The wind has been blowing steady at 20+ knots for six days! We have not had to start the engine or generator to re-charge the batteries as the wind generator has taken care of all of our power needs. That means every bit of our energy requirements from lights to computer to making water from Feb 24th! But, we do get tired of the wind. And it is cool. I know that we don’t really understand cool as compared to you guys up north, but it is too cool to swim. And the water is only 66 degrees F or about 18 C. Brrr.

On Sat 26th Feb, we traveled from our anchorage at Royal Island to the town of Spanish Wells nearby. We needed to offload some garbage and to purchase some fresh vegetables. In company with Southern Cross, with Marcel and Karen aboard, we met friends who live in town for a lovely lunch at a local restaurant. Dodging rain storms, we replenished our cupboards at the well-supplied grocery store. During our walk-about, we met cruisers with a problem. They were on the moorings and maybe had transmission problems but couldn’t find a mechanic with time to check it out. Off we go, to their boat and Murray does a few checks of the transmission. It definitely is defective but what part exactly? That is tomorrow’s job as they offer to cook breakfast in return for Murray’s assistance. That night, we met Woody ( a local Bahamian fishing guide and boat pilot ) and his family and proceeded to another local restaurant where Woody treated us to a humongous steak dinner! Man, that was the most tender and largest steak that I have had in many years. Sunday morning, Murray is upside down in the engine compartment of Calypso, removing their transmission. His final analysis? “Order a new one, this one can maybe be fixed stateside but not here.”

The wind switched direction while we were aboard Calypso and our anchorage was rapidly becoming untenable. We hauled anchor and moved over to a tiny island called Meeks Patch. The locals from Spanish Wells come out here in the summer and have constructed picnic tables, hammocks etc. Here we have sheltered for the last four nights. During the day, we walk on the beach and explore the island. As day draws to a close, we gather on the beach to share cocktails and snacks and stories. Last night we had a pot-luck dinner ashore with each vessel contributing. I baked baguettes and made garlic bread as well as a salad. Marcel & Karen made spaghetti sauce, while Robin and Michael ( Estrellita ) cooked the noodles. Pam and Cliff ( Lady Lex ) made pineapple cake for dessert. Such a feast we had. Michael is an artist and we have acquired some of his paintings.

Everyone here are sharing their talents and helping each other with boat jobs. Cliff was having radio problems and Mur and I helped with those. I trimmed hair on the beach in the morning and helped with computer problems in the afternoon. We are filling our time but would really like this wind to stop howling soon.

Once it does, we will likely head north towards the Abacos to position ourself to cross back to the US. Plans are to cross to the States by early to mid April and return to Canada by the end of April. Until we see you, stay warm and healthy and know that we miss you all. Hugs,

Murray & Heather aboard Windswept IV

Hello everyone,

I had a wonderful visit in Ottawa with Jeremy, Cynthia and Matthew. I arrived there on Friday the 13th and departed on Monday 16th. From Ottawa, I flew to Toronto traveling business class. That was a treat – huge seats, hot washcloths and attentive stewards. In Toronto, I spent a short night in the Days Inn, near the airport. As I was on an international flight, I arrived at the airport at 3:30 to find that the airline check-in desk didn’t open until 4:00. Then, we were ushered into a waiting area for US Immigration. They don’t open until 5 am. Why they tell you to arrive 3 hrs prior to your flight, I don’t know. Finally I arrived at my gate to be told that we would not be fed on this flight, just juice or coffee. Luckily, I had packed a nutrition bar in my carry-on.

We arrived in Miami in time and I was directed to the terminal to catch my next flight to Nassau on Bahamasair. Unfortunately, to get there I had to go out of the security area. After a long walk, I arrived at the check-in area only to be told that I must buy a return ticket as I couldn’t prove that I was listed as crew of the vessel Windswept IV. The return part of the ticket was refundable in Nassau at their office downtown. Now it is time to join the security line again. Man, it stretches forever. Luckily I have an hour before my flight. Finally I am through and hurrying to the gate. I am the last person aboard.

