Yes, this is finally Warderick Wells. Have you seen the Corona commercials where the water and sand all come together in a beautiful turquoise lagoon. This is about as close as you are likely to come to it! This is also HQ for the Exuma Land & Sea Park.

Magnolia is just to the right of the glass float.

Eleanor Q lies on the eastern side of the cove

Park HQ

A little better light next day to enjoy the colors

A

Eleanor Q and Magnolia set off for the top of Boo Hill

The cove side from the top of Boo Hill

Exuma Sound from the top of Boo Hill

I know, I promised Warderick Wells but I am catching up on posts since we have been out in the hinterland for the last week. Annette and I broke away from the pack and headed a little out of the way to a place called Hawksbil Cay. We assumed it would be a little quiet being off the beaten path but we had as far as the eye could see to ourselves till sunset! Out view of the cay.

We have been traveling within the 176sqr mile Exuma Land & Sea Park where there is nothing but beach, birds and fish! Lots of each! There is a $20.00 mooring fee to help maintain the place, we consider it a bargain. Annette is up dropping our money in a box on the sign. Completely honor system.

Magnolia lies at anchor off shore.

Not only does she drive Magnolia sometimes I get chauffeured on Blossom as well. (Blossom is out dinghy of course – 15hp Yamaha sitting atop a 9ft Caribe RIB)

When I am really lucky she drags us up a creek too. Actually the real reason we came to Hawksbil was to explore this creek. Annette was disappointed to find the water shallow to motor but wanted to press on.

In the end we were treated to our own personal aquarium around this Mangrove. It was filled with fish and even a 2 foot sand shark.

Like I said we have the place to ourselves till just before sunset when a 136 MegaYacht came in and anchored. Not even an invitation for sundowners!

Note: The pictures above the line are from our time on Shroud Cay and were taken by our friends on SV Mandala. Eleanor Q had met Mandala in Maine and introduced us in Bimini. The 3 boats have been traveling together on and off since. I thought we would share them here. The chart we had showed this river would go all the way across the cay and open up to the Exuma Sound on the other side. It also showed minimal depths so we were not optimistic of success.

Feeling rather like Louis & Clark Ron (SV Mandala) and I take a stroll along the “newly found” beach.

We departed on Nassau excited that would FINALLY be in the Exuma Islands.  We topped up on fuel and water before departing. Though plentiful in the Exumas, they are both expensive.  Oh yes, I perhaps did not mention water costs between 30-50 cents a gallon down here. Yea, someone is making coin…..

You can see one of the bridges to Paradise Island which is where the famous Atlantis Resort is located.

Upon arriving Highborne Cay we dropped the anchor in a sandy bottom wide open anchorag. We let 100 ft of scope, just cause we could and the more chain we have out, the better I sleep. MaryMarie of EleanorQ insisted on making dinner for us since it was birthday night. Magnolia is at anchor behind us.

Out friend Neil Brown who runs the Fuller Center in Central NJ had given us a bottle of Newmans Cabernet saying, “this is good, you are gonna like it.” We have been saving it for a special occasion. With my Fuller Center shirt, our Neil Brown bottle of wine we celebrated my #52 upon our arrival  in the Exumas! (It was a dang good bottle of wine!)

Annette made some icing topped brownies decorated with M & Ms (peanut). We washed that down with the last of our Barboursville Port. 

After a brief overnight we moved down to the Shroud Key. The winds were forecast east at 15-17, reality was south-east 22-27! Yea, that what we said. We were able to sail all but that last 3 1/3 miles to the south east! Yea, that was a slow slog.

After a fun of exploring in the dinghy, a little snorkel for boat bottom cleaning there was one last chore of working tightening things up on the swim platform. There always is, one more!

I hear the definition of cruising is working on your boat in exotic locations…I can do that. Look at that water!

Annette and I are heading over to Hawksbill Cay tomorrow. It’s a little off the beaten path which makes it perfect for us!

Magnolia had a lovely visit to Bimini in part we were able to meet  number of people whom we previously only knew by their boat. In addition we met what we refer to as the “Royal Canadian Navy” which consisted of nearly a dozen power and sailboats all proudly flying their Canadian flags!  Oh yes, sorry about the poor picture quality, after 6 months I finally figured I had better clean my lenses!!!!

