A new day at Black Point

We arrived at Black Point on Monday 3/7 ready to turn the page and anchored near the shore by the restaurant at Regatta Point. Prior to leaving the more protected mooring field at Big Major Sheri took the helm and I swapped out the Fortress anchor with the Rocna. It is easier to swap the anchors during the day but still tricky. The Fortress on our bow is held there by the chain so I secured the anchor cross bar/stock with a line, tied it to the rail, then released the chain tension. I was now able to lower the anchor from the pulpit and pull it up with the rope onto the deck. I swapped out the fittings and chain to the old anchor then lifted the 55 pounder over the rail. In the awkward motions of waves and balancing while lowering this weight in place I clipped my index finger between metals. That spot now purple makes me think what if it was more than just a little tap.

Anchors swapped we head out and come around Harvey Cay into wind and waves for the 5.5 remaining miles. Our anchoring spot at Black Point is within 75 feet of shore and safely out of the ship channel. Once everything is secure we head out to meet Ida at the laundromat and plan a time to deliver her package that we received from Sally and Conrad in the Everglades. After getting a couple of groceries we returned to the boat content to rest the remainder of the afternoon and get a good nights sleep.

Well that almost worked out. At 4 am the anchor alarm went off and as we were running topsides we could pick out the automated voice between sirens and horns saying “battery low, battery low”. After that it does take some time to settle down and we won’t let that happen again.

Easily moved empty

Tuesday morning we have laundry to do and water tanks to fill. The laundromat in these cruiser towns are a great place to meet and catch up with other boaters. We reconnected with Russ and Lisa on Uproar. They were part of the large group that checked in at Great Harbor 17 days ago. Also spoke with Donna from Bluejacket that we met at the boaters beach on Hog Cay in the Ragged Islands last year. Most importantly we met Ida and gave her the package from Sally. She remembered them right away and was happy receiving these items mostly for her church family. 

My next stop is to visit Lorraine‘s mom Peermon.  She is the woman who makes coconut bread. While I am buying a loaf I’m asking her questions about the process that I am using and getting tips from the master so hopefully my bread will continue to improve. 

Sometimes it’s just a bit more than a trickle

Off to get the reverse osmosis water. I have two 5 gallon containers and bring 30 gallons back to the boat. The water flow is slow and often others are getting water so it takes a few hours to transfer these 42 lb onto the boat and empty them. 

Sheri appreciates the ample storage lockers 

I appreciate the craftsmanship

Our late PM and night is spent first with Russ and Lisa on s/v Uproar then together at Emerald Sunset View Restaurant near our boat. They are accomplished sailors and racers and have done very well in the Bahamian  races. At the start of Covid they were in the French Polynesian islands working on the around the world trip when they were forced to stop. They had to ship their boat home. While he was there he worked with a naval architect to design a sailing Dory that he could carry on his sailboat. Last summer he built it and now he is finishing it. The 2 half’s join together when you want to sail and nest together on the deck when they travel. Also this talented & interesting couple sail a boat that draws 8 feet throughout the Bahamas.

Our waitress for the third year, Ebony, somehow remembers me. I always invite her to sit and we share pictures on our phones. 

A fine evening and departure to Little Farmers in the morning.