Wednesday, February 22, 2006

Andros, Bahamas

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Wednesday, February, 22, 2006, 14:26 UTC
Andros, Bahamas

Cody
Well, here we've reached the final day of our voyage, and I am now writing only the second ship's log. I guess that speaks volumes about how occupied we've been, and how immersed in the sea life we've gotten. We've made several stops along the way: Sampson Cay, Stanial Cay down to Georgetown. These stops gave us a chance to explore and seek out some adventure, relaxation and, above all else, beauty. Seeing some of the more undeveloped places the Bahamas has to offer really makes one appreciate the sheer, unaltered beauty within. I, for one, have a head full of gorgeous images as well as a much greater appreciation for the big blue sea.

Throughout the trip, we've taken in some fishing, kayaking and, best of all, sailing. There's nothing like seeing the fresh sea breeze fill up theses sails and take us for a ride. There have been some queasy stomachs among us, (myself included) but it is all very much worth it to experience such fun and joy as we have throughout. Yesterday was one of the more interesting days. On the way from the Exumas across to get to the Southern tip of Andros, we sort of had some technical difficulties. Captain Mark's depth measurement tool hasn't been working and around 2 PM, we all realized we were going through shallow areas in the middle of the ocean. A small piece of Green Cay could be seen (our destination for that day) among all the pristine water around. We found ourselves turning this way and that trying to avoid any potential grounding.to no avail. The Cap was trying his best using the dingy to push the boat off the bank, but we were deep in it. Steve and I tried to go underneath and see if digging up some of the sand would help, with not much result. So we were MAROONED. Ah, but what a place for it to happen. Nothing but gorgeous scenery as far as the eye could see. Stranded somewhere between Exuma and Andros, everything was right in the world. The Cap informed us that we'd have a chance to be free about midnight (high tide). So we just chilled and had a delicious meal, like we've been having all trip from Daddy, Chef Extraordinaire. Then as it got into the night and we started to get loose and eventually were free. It was a fun time regardless of the seemingly scary situation.

And so we come to today, the finale of our adventure and what a time we've had. There's been a lot of laughing, eating, sailing, and good times; times that will live on in my memory for years to come. We'll be reaching land in an hour or so where Steve and I will fly back to Nassau as my Mom and Dad move on to continue their trip. We thank Captain Mark for showing us such a wonderful side of the Bahamian geography and I think I speak for everyone in saying that I feel honored to have had such an amazing trip and feel extremely blessed that I had a chance to have such a wonderful experience. Until next time "Stray Cat," so long from the Lleidas, 'till we sail again

BON VOYAGE!!!!!

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

Allen's Cay, Bahamas

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Wednesday, February, 15, 2006, 13:39 UTC
Allen's Cay, Bahamas

Guest: Steve, Cody and the Lleidas

Our trip began by bringing our luggage on the boat and deciding who sleeps where. Then, before sailing off, we topped off the tanks with gas and we were ready to go. The cast of this journey includes Mom (Dolores), Dad (Chris), myself (Cody) and my good friend Steven and, of course, the star of the show, Captain Mark. Our first morning started off with some beautiful sunny weather with some chilly winds and a lot of excitement at the prospect of our journey. Our Captain Mark sat down with us and had a talk about all the safety procedures and how to handle all emergency situations. As we shipped off from Nassau on our trip through some of the Bahamian islands, we found that the wind was perfect for putting up the sails and basically LETTING IT RIP! So, my Dad and the Captain took care of putting up the sails, and then we really started moving. My Mom and Steve started getting a little seasick throughout the day, but a Gravol and a little R&R helped them a lot. My stomach is like an iron pot, yet I was feeling queasy, go figure. As the day wore on, I felt a little tired from lack of sleep the night before, so Steve and I watched Monster In Law (was funny) and then took a nap. Before I knew it, we were anchored in our spot right next to Allen's Cay and dinner was also ready. Captain Mark had cooked us some delicious steaks and my Dad cooked the rest (potatoes, veggies). I did my part by making the salad which, if I do say so myself, was quite good. After everyone was done, we all sat and talked about a wide variety of topics. From the animal kingdom to the Olympics to the origins of certain religions, we talked about a bunch of stuff. In any case, there was a bottle of wine that was nearly done and soon we all were tired after a long day on the ship and each shipped ourselves off to bed. Before I went to hit the sack, I stood outside for a cigarette and looked at all the other boats in the bay, and a pretty sight

Sunday, February 05, 2006

Hoppy

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Sunday, February, 05, 2006, 15:54 UTC
Rose island, Bahamas

Logging in as Guest
Jan 3rd to Feb. 5th , 2006
Last 5 days on board Stray Cat have been fun filled, exciting, relaxing, adventurous, and educational. Captains like Capt. Mark Pomerenke are a rare mix of teacher, storyteller, long lost friend, kindred spirit, and experienced and professional sailor, making a voyage with him very, very enjoyable. Good weather or even when it got a bit rough, he inspired self confidence and faith in his crew, without asking a thing of us but willing to let us lend a hand. He took us to coral gardens, islands packed with iguanas, interesting anchorages, giving us Not enough rope to hang ourselves but plenty of lead to let us have a great time.
Great dinners cooked on board by our crew, swimming, kayaking and snorkeling every day.On a beautiful boat with plenty of room. Caught some fish on our passage south from Nassau to the Exumas .ANDA great CD collection on board..Don't find that very oftenat all. My only regret is that it went too fast.

Hoppy

NNNN
/EX

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Wednesday, February 01, 2006

Day One

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Wednesday, February, 01, 2006, 17:25 UTC
Rose island, Bahamas

Tuesday, January 31, 2006

Meeting with Captain Mark was prolonged due to a miscommunication with the meeting spot. No worries because after it was all said and done we were on our way. A few dark clouds in the distance, but because of the expertise of our captain there was nothing to worry about. With massive quantities of food and fuel that would feed a jet airliner, we soon were headed towards the open seas. Or at least for us, towards Gilligan's Island. An island inside an island, only wish we could see the finished development of this new real estate being landscaped. We would stay the night here after meeting a few friends of the captains. Very friendly people, opened armed and full of suggestions on what we could do as for the next couple of days. The welcome at the island was very homely. It was a very nice initial chat, followed by a friendly gesture with a beautiful Conch Salad. Drinks seemed to take a hold of our anxiety as for what it seemed; most of us were pretty exhausted from our flights over. What felt like midnight was actually around 8 p.m... Didn't seem to bother the ones that were tired. They wondered off quickly and became the first victims of the ship. Eaten by the Queen size beds and comfortable sheets. An early night, but its too be expected here. Days will be long but adventurous as we were promised snorkeling and fishing tomorrow.

NNNN
/EX

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