The Latest Front Passes Around Us

Big Majors   

I slept well, awoke at my regular time, and made my way to the pilot house to watch the sunrise. Initially neither my eyes nor camera were focusing very well. There was a little chill in the air so I pulled out my light blanket while waiting for the sun to rise over Big Majors. Some sunlight and warmth helped to bring things back into focus. Following breakfast, I got my stretching done and we prepared to go ashore. We had a few things we wanted to do and/or get before the next front moved through in the afternoon. It was a wet dinghy ride and we were both soaked upon our arrival. Apparently a significant number of other cruisers had a similar plan. Parking spots at the dinghy landing were in short supply. Thick gray clouds moved into the area. 

Barry topped off the dinghy's gas tank once more and we disposed of bag of stinky trash since we could. While I waited for him to return, I admired the bougainvillea. We enjoyed a nice lunch at Staniel Cay Yacht Club. The bun brand on his sandwich was a nice touch. Afterwards we walked up to the two grocery stores to check on a few items that would have been nice to have. The pink store did not have any, and the blue store (Burke's) was closed for lunch. Rather than wait another 45 minutes for their return, we decided to accept the outcome and make our way back down the road as a light rain began to fall. Luck and timing were not in our favor as the shop at Staniel Cay Adventures was also closed for lunch.   

We admired the spider lily and squash vines (with large yellow blooms) on our farewell stroll through town. It was another wet trip back to Crossroads, but we made it without issue. The dinghy was raised to the upper deck in preparation for the squall. Our planned appys with Paradigm Shift were cancelled as we all sat and watched the approaching clouds, and each other, out the pilot house door and windows. The clouds thickened and we heard the rumble of thunder in the distance.

A light rain fell for several minutes and the wind increased and clocked around. Here at Big Majors we were in a clear zone and missed the heavier activity. The clouds moved out to the east and the wind shifted to the northwest. Crossroads resettled nicely after the change in wind direction, but several boats did drag anchor. The VHF radio was lively with frantic chatter. A few more squalls will move through before we can move out.