Guests arrive with the wind

The saying “What a difference a day makes” has really proved itself true lately. I’m sure those of you up north are witnessing the occasional spring-like, sunny day that can change your whole attitude about the grey, cold winter. Last week we experienced about 5 magnificent days of mild winds, blue skies & calm seas. We were fortunate to be anchored in an unpopulated area, with the company of just 2 other boats (our friends). Each day we spent on and in the water, pulling the dinghy behind us on drift dives, swimming around beautiful coral gardens, and gathering pails full of conch. We feasted on our take from the sea every night, & watched the stars in the calm of the night.

The last day of calm weather allowed us to pick up our present guests, Peter & Dorothy, who had flown the red-eye from LA to Miami, arriving in Georgetown by afternoon.

Then the next front arrived, and we have had an average of 25 knot winds (higher gusts) buffeting Independence, causing white caps in the harbor, and resulting in bouncy and wet dinghy rides for even the shortest distance. A day or 2 of this is often tolerated, but this relentless wind is causing even the most hardy sailor to become irritable & hopeful for a break. P & D have been champions. Cheerfully adapting to the forced close-quarter existence on Independence, and taking advantage of the slimmest opportunities to get in the water, they have slept in a bouncy v-berth, woken up to static radio net announcements, and been dragged on to wet dinghy rides across the rough harbor, with never a word of complaint. Thank you guys, and we wish we could have controlled the weather to offer a more balanced experience.

So, from windy Georgetown, we wish you all a very enjoyable and pleasant spring, and remember- What a difference a day makes!

With a smile,
Sue and Paul
Independence

Back on the hook

Another cool (for the Bahamas) day, and the wind seems to be picking up again after a respite of a few days that was like an oasis in a blustery, cold winter. Independence is anchored just outside Compass Cay in a small harbor that we have had all to ourselves for the last 3 days.

It's been a nice break from the busy drama of Rum Cay, so we have had to change mode from living on the dock, to being back on the hook. (Running the generator twice a day, separating the food garbage for fish food, keeping lights at a minimum, etc.)

Jubilee is at the marina with Alan and Helen on board, so we have been spending time at Compass, hiking the trails and swimming the beaches. Tonight will be our farewell "happy hour" since the Weinsteins fly out tomorrow, and Jubilee will move on.
After that, we will make our way south again, till we get to Georgetown (the cruiser's hub) to pick up Paul's cousin Peter & wife Dorothy who will join us onboard for a week. We have also just found out another friend (Benny Jr) will join us after that. Things will be getting pretty busy on Indy, and it will be good to get in Georgetown to re-provision in the only decent market south of Nassau.

Of course, it's not like we have been hungry! Paul's lobsters caught in the last 2 days, and the conch which is cleaned and waiting in the fridge, have more than supplemented the Dorado (mahi-mahi) caught on the way up from Rum Cay. We give blessings for the abundance on our plates from the sea.

So, hoping you all have many blessings as well, love to all-- spring is on the way!

Sue & Paul
Independence