Before departing Bimini we needed rent a golf cart; , that’s what you do in the Bahamas. We made our way to the northern most reaches of the island where there is a brand new swanky Casino. As you can see Annette is dolled up in her finest cruise where and we were off.  Winnie, thanks for the shiny stuff!

We were not inclined for lunch at the Casino but how could we pass up a conch salad joint on the side of the road which has never faced a health inspection and most certainly would have never passed one if it had! The salad though was to die for and some of the coldest beer on the island.

As “sometimes” happens, Frank and I started discussing the merits of ice cream on this particular day.

“Deputy Marshal Samuel Gerard: Alright, listen up, people. Our fugitive (ice-cream)  has been on the run for ninety minutes. Average foot speed over uneven ground barring injuries is 4 miles-per-hour. That gives us a radius of six miles. What I want from each and every one of you is a hard-target search of every gas station, residence, warehouse, farmhouse, henhouse, outhouse and doghouse in that area. Checkpoints go up at fifteen miles. Your fugitive’s name is Chocolate Ice Cream. Dr. Richard Kimble. Go get him it.”

We searched and came up empty handed. As we were returning the golf cart we related out search to the proprietor.  He sent us to the boat and said he would be there in a few, “be back in a few min.”

Low and behold than man came through. I mean he scored and as you can see we scored too! It was like a seen out of spy movie with a clandestine ice cream hand off!

MaryMarie  (of Eleanor Q) particularly enjoyed taking this picture. Her caption was “Thank you, Lord, for this divine ice cream for which we searched so hard. Amen.” She really is a mind reader!

While we were being decadent MaryMarie broke out her stash of Chocolate covered bacon…yea baby, chocolate covered bacon!

After the ice cream incident and heaven forbid the bacon thing leaked out ….well it could  have been pretty wild. On top of that this cold front hitting the east coast could have left us in dire conditions….perhaps into the 60s. It was time to take the show on the road.

As you can see it was a bigger than normal show….what you are seeing is the entire Royal Canadian Navy in hot pursuit of three Yankee boats!

Here is Magnolia making her way out the Bimini Harbor.

Our Comrades on Eleanor Q make her way north along the Bimini Coast

The screen capture above was actually done a little later in the evening that the pictures below but it give you an idea of how we navigate our route and info available. Magnolia in yellow is approaching the Mackie shoal light with Eleanor Q off our starboard quarter (AIS track).  We have a number of AIS tracks plus a bunch of non-AIS vessels we are monitoring. In addition we you can see the wind conditions overlaid as well. All total our trip was about 120 miles over about 22 hours.

This is the North Rock light (NROCK) from above.

As the sun was setting I grabbed the below panorama.

This was the first overnight passage that Annette and I have done on our own. To be completely frank it is a big deal. When you can see nothing but a few lights coming at you or going away from you and no horizon your brain can attach to along with taking turns to sleep and trusting your partner to keep you safe while you do sleep, yup it was/is a big deal. Just before dawn about 20 miles out of Nassau we had a hellacious squall come through. Not much accompanying wind but the rain gave the boat a very thorough wash down. As the sun began to rise it was nice to know we had “done the night” and did it safely. I am very proud of the Admiral, she certainly got’er done!

Annette double checking some Nassau Harbor entrance details.

Land’ Ho

Upon entering the harbor the first thing you come to is the cruse ship docks. In Miami they shut down entire areas of the port but here you have to transit RIGHT past them. It is a little un-nerving in the difference in protocols!

Eleanor Q transiting the cruise ship docks.

We arrived at our planned dock within minutes of these being taken. The crew were tired but proud of our nights success.

After our arrival in Monday morning, the same front that has caused cold winter havoc arrived Nassau about 01:30Am Tuesday morning in Nassau. (We expected it) and it has been blowing into the low 30s at the dock, plenty of rain and cold temperatures..okay tropical cold!  We hope to be on our way to the Exuma’s Thursday. Will check the weather!

Nope we did not even close to busted on this trip, no matter what it appears below. We had a completely benign Gulf Stream Crossing. This was our first so we were big fans of benign! As for the picture below it sure looks to me that Eleanor Q is chasing down that freighter. “We really hate it when they use their sailboat to pick on those freighters!”

“Land Ho!” Welcome to Bimini Bahamas!

The Admiral brings Magnolia into North Bimini Harbor as the “Q” flag flies from the starboard spreader. The “Q” or Quarantine flag indicates we have not been officially granted permission entrance to the Bahamas. The Captain collects the passports of the crew and along with the official vessel documents and reports to the customs and immigration office. (Note: I dressed in my best shipboard cloths). We will later raise the Courtesy Flag.

