s/v YOLO Swabs Log Blog Day 297 Entry 070 Bahamas Bound Boat Buddies Part 4

s/v YOLO You Only Live Once Swab’s Log Blog

Posting Date:   Thursday March 20, 2014
Day 297 Entry 070

Boot Key Harbor and Marina Mooring #W10  http://www.ci.marathon.fl.us/government/departments/marina-and-ports/

Bahamas Bound Boat Buddies Part 4

Wednesday, February 19, 2014, in preparation for going to Bimini we went to the municipal dock for water.  The wind was blowing a bit but not bad on the South side of the mooring field, but as we motored to the other side of the harbor, which is not as protected as we thought it was worse.  When we made to port (left turn) to angle into the dock, the wind hit us broad side.  Fortunately, some other cruisers were on hand to help us get to the dock, actually to help us from being blown INTO the dock.  They were a very big help, as the wind picked up and we really would have bumped into the dock or worse.    And we sat there for over an hour waiting for the wind to die down.  Even then it took 8 guys to help push us off the dock and keep us off the dock by really putting their backs into it!  Again, we very grateful for their help or we might still be there.

At 5 am Thursday, February 20, 2014 it was clear and calm!!!!!  Captain Steve and Captain Scott were both multi tasking!  Both were on the phone discussing the weather as the compared the weather computer models, as well as listening to the marine weather!  The predicted weather was the same for the next 4 days!  Temperature was to be in the mid 80’s, with winds 15 decreasing to 10 from the south, with 2 to 3 foot waves.  As Captain Steve hung up the phone he turned to me and said “It’s a go!”   OMG are we really going to do this????????

On Thursday February 20, 2014 the predicted weather was the same!    The plan was to head North via Hawk Channel for 45 miles to Rodriguez Key and anchor for the night.  Friday morning at 4 am leave Rodriguez Key, head north east for 70 miles across the reef and then cross the Gulf Stream. 

Captain Steve said ‘Stow everything and let’s go, we rendezvous at 7:30 am on the bay side of the channel!’

I did as I was told!  (Yes I Did!  Granted I don’t do as I am told often, but this is one of the few times that I did!)  One last thing to do before going on deck – Wake up my ‘Go to Girl’!!!!  

Hopefully we will find the very tiny island (it’s only 9 miles long and have heard horror, YES, horror stories from those who missed it!) called Bimini before dark!  So how many Hail Marys do you think it takes to cross to Bimini from Rodriguez Key?  A lot more than you think, especially when you have to add all the Hail Mary’s said from Marathon to Rodriguez Key!!!!

Sea u later!

 Bahamas Bound Boat Buddies Part 5