Sunday, April 22, 2007

Left Spanish Wells at 10:30 am headed to Current Cut (10 nm) with the wind behind us we jib sailed.

The entrance to Current Cut was like a swirling boiling caldron. The current grabbed Escape and with Tom throttling back we cruised through at 8.4 knots. This narrow cut is to be carefully navigated due to the strong tidal currents, hard rock bars and shallow grassy areas that flank the cut. Once past the hard rock bar on the right you must make a sharp 90 degree right turn and hug the knobby rock line, staying approximately 100 ft off the shoreline (or you WILL be aground). Snake your way through the shallow grass areas until clear of the cut passage. Clear skies and abundant sunshine is a MUST!! So far this is the most interesting and nerve wrecking cut we experienced.

Now headed to Hatchet Bay with winds of 20 knots and higher gusts on the nose it became a slug of a day. The waves were 3 ft. sloppy, choppy and confused which led to Escape’s bow slapping and slamming. What a horrible sound!! The 16 mile trip was not fun however there were some positives. It was sunny, the air and water temps were 75 degrees and the water was a gorgeous teal color.

Entrance to Hatchet Bay is a 75 ft. wide cut between 2 cliff walls. A well protected bay with free government moorings. Not much to offer but deep dark green water and a government dock but the calm bay was warmly welcomed.
(trip - 29.1 nm)

Hatchet Bay entrance

Monday, April 24, 2007

Leaving Hatchet Bay at 9:05 am, it was another beautiful day, still windy but warm and sunny. With a reefed main we cruised along at 6.5 knots hugging the shoreline. A magnificent sail and Escape was in her element.

Arrived at Pineapple Cays/Palmetto Point at 1:05 pm and hooked up to a free government mooring just off a beautiful beach. The view was like a travel agent’s photo. Ashore we go.
(trip - 22.6 nm)

Beaching the dinghy on a beach of crushed shells, we take to town.
Our discoveries were:
** several small groceries shops where you could get most basics
** groves of banana trees
** huge aloe plants
** the most polite children we have ever met. We met them as they were
walking home from school.
** rough roads with fast cars
** Lorena - the cook at Mate & Jenny’s who made the best pizza.



This stop is where we finally felt like we’re visiting the out islands. This is what we’ve been waiting for.


Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Today’s trip was from Pineapple Cays/Palmetto Point to Rock Sound. We get an early start at 7:45 am. Another windy day, so with the mainsail reefed again we took to the seas. We sailed along at 6 knots enjoying the western shoreline of Eleuthera. The views were rocks, cliffs, caves, hills and beaches. The highest point, near North Palmetto, is approximately 150 feet above sea level. The settlements are few and far. We cruised by Governor’s Harbour, Tarpum Bay and into Rock Sound.

A cave on Eleuthera's shoreline.

As we sailed into Rock Sound, weaving through scattered rock and coral heads, we were welcomed by 2 dolphins. They enjoyed a brief bow ride with us.

Rock Sound is a large bay full of baby blue water. Anchored off the town, we settled in. Ready to kick back and relax for a few days after the 3 day push (76.4 nm) in strong winds to get to our last stop in Eleuthera. Escape enjoyed her sailing but is enveloped in salt and desperately needs rain to wash her off.


Wednesday, April 25 - 28, 2007

Dingle Motors is the happening place in Rock Sound. They welcome cruisers with open arms and provide most all the services needed. Janet (owner) keeps a bulletin board of boat cards and promptly asks new boaters for one upon arrival.

Dingle Motors

Touring the streets of Rock sound by ten-toe express (walking) one must beware of the zooming cars. The streets are narrow and there is quite a bit of traffic. The settlement is very old as well as the largest on Eleuthera.

Liquor Store

A street in Rock Sound

An old church and cementery

We visited the Ocean Hole Park where you’ll find a large round ocean hole. It’s a 360 ft. diameter semi-fresh water hole much like a blue hole. Depths are unknown (it’s just really deep) and is believed to be linked to the sea through a series of caves. There is abundant sea life and the groupers and snappers love to be fed bread.

The ocean hole

Sunset over Rock Sound, Eleuthera

Eleuthera - described as a piece of ribbon laid 100 miles in length and barely 2 miles wide.