Janice Moyer aboard Dances with Dolphins
Lost Spear
It started innocently. When we bought our boat many years ago, part of the inventory included a Hawaiian Sling. A Hawaiian Sling is used for hunting fish and lobster underwater. It consists of two parts, a "shooter" and spear. The spear is a stainless steel rod about 6 foot long and one quarter inch diameter, with a barb on the end that opens to hold the fish. The shooter propels the spear with rubber band over fairly short distances. Typically one has to be within 2 feet of the target to be effective at all, but more realistically, 6-12 inch launch distances are used to ensure a catch.
Years ago, when Wes was first asked to hunt with others, he showed up with his sling and spear. One spear. The others, sporting 3-5 spears each, and backup slings, asked about his "spares". Apparently it was like golf, you brought more than one ball. Of course, Wes was considering the 6'' shooting distance and wondering just how you could lose a spear. He had practised to be accurate, shooting rocks, and some small fish and was quite confident that one spear would do fine.
The first time Wes shot and hit a larger fish, about 12 lbs, he was surprised to see his spear disappear as the grouper made a wild dash into the holes and tunnels under the coral. The sound is unmistakable, "Ding, Ding, Ding, ding, ding, done." as the spear, pulled by the desperate fish, bent and slowed down as it crashed against the coral tunnels.
Now, Wes isn't cheap, but he sure as heck wasn't about to lose his spear and a tasty meal at the same time. Every tiny hole into the coral was examined to discover where the pair ended up. Twenty or thirty snorkel dives later, up comes the spear and fish. The spear, now with a broad curve in it, was bent "straight" several times before accuracy was regained.
Over the years, Wes has found several spears of various diameters and lengths and now has :"more than one ball in his golf bag". He still hasn't bought one. Let's just call him frugal.
Our latest episode changed everything. His spear, now resting in a large fish comfortably in a deep hole under the coral, is the target of many dives to recover both. As the fish bled, and grunted, and bled, Wes continued to try to find a way to retrieve his prize.
As the time lengthened more and more inhabitants of the coral became interested. Other groupers showed up, teasing Wes with their daring approaches as his spear was otherwise occupied.
We have seen sharks become interested in our catches before, but typically nurse sharks or reef sharks less than 5 foot long, circle around the area at a respectful distance to a larger competitor. Wes has been able to retrieve the fish and spear prior to serious interest from them.
This time was different, a 6 foot bull shark appeared, and made tight circles directly around the catch and Wes. Wes swam quickly back to the small rubber boat that was our fishing vessel and boarded with a spryness that was impressive.
Sharks will often circle a few times, and then move off to again track the scent in order to find a meal. After waiting a short while, watching the shark circle, Wes lost sight of it. I suggested that perhaps we should just leave the spear and fish, Wes indicated that he could just jump int and grab the spear since it was so close.
Donning his mask, he leaned far over the edges of the boat to look again at where his catch was, and see if the shark had made it's retreat.
Wes was lying with his stomach on the edge of the boat, his head well underwater when he turned and yelled "down, down". Seeing his legs rise up as if he was trying to dive in, and knowing how much he hated to lose a spear and catch, I helped raise his legs to launch him off the boat.
Apparently the shark had not vacated, and was making a turn back towards the boat. Wes, understandably, did not want to get in, but rather to get out of the water. His "down, down" shout was meant to hold down his legs so he could raise his head out of the water.
As he twisted himself back into the boat, he sputtered, "NO, NO, Out, Out", Well, at least the objective was clear. We're leaving the spear!
We found the spear two days later some distance from where it was lost.
Yup, I checked, his insurance is still in force!
-------------------------------------------------
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Saturday, December 22, 2012
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Up Date
Been quite a while since my last post so here's a bit of a catch up:
> Thankfully I've only had to deal with one hurricane threat so far this
> season, lets keep our fingers crossed going forward. That storm was a near
> miss for the Bahamas, the strongest wind was mostly felt in gusts at around
> 45 kts. It was a rain event in most areas but the last thing New Orleans
> needed was a rain event. My guests at the time were relieved when I let
> them know they would miss the main event by one day when they would be
> safely at home.
> Maintenance issues this year were double that of most years in expenses
> and hassle factor.
> I had to haul the boat three times for out of the water work, then things
> just started to wear out like:
> The ceramic top stove, the water heater, freezer, refrigerator, Port
> transmission, anchor, chain, rode, Genoa, starboard head, at the helm VHF
> radio, radar, motor mounts of both engines, props reconditioned on both
> sides. All up $44,000; that bites but it's nice to have new stuff, ha!
