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June 20, 2005
Stupid Busted Bow Thruster
The day started simply – scrambled eggs, toast, coffee, etc. Still here in the glorious Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park, we heard that the ranger station on the far side of the island had internet. Yesterday, we had tried to hike the west (leeward) coast, and after an hour we saw the ranger station, which looked to be another 50 miles away. We decided to abandon the hike given the sweltering heat and terrain. We returned to the comfort of Platina.
You would think that the Bahamas, flat and wind-blown as they are, would be an easy hike. Oh, no, no, no! Limestone cliffs, coral reefs, poisonous trees. It was exhausting! And that’s a lot to be said for the relatively fit Platina crew.
Albert and Linda from “Bonnie” told us that it was easier to dinghy to the fourth beach up the windward side of the island, then walk across to the ranger station on the other side. So, around 11am, we set off in the dinghy. We hit the wide open Atlantic Ocean complete with big swells, found what we thought was the fourth beach, scattered with big pointy rocks, and decided that Dave’s white knuckles and pale complexion were a pretty good indication that this was not turning out to be a great idea. We abandoned attempt number two and turned around.
Inspired by the treachery of the waters, Dave decided this was a great time to inspect the bow thruster, which we had busted on our arrival. Donning snorkel gear, away he went. Bad idea. The tidal current was strong (full moon and summer solstice) and soon enough we had the mooring line tightly wrapped around the bow thruster again. After unwrapping it, and thoroughly exhausted fighting the current, Dave returned to the swim ladder to take a break. Chis was terrified at the speed Dave was swept to the swim ladder, and was hollering at him to get out of the water. He would have, except that his right pinky finger became painfully lodged in one of the ladder rungs. It seemed that in the current the finger would be lost. Careful maneuvering, and the poor little thing was freed.
We poured stiff drinks, swore at the bow thruster, and decided to wait for Ft Lauderdale to have it repaired.
Posted by dave at June 20, 2005 07:24 AM