Back To The Abacos

November was a travel month, traveling from our home port in Brunswick, GA to enjoy our eighth year in the Bahamas. This year we averaged approximately fifty miles a day and enjoyed our favorite stops along the way. Particularly enjoyable, Romer and Sue Schwenk, of Vancouver Island, BC, stopped to visit us in Vero Beach. Former cruisers themselves, they recently purchased a fifth-wheel RV and were enjoying a land-based trip across Canada and the US. And, Dixie and John Reese, friends formerly from Atlanta, visited aboard Sea Island Girl, for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Early December, following a brief stay at Old Port Cove Marina in North Palm Beach, we departed early, across the Gulfstream, for West End Settlement on Grand Bahama Island. Our friend, Don Smith, whom we have over the years enjoyed so many fun times on the water, had driven from Atlanta and joined us for the trip to the Abacos. Having Don aboard was a breath of fresh. We alternated time at the helm, and the crew would arrive at our destination each day well rested.

Coming down from the north, as we approached the Sea of Abaco, the forecast had called for a shift in the weather. Had we not pushed forward, we would have been “trapped” for several days. With Don’s help, we opted to continue our passage well beyond sundown and after a ninety-five mile day, entered the channel at Green Turtle Cay by spotlight.

The following morning, conditions along The Whale Passage, which can be most treacherous, were favorable to continue around the three mile stretch of desolate cays. We allowed Don to “command the ship” so that he could add The Whale to his cruising accomplishments. He did fine, and the Commodore went below to take a shower and change into clothing, more appropriate for our arrival at Boat Harbour.

Twenty or so of our yacht club friends greeted us as we arrived in splendid fashion and another season has begun for us in Abaco. It’s like home for us here and we hope to share many of the highlights as our travels continue.