> BOAT=break out another thousand, lol.
> Stray Cat is back in the water here in West Palm Beach looking pretty and
> set to go back to the Bahamas where I had such a good season in the Exumas
> Islands. The water is always crystal clear there but this season, well it
> just took my breath away.
> Sadly my older sister Pat passed away after an eight week battle with
> cancer. I was able to get away to New Hampshire to be with her and other
> family members before she passed. The cycle continues, my Granddaughter
> Kathryn gave birth to a beautiful baby girl named Ellie. I now have six
> great grand daughters.
> I went to Honduras to check the Bay Islands as a possible place to
> relocate. I'm still thinking about that. I will be going to Cancun around
> the holidays to spend a week with my children, an annual thing we all enjoy.
> I'm looking forward to the winter/spring season in the Exumas with new
> guests and past friends of Stray Cat.
> Mark
>
-------------------------------------------------
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> Thankfully I've only had to deal with one hurricane threat so far this
> season, lets keep our fingers crossed going forward. That storm was a near
> miss for the Bahamas, the strongest wind was mostly felt in gusts at around
> 45 kts. It was a rain event in most areas but the last thing New Orleans
> needed was a rain event. My guests at the time were relieved when I let
> them know they would miss the main event by one day when they would be
> safely at home.
> Maintenance issues this year were double that of most years in expenses
> and hassle factor.
> I had to haul the boat three times for out of the water work, then things
> just started to wear out like:
> The ceramic top stove, the water heater, freezer, refrigerator, Port
> transmission, anchor, chain, rode, Genoa, starboard head, at the helm VHF
> radio, radar, motor mounts of both engines, props reconditioned on both
> sides. All up $44,000; that bites but it's nice to have new stuff, ha!
> BOAT=break out another thousand, lol.
> Stray Cat is back in the water here in West Palm Beach looking pretty and
> set to go back to the Bahamas where I had such a good season in the Exumas
> Islands. The water is always crystal clear there but this season, well it
> just took my breath away.
> Sadly my older sister Pat passed away after an eight week battle with
> cancer. I was able to get away to New Hampshire to be with her and other
> family members before she passed. The cycle continues, my Granddaughter
> Kathryn gave birth to a beautiful baby girl named Ellie. I now have six
> great grand daughters.
> I went to Honduras to check the Bay Islands as a possible place to
> relocate. I'm still thinking about that. I will be going to Cancun around
> the holidays to spend a week with my children, an annual thing we all enjoy.
> I'm looking forward to the winter/spring season in the Exumas with new
> guests and past friends of Stray Cat.
> Mark
>
-------------------------------------------------
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message if that includes the text of this original
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to: "Mark" <WDE2159@sailmail.com>
If you DO use your reply button, be sure to delete
the original message text and these instructions
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Replies should not contain attachments and should be
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in the Maritime Mobile Radio Service, operated by the
SailMail Association, a non-profit association of yacht
owners. For more information on this service or on the
SailMail Association, please see the web site at:
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Friday, June 22, 2012
A Bahamas Adventure
The Texas group met up in Nassau on Monday. After a Bahamian dinner at the
Sea Heaven, a walk along the beach and a good night's sleep at the Towne
Hotel, we hit the Yacht Haven Tuesday morning to meet Captain Mark,
Chef-Mate Deb and to see Stray Cat. She's a beautiful 45-foot Privilege
Catamaran, ready to be set free from the dock to do what she was designed
to do – sail!
But first things first. Cabin assignments and a safety talk. Then off. The
first night is usually spent at Rose Island to get folks accustomed to life
aboard. But with the winds and seas just right, the Captain decided to make
for Allen Cay and so we were off.
To describe the entire 6 days in detail would take a book so here are just
some of the highlights:
*Day One:*
Nassau to Allen Cay: Under sail from Nassau. Visit the Iguanas, snorkel,
and anchor out at Allen Cay with Cornish Game Hens for dinner (well worth
the money for the Chef – three gourmet meals a day plus snacks and no one
had to cook or do dishes!!).
*Day 2:*
There's nothing like getting up, eating breakfast in the cockpit and then
going snorkeling! Perfect start to the day. Haul up the anchor and it's off
to Highbourne Cay for a visit to the store to get ice and to see the nurse
sharks that hang around the marina waiting for folks to clean fish and give
them the scraps. Left Highbourne and went to Norman's Cay for the night. Fresh
Grouper for dinner (after a lunch of burgers and bratwurst).
*Day 3:*
Motored from Norman's to Warderick Wells Cay and the Exuma Land and Sea
Park. No anchoring here so a couple of us helped pick up a mooring ball.
