Good to Go!

Our creative plan to receive the custom manufactured bell-housing worked - more or less.  Shipped to Ft. Lauderdale, then flown to Staniel Cay on Watermakers Air, the part was stuck at Staniel Cay Yacht Club. With no one available on this island to pick it up by boat, we made arrangements with Flamingo Air to fly it to Little Farmer's, but the only flight with the correct flight plan was for Friday, four days later. At Terry's suggestion, we had it put on the mail boat when it stopped by Staniel Cay Thursday.  But, when the mail boat arrived here, the captain mistakenly included the part with another order bound for another island, and off went the bell housing to the Research Center on Lee Stocking Island.  But cruisers came to the rescue!  The sailing catamaran, Nike, departed the Research Center Friday morning with our bell-housing.  A few hours later, the boat was on the mooring by us and we had our part.

Then, the fun began for Larry.  Several days later, he had the new bell-housing in and everything back together.  It didn't always go smoothly. Had this happened in the States, we would probably have used a boat yard (and Tow Boat US to pull us in), but that's not really an option in the Bahamas.  No boat yards in this area and certainly no Tow Boat. 

When it was time to start the engine and check for alignment, the engine wouldn't start, but eventually that problem was solved by repairing a wiring problem.  Then the engine over-heated and now that problem is solved (well, it seems to be).

While awaiting the part, we had two anchors out as well as being on a mooring.  This mooring field is in a little leg of water close to a shallow sandbar on the south west corner of Great Guana Cay, across the bay from Little Farmer's Cay.  With fronts containing strong winds (35knots +) and unable to start our engine, we put two anchors out.  To get out of this arrangement, Larry brought the CQR in by hand; then at high tide, we untied from the mooring and brought in the big Bruce anchor with the windlass (touching bottom several times). That's when the engine started overheating, but before we turned off the engine we were able to move to a bigger mooring ball in deeper water. 

After those really windy fronts, the weather is now nice and boats are on the move (other boats!).  We've met new cruisers and caught up with past acquaintances. We were glad to have a nice visit with Jim and Nancy on Solitaire.  Ocean Cabin is a popular gathering place daily at 5:00 for cruisers, many of whom stay for the best lobster, cracked conch, and conch fritters in the Bahamas. The restaurant is so well known that boaters stop here going down the Exuma chain and again when going back up the Exuma chain.  Not only is the food delicious, but Terry and Ernestine are great hosts and island treasures.  After dinner, they lead the group in singing the Little Farmer's theme song.  Guests are made to feel special.  Last year, we were there for my birthday.  Lots of friends (some new), great food, birthday song and cake!  Thursday night, a couple was celebrating their 43th birthday.  Of course, Terry had found a Happy Anniversary song that everyone sang, or at least tried to.

Beautiful Little Farmer's is one of our favorite stops.  All the island residents are friendly and helpful.  Little Jeff and the other local fisherman are back at the docks everyday about one, cleaning their fish, conch, lobster and selling it to those of us looking forward to a very fresh dinner.  They are also always available to take people out to fish or dive. Today we purchased a grouper and a lobster to grill for dinner tonight.  All very delicious.

 Saturday morning - leaving for Georgetown, about 40 nautical miles.