Author name: jrand

Almost every mystery story starts with ” it was a dark and foggy night”. But this was a bright but foggy day, as we headed on south of Ft Pierce in the ICW. Suddenly both of us again heard the ” squealing ” that signified problems in the transmission. Veering off to the side of the waterway, we stopped and dropped anchor. Murray pulled everything out of the cockpit locker and checked the transmission. The drain plug was lying below the transmission! And, of course, there again was no fluid in the transmission.

Upon investigation, Murray discovered a crimp in the soft, copper washer that prevented the plug from being fully seated into place. Thus the fluid very slowly dripped out. He had NOT forgotten to replace the fluid in the spring. By switching the washer with one from the fill plug on the top of the transmission, he was able to fully tighten the plug and then re-fill the transmission. Then we cautiously started the engine once again and put the transmission into gear. No grinding and no squealing. Now we have concerns about the reliability of the transmission as it has twice been run dry.

Luckily, friends had offered us the use of their dock while we had our Honda generator repaired at a local shop. They have a house on a canal near Stuart, Florida with a very long dock, which will accommodate their boat, Trumpeter, as well as room for a guest. The Honda has defeated Murray this year. It starts and runs well, but doesn’t put out any power for charging our batteries. Thus, we will not be able to leave until this unit is repaired.

So, we are doing a few jobs from the list, picking up final items at the stores and waiting for a call from the repair shop.

Our visit to Vero Beach was quick. Sunday afternoon we picked up a mooring and, on Monday, we caught the bus, did Christmas and grocery shopping. Tuesday, we mailed Christmas presents and I did laundry while Murray checked the engine( added transmission fluid ) and worked on the generator. Wednesday morning, we met some old friends for breakfast, dropped the mooring, motored to Ft Pierce and joined some more friends for dinner. A busy few days!

Now we are forced to sit and wait. The dock is available to us for approximately two weeks and we will try to make ourselves useful around here.

That is life aboard. Hope all is well with you and yours. Write when you can.

Hugs from,
Heather & Murray

It has been a busy 10 days but we are splashing later today. Murray and I worked for 2 days, cleaning up the mildew and vacuuming up ants. Dead ants were all through almost every article of clothing aboard and that gave me seven garbage bags full of laundry. Then we had a new mattress cover and bottom sheet to modify to fit onto the vee berth. It was made easier as this time I had purchased king sized which fit so much better ( at least at the head of the bed, the foot is a whole other story ). But, when that job was done, we removed two thru-hulls and installed the two new transducers for speed and depth. Then the wires had to be run, through limber holes in cross members in the bilge for that purpose. These were already filled with other wires , so it was a challenge.

But, once the inside jobs were accomplished, we worked outside. Two more days were spent trying to remove the worn cutlass bearing. But, with some help and Murray’s ingenuity, it was removed. The new one went in easily and the cleaned prop re-installed. Then bottom paint and wax was applied and we were ready to launch. Due to the pier closure here, we will be docking at Reynolds Yacht Center for approx a week to finish the interior work, bend on the sails and stock the boat.

Then we shall be underway once more. The work of getting there and the hell of living on the hard will begin to fade from our memory, allowing us to face it once again next year.

Hugs,
Heather & Murray

Well, we got to St Augustine by 6 pm last night ( after a long detour in Tennessee due to a rock slide taking out I-40, between Knoxville and Asheville, NC ) and stayed in the International Golf Village. Today, we got an early start and arrived at the marina just after 8 am. Once we said our hellos and arranged for a ladder, we climbed aboard.

What a mess!! All of the teak belowdecks was covered with mildew, the cans that had been stored carefully in a plastic tub had rusted due to dripping water from a leaking hatch above it and there were thousands of dead ants covering everything! While Murray readied the boat for the move to the workyard, I started wiping down all surfaces with a diluted vinegar mixture. After the last two years of little to no mildew, I was not prepared to see such a mess especially as we wipe everything down before we leave in the spring.

Once they moved the boat, Mur and I washed the majority of the summer’s grit off of the decks and then tackled the dead ants. All the cushions had been stored in the vee berth where the ants seemed to be the most numerous. The cushions had to be vacuumed and then the bedding carefully removed, shaken and the bed re-made. Murray got the inverter re-connected and the power on to the boat. The frig didn’t start cooling but we will tackle that problem tomorrow. The rusty cans have been sorted and the worst ones tossed in the trash.

We sure have a long work list for the next few days! Besides the planned installation of depth and speed transducers, removal and replacement of the cutlass bearing, usual washing and waxing of the hull and bottom painting, I also have to modify a pair of sheets and mattress cover, finish washing all surfaces belowdecks for mould/mildew, un-pack car/ suitcases etc etc. It makes me tired just thinking about it. But the sun shone today and we wore shorts. Also, the wireless works here on the boat and we have a cell phone as well to order parts etc.