Captain Mark took us to shore in the dinghy so we could hike BooBoo Hill –
a bit of a rocky walk so sandals not recommended as footwear for the hike.
But along the way you can see Mangroves up close and, at the top, Blow
Holes that will take off your hat if you're not careful. The view from the
top is awesome as is the structure built by visitors, many of them
cruisers, who leave their ship's name and the date of their visit. We
trekked down the hill, and then hiked across the Cay to a cute beach. After
a couple of hours ashore, we took the dinghy back to the boat for more
snorkeling and a great dinner of steak on the grill (did I mention the
food's wonderful!).
*Day 4:*
After breakfast we dropped the mooring ball to head off to Staniel Cay to
see the famous Thunderball grotto. Stopped at Sampson Cay first to get ice,
eat ice cream and see more nurse sharks. Some of our party even got in the
water with these guys. Headed to Thunderball grotto, a worthy excursion
just to see the multitude of tropical fish that live there. The group
decided to go to shore to visit the Staniel Cay Yacht Club, see more sharks
and a ray, and to pick up a couple of T-shirts. Then back to Stray Cat for
a dinner of pork loin and twice-baked potatoes.
*Day 5:*
It's pig beach on Sampson Cay this morning. And yes, they are quite large
pigs and they will swim out to your dinghy and will try to get in – and
they will eat from your hand if you're careful. Leaving Sampson Cay,
Captain Mark took us through Pipe Creek, an amazing clear stretch of water
with an unbelievable array of colors. We exited the Creek and headed to a
cove on Compass Cay for swimming, snorkeling and just wading around. After
lunch (shrimp scampi with couscous), we headed outside into Exuma Sound to
experience true "blue water". The wind was just right so we got to sail all
the way back up to Highbourne Cay. Decided to spend the night at anchor at
Highbourne, feasted on a dinner of Chicken Milano and finally had a night
when you could see the stars!
*Day 6:*
Hung around at anchor and ate breakfast waiting for the Highbourne Marina
store to open to get ice and water. The wind was right so up went the sails
and we headed back to Nassau. The trip usually takes at least 6 hours, we
made it in just under 4 and hit close to 9 knots a couple of times. Finally
caught some fish, had been trying everyday to no avail. Unfortunately these
were all small so we threw them back. Anchored at Rose Island, snorkeled
and went to the beach. Met a couple that have lived aboard for 12 years and
played with their boat dog Bailey. Another awesome dinner, this time
Cracked Conch and Key Lime Pie. Several of our party slept outside (an
almost nightly occurrence) and got to see the stars.
*Day 7:*
Sadness – today's the day we had to head to the Yacht Haven in Nassau and
our flights back to Texas.
This was one fine vacation trip. Most of us had never spent time on a
sailboat and it was delightful. Captain Mark is a gracious host, a patient
teacher (we had a lot, lot, lot of questions) and a very competent captain.
Stray Cat is comfortable and spacious with roomy cabins and lots of deck
space so we could spread out and not be in each other's way. And the food
prepared by Deb Starbuck was delicious and plentiful and I'm sure we each
gained a few pounds. It was well worth the extra cost.
We would absolutely recommend a Stray Cat Charter – with no reservations!
-------------------------------------------------
Do not push the "reply" button to respond to this
message if that includes the text of this original
message in your response. Messages are sent over a
very low-speed radio link.
The most concise way to reply is to send a NEW message
to: "Mark" <WDE2159@sailmail.com>
If you DO use your reply button, be sure to delete
the original message text and these instructions
from your reply.
Replies should not contain attachments and should be
less than 5 kBytes (2 text pages) in length.
This email was delivered by an HF private coast station
in the Maritime Mobile Radio Service, operated by the
SailMail Association, a non-profit association of yacht
owners. For more information on this service or on the
SailMail Association, please see the web site at:
http://www.sailmail.com
Sea Heaven, a walk along the beach and a good night's sleep at the Towne
Hotel, we hit the Yacht Haven Tuesday morning to meet Captain Mark,
Chef-Mate Deb and to see Stray Cat. She's a beautiful 45-foot Privilege
Catamaran, ready to be set free from the dock to do what she was designed
to do – sail!
But first things first. Cabin assignments and a safety talk. Then off. The
first night is usually spent at Rose Island to get folks accustomed to life
aboard. But with the winds and seas just right, the Captain decided to make
for Allen Cay and so we were off.
To describe the entire 6 days in detail would take a book so here are just
some of the highlights:
*Day One:*
Nassau to Allen Cay: Under sail from Nassau. Visit the Iguanas, snorkel,
and anchor out at Allen Cay with Cornish Game Hens for dinner (well worth
the money for the Chef – three gourmet meals a day plus snacks and no one
had to cook or do dishes!!).
