June 25, 2013 – Prepare for the worst ….

The trip up to Shoal Bay included some rapids – Yaculta, Dent and Devil’s Hole (doesn’t THAT sound like fun ?!?! ).  We had prepared for the worst and prayed for the best, not knowing what to expect, other than what we had read …. all of which was quite foreboding.  We timed the runs just right and all went smoothly, thankfully.   And here we are “popping out the other side” ….

 

Anchoring in Shoal Bay was …. challenging.  Third time lucky and we FINALLY got our anchor to hold.  However, we arrived back from Malahide after dinner….in the DARK …… to wonder just how secure we were !?!  Our depth reading had gone from 45’ to 100’ over the course of a couple of hours. We had 250’ of chain out which is effective in 45’ of water, but not so good in 100’ of water.   It’s very disconcerting to be on your boat in the middle of a bay somewhere, in total darkness, with GUSTING winds and POURING rain … and not be sure your anchor is secure.  We could see nothing past the edges of our boat.  Captain Cam kept a vigil until about 3:30am until he was pretty darn sure we weren’t going anywhere …. Then off to sleep for a few hours before we headed off again.  We thought boating was to be restful and relaxing.  Not so far ….. certainly not for our captain!!  

Here we are in Shoal Bay ….. looking very secure don't you think  !!!!

 

 

May I just say ….. It amazes me how complicated the systems on these boats are but Captain Cam has figured them ALL out.  What he isn’t sure about, he finds out about by talking to people, reading the manuals or asking the systems reps about.  He has the KVH guy on speed dial.  Once safely anchored, he is often disappearing into either the engine room or the “basement” with a manual tucked under his arm ….  

It’s very comforting to know we are in such good hands!!

I, on the other hand, have figured out the Nespresso machine!!!

What can I say ..... we each have our jobs ….