![\"Sunrise](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/svecho.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/image9.jpg\")
<\/a>Sunrise in SpanishCay Bahamas<\/p><\/div>\n
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When leaving Port Canaveral Saturday morning we already knew there was not going to be enough wind to get us beyond the Bahamas. Forecasted wind strength had dropped off considerably leaving motoring as the only option. We carry 120 gallons of diesel in our main tanks along with an additional 50 in Gerry cans. With both engines running we burn about 1 1\/2 gallons per hour. Our supply would provide for about 600 nautical miles, 400 short of what we would need to make Puerto Rico under engine power.<\/p>\n
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We left the dock about 8 am and were in the stream by 11 am. We had pretty big waves for most of the journey and both of us felt queasy; we wore our wrist bands, applied scopolamine patches, chewed some ginger gum and ate saltine crackers. Jeff even put an earplug in his right ear (he’s left handed); I’ve read that placing an earplug in your non-dominant ear can help fight seasickness, he was willing to try anything. Jeff had gotten the new fishing tackle ready but unfortunately we did not feel up to dealing with a fish so we never tried.<\/p>\n
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As mentioned in other posts, the Gulf Stream is a northern flowing “river” in the ocean. It can get pretty stirred up when there’s a brisk north wind blowing so you want to head through once it’s had some time to settle down after an opposing wind. \u00a0Even though the wind had a northerly component for our crossing, it was predicted to be light so hopefully should not stir up the stream too much. \u00a0Although conditions should have been pretty benign for us with the light northeast breeze, we did have frequent 4 to 6 foot waves on our forward port bow which threw the boat around quite a bit. We took turns napping just to make it through the stream.<\/p>\n
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We did take a few minutes to pay homage to the wind and sea. This time with 3 bottles of champagne we were much more generous to Neptune, Boreas (north wind), Zephyrus (west wind), Eurus (east wind) and Notus (south wind). We each took a small sip in champagne to be respectful but were not up for much more so most went into the sea.<\/p>\n
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The only other item of note during the journey was a visit from two pterodactyl like birds on deck. Actually they were Pelicans but look very pre historic up close. Jeff was on deck sorting out a problem with the main halyard when they swooped in. We discovered they were after a big juicy snail on deck. I quickly threw it overboard to prevent and future visits.<\/p>\n
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We entered the Little Bahama banks in just after 4 am and finally got a break from the rough seas. We plan to explore a bit since we’ve not been in this area before. We also hope to connect with Kate and Steve of Blue Summit. They’re bought their Antares a few months before us and we met in Deltaville.<\/p>\n
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Although we do really want to get back to the Virgin Islands and beyond, it is pretty nice here. Daytime temperatures in the mid 80’s, water temperature mid 70’s, blue sky and crystal clear water. We plan to enjoy it all and keep an eye out for another weather window to get us closer to PR of USVI.<\/p>\n
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We learned from that our “Echo Location” link was not working properly and have since corrected it. \u00a0Thanks Bruce and Breeda, \u00a0sorry if it caused concern to anyone.<\/p>\n
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Internet access from here on will be sporadic, we’ll post updates as we can. Today we will explore the island, hang out on the beach and have a nice grouper dinner to celebrate our 36th wedding anniversary.<\/p>\n
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It does feel good to be back in the island’s!<\/p>\n
~ Jeff and Mary ~<\/p>\n
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We cleared in to the Bahamas yesterday at Spanish Cay (pronounced key). We had arrived Sunday and anchored near Great Sale Cay but needed to get to a point of entry within 24 hours. We are once again flying a … Continue reading