Paddling around
Scott-Free’s blog
Steve & Chris
Sun 15 May 2011 16:59
Sunday 15th May 2011
Having spent some time poring over the charts and
pilot books and the weather forecast, we came to the conclusion that we should
spend another day here before setting off for the Abacos in the north of the
Bahamas. The passage planning involves factoring in both departure and
arrival times to take account of light to see reefs by, wind to sail by and
swell and wind direction when we are likely to go through the 'cuts' into the
sea of Abaco. Unless the forecast changes in the meantime, we plan to set
off sometime tomorrow for the 200 mile trip to Marsh Harbour on the island of
Great Abaco. This is the usual stopping off point for many cruisers making
their way north, where we will take on fuel and provisions and wait for a
weather window to set off for the 4-500 miles to the US east coast. It is
wise to wait for a favourable forecast as the passage involves crossing the gulf
stream which can run at 4 knots to the North, and any wind with north in it can
kick up very unpleasant seas.
We took the ribs up the river yesterday afternoon
and spent a very enjoyable couple of hours paddling through the mangroves,
watching rays and turtles in the crystal clear water.
Paddling up the river.
A
ray glides by.
Scott-Free waiting patiently for us to return
from our jaunt up the rver.