Nassau to the Highborne Cay, Exumas

     Even though the weather prediction was mostly the same as when we left Chub Cay, there was one major difference.  The predicted waves were on our nose and the wind and swell would be in the same direction. Besides, Nassau Harbor is very Rocky-Rolly, being continuously stirred up by the large boat traffic, so we left. This time I was right.  The trip was a bit bumpy but there was minimal rolling of Betsy, so we could travel at a constant 10 knots across the water slowing only for the numerous coral heads on the yellow bank.
     The forward scanner alerted us of the coral that was just below the surface but for the most part you could see them from 25 yards away, looming just under the surface.  There was plenty of time to alter course and go around them but it required concentration and the usual bickering between Beth and me that has plagued this trip, increased.
                                                                         

                                          Coral Heads just below water surface at low tide.

                                                                                  

     Arriving at Highborn Cay we were surprised to learn that they were full and had no slip to rent us, so we altered course and anchored off a beautiful soft sand beach in Bahamian turquoise colored water.  Late arrival boats and a triple masted schooner added substance to a softly settling firey globe.
                                                                               

                                                       Highborne Cay Anchorage                                                     

 
                                                                               

                                                                                  
  
     Later some friends, we had met in Nassau from the sailboat Prima showed up in their dinghy.
 John and Kim helped us quaff down, joke and laugh our way through a bottle of French wine and some Coors.  Promising to meet up in the morning at the marina we watched them disappear into the dark in their dinghy.
                                                                     

                                Linda and Huen bringing Lucky back from shore potty break.

                                                                         

                                                                                  

                                                                   
                                                                                 

     We were assigned a slip the next morning only to find out that we could only stay for a couple of days because the entire island was rented to someone who was having a birthday party and was putting on a concert. This was bad news for us because the weather was reportedly about to change to winds pushing 25 knots and 4 to 6 foot seas.  We have got to find shelter!
                                                                 

                                             Very large yachts at Highborne Cay Marina


                                                                                 

     Unfettered, Beth and Linda used the free bicycles to go to a nearby Beach and do some snorkeling  and shelling.
                                         (snorkling video to follow when better internet)

     Waiting patiently for one of the three marinas in this area to return my call, I decided to find a mooring or anchorage that is well protected.  The Exuma Land and Sea Park starts with Shroud Cay and there are moorings on the east side (the high winds will be coming from the north and west) so we will try to snag a mooring just in case we don't hear back from the marinas.
     The Megayachts have started to arrive at this marina.  I don't know who this gig is for but obviously they are throwing a BIG party because they have started construction on a large stage over where the sailboat Prima is anchored. Prima thought they would find a protected anchorage then return to see "What's going on!"  Ah! the decisions one has to make being retired in the Bahamas.
     Technically, the boat is running smooth but distracted, I inadvertently tightened up the chain on the winch too far and will have to free it before leaving the dock. Once done we will be leaving for the moorings on Shroud Cay today.