Author name: jrand

Hello everyone,

As all of you know, Jeremy and Cynthia have been visiting with us in George Town, Exuma. They headed back to the snow and cold today, after 10 days aboard. We had two rain storms while they were here ( and it hadn’t rained in GT for a year ) and also two days of heavy wind.

The day after their arrival, Matthew was napping below decks while the guys had gone to town for supplies. A call from another boater alerted me to an imminent squall, with rain and wind. I started the motor and stood watch in the cockpit as the storm approached. The winds howled through the rigging but our anchor held tight. A nearby boat dragged anchor but didn’t come close to us. The decks got well rinsed with fresh water that day. Matthew slept through all of the excitement. The guys were smart and stayed in town until the squall passed by.

Once the squalls cleared out, we left our hidey-hole and headed to anchor at Sand Dollar beach. There were many vessels there but we found a space. Matthew loved his visits to the beach and we tried to go early and late to limit his sun exposure. After an early lunch, he would nap for an hour or two while Murray & Jeremy fished or snorkeled.

The two of them were trolling through the reef area, and snagged a 2 ft fish. Murray thought that it was a barracuda, but kept it anyway. They returned to the boat and I identified their catch as a cero mackerel, a very tasty fish. So, Jeremy was justifiably proud.

A few days later, we had been kept aboard all day with high winds. Matthew was getting tired of sitting inside, so “Poppa” and Jeremy took him in the dinghy for a ride. While exploring the shoreline, they saw a fish flapping in the shallows. When they got closer, Murray realized that it was a mutton snapper and seemed to be injured. “Grab the bucket, Jeremy”. With a shallow pail, they chased this fish around. As soon as they got close, it revived and flipped away. Finally, Jeremy was able to get it in the bucket – sort of. The fish was much too big for the bucket and hung out on both sides. Matthew was very excited and told us all about the adventure when they returned. The fish weighed 9 lbs! He made an excellent dinner while half of him went into the freezer for the next guests.

During a snorkel later in the week, Murray shot a slipper lobster. They look very weird, almost prehistoric. They have no claws or antennae, but DO have a very delicious tail.

So, although we stayed in George Town harbour for their visit, we managed to catch fish and lobster to supplement our cans and frozen supplies.

The daily beach trek was a favourite for Matthew and he got braver with each visit. By the last day, he would kick and try to swim with his life jacket supporting him. Cynthia enjoyed the search for shells, while Matthew dug in the sand, filled up pails and made a boat out of anything he found on the beach. Some of the “boats” sank immediately, some sailed away. If they sank, I would hear ” Gamma, get it” and Gamma would get it.

Today, they departed very early, meeting the taxi at 7 am. With other visitors expected in Nassau in a week, we hauled anchor and headed north. It was a motorsail at first, but the wind picked up and we sailed the last 3 hours. The sun was very hot and we are diving in to cool off right now. Friends are stopping by for drinks and snacks in an hour or so and we are in position for a “green flash”. Tomorrow we will sail on north again, perhaps stopping to do laundry in Black Point.

That is life aboard, not all play but also not all work.

Enjoy each other and cherish your families. Spring will soon be here and all will be new and fresh.

Hugs, Murray & Heather

Hello everyone,

Greetings from Exuma Sound, where we are on our way to George Town, Great Exuma. Our first guests left yesterday in Staniel Cay. As there was a front expected, we up-anchored quickly and sailed on south, reaching Cave Cay before sunset. Then, hauled anchor again early this morning to make George Town before the bad weather hits. It should blow hard for a couple of days and then calm down some so that we can get ready for Jeremy, Cynthia and Matthew, who join us in George Town on March 3rd.

While our guests, Linley McLean & Andrew Jones, were aboard we sailed north to Compass Cay, snorkeled some reefs, saw sharks, sailed back south to Black Point, saw iguanas and enjoyed some quiet times aboard as well as a dinner out. But, they were also privileged to see the elusive “green flash” one evening. When the sun sets into a clear, unobstructed ocean view sometimes, as the very last bit of the sun sinks into the sea, you may see an instantaneous flash of green. The scientific types will tell you that it is simply the light splitting into its components and green is the last colour to be seen. Others will say that it is seen in direct relationship to the number of “sundowners” consumed. It doesn’t happen every night. In fact, we have not seen very many in our years of sailing. We saw one during our first season and no more until this year. From Big Major Spot anchorage, near Staniel Cay, we have an unobstructed view of the horizon to the west. In that position, we have now seen three green flashes this winter! Another reason that we love that anchorage.