You immediately have to ask yourself if this is really the same ocean we live on? or is it actually a giant bath tub and the Bahamas got the good side?

From Wikipedia – “Courtesy flag — A courtesy flag (or courtesy ensign) is flown by a ship in foreign waters as a token of respect by a visiting vessel. It is often a small (that is, smaller than the ship’s own national ensign) national maritime flag of the host country, although there are countries (such as Malta) where the national, rather than the maritime flag is correct. The flag is customarily worn at the foremasthead of multi-masted vessels, the dockside yardarm or crosstree of the mast of single-masted vessels, while the house flag would be outboard. It may be flown from the jackstaff of vessels without masts”

In doing research for this post I learned a little something: The Yacht Ensign pictured on the left is the ensign we have flown on Magnolia since we acquired her. The Yacht Ensign was established to indicate the vessel was a private yacht and not subject to Duty Fees. I did not realize the Yacht Ensign is only recognized in US Waters. Hence, we will be hoisting our US Ensign immediately!

If you are looking at the pictures and saying the weather does not look that great…well you are absolutely right. We initially thought about bypassing Bimini and going straight to Nassau arriving there Tuesday afternoon. The expected weather front arrived after than expected and has blown in winds in the 20s and lots of clouds. We are hoping for a change in the next few days.

After completing the customs and immigration paperwork at their respective offices, the “Captains” took the “Admirals” out for some shore leave. Believe me it was short lived because the crew of Magnolia was 50% asleep at 20:00 and 100% asleep by 21:00! 

I grabbed the below image of the “Magnolia Track Map” and yes, we really are in the second slip from the inside!

Magnolia along with our friends aboard Eleanor Q positioned ourselves for an early departure to Bimini Bahamas bright and early tomorrow (Monday). Today was an easy 11 mile motor from Miami Beach down to Key Biscayne.

Though we were a bit surprised a weather window presented itself this quickly we are disappointed that we will not be able to visit with fellow GenIV cousin Kyle. We were very much looking forward to catching up.

In addition to the pictures, Eleanor Q provided the headline for the post, “Poised & Ready.” Below you can see Magnolia poised and ready to head for sea and onto the Bahamas. Annette and I positioned the dinghy on the forecastle for transit across the gulf stream. Though tomorrows passage is a little less than 50 miles, needing to cross the gulf stream makes the passage our most challenging.

In addition to taking wonderful photographs, Eleanor Q writes a wonderful blog at: http://eleanorq.wordpress.com/

Wish us luck on our passage and do not worry if it takes sometime to re-establish “coms.”

We will be wishing you all a Happy New Years and a happy start to your 2014!

After departing Coral Ridge Yacht Club in Fort Lauderdale we of course had to pay a little penance so Fort Lauderdale gave us 3 more bridges to go through before we were able to depart their fine city. In honestly it was a lovely place to spend the Christmas Holiday. We look forward to visiting again! Here is a picture of Eleanor Q off the coast of Miami.

As we passed the break-water at the entrance of Miami Harbor, also known as Government Cut, I saw these skyscrapers and then this little building at there base. I then saw the sign and wished they had dock and dine because the would have been perfect. The place is Smith & Wollensky

Shortly there after we entered the main harbor passing the cargo area.

Of course we had to wait for one more bridge but at least we had a large turning basin and a beautiful skyline to enjoy. It also gave me time to receive a surprise phone call from my niece which was the high point of my day! (Picture Eleanor Q)

In the direction opposite the skyline was the cruise passenger terminal with 5, yup 5 cruise ships at dock. I have know idea how many people might be on those ships but it was must be a crazy scene with all those people running around! (Picture Eleanor Q)

We finally reached out anchorage up in what is called Sunset Lake. The anchorage is a little out of the way but with only 3 boats here it was nice and quiet, or as quiet as it gets in Miami Beach!

After a morning of checking in with my godson via skype we were off to Miami Beach for a walk about. Beautiful people, buildings and expensive stuff. Got it!

Had to stop in and drop my cousins name…”oh yes your cousin shops here often, send our regards” You know who you are!

Upon our return I was preparing the boat for tomorrows departure and so I had to google the yachts moored off our bow. Utopia II and Utopia III. It appears they have been in the news…..