*Day 2:*
There's nothing like getting up, eating breakfast in the cockpit and then
going snorkeling! Perfect start to the day. Haul up the anchor and it's off
to Highbourne Cay for a visit to the store to get ice and to see the nurse
sharks that hang around the marina waiting for folks to clean fish and give
them the scraps. Left Highbourne and went to Norman's Cay for the night. Fresh
Grouper for dinner (after a lunch of burgers and bratwurst).
*Day 3:*
Motored from Norman's to Warderick Wells Cay and the Exuma Land and Sea
Park. No anchoring here so a couple of us helped pick up a mooring ball.
Captain Mark took us to shore in the dinghy so we could hike BooBoo Hill –
a bit of a rocky walk so sandals not recommended as footwear for the hike.
But along the way you can see Mangroves up close and, at the top, Blow
Holes that will take off your hat if you're not careful. The view from the
top is awesome as is the structure built by visitors, many of them
cruisers, who leave their ship's name and the date of their visit. We
trekked down the hill, and then hiked across the Cay to a cute beach. After
a couple of hours ashore, we took the dinghy back to the boat for more
snorkeling and a great dinner of steak on the grill (did I mention the
food's wonderful!).
*Day 4:*
After breakfast we dropped the mooring ball to head off to Staniel Cay to
see the famous Thunderball grotto. Stopped at Sampson Cay first to get ice,
eat ice cream and see more nurse sharks. Some of our party even got in the
water with these guys. Headed to Thunderball grotto, a worthy excursion
just to see the multitude of tropical fish that live there. The group
decided to go to shore to visit the Staniel Cay Yacht Club, see more sharks
and a ray, and to pick up a couple of T-shirts. Then back to Stray Cat for
a dinner of pork loin and twice-baked potatoes.
*Day 5:*
It's pig beach on Sampson Cay this morning. And yes, they are quite large
pigs and they will swim out to your dinghy and will try to get in – and
they will eat from your hand if you're careful. Leaving Sampson Cay,
Captain Mark took us through Pipe Creek, an amazing clear stretch of water
with an unbelievable array of colors. We exited the Creek and headed to a
cove on Compass Cay for swimming, snorkeling and just wading around. After
lunch (shrimp scampi with couscous), we headed outside into Exuma Sound to
experience true "blue water". The wind was just right so we got to sail all
the way back up to Highbourne Cay. Decided to spend the night at anchor at
Highbourne, feasted on a dinner of Chicken Milano and finally had a night
when you could see the stars!
*Day 6:*
Hung around at anchor and ate breakfast waiting for the Highbourne Marina
store to open to get ice and water. The wind was right so up went the sails
and we headed back to Nassau. The trip usually takes at least 6 hours, we
made it in just under 4 and hit close to 9 knots a couple of times. Finally
caught some fish, had been trying everyday to no avail. Unfortunately these
were all small so we threw them back. Anchored at Rose Island, snorkeled
and went to the beach. Met a couple that have lived aboard for 12 years and
played with their boat dog Bailey. Another awesome dinner, this time
Cracked Conch and Key Lime Pie. Several of our party slept outside (an
almost nightly occurrence) and got to see the stars.
*Day 7:*
Sadness – today's the day we had to head to the Yacht Haven in Nassau and
our flights back to Texas.
This was one fine vacation trip. Most of us had never spent time on a
sailboat and it was delightful. Captain Mark is a gracious host, a patient
teacher (we had a lot, lot, lot of questions) and a very competent captain.
Stray Cat is comfortable and spacious with roomy cabins and lots of deck
space so we could spread out and not be in each other's way. And the food
prepared by Deb Starbuck was delicious and plentiful and I'm sure we each
gained a few pounds. It was well worth the extra cost.
We would absolutely recommend a Stray Cat Charter – with no reservations!
-------------------------------------------------
Do not push the "reply" button to respond to this
message if that includes the text of this original
message in your response. Messages are sent over a
very low-speed radio link.
The most concise way to reply is to send a NEW message
to: "Mark" <WDE2159@sailmail.com>
If you DO use your reply button, be sure to delete
the original message text and these instructions
from your reply.
Replies should not contain attachments and should be
less than 5 kBytes (2 text pages) in length.
This email was delivered by an HF private coast station
in the Maritime Mobile Radio Service, operated by the
SailMail Association, a non-profit association of yacht
owners. For more information on this service or on the
SailMail Association, please see the web site at:
http://www.sailmail.com
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