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Barney and Diane
a travel blog by
barneyanddiane
This will detail Barney and Dianes adventures around the world on whichever yacht they happen to be on in the summer and wherever they ski in the winter
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Back to Sea Gal for another Summer in New England
Deltaville VA USA
,
United States
It took away from France back to our yacht
It took us 2 minutes to decide that our yacht needed us. We took the cheapest flight we could find, which was via Iceland ( only a couple of weeks after a big volcano erupted and closed europes air space for a week)
Viking beer in Iceland
As you can see we were happy get moving and back towards Sea Gal.
Viking beer in Iceland
Having some appropriately named Viking beer in Iceland to celebrate.
Hard work in the boat yard
Back in the yard with with Frankie and the gang.
Hannah & Crystal
Meeting Hannah the new member of the team.
Glad to see her lifted back to the water
We were very happy to see Sea Gal lifted out of the stands and put back in the water for our next adventure.
The Liquidator ( sounds like a kitchen appliance )
A few sights to get used to back in the USA, the rather over powered boats that you see on the waterways, this one of the more lurid examples. Loud, gas guzzling and named after a kitched appliance.
Dont walk to beach, drive.
I remember in my childhood driving for miles down country lanes to then walk to deserted beaches carrying our lunch and towels to find the perfect deserted spot. The exact opposite seems to be driving your truck on to the beach and parking next to your neighbour just so you dont waste any energy that may be needed to flip the burger on the BBQ.
Our second fish ever !
Whilst waiting for Di to get ready to go out, which is not usually very long compared to your average woman, I caught our 2nd fish ever. Lucky for the fish we were going out, so he went swimming.
Finaly started to paint the deck
We finally started the long and awkward job of painting the deck, particularly awkward when you are living on the boat. It took about 7 months in the end.
Sunset from Newport
A quick stop in Newport on the way north to book a Yacht Master course and admire the sunsets.
Small islands and lobster pots to avoid
We headed up to Maine again to explore the small rocky inlets and islands, trying to avoid the lobter pots on the way.
Low tide
Tidal ranges are high, but anchorages are plentiful and often empty.
Leaving a perfect anchorage
Places like this held us for several days before we felt we better move on to the next.
Another anchorage in the forests of Maine
The next was just as nice as the last.
At one with the solar panels
A skipper at one with his solar panels. Extra 2 installed this year to make 4 kept us self sufficient in the sunnier climates. In the rainier places ( like Gloucester ) not so much.
Mount Desert summer 'cottages'
We made it as far north as Mount Desert where we spend the week hiding from a hurricane and admiring the large and small holiday cottages that graced the shore.
At anchor in Maine, Penobscot Bay
In general we just enjoyed spending time in a peacful and temperate land drifting here and there on our home, Sea Gal.
written by
barneyanddiane
on August 14, 2010
from
Deltaville VA USA
,
United States
from the travel blog:
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Heading south from Maine to warmer places
Rockland
,
United States
After spending the
Summer
enoying the peace and beauty of Maine, we then realised why it was not so busy, it was getting cold pretty quickly. So like good snow-birds, we headed south.
Newport Bridge in the mist
First stop was Newport RI for Barney to complete a 2 week yacht master course and exam.
GFellow students on the Yachtmaster course
A week in the classroom, then a week off to hide from a gale, then a week day sailing to get my Yacht Master Offshore CI. Its been a long time coming. Passed with flying colours, I think I was the only one in doubt. Got a good qualification and met some great new friends.
Cruise ship
Whilst we were in Newport we met up with an old repping friend if Di's, Michelle, who was working on this cruise ship, so we got to have a look around. We still prefer our SeaGal.
Sewing cushion covers
After Newport we headed back into the
Chesapeake
, and a quick trip to Annapolis, MD. We did some shopping in SailRite for sewing materials and Di started on the long project of renewing the blue fabric on the boat. First step was the cockpit chushion covers.
Supplies!
Next stop was Deltaville to visit a few friends in our favourite boat yard. Liz and Chris on
Zulia
were still completing the longest fitout in history ( 3years and counting). We stocked up on beer. After exhaustive research we discovered that Virginia was the cheapest place to buy beer on the east coast of the USA. $11 for a case of 24. It wasnt enough.
written by
barneyanddiane
on October 1, 2010
from
Rockland
,
United States
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Down the ICW to Florida
Norfolk
,
United States
Waiting for the lock
We left Deltaville and headed down the ICW to find some warmth further south. We finally met with snow-birds heading south for the winter, which made the trip more interesting, if crowded. Here we were waiting for the lock to
Enter
the Dismal swamp canal, early in the morning.
In the lock at the Dismal swamp
In the lock with other cruisers bounbd for
The Bahamas
Dismal swamp. Not dismal just long.