Eva: http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/09/eva-longoria-spotted-in-miami-on-utopia-iii-superyacht/

Kim: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1258279/Birthday-girl-Eva-Longoria-joined-Kim-Kardashian-help-celebrate-turning-35.html

Jen: http://www.southflorida.com/events/on-the-list-blog/sfl-jennifer-lopez-cruises-around-miami-in-a-yacht-20130123,0,1237569.story

oppps: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnOvNxRGc3A

Magnolia is preparing to get underway in the morning for “No-Name Harboar” about 10 miles south off Key Biscayne Bay. Note: I believe near the home of President Nixon and where movie Scarface was made. I know, too much Google time!!!

Merry Christmas! Vessel & Crew are well dock side in Fort Lauderdale! Upon getting to dock Eleanor Q insisted on hosting Magnolia for dinner and boy was it DELICIOUS. MaryMarie made a “low country boil” which consisted of potatoes, corn on the cob, sausage, shrimp. It was yummy but the really special thing is the camaraderie we always share among crews!

Magnolia share dock space with vessels a little larger but nearly as pretty as she! BTW, after not being at dock for 5 weeks our girl was a bit “rough” around the edges in need of a thorough cleaning. She received the full day deck and topside cleaning and reorganizati0on. She seemed to appreciate it and had her best face on for Christmas Day!

We are members of the Old Point Comfort Yacht Club in Hampton VA which gives us reciprocal privileges at many clubs along the coast. Coral Ridge is a wonderful facility along the edge of the ICW in Fort Lauderdale.

We have been photo bombed by Diane Lane…no no…its Holly Hunter!!!  Holy cow amazing! The amazing part is I am standing next to Annette Benning!

Here is the real picture of us heading out to Christmas Eve dinner.

I am always taking the pictures and Frank always gets to stand with the beautiful ladies…I need to take fewer pictures!

This is the view from Magnolia in her slip at Coral Ridge Yacht Club. Notice she does not fill the slip compared to the her larger neighbors.

We had a wonderful holiday with our friends Frank & MaryMarie and at the same time we missed family and friends. Wishing you could all join us on this adventure. We will be getting underway for Miami in the morning, to prepare for our crossing to the Bahamas!

Patterns are finally emerging that we can recognize. Magnolia moves like crazy for a few days and then we plant our feet for a couple of days in places like Titusville, Cocoa or the infamous “Velcro” Beach. The last couple have have been crazy days. After departing Vero Beach and enjoying our mile 1000 anchorage we arrived in North Lake Worth (Cruisers) or  North Palm Beach as the rest of the world know it by.

Starting to get down the channel towards Palm Beach, the house keep getting bigger and more and more fancy with every passing mile.

Per Wikipedia Jack Nicklaus redesigned the towns golf course in 2006

Eleanor Q has point as we head for the last bridge of the day!!!

It Ii s easy to see how happy the last bridge of the day can make some people…

The real treat for visiting Lake Worth was to hook up with our friends from S/V Second Sally (Greg & Marie). We last saw them up in NC so it was great to catch up. It also gave the crews of Eleanor Q and Second Sally to meet. They have spoken on the radio several time but never met face to face!

Panorama of the West Palm Beach Skyline to include the 32 story Trump Towers.

Upon arriving Boca Raton we passed Lake Boca which appears to be the Hines Park of my youth. “Yup, I am sure nothing bad happens here!” 

Approaching For Lauderdale there seemed to be as many canals as city streets. Fabulously beautiful home with crazy nice bats tied right out front. Yup, 1% seems to being just fine!!

Eleanor Q making her way through the Fort Lauderdale suburbs…such they are.

Again you can tell we approaching the last of the days 19 bridges. Oh yes, all but one of those were restricted. That means we had to time our arrival for their scheduled opening or make a request on the radio for them to open. Yes, give that a try for 18 times in one day, lost of things to balance trying to get a boat through Fort Lauderdale!

Magnolia passing through one of MANY bridges! (Credit Eleanor Q)

Somewhere between Titanic and “I cant take another bridge!” (Credit Eleanor Q)

Our anchorage in Sunrise Bay and a cold beer makes the days passage all the more worth while.

We will arrange for dockage next door at the Coral Beach Marina and spend the Christmas Holiday making a celebration dinner, giving thanks for our passage thus far and hopefully  Skyping (call us at AWWBAKER) with friend and family!

A recap of the trip this far!!!