Headed out to make way to our next anchorage spot called Bird Cay.  We did not have as much wind as we had hoped so we did some motor sailing but that was a great opportunity to put the fishing poles out.  A few hours into the trip we had a hit on one of the poles.  As we reeled it in we can tell it was a snaggle tooth barracuda in need of a really good orthodontist.  He was a real fighter making it hard to get him off the hook to release him.  We reset the pole and got another hit, now we are getting excited thinking we were going to have fish for dinner.  As luck would have it or not have it, it was nice sized trigger fish but he got off the hook just before we could grab him.  After traveling 52 NM, we dropped the anchor in a inlet between Bird Cay and Whale Cay but it would not set, to much rock and coral so we moved to a more sandy bottom area and the hook set great.  We decided that we would stay here for two nights, the anchor was set, and the view was beautiful.  The water was so clear you could see to the bottom, which made it very inviting for a late afternoon swim.  Because there was a slight incoming tide we hooked up a line and a floating fender to swim with and make it easier to get back to the boat.  Which  has since been nicknamed Wilson (corny but appropriate)

After dinner we celebrated with a bit of the bubbly with another beautiful sunset followed by a perfect full moon.

Next day we woke to another beautiful morning, no one around but us.  You could hear the birds in the near by trees and mangroves chirping in sync with the water hitting the shoreline.  Time to be adventurous and get the dinghy in the water to do a little exploring.  Sadly the outboard motor was misbehaving again and would not start, so we rowed to shore instead. We had read that both Bird Cay and Whale Cay were private islands but could not find any info as to who owned them but did find some interesting information of its past, fascinating.

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Once we got to shore there was a “private island” sign.  So we just walked the shore line but the temptation to walk inland more was rough. 

We made our way back to the boat so Walter could do so diagnostics on the outboard, still no luck.  We had planned on sailing toward Nassau but now it was a for sure destination so we can work on the outboard or find someone to fix it for us.  We took off at first light and head south. 

We made reservations at Point Marina for the next few days.  Point Marina is a part of the Margaritaville experience.  Wow, it is like Disney for adults.  Not to mention the marina is right by the cruise ship terminal.  5 ships docked, times 5000 passengers each, equals 25,000 people poured in to the streets of Nassau all ready to party and have a good time. By that night they were all leaving, pretty impressive to see these big metal monsters gracefully pull out, they don’t make a sound, just glide by.

Working on a outboard while on the boat can be a challenge.  We hoisted it up into the cockpit for easy access and catch any parts if they drop and don’t end up in the water. 

 Engine status to follow.