We are trailing two lines, as is usual every time we move the boat especially in the deep water of the Sound. And, while I was writing, I heard the zzzzing of the line. A fish on! I rushed above deck, moved all of the cockpit cushions out of the way, and then the second line went zzzzing. I went to tend it and my fish spit the hook before being hauled in. Just to keep things tidy, I pulled in my line all the way. Murray’s fish was giving him a bit of a fight but he landed it successfully. It was a six pound skipjack tuna! Yummmm. We caught one of those earlier this winter, on the way to Nassau and they are very meaty fish and extremely tasty. That will go in the freezer to be shared with our next visitors. Now, both lines are back in and we are hoping for a mahi-mahi or two. Still have fifteen miles to go so there is plenty of time yet.

Around us we can see the sails of twenty other vessels, all headed towards George Town. It is getting close to Regatta time there and the number of boats in the harbour will swell. Right now there are 315 boats reportedly. The anchorage is two miles long though, so it seldom feels crowded. Except at the dinghy dock, on the day that fresh vegetables arrive! Then hundreds of crews in hundreds of dinghies race to town to replenish their larders. During Regatta, there will be many events to entertain us and our guests: dances on the beach; concerts; dinghy races; sailboat racing and fun events like conch horn blowing etc.

So, that is life aboard, more exciting in the big city.

We hope that you are keeping warm up there. Spring is not too far away now and we will be turning the bow northward once again. Hugs to all,

Heather & Murray

PS Have arrived in George Town and it is crowded!

Hello everyone,

We spent the last two weeks in Staniel Cay area, hiding off and on from the frequent frontal systems. There were beach cocktail parties, visits to friends on other boats and snorkeling trips to put in our time. In fact the time flew by so fast, I was surprised that two weeks had passed since I had written to you all.

A Super Bowl party was held at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club on Super Bowl Sunday. We are not football fans but the dinner sounded like a good deal. So, off we went by dinghy. The club offered a shuttle but it would not return us to the boat until the end of the game. Much after our bedtime! We enjoyed the food, the meeting of old and new friends but departed after the half time show. Man, was it dark out there! No moon, just the few stars that peaked through the cloud cover. We crept along, using a large flashlight at intervals to light up the shoreline. Murray has a wonderful sense of direction and piloted us around three points, and into the anchorage. We were sound asleep in our berth before the shuttle returned the last of the cheering fans.

Another cold front had us hiding again. We shared DVD’s with friends and baked bread etc to keep the cabin warm and to put in time aboard. The book pile is being decimated by all of these fronts.

Finally, good weather again. Just in time for the Staniel Cay fund raiser for the library and oldest house. They had a barbeque ashore with hot dogs, hamburgers, fries, chicken wings, beers and desserts. There was a book sale, flea market, bingo and face painting for the children. As a lot of the cruisers had been stuck aboard with the front, the turnout was phenomenal. We spent most of the time gabbing to friends.

The next day, we sailed ( actually, with the engine off! ) to Black Point to do laundry in the new facility there. I was informed that it was closed on Sunday, so we headed on to the next bay down, Plain Bay. There we did some great shelling on the Sound side. The highlight of the day was an invitation to cocktails at the Sandcastle ashore. It is a castle, built by a couple from California. It has four turrets and is run by solar and wind power. It was a wonderful experience to meet Doug & Jean and to see their amazing home.

In the morning, we returned to Black Point and did do laundry. Everyone in town was dressed in red for Valentine’s Day. Several restaurants were offering special dinners but we opted for a lunch, after the laundry was completed. Murray had a conch burger and I enjoyed some grouper fingers. Back aboard, we put away all of the clean things and dozed in the sun. Man, we are getting very brown.

