Long Island, Bahamas To Turks and Caicos

January 20 - 22, 2014

1 - Stuart, 2 - Miami, 3 - Cat Cay, 4 - Chub Cay, 5 - Nassau, 6 - Warderick Wells Cay, 
7 - Little Farmer's Cay. 8 - George Town, Great Exuma Cay, 9 - Long Island, 10 - George Town (again), 11 - Long Island (again), 12 - Clarence Town, Long Island, 13 - Acklins Island, 14 - Mayaguana Island,
15 - Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

Everything Brian read about the weather and water said that Monday was the day to go south from Long Island.  Even Chris Parker, the infamous weather guru, said that Monday would be the day to head out.  We weren't taking any chances.  We stowed everything the night before and laid out all of my seasick remedies.  Calm or bumpy we would be ready for our ten hour trip to Acklins Island.  Fortunately we had prepared.  We had a rough ride the entire trip with four to seven foot waves hitting our port side.  But, here is the good news:  nothing tumbled or shook and I did not get sick!  That night as i prepared dinner it looked like I was doing some kind of juggling act.  The plates and ingredients kept sliding one way and then the other across the counter.  I'd add something to the mix and grab something else before it slid into the sink.  I poured Brian's drink, walked to the table to hand him his plate and before I could return his glass was in the sink.  It would have made a funny video!  Later that night it quieted down and we did get a good night's sleep.          

Now we have this stow and go system down to a science.  After breakfast Tuesday morning there was a quick check to make sure all cabinets were locked, everything was stowed and I took my seasick pills.  We were blessed with a beautiful day -- sunny with calm seas and very little wind.  Our eight hour cruise was a breeze!  Brian put out the fishing line (no success), I read and we took turns driving.  We arrived at our anchorage at Mayaguana Island early enough to relax before dinner.  

On Wednesday the 22nd we entered the Turks and Caicos after a quiet eight hour trip.  We were excited to install a new flag and explore the next segment of our voyage.  T & C are internally ruled by a Governor that is appointed by the Queen of England.  It is increasingly popular as a tourist destination.  Even though it is closely associated with Great Britain, it's currency is the American dollar.  As we approached the marina we were surprised to see large homes and hotels lining the beach.  It looks more like coastal Florida than anything that we saw in the Bahamas (except Nassau).  Once we passed customs we rented a car and were off to see what is in the area.

Gotta smile -- we're lovin the ride!