Hugs from
Heather & Murray

Hello everyone,

When I wrote last, we were anchored at Titusville. In company with Flextime, we headed north from there on Monday the 30th. And, as I had promised Jane, we saw lots of roseate spoonbills on the islands near Haulover Canal. They were in the sky, the trees and wading in the water. Due to the shallow waters around the islands, we could not get very close but made good use of our binoculars. The day went well with no groundings by either vessels, even during our transit of the ICW near Ponce Inlet. Both boats anchored in Daytona that night and we invited Bob & Jane to join us for a fish dinner.

With another early start the next day, we again made good time. Until we arrived in St Augustine. The bridge tender told us that, due to construction, the bridge would be closed until 8 pm that night. It would then be open until 7 am the next day. Both times would require us to travel in the dark. Not our favourite option in the waterway. We dropped anchor to await 8 pm. After a couple of hours, I called the bridge tender again to check on another opening the next day for cruisers further south of us. He announced that the bridge would be going up at 4 pm, in about 15 minutes. I quickly called Flextime and both boats hauled anchor and headed towards the bridge. The sun was setting before we found a spot to anchor for the night but we were glad of the chance to move on.

During the night a cold front came through with high winds and lots of rain. It continued to rain in the morning and we got a late start, waiting for a break in the weather. The two boats anchored at Blount Island and we rowed over to Flextime for the last evening of cocktails and card games. In the morning, Windswept IV headed off upriver, fighting the current all the way. Flextime was headed to St Mary’s, GA to haul there.

The weather stations reported expected high winds for Friday, so we continued on to the dock at Reynolds Park Yacht Centre on Thursday. Now the work was to start. But first Murray had challenges with the Volvo. It turned out finally to require a new battery and friends on the dock here drove us to the store.

George & Barb dropped in for a brief visit on Saturday and it was wonderful to see them! They had a long drive ahead of them so could only stop for a couple of hours. But, it was great that they took the time for a visit.

The work continues and we will be hauled out on Friday. Once we get the cover on and the final jobs done, we will hit the road north. Friends in Ohio have offered us a bed for Sat night and it will be nice to see them again. By Sunday we will be back home in Tillsonburg.

There the phone and internet should be back on and we will be able to talk to you all at the drop of a hat. Until then, take care and hugs from

Murray & Heather

A couple of weeks ago, we visited friends at Man o’ War Cay, Abaco. That morning we had heard on the ham net that a shuttle launch was to take place in the evening. Sitting on the deck at their rented cottage, my heart sank as I saw all of the trees surrounding us. No worries, they said ” we have an observation deck”! After dinner, I watched the time and all of us managed to reach the deck in time to watch the vapour trail of the shuttle , just after launch. It was very dramatic but, of course, my camera was down all of those steps. Thus no photos.

But, the last few days they have been announcing the return of the shuttle with a possible landing here at Titusville. The wind was honking this morning and we were concerned that the landing might be scrubbed. But, after a delay, the landing was set for 3:14 pm. And we were in just the right spot to hear the double sonic booms as it re-entered our atmosphere. Then, Murray’s sharp eyes spotted the shuttle itself as it dropped below the clouds and made its approach to the landing field. No photos again, of course.

But, how lucky are we do have seen it take off and land!

Heather & Murray

Hello everyone,

Just a brief note to let you all know that we have safely arrived in the US. We departed from Great Sale Cay, Abaco and landed at Cape Canaveral, FL. It was a rough and rolly ride! I am ashamed to say that I lost my lunch on the way. Murray toughed it out and was the iron man of the trip, as usual. We entered the harbour at 0730, cleared customs and had an early lunch ( no one ate much all night! ) and then cast off, heading through the lock and on into the ICW. The anchor went down at Titusville at about 5 pm. time for a drink, a light dinner and an early bedtime.

Tomorrow, we have been invited for lunch with friends ashore. And then, the shuttle is scheduled to land shortly after 1 pm. The weekend is supposed to be rainy and windy, so we may just stay put.

To prepare the boat for haul-out, we are going to go to a marina that is close to ours. It is Reynolds Yacht Centre and is a lot more expensive then our usual marina. But, as the dock there has been condemned, we do not have a lot of choice. The boat will still be stored at Green Cove Springs Marina. It is scheduled to be hauled on April 10th and, if all goes well, we should be back at our house by April 12th! In time for the Easter Bunny.

Right now it is time for this tired old bunny to take a shower and put her head down.