As I got settled, the captain announced a delay due to a malfunction of the radar unit. So, I had time to catch my breath. A lot of time actually. When we finally backed away from the gate, we still had to wait in line for take-off so the flight was delayed about an hour.

Rain and overcast skies greeted us in Nassau. The highway was blocked by a traffic accident. By the time I arrived at Crocodiles, Murray had almost given up. But, he was still there! Looking handsome as usual and soooo tanned.

We loaded my gear into the dinghy and headed up the harbour to Windswept IV. She looked lovely sitting there off of Paradise Island, across from Nassau Harbour Club Marina.

Murray had a chilled bottle of champagne awaiting my arrival. We talked and hugged between sips. For dinner, he prepared a wonderful lobster tail with garlic butter for dipping. I was exhausted, so once the dishes were done it was straight to bed for me.

The next day we walked to the Bahamasair office only to be told that the ticket could only be redeemed at the airport. That was two $27 taxi rides away! We walked and walked and studied our options. Maybe a bus close to the airport? We arrived back at Crocodiles, a local bar/restaurant. Murray talked to the bartender to find any other solutions. The owner overheard us and offered to drop us off on his way to the other end of the island. And, if we were finished when he was on the way back, he would pick us up again and return us to Crocodiles! What a deal.

Finally, refund in hand we were back at Crocodiles. Time to enjoy some lunch with these nice people.

Dinner that night and the following one was provided by sailing friends in the harbour. Man, am I spoiled!

We motorsailed out of Nassau at 7:30 on Feb 20th and bashed into waves to Norman’s Cay, Exuma. Only 8 or 9 boats were anchored inside, so there was lots of room for us.

Friends arrived the next day and we went diving and beach walking. Cocktail parties blossomed everywhere for the coming nights. Life is back to normal.

As for my health, I am feeling well. A little tender now and then, but I will take it easier than usual. The incisions are almost completely healed and looking good. Soon, I will forget this little bump in my road.

Our plans? Well, to rest here for a while and then head northward. To Ship Channel Cay, Rock Sound, Royal Island, Spanish Wells, and the Abacos. But, all is written in jello as usual.

Stay warm up in the north country and we will see you all soon. Hugs,

Murray & Heather

Heather had her gall bladder removed on Feb 3rd at the St Thomas Elgin General Hospital in St Thomas, Ont.

She is still currently an in-patient but expects to be discharged soon. The surgery was done laproscopicaly and recovery should be quite fast.

Once she is discharged, then plans can be made to re-join Murray in the Bahamas for the remainder of the winter.

Murray ( aboard Windswept IV ) and Heather ( ashore and sore )

While Murray was anchored in the canals in Lucaya, Grand Bahama, his sleep was disturbed one night. As we had heard of thefts of dinghy motors, Murray had rigged a personal alarm to the dinghy. If the dinghy was moved very much from its position lashed alongside Windswept IV, the alarm would sound. And it did. Someone had cut the dinghy painter and the bungee cord holding it alongside and was attempting to take the dinghy. It was still chained and locked but the thieves were scared away by the loud noise of the alarm.

That incident encouraged Murray to head south as soon as possible. When the weather was appropriate and in company with 2 other boats, Murray singlehanded to Nassau. That is a distance of approx 150 mi. They departed Lucaya at 3:30 pm and arrived in Nassau around 11:30 am.

He anchored near the Tropic Palm dock and prepared the boat for guests.

On Jan 26, Kuyler Hauch flew to Nassau and joined Murray. Kuyler will stay aboard until Feb 12th and just before I re-join him ( I hope ). They have sailed down into the Exumas and hope to reach Staniel Cay today ( Jan 28th ).

My surgery is scheduled for Feb 3rd and the doctor has said that I should be able to return to the boat after a week to 10 days. I haven’t booked the flight yet but will after the surgery.

So, the cruise will continue. I cannot wait to see that turquoise water and to walk the beautiful beaches. Soon.

Murray with Kuyler in the Exumas & Heather ashore in London, ON

On Jan 5th, we prepared the boat for an early departure the next morning. Weather reports seemed favourable for the passage south to the Berry Islands and the anchorage at Bullocks Harbour.

