6/1/2015 – We anchored overnight at Blackpoint. As I was preparing to lift anchor we were approached by the Bahamas Defense Force who asked to come aboard. Three of them came aboard and fortunately they were wearing tennis shoes instead of combat boots. These guys were huge making the salon even smaller so Lynne said she was going on deck to the queen’s chair. The boss guy stayed on top with her. They then asked if I had firearms aboard so I disclosed I had a pistol which had been declared. They inspected my weapon and counted the ammo. Lynne asked that they not aim the gun towards to hull when they took out the clip. The guy in charge told him to aim it out over the side away from Lynne which made her much happier. They left pistol clip and ammo laying for me to reload after they left. One did a general look around but did not dig into anything. After they completed the paperwork, they politely left. This was our first boarding experience. We found out the previous day they captured 90 illegal Haitians off of Staniel Cay which was right next door.
Heading for Georgetown required us to leave the banks and enter Exuma Sound which was relatively calm with light wind. We motor sailed to Lee Stocking Island where we anchored for the night. We dropped anchor in front of the Caribbean Research Center which is now closed. The scenery is the best in a long time and was very tranquil even though five other boats were nearby. No surge so sleep was good.

6/2/2015 – The Exuma Sound was a little rougher today as we headed for Georgetown. Again we had little assistance from the wind although it was 10 – 15 knots and motor sailing was in order. Wind was 45 degrees to port and the waves and wind blew us towards shore and as the autopilot made corrections it turned us to port to where the sails would flutter. We hauled in the sails and motored. The Great Bahamas bank is sure a lot smoother but Georgetown is on the Atlantic side of the island so the only way in is from Exuma sound.
We anchored off Stocking Island because it was beginning to rain and the wind was kicking up. Shortly after settling in, we were hit by a thunderstorm with heavy rain and high winds. It lasted until about 1PM. Even with our rain catching canopy, we had to shut the hatches to keep the blowing rain out. After a while it would stop but it would come back even harder. From the looks of the satellite weather and the predictions, we may be in for several days of this.

6/3/2015 – Wind has been 15 knots gusting to 20 all day with frequent rain showers. Humidity must be 100%. This morning I drained about 6 gallons of water out of the dinghy. We are staying put since the anchor is holding well. Hoping for better weather tomorrow.

6/4/2015 – Rain last night was more severe and with longer durations. Wind speed was a sustained 20 knots with a heavy surge which jerked us around most of the night. It is still raining this morning but lightly with little wind. Skies do not look like we will see the sun much today. Looks like a repeat of yesterday. Well I am drinking my coffee then I will drain the dinghy.
The skies got a little clearer so we moved over by George Town where we anchored for an excursion ashore. After spending two days stuck on the boat due to rain, it will be a luxury going ashore. We spent the rest of the day walking around Lake Victoria where most of the shops are located. It took several hours before the feeling of everything moving under your feet went away. The car traffic is heavier here and they actually have brief traffic jams. We finished the afternoon with a sandwich at the Exuma Yacht Club then picked up some food supplies at the Exuma Market across the street before returning to the boat. Two mail boats came in today so lots of fresh produce etc. Store was really crowded as everyone grabbed before things were gone. We are anchored a little offshore but decided to stay put for the night. Other than a little rocking now and then we had a very comfortable night.

6/5/2015 – We go back to north stocking island to Starfish Beach and look for starfish. None could be found in shallow waters but we did see several on the way back to the boat. Then we go back to George Town where we take a slip at the Exuma Yacht Club (only game in town). We soon became surrounded by some very large yachts and the few small boats were outnumbered. After taking a much needed shower, we walked around town. Stopped at the Peace and Plenty Club for a couple of beers. We met an American Airlines pilot at the bar and ended up having dinner with him and his wife at the little grill across from the yacht club. It was outdoor eating only and the mosquitoes ate us alive. Now this is what I call paradise.

6/6/2015 – We rented a car and drove the whole island which is quite long. A lot of driving with little to see in between but there were a lot of pot holes which required constant dodging. There are also no-seeums at every stop.We did manage to find a few interesting spots but overall we fail to see why 400 boats come here each year with most of them staying the whole season. It must really be overcrowded because there are not that many stores and restaurants to accommodate them.