Hugs,
Heather & Murray

Hello everyone,

We are currently sitting at Manjack Cay, Abaco and have access to the internet through a house nearby with an unsecured wireless. Yeah! That hasn’t happened very frequently this winter. And, since the wind is blowing, I have time to write and catch up with my e-mails.

So, our last message had us heading on towards Hope Town. And that we did, but not early enough in the day. We had a leisurely breakfast and hauled anchor about an hour before high tide. Not enough time obviously as we ran aground opposite the lighthouse at Hope Town. And the tide was still falling. So we dropped the anchor and went ashore to explore. Up to the top of the lighthouse we went with a lovely view of the islands around and our boat, sitting facing away from the wind but quite upright on its wing keel.

Then, dinghy across to the village itself and check out the stores and pubs here. No hurry because it will be several hours until the boat is floating again. As we were in town later than usual, I was finally able to talk to my Mom. Mostly I had been leaving messages all winter and not actually speaking to her. So this was a wonderful happenstance.

Just before dark, we hauled anchor and moved to a spot with enough water for us to float. In the morning, we were off to Marsh Harbour for laundry and supplies. Flextime were having credit card problems and needed to get to a payphone to straighten that out. The lockers full again of food and clean clothes, we headed out in the late afternoon and anchored near Matt Lowe Cay, away from the crowds of Marsh Harbour.

Friends had rented a house on Man O’ War Cay for 2 months and wanted us to visit. Flextime needed to motor for a while to check out a cooling, or rather an over heating, problem. Meanwhile we sailed slowly to Man O War, where we picked up a mooring ball. Our friends, Tom & Kay, invited us for dinner and we had a wonderful time catching up with them after 5 years.

On Monday, there was time to visit the little shops and stores while the tide rose high enough to allow us to leave this shallow harbour. Lola, a local lady, was delivering bread to the marinas and we purchased a fresh, still warm, loaf. Man, it was delicious.

We sailed on, planning to stay at Bakers Bay overnight. But, the waves were rolling in there and making for an uncomfortable anchorage. The two boats opted to continue on, cross over the Whale Cay passage and head for Green Turtle Cay. Dark clouds and rain storms chased us all the way.

In the morning, we went for dinghy exploration of the two protected anchorages, White and Black Sounds, and then on to the town where we enjoyed lunch at Dave’s. As it was St Patrick’s Day, he was giving out shots of Irish whiskey or Bailey’s Irish Cream. By the time lunch was over, no one felt any pain.

The next day, we moved further north to Manjack Cay, ahead of an expected cold front. Since we arrived, the wind has blown hard and it has rained buckets. We have spent our afternoons playing games with Flextime and the evenings watching movies or discs of Thirty Rock.

But, the weather is supposed to clear up. Tomorrow we will return to Green Turtle, a distance of 2 miles, get rid of garbage and grab a few provisions. Then, start positioning ourselves for a crossing on Thursday/Friday from Great Sale Cay to Port Canaveral.

We will keep you informed. Meanwhile, take care and enjoy the arrival of Spring.

Hugs,
Murray & Heather

Hello everyone,

We have done a lot of moving since I last wrote to you. On Feb 28th, we motorsailed to George Town and anchored near “the big city”. Contact was made with the Port Stanley boats and a get-together arranged for later that day. It was great to catch up with all of them and hear of their adventures during their voyage from Lake Erie to the Bahamas.

As another cold front was expected, we departed George Town the next morning, after some computer gliches, and sailed northward to Rat Cay, eventually anchoring all alone in Children’s Bay. The front came through during the night but no one could drag down on us when their anchor let go! In the morning, the Research Centre on Lee Stocking Island announced a tour at 1 pm so we made our way through the shallows and anchored nearby. The tour was very informative and the first time we had seen the Centre in all of our years in the islands. It is a facility where researchers can do projects on subjects related to the ocean. Most of the studies are done in the summer months when the professors have time available from their teaching schedules.

On Mar 3rd, we departed Lee Stocking ( after a collision with a shallow reef! ) and sailed north in the Exuma Sound with all fishing lines deployed. No luck though! Galliot Cut gave us a good entry onto the shallow banks and we continued on north and anchored in Little Bay, just south of Black Point. Friends joined us for cocktails and Randy & Lori from Solemate III stayed for an impromptu dinner party. Murray sailed the boat off the anchor in the morning while I gathered up the laundry and we dropped anchored before 0800 in front of the Rock Side Laundry. Ida made us very welcome, as usual, and my clothes were soon clean and sweet smelling. Lorraine’s Cafe was the next stop where we checked our e-mails and banking using her free wireless. By 2:30, we had hauled the anchor and sailed on, towards Staniel Cay and the Big Major Spot anchorage.