Once in the Dismal swamp it was a long days motor down a tree lined canal. A little different to the alternative of rounding cape Hatteras with an opposing wind.
Staff accomodation is never glam
And more to see on the canal than on the open sea.
You wouldnt want that up your stern
Tghe canal had some funding to dredge the shallower parts with this pretty mean looking tool.
Testing the washdown pump
Whilst under way we had time for some work. Barney installed a new wash down system to jet wash the mud from the anchor when we pulled up black stuff from the bottom.
DI working hard making chushion covers
Di continues with the sewing projects.
Working hard growing the porn tash
Barney also worked hard at his new porn tash. Didnt last long.
Sunset on the ICW
Always enjoyed the sunsets in the sheltered anchorages.
written by
barneyanddiane
on October 15, 2010
from
Norfolk
,
United States
from the travel blog:
Barney and Diane
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Crossing to the Bahamas
Lake Worth
,
United States
A rare view of othe boats sailing on the ICW
In the last stretches of the ICW the weather was warmer, the winds gentle. On very windy days we stayed on the canals and sailed in calm waters, on reasonable days we sailed offshore and when there was no wind we rested or did some jobs. Surprisingly few boats used sails in the ICW, even with a fair wind. We feel we inspired a few to try.
Fellow sailing boats on the ICW
Of all the other boatswe met on the ICW heading south, this was the only one that sailed all the way. He had an old Sea Gul outboard to get him through bridges and once lit a fire on deck, but later said it was not a good idea on his wooden boat. He was mad as a brush.
Fuel dock with the big boys
In Lake Worth we filled up with all that was cheap in the USA. Fuel at a super yacht marina and endless trips to the super market for food and beer, and lots of stuff for future projects to keep us busy.
Cleaning the fore peak, before
Whilst waiting for the weather to be favourable we continued with the improvments on Sea Gal. Di cleaned the forepeak.
Here before.
Cleaning the fore peak, after
And after.
Di painting the fore peak
Later painted in time for our Christmas visitor.
New mug rack
I made a nice new mug holder to hit my head on.
New sauce rack
and sauce rack for our HP, marmite and peanut butter.
Smooth pasage across the Gulf Stream
Eventually the weather forcast was good to head across the gulf stream for the Bahamas. We left very early in the morning the make the best of the days light on arrival, had a very smooth crossing to memory rock.
Sailing on the ICW
We arrrived in Bahamian waters and hoisted our yellow customs flag. This stays up until you clear customs, which was a few days as we had some weather coming to hold us up.
Clear blue water of the Bahamas
We enjoyed our first view of the clear waters of the Bahamas, with the white sand giving an amazing turquoise on a calm day.
Stormy weather over Great Sale Cay
The first night we anchored on the east side of Great Sale Cay. The recomended anchorage is on the West side, but we had a strong westerly forecast for 48 hours. Our anchorage was not the best and quite bumpy and times, but when we dragged anchor we had 50 miles until the next piece of land. Not so for a couple on a Bavaria in the western anchorage who dragged onto the beach and had a US CG helicopter take them home. The saga playing out took our minds of our own discomfort.
THe weather soon cleared and we made our way to Green Turtle Cay to finally check in and enjoy arriving in a new country.
Cocktails in the Bahamas at last
Any woe's were quickly forgotten with our new stock of rum and a 'pain killer' cocktail.
written by
barneyanddiane
on December 12, 2010
from
Lake Worth
,
United States
from the travel blog:
Barney and Diane
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Christmas in the Bahamas
Treasure Cay
,
The Bahamas
Stocking by the fire of course
After our long journey and many adventures to get to this new country, we needed a rest. What better excuse than some Christmas celebrations.
Richard visted for christmas
We were joined for 2 weeks by Richard (Dianes Dad). Richard joined us in
Marsh Harbour
, unfortunatley without his luggage, so we waited a couple of days for it and found the time to stop up on bottles of Christmas cheer, mainly rum and Baileys. After no luggage was forthcoming Richard bought a shirt and we set of for Treasure Cay.
Windy Boxing day in the Bahamas
The weather was expected to be quite windy around Christmas so we found a good spot in the middle of the Treasure Cay
Marina
resort, battened doen the hatches and hung up our stockings.
Christmas presents
Christmas was spent openning all our lovely presents and scattering the content around the boat.
Christmas dinner with al the trimmings
Di made us a fantastic turkey dinner with all the trimmings. In case you are wondering its not a pint of Baileys, we just dont have a gravy boat. Baileys came later.
Beers in a beach bar on a chilly boxing day
On Boxing day we headed out to a local bar for a beer and lunch. Richards luggage finally arrived so he could change out of that shirt.
