Day 44 – Big Majors East

The dawn today was calm and colorful. It continues to be amazing to wake up to this beauty each day we are here.

This morning large fish swam around the boat and flirted with the bait on Paula’s casting and trolling rod (which is just sitting in the pocket as we’re not moving) but ultimately swam off without taking a big bite. They were SO big, that Paula was secretly relieved that she wouldn’t have to land one. Especially since Tommy was lurking nearby holding the gaff in a slightly menacing fashion.

Paula did some prep work in the galley, and then, as the wind was picking up into the teens and the day was sunny, did a load of bucket laundry. Tommy started the watermaker and exercised the generator. We also rested and read a lot.

There are 10 boats in our anchorage now. Everyone is getting set for the big wind that is forecast to begin in the middle of the night and continue through tomorrow. At midday tomorrow, we may also have squalls. We are stretched out to the length of our anchor chain and the anchor appears to be well set.

Multiple sea planes flew low over the anchorage today, capturing everyone’s attention.

You get to know your neighbors a bit, even without speaking. Especially the ones with doggies. Doesn’t matter the weather, Otis, Naz, and Pepe must go to shore!  One good boy was seen carrying his own frisbee during the dinghy ride, clearly anticipating a game of throw and catch on the shore. So we see dog-owning folks several times a day. Since so much of boating life is lived outside, one can’t help but observe those close by and this way often learn new ways to do essential tasks.

At sundown  (today’s featured picture), the anchorage was filled with the sound of sailors blowing conch shells, some sonorously, some clearly in the learning stages. The significance of this practice is different depending on who you ask. We’ve been told that it is a call to drink alcohol, a welcome call, a call to show respect for Neptune, etc. It is a somewhat spooky sound when multiple conchs are blown. Tonight, the various calls created haunting echoes punctuated by the calls of herons.

Tonight’s dinner was quinoa mixed with sautéed vegetables and leftover steak and shrimp. There was also a tart canned cherry and dried fruit compote and drop biscuits made with almond milk.