More Bahamas "Out Island" Flying and Sailboating

Now for the next "phase" of this trip - moving onto the charter sailboat.  This was all new to us - we used the only charter company available - 360Yachting.  We booked one of their biggest catamarans - a 47' Leopard.    Here Jay, the owner of the charter company is reviewing the boat with all the "boys".

 

We were tied up to the "government" dock in Rock Sound, Eleuthera - the only dock.  It's a huge concrete structure.  Strangely, there was some un-identified  grey paint on the dock that was "sticky" - Carolyn got it on her foot....and I caught Cecil giving her what appears to be a foot massage!

There was much scurrying around - getting provisions, linens, ice, beer and more beer, etc. on  board.....finally, we were off for a nice sail around Cape Eleuthera. 

Everyone got settled in for the sail....

Cecil was particularly "settled"!

The first night, we anchored in a lovely bay past Cape Eleuthera....I'm not going to mention that I was a little "under the weather" in the roll-y anchorage.  I did manage to cook spaghetti.....although I excused myself  before the evening was over.....I hadn't found my "sea legs" yet.  A lovely sunset, though!

Up bright and early the next morning - ready for a nice long sail across the Exuma Sound .  We had about 25 miles to sail to our next anchorage - Highbourne Cay.  (Cay is pronounced "key").

We had nice winds for the first few hours.  The guys hoisted the mainsail and we pulled out the jib.  Duane had put out the fishing pole, hoping to catch dinner!!!   As we approached Highbourne,  he noticed that the pole was bent over a bit.  You never know - sometimes you pick up sea-weed or trash.....but this time - it was a fish!!

Dick and Cecil helped bring the nice Mahi-Mahi on board.

We didn't have a scale or anything onboard....but it was a very nice fish.  Click on the photo and you can get an idea how big the fish was compared to Dick's arm.

I won't go into the details....but....as Duane was trying to remove the really, really big hook....the fish jumped....and the hook went COMPLETELY THRU Duane's fingertip.  OWWW...Cecil quickly cut the hook and PULLED it BACK THRU Duane's fingertip.  OWWW again.  All was well - we doctored Duane's finger - he proceeded to fillet the fish - all was well!

Soon, we were approaching Highbourne Cay - Cecil and Dick on "look-out" for coral heads as we headed into the anchorage.

Ooohhh, the beautiful water!!!

Isn't that just lovely? 

After the long sail over, we were quick to jump into the dingy for a little snorkeling. 

Nothing great, but a nice little swim....

Our boat "No Expectations" - in the anchorage at Highbourne Cay.

Dick and Lindy in the dinghy....

Going back to the boat in the dinghy.

Dinner!!!  Like our trip 2 years ago - we had the Mahi - grilled, plus saffron rice and scrumptious grilled pineapple.   (with the addition of "Scott's" hot BBQ sauce  provided by Cecil and Carolyn).

Yummm!!  Absolutely nothing like really fresh fish!

After dinner, we threw some left-overs to the birds...they were amazingly agile.   Often they could catch bits that were thrown mid-air.  This is one of the very few "Karen" photos of the trip!!!  Funny how that works!!