Traditional walk on the beach at christmas
We enjoyed a short walk on the Treasure Cay beech, meant to be one of the top 10 beeches in the world. With the white sand and turquoise water it was OK, but we found many more places just as nice, but unspoilt by development and tourists.
written by
barneyanddiane
on December 25, 2010
from
Treasure Cay
,
The Bahamas
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Barney and Diane
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January in the Bahamas
Marsh Harbour
,
The Bahamas
Visiting the beach
After a quiet Christamas in Treasure Cay it was time to explore some more of the Abacos. We visited a few
Island
s, this photo was on Lynyard Cay in the way to Little Harbor, home of Petes Pub, where we enjoyed a nice lunch and some punch or two.
Surpisingly chilly at times
The weather in the Abacos at this time of year was fine most of the time, but surprisingly chilly when the
North
wind blew.
Playing with the Christmas jigsaw
Luckily when the weather was not so good we had present to play with from Christmas
New years eve dinner at the yacht club
For New Years eve we were back in
Green Turtle Cay
. Richards treated us to dinner at the yacht club.
New Years day Juncanoo
New Years day saw the Junkanoo parade. Traditionally the slaves of the origional settlers were given very little time off, one days a year, usually new years day, so they celebrated. The tradition continues as parades and festivals all over
The Bahamas
. The parade consists of bright costumes and most of the participants banging loud drums. Just what you need with a new years day hangover.
Ever vigilant
The proceding were organsied in laid back
Island
style.
Hammock Testing
When the weather was fine we had time to test the new hammock.
Hammock Testing
If I can just get it started
We also visited
Hope Town
and Great
Guana
Cay, then returned to
Marsh Harbour
for Richard to catch his return flight.
written by
barneyanddiane
on January 10, 2011
from
Marsh Harbour
,
The Bahamas
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Barney and Diane
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On to Eleuthra
Governor's Harbour
,
The Bahamas
Glass window
From the Abacos we thought it time to head further south in search of warmer climes. We crossed to the
North
of Eleuthera from Cherokee Point to Royal
Island
in the company of several boats all choosing the windy
North
ern weather to fly accross, rather that the prevailing southerly. We would meet up with with many of these boats time and again as our paths crossed on the voyage south.
After Royal
Island
we went through current cut and crossed to anchor near this bridge that joins two parts of the
Island
that bairly touch. It is known as the glass window.
First beach BBQ
That night we invited the crew of Vontana, Ryan, Alexis and Luma, to our first beach BBQ, first of many.
SeaGal and Vontana watch or fire
Pyramid
We continues south, found some very cheap moorings in Hatchett Bay, some very cheap rum in Governers Harbour and then ran to
Rock Sound
to hide out another weather system. This picture taken when we went ashore for a picnic to escape from cabin fever. Maybe not such a good idea after all.
Root cave
As the weather improved we explored this town and surroundings. This cave system south of town has some amazing root systems growning down ito it and was a great place for a picnic with our new friends.
Exploring root caves
written by
barneyanddiane
on January 26, 2011
from
Governor's Harbour
,
The Bahamas
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Barney and Diane
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On to the Exumas
Allens Cay, Bahamas
,
The Bahamas
Crossing to the Exumas
We had reached the end of Eleuthera, the weather was getting better, it was time to cross to the Exumas. We had a beautiful crossing and anchored behind Ship Channel Cay. Not a great anchorage and a bit rolly for our little boat. Then next day we moved to the smallest anchorage we could find. We had to enter at high tide, and then we only had 5ft of water. Difficult to enter, but very sheltered and quiet. We spent a few days relaxing and swimming.
Allens Cay anchorage
The next stop was Allens Cay, famous for its Giant Iguanas. The anchorage got pretty crowded as it was the normal first stop from Nassau. Every afternoon tripper boats would unload on the beach for 10 minutes, then rush off and leave us in peace.
Iguanas in Allens Cay
First lobster supper
We bumped into Paul and Liz from Jalan Jalan who we had met in Rock Sound. An english couple who had been around the world, and now sail just around he Bahamas. The english humour took a while to remember, but we soon remembered how to be dry,sarcastic and talk about the weather. Paul turned up to our boat with a spare lobster tail. He had ben fishing and got a bit carried away, so we helped him out and enjoyed our first lobster dinner, of many.
Our favourite anchorage
Further south we found our favourite anchorage, deserted due to the difficult entry, but sheltered. Plenty of snorkling, with a few lobsters to find. A well on the island for fresh water, what more could you want.
The first Stack Pack made, and its maker.
DI found a few days to concentrate on the project of renewing all the blue canvas on the boat. With the cockpit cushions completed, the next was the sail covers. We decided to make Stack Packs so as to make the large main easier to control. Di made the mizzen stack pack first so as to practice the design on a smaller scale. It looks and works like a dream.
Exploring into Shroud Cay
Next stop was Shroud Cay. This first Cay in the Exumas Land and Sea park. We explored the rivers and mangrove swamps in the dinghy.