So, now we are studying the charts and the weather trying to decide where to head today. The sun is shining but the water is still very chilly. Snorkeling is not on the top of our list. Maybe tomorrow. Visitors arrive Sunday into Staniel Cay and there is another cold front expected on Thursday. We have two days to travel around before we have to hide out again. Oh well, this one doesn’t sound as of it will last too long or blow really hard. And, I traded for a few new books and really need to bake some bread. Maybe a front is a good thing, as I will get my chores done.

That is life aboard. Hugs to all, Murray & Heather

When we last wrote, we had been having robust sails and windy weather. The pattern continued for a few more days while we anchored at Little Harbour in the Berry Islands.

One day, we ventured out to the island for lunch. Why did I put on clean clothes – the waves drenched us in Step Three’s dinghy, loaded with the four of us. But it was nice to get ashore and walk around a little. The cheeseburgers were good also.

Finally, the wind abated and we set sail for Nassau, 32 miles distant. Mur landed a skipjack tuna that weighed about 5 or 6 pounds. The anchorage in Nassau was virtually deserted with only 20 or 30 boats anchored. We managed to get all of our jobs done quickly, with fresh vegetables the top of my list. The tuna made a tasty supper for four that night with the crew of Step Three aboard to share it with us.

Early in the morning, we set off again. Towards the Exumas. The wind allowed us to sail all the way to Norman’s Cay, approx 50 miles. In the morning, we slipped out of the cut into the deep water of Exuma Sound. The fishing poles were put away, as we were within the limits of the Exuma Land and Sea Park, and fishing is prohibited.

Another front with strong winds from the west and northwest were expected, so we entered the cut at Cambridge Cay and anchored there. It is a very large space and only five other boats shared it with us. The balance of that day was gorgeous, so we grabbed our gear and had the first snorkel of the season. It was a very pretty reef with many fish. Protected ones, as we were still in the Park.

I organized a dinghy drift for cocktail hour. That entails tying dinghies together and drifting with the current while we share conversation and snacks. It was a lot of fun and we got to meet some new people.

The next day dawned with blue skies and sun. We took advantage of the weather for a exploration walk ashore. From the top of the island, we saw a wall of rain coming our way. And I had not obeyed the rule to close all hatches before leaving the boat! To prevent wet beds that night, we dashed back to the boats. The wind and rain hit shortly after and we were glad to be snug and dry. The wind blew hard for a couple of days so we worked on boat jobs.

When the winds abated we sailed ( with actual sails up and the engine off!! ) to Staniel Cay area and dropped the anchor at Big Major Spot. The mailboat arrived the next day with fresh veggies. It was a good excuse to go to town, meet people and have a hamburger in paradise.

Now, the snorkel gear is used daily and we have even been fishing out on the Sound. Not that we have gotten anything either way – but we try. I have baked bread twice already and helped another cruiser with computer/charting problems. The First Friday in February in Farmer’s Festival or 5F’s is happening soon and we plan to be there, if the weather co-operates. There is racing by the Bahamian C-class boats and fun contests for cruisers. A big party!

The next front is expected soon and we have to look for a place to hide again. Or do we wait it out here? How long will the wind blow hard from the west is the question? There is no protection for us at all from the west in this location. Time to collect more weather info and make a decision.

That is life aboard the vessel Windswept IV.

How are things faring with you all? Freezing and snow up to the wazoo? Stay well and warm and take care of each other.

Hugs, Murray & Heather

As most of you already know, we flew back to Ontario due to Murray’s mother critical illness. We arrived in Woodstock at 11:30 pm New Years Eve and managed to visit with Mom daily until we lost her on Jan 5th. Thank you all for the condolences that you have written to us as the support of friends and family is so important at times like this.

On Thursday the 13th, we headed to Buffalo airport to return to the boat. Our flight was delayed due to snow in Chicago. Luckily, we managed to make the next connection, a flight from Chicago to Miami. This one was delayed even more due to mechanical problems. We arrived in Miami just as the flight to Freeport was leaving. Both of us had caught colds and had trouble with the pressure changes as our ears wouldn’t adjust and we were left hard of hearing. Murray was feverish with sneezing and a runny nose, in fact he used most of a box of kleenex. The airline put us in a hotel overnight. After some aspirin and decongestants, a hot shower and a few of Barb’s cookies, we crashed with exhaustion. Murray’s fever broke through the night and he felt some better in the morning. As we were only on standby for the earlier flights, and booked on the 8 pm flight into Freeport, we got to the airport at 7:30 am. Luckily, there was space for us on the early flight and we arrived at the marina before 11 am.