We stayed put for one whole day and caught up on the news with Doug & Connie from High Stepper. We had hardly seen them this winter but made plans to meet in the summer on a road trip.

By March 6th, we were off again, sailing north to Norman’s Cay and then on to Highborne Cay the next day to meet up with Bob & Jane on Flextime. Early the next morning at first light, a small fleet set out for the Fleeming Channel and the top of Eleuthera. Some boats went to Royal Island to continue on to Abaco the next day. Flextime and W4 opted to visit Spanish Wells where we picked up a mooring.

Walking the island streets the next day was an eye-opener for Bob & Jane as this community is so different from the other Bahamian towns that they have visited. The locals are extremely house-proud as is shown by their well-tended, well painted homes. The flowers are incredible and we took many photos. Our friend Wayne Perry ( Little Woody ) is a guide and he led us out to the ocean through the intricate opening in the reef just after dawn. We waved goodbye and set our sails for Abaco.

The ocean was quite flat with a long swell. But, there wasn’t enough wind to sail so the motor went on. We made water and charged everything we could think of as we motored for 8 hrs. The cut at Little Harbour was rolling from the ocean swell but both boats made the transit safely and anchored near Lynyard Cay.

Today we snorkeled at Sandy Cay in the morning and took the dinghies to Pete’s Pub in the afternoon as it was a lovely sunny day. Tomorrow we will head on towards Hopetown to see the sights there.

Flextime also wants to return to the US about the end of this month so the two vessels will travel together for the crossing again.

So, we are only a couple of weeks from the States and access to wireless and telephone service more easily. Then on to the marina to store the boat to return to Canada. And that is a whole other story as the marina pier has been closed. Doing the prep work for storage is going to be difficult or rather, a challenge yet to be solved.

See you sooner than you think!!

Heather & Murray

Hello everyone,

We have finally left the Jumentos after spending 4 weeks in that area. But, our stores of gas, diesel, propane and food was very depleted and more cold fronts were expected. So, we departed Hog Cay on the 21st of Feb and sailed northward, hard on the wind, all the way to Flamingo Cay. Early the next morning, we headed out again but motorsailing most of the way. Of course, we arrived at the shallow Comer Channel at dead low tide but made a successful transit with 0.4 ft of water under the keel at
minimum. That isn’t much to spare and we were glad that it wasn’t a huge tidal difference that day.

Motoring into Thompson Bay, Long Island, our radio came alive with calls from friends with plans to get together. Early the next morning, Murray dropped me ashore to do laundry ( 3 huge bags worth of smelly, salty things ) while he made multiple trips for gas and diesel. At Long Island Breeze, where the laundry costs me $4/load, wash or dry, I was able to use the wireless internet and catch up with our financial information etc. Once all of the clothes were clean and folded and fuel topped up aboard,
Murray joined me and we shared a pizza while surfing the ‘net. Then, off to the grocery to replenish our larder with a few fresh vegetables etc. By 2:30 we were back aboard and ready to put our feet up. Oops, spoke to soon, back in the dinghy and off to shore to meet friends for beer and conversation at Thompson Bay Inn. I told a bunch of jokes and the bartender offered me a job!! Oh oh, don’t give that girl a microphone!!

But, the fun was over and the wind started to blow again. This is now the third day of high winds. The batteries are happy but we don’t venture out too much. Yesterday we did go ashore and took a long walk, made a phone call or two and bought some more veggies. Murray cleaned some conch and trimmed his beard. In the morning, we sanded some spots on the teak in the cabin and re-applied some Cetol which is a marine finish, not a varnish nor an oil.

Tomorrow, if the wind is subsided enough, we will sail the 35 miles to George Town, Great Exuma. Several of the boats from our home yacht club in Port Stanley, Ontaio are there and we want to get together with them. Those boats are Windswept with Bob & Marg aboard, Nice Butt with Wayne and Maxine aboard, Southern Cross with Karen and Dennis aboard and Brandelera with Walter and Brenda aboard. Don Wilson on Next Exit may also be there or he may have already departed to return to the Jumentos. While
there, we will have access to wireless aboard and may try to make some calls with Skype. So, if your phone rings and you don’t hear anything, hang on a minute as it may be us with a bad connection!

From George Town, we will head north, back to the cays of the Exumas for a short while, on to Eleuthera and then to Abaco. It is time to turn the nose northward as we plan to be in the US by the end of March.

Hugs,
Heather & Murray

Murray and Heather participated in the Staniel Cay New Years Race this year and Windswept IV placed third in the monohull division. Check out this article for some more details.