A last visit was made to the local grocery to stock up on fresh veggies and fruit.

The outboard motor was lifted aboard and stowed on the stern rail. The dinghy was secured on the foredeck. All seemed in readiness.

My antibiotic treatment had finished that morning. A niggling ache had started in my abdomen again which I was trying to ignore. By early evening, I could not ignore the fact that I was running a fever.

Could I take some of the antibiotics I had aboard? Could we still cruise? Questions that needed answers. We turned on the ham radio to 14.300 and the Maritime Mobile Net at 8 pm. The net control called for “any medical or emergency traffic”. I called using Murray’s call sign VE3ZUA. A station in Kansas responded. He arranged a phone patch to a doctor. Soon Dave, a Canadian living in Kansas, responded. He said that he had worked in London, Ont for 14 years. He asked some questions about my recent history. Upon hearing of the acute cholecystis attack recently and the new symptoms, he advised that I need urgent IV antibiotics. I thanked him very much and we made preparations to leave the boat.

Friends helped Murray get the dinghy launched and the motor re-attached while I packed a bag. Into the dinghy and to the marina where another friend had a taxi waiting to take us to the hospital. I was re-admitted and put back on massive drug treatments.

During this episode, we decided that the cruise was out for me at this time. I needed to return to Canada as soon as possible and to have the surgery done. Then, maybe we could cruise for a while.

Friday, the 9th the doctors, after giving me solid food for the first time in 4 days, said I could go. If I flew out right away.

Flights were arranged and I flew into Toronto on Sat the 10th.

Murray has stayed with the boat and, depending on the date of surgery, may stay south or may sail to the US and drive north.

So, the cruising life teaches you to be very flexible. Always we say that our plans are made in jello, ready to be changed at a whim. This year, ours have really changed.

Will we get to cruise at all? That depends. Maybe just the ICW for a month or six weeks. Maybe a brief visit back to our favourite islands. Who knows?

Murray ( aboard Windswept IV) & Heather ( ashore in London, ON )

Dec 22rd West Palm Beach – the cruisers are all bustling about because Herb “the weather guru” has given a green light for crossing to the islands. We have already done our last minute stuff except I forgot to phone our moms. Oh well, too late now. We haul anchor and move from North Palm Beach anchorage to re-anchor near Peanut Island for a closer exit to the sea.

Murray rigs the jack lines. These are flat lines of webbing running from the stern to the bow. To these, we clip our harnesses if we need to go forward on deck while in the deep water. Then, we hoist the dinghy and engine aboard and secure them in place. The engine is firmly attached to the stern railing and the dinghy is strapped on the foredeck. Meanwhile, I am baking muffins and hard boiling eggs for hand food during the passage. We retire early that night.

Dec 23rd – Departure from West Palm is timed in order to arrive in Lucaya in the daylight. Other vessels around us with different plans head out the inlet. Finally it is 4 pm and we haul our anchor. There are 5 boats in our flotilla – Step Three, Ariella and Southern Cross all from Oakville and Veruna 1 from Montreal. Veruna and Southern Cross were both with us when we made an earlier crossing into extremely bad weather. Everyone has their fingers crossed for this one.

It is only a distance of 78 miles as the crow flies but the Gulf Stream ( current can be 4 knots at times )forces you further north than you want. So, we motorsail southeast and keep on going. Eventually the lights from shore disappear and all that is visible on this moonless night, is the lights of the sailboats around us and the far-off ships. At least, I hope they are far-off. The radar keeps us informed of the ship’s positions and relative course.

The wind is stronger than forecast but we gallop along with a full main, under power. Eventually the lights of Freeport come into view just as we are hit with a rain squall. Murray dons his survival suit which keeps him warm as well as dry. I duck below just before it pours and do the same. This squall has quite a bit of wind in it as well, but Murray releases the main sheet and Windswept IV just digs in and flies. Some of the flotilla have missed the rain and others got hit by the wind gusts. We slow down as we approach Lucaya as the rain is making it difficult to see the entrance. But, by 8 AM we are secured in a slip and start the paper work to check in with Customs.

