lined up perfectly with the planet and it’s reflection on the water, and made an easy reference point. A slightly shorter course plotted, back to normal.
We arrived at our destination at 1100 at night, with baitfish jumping everywhere the spotlight touched, and got a lesson in anchoring in the turtle grass of the Bahamas. Two attempts with the Bruce anchor, and switched it out for the fortress style. This one grabbed right away, and we also dropped the CQR as a second anchor for a fore and aft Bahamian moor. This style greatly reduces our swing radius when the tie or wind changes. Very important with other boats and shallows nearby.
A well deserved restful nights’ sleep and we awoke to the beauty of the Bahamas! Well worth all the work and preparation! Now on to clear customs so we can explore this amazing island nation!
~Steve
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| Sunrise over Walkers Cay |
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