MERRY CHRISTMAS in the Bahamas

24 10.3

76 26.8

Staniel Cay Yacht Club, Staniel Cay,

The Bahamas

MERRY CHRISTMAS from Staniel Cay Yacht Club on Staniel Cay the Bahamas.

Certainly not what we planned but as you all know by now our plans are so fluid, literally, that we wonder why even go through the exercise of stating where and when we might be there.

Yesterday morning brought with it a moment of reckoning as we installed the new parts on the generator that were 'hoped' to be the keys in bringing her back to life. The daisy chain of Murphy's Law was growing as the noted electrical concerns were now compounded by the fact at we cannot generate our own AC electricity to recharge our DC battery system. No electrical power and we are pretty still in the water.

Quick decision was to call Staniel Cay YC, some 3 nm away, see if they had a slip with power (yes), room for their gala Xmas dinner ( they did) and someone to help trace the problems with the generator ( Jeff without the Santa outfit).

Suffice it to say after 3 hours of duplicating all of the trouble-shooting that I had performed on the generator, Jeff felt something odd with his fumbling left hand. Low and behold our loose ground was located. Clearly the banging MILANO MYST took on the GOM crossing was the culprit as brackets that anchor the gennie had pulled out causing the actual generator to shift. Thus causing a few wires to be strained, which in turn caused a ground to work its way loose. Having found that and a loose wire on the solenoid and finally, having now secured the brackets we are again 'hopeful' ( remember that tool?) that we are again electrically self-sufficient. We will head out today to anchor and test the system over night.

And again, what would be a setback turns into a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Christmas here at Staniel Cay with a host of cruisers and vacationers. Should note that we are the only sail boat at dock and we are dwarfed in size. That having been said we enjoyed a fabulous dinner of steak and lobster and great company with new friends Inga and Bonita from Ft. Lauderdale. The night included the kids joining the band on the bongo drums and a roaring great time for all.

Surprise of surprises but Santa actually figured out our change in plans and new location. Obviously his GPS is extremely full with potential waypoints where MILANO MYST might be this Christmas.

The big gifts of the season are a new fly rod and reel for Daniel to go with all of the salt water flies he has so diligently tied over the last year. Dayla is delighted to have her 'grown up' status confirmed with the promise of a cell phone when we return to Houston. In addition she has a new DYNAMO jersey and soccer ball to pound and practice with on the beaches of the Bahamas. Mom got new knives for the galley and dad is absolutely delighted to have a generator that is working!!

Our gifts are so bountiful as we celebrate our second Christmas in the Bahamas. But in spite of those blessings we are reminded of family and friends back home and the simple fact, that we miss celebrating this season with you all.

Wishing you all His Peace and Wonderment today and for the coming year.

MILANO MYST Monitoring 16 and 68

OUT

Dec 25, 2007

Show all 10 photos