Gone to the Dogs

We motored out of Georgetown using the challenging North Rocks exit, emboldened by a newly installed boat starter battery.  The turn to Rum Cay, our next anchorage though, was a bash into the wind.  Another day and another bash on the nose saw us then head for Atwood Harbour on Acklins Island with it’s challenging reef and an alarming night arrival.  At least it was calm in the morning and we enjoyed a swim in stunning, crystal clear waters.  

Atwood Harbour, Acklins & Squiz off for an early morning swim to the beach

The final Bahamas leg was to Abrahams Bay on Mayaguana where showing no relief, the wind found our nose.  So no sailing and no chance to dive on the coral bommies or check up on friendly Bazza Barracuda and Steve Ray then.  With one last heave ho, we crashed forth into the wind and headed south.  Finally, the Sandbore Channel took us straight into Sapodilla Bay and a less than calm, but none-the-less welcome anchorage for the night.  Turks & Caicos, we have arrived!

WJ3 all tucked up in South Side Marina, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos.

Other women it seems, still find the Cap'n attractive... 
Blackie insisting on a big hug & hopes of sharing a dinner or two

It was too late to try the challenging skinny and coral-scattered route to the South Side Marina.  Next morning then, on a rising tide we set forth, but still bumped at the green marker on our way in.  The depth measured 4.5 ft; our keel sits at 5.5ft. What?...How?  

Squiz enjoying the last of his Bush Crack (a Bahamian beer)

Finally, we were in a calm and sunny marina, although tying up to the dock was a rather less than gracious experience.  Bob & his four-legged side-kick, Miss Maddie and her mate, Blackie, were still in residence but no longer the owners.  Bob continues to run the Bar so we made very good use of it, especially after many, many days of home-cooked meals.  Mind you, Ingrid always cooked up a storm on-board, even when those nasty, rough seas caused some tummies to blanch.  Our guests were always good humoured, helpful and easy company, despite the rather awful weather conditions and long days of motoring, so we were sorry to bid them farewell.  

Fun on the high seas?  Perhaps better in a dinghy scooting through the cays.

The famous & colourful conch (said "conk"). It tastes like abalone.

Taking unused conch out for an overnight swim
at the beachside restaurant, De Conch Shack, Provo

Too soon, it was time for us to continue our journey down de islands…