Once there, we heard of a weather window to go south. Tomorrow. Yikes! We’re both sneezing and coughing and tired out. But, decided to make the effort. Unpack, do final laundry, get a few fresh supplies. Our dear cruising friends had bought some fresh veggies for our arrival – thanks again. Great – somebody is going to the store – maybe a cabbage and a few green peppers? All jobs accomplished, we sit down to a hardy dinner of – a bowl of soup. Still not feeling up to anything. Off to bed at 8 pm, for an early start in the morning.

Six am finds us on deck, doing last minute things. The lines are loosed and we pull out of the slip. Three boats in total leave with our group, with two more an hour or two behind.

The wind allows us to sail on a beam reach, for the first few hours. Then, it dies and comes back on the nose. The waves increase and we are taking a lot of spray. Murray goes below and announces that all of the hatches have been leaking and we have salt water everywhere! He tightened them as much as possible but we can do nothing more now. Our destination changes as the wind and waves hamper our progress. Finally, by 5 pm we drop the anchor in a fairly protected cove. But, a front is predicted to arrive – tonight or tomorrow and we cannot stay here as it is open to winds from the NE.

My stomach has been unhappy with the wave action today and it is my turn to spike a fever. Mur makes us a wonderful pot of soup from some of my canned meat. As our bed and bedding are wet with salt water, we sleep in the main cabin. Rain pounds the deck at interval all night. Our anchor drags in the daylight and we re-set it briefly.

With a lull in the wind and rain, we haul anchor and set off again. Only 20 miles to travel today. The rain storms hamper our visibility and the wind howls through the rigging. Murray is happy as he catches four fish.

By 1 pm we are safely anchored in the channel at Little Harbour Cay. The wind is howling at 35 knots. The boat rocks side-to-side 10 degrees and bobbles fore and aft as well. The anchor is holding well, which is good as we have rocks close by. If the anchor drags tonight, we will have BIG trouble. Local fisherman stop by with lobster to sell and we make a deal for 6. Our freezer works overtime to freeze fish and lobster.

Somehow, we manage to sleep a little. Still in the main cabin, with drying sheets and pillowcases everywhere. Morning brings – nothing new, still howling winds and rolling boats. With no desire to eat or move around, it is difficult to accomplish anything. Today we MUST move to someplace a little less rolly.

So, be glad that you are there today and not with us. Close your eyes a minute and imagine that your house is being tossed violently side to side and just as quickly, jerks front to back. The sun is shining here today, but I think that this time we envy you with solid ground under your feet.

Hugs, Heather & Murray

PS We just moved – no rolling here! Much better. Beach off of the bow. Now I remember why we love this so much.

Hello everyone,

As we said the other day, we did safely make it across the Gulf Stream once again from West Palm to Lucaya. The weather gurus, both Southbound II – Herb from Burlington, and Bel Ami – Chris Parker, another cruiser, were saying ” spend Christmas in Florida”. But the weather in West Palm was quite different from their expectations. Some vessels ventured out and reported back to us. Waves were not too bad and winds were low. Out we went. We led two other vessels, new cruisers, across the stream. The full moon helped us to see.

We crashed into left-over waves all night long as we motor-sailed across. We left at 7:30 pm and arrived at the marina in Lucaya by 10:30 am. Every hour or so all night, we would make radio contact with the other two vessels, making sure that all was well aboard.

Once we checked into the Bahamas by filling out many forms and paying $300 per vessel, we headed into the village to obtain our winter’s supply of rum. That needed to be done right away, as the stores would be closed for several days for Christmas, Boxing Day etc.

Finally, after a gourmet dinner of weiners and beans, we crawled into our bunk for the first sleep in a while.

Christmas Day, there was a turkey and ham dinner served by the pool. Instead of mashed potatoes and gravy, we had traditional peas and rice. And the stuffing had a distinctly fishy taste. But, it was all delicious and we shared the day with friends.

