Tropical Storm Erika has dissipated into a wave that not
even NOAA wants to waste time reporting.
Mother Nature once again smiles upon us this hurricane season, but true
to form, we sailors take her very seriously and we will continue to watch with due
caution and be alert to other systems that may develop behind her.
So we feel good about our schedule. We paced ourselves in the heat and put the main
sail back on this morning and bring the anchors back to the boat from the bike
rack. We will reconnect them to the
anchor rode and put our safety wire back on.
This evening we will put the head sail back on fore stay, the Honda
outboard on the stern rail, flush the Nissan with fresh water and stow it in the
locker and secure the dinghy in the davits. Cushions back in the cockpit, buy fresh groceries, and then … D takes
the truck back tomorrow and takes greyhound bus back next day, quick turn-around! As Anne and Laura say, “get out fast, vamonos!”
before the next storm delays our sail.
Enough with the delays.
Good always comes from these exercises, so we are grateful
to be in a safe harbor in the event of a hurricane, and we plan to be safe in the
Bahamas, too. There are fewer hurricane
holes and more low level islands, so we got on our charts and gave it some
serious thought. Andros has some protection
and Ships Channel in the Exumas has some high ground, but we thought – how about
being close to Florida for a quick run to shelter given a big storm? If you get a chance, look up Walker's Cay, the
northern most island of the Abacos and Bahamas – it’s got a great hurricane
hole and its close to Florida.
Prevailing winds are easterly, so theoretically, a pleasant long day
sail to coast of Florida, and safe harbor in Titusville. Then back to the Bahamas to explore the south
islands after the season.
Who knows
Mother Nature may continue to smile upon us the rest of hurricane season. Let’s hope so!
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