The Crossing/Mar. 16-18

Friday, March 16

 After three Nor'Easters in three weeks straight stirring up the Atlantic Waters we finally get the weather window we need to cross the Gulf Stream. Forecast in for 3-5 days of good weather so we will be able to get all the way to Green Turtle Cay before the next NorEaster hits.

As we leave Lake Worth Inlet at sunrise it looks like everyone else had the same idea.
Every marina and anchorage was packed with  boats waiting for a decent window to cross over or just get out and do some fishing.
Forecast is for 1 to 2 footers with an occasional 3 footer. A slight Northerly component to the winds might make the first half a little rough but "No Hill for a Climber"......

Just a little video of the first part of our crossing..

As you can see, I don't get much help from my crew on these crossings.
The Admiral says the best way to do a crossing is to take a nap and wake her when land is in sight.

Annie got the same Memo.

That's not all true. The Admiral helped a lot...(as we approached the smooth side of the crossing).
Once out of the strongest part of the Gulf Stream it was a perfect day to cross.

Even the early part wasn't very. bad but Annie did get sick.
The Admiral forgot to drug her, she felt really bad that she was so busy she forgot.

Pulling into Old Bahama Bay is always a welcome sight after 5 hours of open seas.
Looks as though improvements have taken place since our last visit 5 years ago.
Damn, has it been that long? Yep, we did Exumas last time so we weren't in this area.

We arrived a bit early so we got a choice slip for "Mystic Lady" and our traveling partners on
"Just Us".
Dave and Michelle had not been to the Abacos so it was a great opportunity to have a "Boat Buddy" on this trip.

We so look forward to good times and safe travels on this "Chafton Journey"......

First things First.....
Cross the Gulf Stream...
Dock the Boat......
Check in with Customs....

Mix up some Jack Daniels....
Find a beach, any beach.

Annie says....
Ahhhh, land.

Hey mom....look. I remember this stuff. It's sand.

Our little "Chick Magnet" is always looking for friends...
The walk along the beach at Old Bahama Bay was just what the doctor ordered.
Annie was back to her self in no time.
We met this nice couple from Ashland, Kentucky on our walk.

Seems we're not the only Hillbilly's in the Bahama's..

"Mystic Lady" is all snuggled up for the night.
Tomorrow we head out to Great Sale Cay, about half way to Green Turtle Cay.







Saturday, March 17, 2018
                This is a cool video but a little too big to download....I'll work on that.

Crossing the bank to Great Sale Cay. Smooth waters and clear skies make for a great day.
The crew on "Just Us" even got in a little fishing. I put out some lines but no luck.

Anchored off the North Coast of Great Sale Cay. Again, we arrived earlier than the drove of boats we left OBB with but I'm sure this spot will fill up later this evening.

Mystic Lady and Just Us as viewed from the shore.

A good day for a dinghy ride around the shoreline and look for a place to land the dinghies so Annie and Christine can "Walk-a-Toes"....

A sunset shot of our anchorage..

Beautiful sunset and calm waters makes for a good nights sleep....
I wish everyone could see these skies tonight......the stars alone are enough to make a person feel truly blessed..

Up early and headed for Green Turtle Cay.

"Just Us" is in true form as she goes by for some photo ops....

A beautiful Viking Sportfish..
.........and a very friendly crew..

Docked at Bluff House Marina on Green Turtle Cay....

This was one of our favorite stops last time we were in the Abacos so we had it on our list this time.

Really wanted to get a video of the entrance channel as we came in but I was so busy watching out for traffic and depths I forgot to turn on the camera,,,

Total Miles Traveled so far = 350.4 nm