Ray, our friendly guide
We followed this friendly ray through the island as he showed us the deeper parts of the river.
Meeting the ocean on the other side
At the other side of the island where it meets the ocean was a beautiful pool for swimming.
Resting after a hard day
AFter a hard days exploring there was just one thing lef to do.
Treasure
written by
barneyanddiane
on February 1, 2011
from
Allens Cay, Bahamas
,
The Bahamas
from the travel blog:
Barney and Diane
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February and on to George Town
George Town
,
The Bahamas
We continued south.
Waderwick Wells
The next Island was Waderwick Well, which is also the headquarters for the Land and Sea Park. Many days amusement was has listening the people on the radio calling up Waderwick Wells and me thinking of the Monty Python 'Welease Woger' scene from Life of Brian.
Sunset at anchor
The park had many moorings, but charged lots of money, so we anchored near to the park headquarters and had a much more peacful time.
Trees in holes
We walked the trails ashore to explore the natural beauty and to get into holes with trees.
Quieter anchorage
Sunset were always good.
Making the stack pack
Di continues with the sewing projects, here making the main stack pack.
New screens
I made some new screens for the companion ways.
Swimming Pigs
Further south was Staniel Cay. We made sure to visit the swimming pigs, who were enthusiastic to see us at first, then just lay down to sleep as soon as they realised we didnt have any food.
Scrubbing the bottom of the boat standing on the ground.
We found another difficult to enter anchorage with very shallow water in behind Thomas Cay in the Pipe Cay channel. JUst deep enough for the boat to float and shallow enough to stand and scub its bottom.
Conch hunting with Paul and Liz
In Staniel Cay we met up with Paul and Liz again who took us Conch hunting. They dont run fast, but the bigger ones seem to be in the deeper water so take some finding.
Di caught a lovely pair of Conchs
After diving to find our fill we went to a beach to receive instruction on how to extract the meat from the shell and which bits to eat and which bits to chop.
Preparing Conch
Lots of work cutting slimmy skin off.
Making Conch fritters
The end results were lots of tasty conch fritters.
Busy anchorage at George Town
Further South is George Town. The end of the line for many as they spend the winter here. There is a large sheltered anchorage, shops, water fuel and a lively social life. Although an idilic setting it didnt feel very away from it all with so many others in the same spot. Trying to find a spot for you dinghy on a beach was never a problem before.
a Mix and Mingle
We took the opportunity to fill with food, rum and water and even had time for some socializing. Here at a 'bring a plate' ( with some food on it) to a rather lovely beach.
The quiet side of Stocking Island
It was still easy to find some peace and quiet if you walked for 15 minutes to the other side of the island.
Husking coconuts
Paul and Liz took us to a driftwood bar made on the beach and amused themselves watching us trying to get into some coconuts. After a couple of weeks it was time to head on south to some less travelled paths.
written by
barneyanddiane
on February 17, 2011
from
George Town
,
The Bahamas
from the travel blog:
Barney and Diane
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South from Gorgetown to the Ragged Islands
George Town
,
The Bahamas
Still amazed at the blue
We left Georgetown and the crowds of cruisers and headed to the Ragged
Island
s, or Jumentos Cays as they are also known. These Cays are less inhabited, more spread out and with less shelter than the Exumas, so in theory quieter and off the beaten track. There were still a few adventurous boats to be found wandering in packs as was to be expected as it is the one of the 'uncharted' areas that have just been charted!
Fishing works
The water was as blue as ever, clean and full of fish. Mainly we caught Baracuda. Scary looking and often not good to eat as they have poisonous ciguatera they retain from reefs, we took no chances and put them back.
Baracuda in a box!
Sail covers finished
On most of the
Island
s we saw no-one, the occasional pack of cruisers all huddling together. We got weather forecast from an old SSB radio. Although we had no proper antenea we clipped it to the rigging and managed to get good reception and enough forecast to know when to sail and when to stay. Di had finished the sail covers and SeaGal looked smarter every day.
Another anchorage
Most days were spent sitting at anchor, with the occasional sail to a new
Island
. A few walks and swims ending in a BBQ.
Beach BBQ
Our favourite evenings were spent sitting on the beach burning drift wood, enjoying BBQ lobster and Conch and a cold beer.
Sunset BBQ
Then watching the sun set over the boat and wondering what to do the next day. Swim, sail, fish or bugger all.
First of many,
We eventually found or first lobster and after an underwater
Chase
managed to catch him. Slowly getting braver, sometimes even without the gloves.
Di's handmade card from things on the boat
Di made this fantastic B'day card for one of her nephews with bis from the beach and the boat. Old main sail and topside paint made the boat come alive.
written by
barneyanddiane
on March 10, 2011
from
George Town
,
The Bahamas
from the travel blog:
Barney and Diane
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