That afternoon, I start to experience some abdominal pain. By late night, I am in agony. I wake Murray about midnight and one of the dock staff takes us to the Rand Memorial Hospital in Freeport. After blood work, ultra sound and X ray, the doctor is not sure exactly what the problem is and sends me home with a prescription at 6 AM. But, it is Christmas Day and Murray cannot find anything open to fill the ‘script. Eventually, before dinner he convinces the hospital to issue more meds. By this time, my pain has increased and I am feverish and vomitting. Back we go to Emerg, this time by ambulance. It is finally decided that my Gall Bladder is the culprit and I am admitted. Neither of us has had any sleep for the last three days now.

The doctors put me on iv antibiotics and injectable pain meds. They keep me for 3 days, eventually allowing clear fluids and then solid food ( but NO FAT ). On the 29th, I am discharged still on antibiotics.

Being back aboard was wonderful. My own bed was much more comfortable and Murray had moved the boat to an quiet anchorage. Now, rest and recuperate is the plan. Can we continue our cruise? Perhaps. Surgery won’t happen for a few months in Canada and, if I stick to a no fat diet, I should remain pain-free.

Tomorrow, Tues Jan 6th, we hope to sail south to the Berry Islands for several days. Then on to Royal Island. Spanish Wells is close by and we can get the fresh things necessary for my new life-stye there.

The medical staff here were marvelous and took very good care of me. They do not want us to venture outside of the reach of immediate medical care. But, we have decided to continue our cruise in a modified fashion while we obtain more info from medical people up north.

Murray & Heather aboard Windswept IV

Brrrrr. Man, is it chilly here! Our night time temperatures are just above freezing. Without any heat! Thank goodness we have warm fuzzy slippers aboard and an oil lamp which warms the cabin somewhat. By 8 pm, we are in bed huddled under the blankets.

And, we are still in Florida. The good news is that there appears to be a window opening up for a crossing next week. Maybe Tues or Wed. So, we could still have Christmas in the islands. Maybe.

Now, we are anchored in North Lake Worth which is part of West Palm Beach. A very ritzy part. The local grocery store is incredible with its selection of smoked salmon and imported wines and cheeses. The stores nearby have valet parking. We can walk to West Marine for the last minute items needed for the boat and the bus will take us to a mall in case we wish to Christmas shop. But, we are quite fully stocked. Of course, the food is being eaten and every day of so, we visit the grocery to ‘pick up a couple of things’. The money continues to flow out.

Many friends are anchored here with us. Two nights ago, we had 10 guests aboard for happy hour and had a wonderful time. They loved my Christmas tree. It is about 30 cm high ( just under a foot ) including the base. It has fiber optics and the ends light up and flash different colours. There are tiny decorations on it and some toys beneath it. The mast has been twined with tinsel and also has tiny decorations and red velvet bows attached to it. So, we do look quite festive. In the cockpit, coloured lights are attached under the bimini and when our batteries are feeling good, we turn them on for a few hours. As we are all planning to cross to the islands and some to different destinations, no plans have been made for Christmas dinner. But, I am sure, that it will be spent in the company of friends.

So, we hope that all of you are ready for the up-coming holidays and have made your plans to spend them with family or friends. We miss you all and send you our best wishes for a wonderful Christmas season and all the best for the coming year. Imagine that, 2004.

Hugs, Murray & Heather

PS we will write again when we cross.

Well, we left the marina on Thursday morning. Plans had been made to leave Wednesday afternoon but, when we got back from storing the car and paying the marina bill, the wind had switched around and was pinning us to the dock. So, we stayed put for one more night.

In the morning, we arose at dawn to slip out before the wind picked up. We had to motor all the way to Jacksonville, about 20 miles. There we picked up a favourable current which gave us increased speed through the water. Of course you realize, that was planned by the intrepid navigator. The current carried us along at over 8 knots and we made good time. Before we anchored for the night we had covered 62 nm. It know that it doesn’t sound like much compared to car travel but we are not going very fast.

We tucked into a quiet spot for the night with only one other boat nearby. The anchor was hauled again at first light. Timing was perfect for the Bridge of Lions at St Augustine at the 8:30 opening. That was the last bridge for a while that has restricted openings – the rest open when you call them.

