Front

We are in Spanish Wells, Eleuthera sitting out our first cold front of the season. In the Bahamas cold fronts have the most impact on the wind direction and speed, lowering the temperature just a little. For example, yesterday’s low temperature here was 81° (it was indeed hot and humid) and today’s low temperature was 67°. We rarely see a temperature that low in the Bahamas. Since the front arrived last night the winds have been in the 20’s, gusting into the 30’s. Breeze On is tied to a mooring ball in the well-protected harbor—and is only about 100 yards from shore—so we have been able to go to shore twice today with ease. 

Our trip from West End to Spanish Wells was probably the easiest one we have had since leaving home. After a few hours of occasional bashing over waves, the wind shifted and we were able to comfortably motor sail. By midnight the wind picked up enough to allow us to turn the engine off and sail the rest of the trip. We were in an area with numerous ships—cruise ships, tankers, cargo ships, and tugs pulling barges—but had to change course slightly just once to allow more room for the tug pulling an enormous barge to pass. Just before sunrise, when we were five miles from Spanish Wells, we anchored the boat in relatively shallow water to run the water maker (desalinator) to fill the tank with fresh water. 

We went to shore today to run a few errands, including a trip to the very nice Spanish Wells Food Fair. While we were in a marine store asking for a fuel filter—we have spares but wanted to buy an additional—we were directed to a different store on the island. When we asked where the store was located another customer, Martin, said he would take us in his golf cart. The three of us piled into the front of his golf cart and off were went. The people in the Bahamas are so nice. 

                                                                                                 Reflection of the sunrise on a storm cloud in the west. 

                                                                                         They really like decorating for Christmas here in Spanish Wells. 

                                            The Spanish Wells Food Fair. In spite of the fact that the produce shelves were a bit sparse today, we still found what we needed.