Then, the wind started to howl for the next few days. We had hoped to head further south but not into that wind. When it let up slightly, we got out of the marina and anchored in the canals nearby.

Now, we do boat jobs, play dominoes with friends and explore the village and await a good weather report. It may be New Year’s Eve in Lucaya.

But, we are in the Bahamas and wearing shorts. Albeit, with sweat shirts.

Hugs to all and have a Happy New Year.

Murray & Heather

‘Twas the week before Christmas and all through the boat,

The lockers were stuffed, it’s a wonder she’d float.

The stockings were hung at the base of the mast.

A tiny tree nearby, it’s lights flashing fast.

Mur in his tee shirt and me in my slinky,

Had just cuddled in for some hanky-panky,

When out on the deck there arose such a clatter,

We sprang from our bunk to see what’s the matter.

We threw open the hatches and grabbed up some clothes,

Some glasses, some shoes and onto the deck we rose.

A little old man so drunk and so slow,

We knew in a moment that it must be Old Joe.

His dinghy was leaking and covered in sand,

A beer was peaking from out of his hand.

“Howdy neigbour” he said ” My name is Joe”

“It’s cold tonight and the winds gonna blow”.

Invited aboard, he climbed pretty quick

Up the ladder, over the rail and spilt beer not a lick.

He was jolly old man with wrinkles galore,

“I’m anchored nearby, closer to shore”

“Christmas lights I saw and thought I’d visit”

Christmas is coming tonight I think – is it?”

Some turkey, a sandwich, a coffee so hot,

A bit of rum, a touch, just a tot?

We listened to stories, tales of before.

His wife had died in the winter ’94.

Alone he had cruised all up and around

The coast of America ’till his boat she broke down.

Now anchored here for the rest of his time,

He misses his wife, the cruising, sunshine.

The dawn is peeking from over the sea,

Happy Christmas, Joe, from Murray and me.

And look, Santa came by and left these here,

A tee shirt, a book , some soap, even beer!

A tear in his eye, old Joe has departed,

His outboard running like somebody farted.

“Merry Christmas to all” he called o’er the noise.

“Merry Christmas to all of the girls and the boys!”

We sure hope that you enjoy my little poem. We sit here in Lake Worth waiting for a window and hope to cross to the Bahamas soon. Before Christmas maybe. If not, we will spend the day with friends anchored nearby and phone home to talk to family. Enjoy your holidays. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.

Hugs, Murray & Heather

Well, we splashed down on Sat Nov 13th. It took us 3 to 4 hours of scrubbing the decks to get rid of the boat yard grime and the summer’s accumulation of dirt. But, it was wonderful to finally be back on our floating home. Foolishly, we had invited guests for dinner that night but we managed to hide the extra stuff and clean up the main salon enough to be respectable.

The next few days were spent sorting through the stuff in the car and the boat to separate out that which stays and that which comes with us. We tried to be ruthless this year and threw out old computers, printers, clothing etc. Then, it was time to fill up all the lockers with cans, packages and bottles for our winter’s meals. Flour was purchased in Canada ( 22 lb of white and 10 lb of whole wheat ). When that runs out, we can obtain Canadian flour in the Bahamas, believe it or not. Visits to Sam’s and WalMart depleted our bank account but filled up the lockers to the brim.

The sails have been bent on and the new main looks wonderful. Hopefully we can give it a try very soon.

Last evening Murray re-installed the ham radio and the antenna tuner went back on today. A test of our pactor system for e-mail showed complete success. Now there is just a part to be returned. Our hydraulic backstay adjuster lost its oil before our launch and, after a myriad of phone calls, was sent to Florida Rigging and Hydraulics for repairs. You may remember the name as they replaced our rigging after the lightning strike. The repairs are completed and now we are just waiting for UPS to return it.

In the meantime, Mur is working on teak – not his favourite pastime. But it does mean that most other jobs are under control if varnishing has come to the top. I have been doing some computer checks and radio memory re-setting. Just like us, the radio seems to forget its settings every time we take it off of the boat. Each fall we swear that we are going to write all of this info down to jog our memories but each spring it seems so obvious that we do not bother. Then when we get back here in the fall we ask “how do we…..?”

