October 23, 2017

I got a text from Don that they arrived at 9:00 a.m. Atlantic time.  His cell phone should work on Wi-Fi but appears not to, but at least he was able to text.  He said he all was fine.  I just got home from Grand Rapids and had a message from Sue Gokee that she hadn't heard anything, but I'm hoping other spouses have.  Don't text was short and to the point.  He'd had no sleep and was very tired.  That's all the details I have today. 😀

Deb

October 23, 2017
St. George's Bay, Bermuda

Most of yesterday was great, but eventually, the winds and seas increased and after dinner, things began to get rough. That continued through the night with wind gusts to 27 and larger waves that kept us pitching an rolling. We could see the lights of Bermuda hours away. As we got closer, to our approach to the channel leading into Bermuda, a container vessel appeared on radar closing in on us. As if we didn't have enough to contend with! Don was exhausted from lack of sleep and the waves and wind were still hammering away at us. Although the vessel was 3-4 hours from intersecting with us, that did seem a distinct possibility and we did not have many options for maneuvering due to the wind, except turning into its path. We slowed down and tried to call the ship, but there was no response. Next Don called Bermuda radio, which gave us the name of the ship. Don called them again, and all although they answered, we couldn't understand them. At least they were now aware of us. We got back up to speed, stayed on course and finally it was clear that they would pass us on our starboard, downwind side.

Dawn finally arrived, which was a relief, and we continued our.pitching and rolling all the way down the channel (which took about an hour), and clear up to the actual mouth of the Town Cut. Finally, we were in St. George's Bay! We went through customs, with a not entirely friendly agent, and then motored 150 yards and dropped anchor. Everybody went to sleep almost right away, except me. I did close my eyes and enjoyed the Bermuda sunshine and wind. This afternoon we will reassemble the dinghy and head into town. It's a beautiful, but very windy day. They are expecting passing rain showers for the next two days.

Rod

Photos by Rod

BrainWaves approaching the "cut", which is the channel entrance to St. George's Bay in Bermuda

Going through the cut and a view of some of the buildings off to the side of it.

Looking out the stern as BrainWaves goes through the cut. You can just see one of the channel markers on the horizon in the background.

At our anchorage in St. George's Bay, Bermuda. The larger building right over my head is a private residence, but the customs office is located in the first floor, in the back of the building. There is an area behind the building to pull up to for customs. Just beyond that is the town square.

A view to the right of the previous photo. The sloped wall behind the pink building is the road headed up to Barrack Hill. A sailing school operated out of the blue building.