The
Plan
2013
promises to be a year full of challenge and promise. Just two short
weeks into the new year, Captain Bill enlisted two of his cousins to
crew on the short voyage from Savannah to North Palm Beach. Short if
you're driving or flying, that is. By trawler the fun lasts for up
to 55 hours, and the guys had a great time. Jim and Dan came aboard
full of enthusiasm and energy for the guy trip south. Seas were flat
(well, except for that short period of 5 to 6 footers off
Jacksonville) and winds were soft as cotton, so their 3 hour shifts
flowed seamlessly from one to the next and the time flew by.
The
sailors arrived at Old Port Cove Marina after only 53 hours, slightly
droopy but with high spirits, to be met at the dock by me, Sarah and
Sandra! (The gals flew in and met me while the guys were still in
transit.) Our timing was superb, but we played the "faithful
little women who wait for their men to come home from the sea"
card to the hilt.....the guys loved it and we shared a fantastic
seafood supper before ending this much too short cousins' reunion.
Let's
Dance was not neglected though, even after the crew departed.
Nordhavns from around the globe come to Old Port Cove for care and
maintenance between voyages. We entertained a fair number of
mechanics, electricians, buffers, divers and polishers during our
week in port. We now sport a refurbished alternator and leak-free
generator. The stabilizers, those clever fins that help us maintain
our balance on choppy seas, endured some much needed maintenance and
are ready to go again. After last winter's meltdown, we learned that
their well-being is vital to our well-being. A tiny oil leak in the
gear box was patched, assuring smooth transitions from forward to
reverse. Hoses were checked and valves were tightened and the Lugger
engine and Northern Lights generator were deemed A-OK and ready to
rumble.
So,
as the boat was being prepped and primped and pampered, Bill and I
made numerous trips to Costco, Target and Publix -- we have crammed
every little nook full of goods and goodies. We could probably feed
a boatload of stowaways for a season, but will no doubt be looking
for some forgotten necessity within weeks.
Now,
to the plan. Since I have been very good, Bill has promised to take
me to the Ragged Islands this winter. The typical response to this
is, "Where are the Ragged Islands? I've never heard of them."
Well, very few people have heard of them or been there because a)
they hold up the very southern end of the Bahama chain of islands, b)
there is only one small settlement of about 70 rugged individuals and
c) there are no services. That means there is no airport, no cell
phones, no fuel, medical facilities, hotels or tourists. No Coast
Guard, no Sea Tow. There are, we hope, plenty of sun and sand and
starry skies and moonlit nights. Shells and fish and sea creatures
of all variety await the arrival of Let's Dance and the Love Me
Tender.
Tomorrow
we instigate step one of The Plan -- we loosen the lines holding
Let's Dance captive at the dock in Florida and set sail for the Great
Bahama Bank, the Tongue of the Ocean and points south. Along the
route we plan to check out a few islands we've not been to before and
to revisit some of our favorites.
We
are ready for the challenge -- 1,500 gallons of brand new diesel; 27
downloaded books; fresh filters in the water maker; hats, visors and
sunscreen galore; a pair of brightly colored 'noodles' for flotation;
fishing reels oiled and filled with 50 pound test; fresh fruit and
veggies; limes to prevent scurvy; updated navigational software and,
most importantly, positive attitudes and inquiring minds.
And,
if I'm very, very good, Bill has promised to bring me back from the
Ragged Islands this winter. That's the plan.
Let's
Dance.....Carol and Bill