My hands are doing ok but I know that they are not back to full capabilities, even the one that was operated on in the spring. Climbing the ladder to the dock is the worst as it actually is tilted inward beyond 90 degrees to the dock. And the top rung is partially blocked so that only a toe hold is available. Luckily the ladder has strong arms that extend above so I can haul myself upward.

Our plans – to get out of here as soon as we can, maybe later on Friday or early Sat. Titusville will be about a three day journey from here and we will stop for a brief visit with friends. Then, push on to Vero Beach where we will likely stay a week or more. Vero is a difficult spot to leave as everything is convenient for the cruisers with free buses and safe moorings. So even if we plan to only stay 3 days, we never make it out that fast. May as well just plan to stay a week.

Thanksgiving will happen in the midst of all of our travels. Yes as lucky snowbirds, we get to celebrate two Thanksgivings and we are very thankful for that. A small cooked turkey breast already resides in our freezer in anticipation. We don’t know where exactly we will be but we will raise a glass in a toast to all of you. May your days be bright and your nights calm. Fair winds from Windswept IV.

Hugs, Heather & Murray

PS for VA3TD rig is working -email freq and time for sked.

Well, it happened. The wing came off the keel on Sat afternoon. With some effort but mostly with just a little coaxing by Murray.

The operator lifted us just enough to drop the wing off and leave the bolts engaged in the holes. Otherwise, we would have never lined it up again!

The yard left us in the slings until Monday at 8:00 AM. If we moved around much, the boat swayed in the slings. It made me slightly dizzy. But, we managed to clean up the keel/wing joint and have it ready to be re-attached.

That happened this morning. Now, we wait for the sealant to cure and then smooth out the seams, put on bottom paint and get ready to launch.

Windswept IV is already buffed and waxed and looking good above the waterline.

Our new main arrived a couple of days ago and today our dinghy was delivered. Just like Christmas here.

The weather is lovely with warm sunny days and cool to down-right cold nights. Just super for working on the boat.

So, launch is sceduled later this week followed by another week on the dock to get the ship’s stores purchased and stowed. Then, off we go again. Southbound.

Hugs to all and stay healthy. Heather & Murray

Hello everyone,

Today the ghosts and goblins are out and about and so are we. Yes, we are on our way south once again.

It has been a busy month, with Heather’s hand surgery on the 9th. This time it was her right hand that had the carpal tunnel release surgery done. She has recovered quite quickly and should be able to polish the hull by the time we reach Florida.

Before the surgery, we did a radio installation in Bayfield and caught up with sailing friends in that area.

Afterwards, we spent most of a week in Woodstock with Murray’s family on the farm.

Then, of course, it was the round of doctor’s appointments to get our annual tune-ups. In between, we got to spend time with other friends.

The last week was spent with Jeremy and Cynthia and our grandson Matthew. We had a wonderful time in Dunrobin with them.

Now, it is time to re-join our floating home. Our new dinghy should be awaiting us – an AB rib at 10.5 ft long. A rib is a Rigid Inflatable Boat and has a fiberglass hull with inflatable tube sides. It should fly, especially with the Honda 15 hp 4-stroke that we got last year.

The new mainsail will arrive just after we do and should give us much improved sailing ability to weather ( towards the wind, for the landlubbers ).

The major jobs awaiting us are few. The leaking water tank from the spring turned out to be a loose lid. The gap in the joint between the keel and the wing is our biggest job. With some care and a great crane operator, we will clean out the joint, be lifted a few inches and re-blocked in that position. Hopefully, the wing has dropped down slightly during this process. We will scrape out the joint more and allow it to dry over the weekend. Then, caulk with 3M 5200 and be lowered back down onto the wing early Monday morning, having spent the weekend in the slings. Nothing to it, right? We will let you know.

Then, some polishing of the hull ( with Heather’s two good hands now to help ) and new bottom paint and we will be ready to launch. Perhaps midweek ie 10 days from now.

After that, just clean everywhere, and start filling up the nooks and crannies with food for the winter.

So, we have our jobs all lined up for the next few weeks. But, the sun should be warm and we will start getting our winter tans. Sorry, don’t mean to rub it in! But….

Take care of each other and stay healthy up here in the north country. Love and hugs to all,

Heather & Murray