Now, we are motoring beside huge houses. And, as we go further south, they only get bigger. We will stop briefly today to fill up with diesel fuel. Then, no stops until we reach Daytona tonight. Not quite such a quiet anchorage tonight – the boat traffic there never stops and we will rock violently at times. Tomorrow we should reach Titusville and meet up with some friends. We may stay there a day or so.

A few gliches have shown up so we have some chores to do in Vero Beach and will stay there for a week or 10 days. Besides, I have to go shopping with Cindy! Without the guys!

A few high points, we saw dolphins, pelicans,a bald eagle and storks all on the first day. Today we saw white pelicans and another bald eagle. The sun has shone both days with high temperatures in the 70’s ( or 20’s C ). We bundle up in the early morning but strip down to shorts and tees before noon. Lovely.

Hope all is well up north. Stay warm. Hugs to all, Heather & Murray

After sweltering and sweating for a week, we are in the water! Yeah!

We put painted her bottom with fresh bottom paint, cleaned and waxed her hull, touched up her name paint job and managed to get Windswept IV looking spiffy again. After launch, we spent two hours washing the deck to get rid of the summer’s accumulated dirt and grime.

Below decks, we have scrubbed with bleach and cleaned all the nooks and crannies. The cabin already looks liveable, unlike most years with gear piled everywhere. The car is unpacked and stuff stowed aboard. The things that will be stored in the car are heaped on the dock temporarily.

Now, courtesy flags for the Bahamas to sew as well asa new mattress cover for the V-berth. Murray is installing the Ham radio. He finished the installation of the new invertor/charger. The last message indicated that it had started working, right? That was an aberation – it was dead and no longer supported by the manufacturer, so no repair available. $$$$$$ Boat units – Do you know what BOAT stands for? Break Out Another Thousand! But, we decided to replace it, so – the new one is nice.

After the flags and other sewing, floor varnishing, installing sails, etc etc then we will start filling the lockers with food. Sam’s Club, here we come.

The current plan is to attend the SSCA conference in Melbourne next weekend and, hopefully, sell our old outboard motor. Then, a few days more after that and we should be ready to head out. Hope to be in Vero Beach by Thanksgiving ( Nov 27th ).

The weather has changed today and cooled off appreciably. It has been 90’s ( mid 30’s C ) in daytime and very humid. Today, with NE wind blowing hard, is low 70’s ( 19- 20 C ). Great for working! We are still in shorts but the locals will be wearing coats.

That is all the news from here. Hope all is well with everyone up north. Stay in touch as we sure enjoy getting your letters.

Hugs, Heather & Murray

Well, we arrived in Green Cove Springs in time for the Halloween party! We always seem to find a party happening here.

The boat was moved from the storage area to the work yard in the afternoon. We had been dismayed to find a lot of mildew below decks. It had been a very rainy summer and early fall, and there was some standing water in the bilges.

The jobs started right away, so that we could sleep aboard that night. I diluted some bleach and got right at wiping down every surface. All the lockers will have to be emptied and wiped down as well.

Murray was trouble-shooting the electrical system. Many boats had been struck with lightning during a violent thunderstorm and we worried that we had also been affected. But, after some testing, Murray found that just our inverter/battery charger does not function. Everything else seems ok.

So, the boat is tore up inside with big tubs of gear everywhere. The electrical panel is open and hanging over the nav station. We are sleeping and eating aboard though, and working through these challenges.

Now, the biggest problem of “life on the hard” – everything you need is down ( if you are up) or up ( if you are down ). It sure is good for strengthening this knee of mine. And, the bathroom is down and a block away! So, we will work hard and get into the water as fast as we can.

Eureka! Murray thinks that the inverter is working. That will save time and money, if we don’t have to get that repaired or replaced.

I should say that the temperatures hare now are mid 80’s ( 30 C ) daytime and cool for sleeping at night. Lots of sunshine, except today it is raining. So, we do have a few advantages even though we are living in a mess.

Stay in touch as we love to hear from you.

Hugs to all, Heather & Murray