Out Of Gas

We are island hopping around the mid-Exumas for this week. We are going to be in George Town toward the end of January to meet up with family coming to visit. But we also understand that "GT" doesn't offer the same opportunities that you find further north. Sure, there is lots to do, a cruisers net on the radio every morning lists all manner of activities planned throughout the day: volleyball, yoga, book clubs, nature hikes, potlucks, etc. We've also heard it referred to as camp for the retired cruising crowd. It will be fun to have a selection of planned activities, but we can't make water in the polluted harbour, no swimming off the boat for the same reasons. Elizabeth Harbour is huge, so any venturing out requires more than a 20 minute commute. For now, we are happy to spend time just the 4 of us making our own adventures.
Which brings us to what we've been up to...
We had watched the mailboat come in to Black Point on Wednesday afternoon and I quickly got down to the grocery to restock on fruits, vegetables, and cheese. We also needed gasoline, which fuels our dinghy engine and generator. The closest fuel is available at Farmer's Cay, about 10 miles south, or at Staniel Cay, about 8 miles north. As there is another front passing through this week-end, and we know there's a great anchorage at Big Major, we opted to head north.
We left Black Point on Thursday morning and headed for Staniel Cay. We got a great spot in the little anchorage just south of the yacht club docks, very convenient to town and the beach. In the afternoon we piled our snorkeling stuff into the dinghy and went exploring. We found a great little cove, set the anchor and jumped in. It was magnificent! First thing I saw was 2 sea urchins, so I called the girls over to show them. It took me only a minute more to feel a bit foolish. The whole area was absolutely littered with them. Every crevice of the bottom was occupied by one. The smallest ones about the size of your fist; the largest, with spines splayed, were easily the size of a classroom globe. The other notable presence was purple sea fans. Many fish also swam among us, including one very large parrotfish.
On our way back, Greg noticed a few spots that looked like they would be popular lionfish hiding spots. Sure enough he had another successful spearing expedition. We dined on Shake 'n Bake lionfish for dinner. Delicious!
Friday we accomplished some schoolwork in the morning before setting out for land. We were looking for a few more groceries and gasoline. We walked to the general store, found garlic (not yet seen in the Bahamas), whole wheat flour, and an extra jerry can. On our walk back to the dinghy, a pick-up truck slowed beside us, a guy stuck his head out and said "I'll save you the time ... no gas here."
Confused, we stopped the next woman on a golf cart passing by, and questioned about the gas situation. "Just a minute, let's see who this is ... yep, the guy in this golf cart will be able to help you", so we asked the driver of the next cart about the gas "That's right, no gas on the island, the yacht club is out, have been for a couple of days."
"When will they be getting more?"
"Dunno, better ask them down at the dock."
So, back to the dock we walked. There we found out that they had ordered some more fuel, it would be coming in 'probably next week sometime', but to try Sampson Cay Marina. At dinner we found out that Sampson Cay also had no fuel, and had been out for almost 3 weeks.
Now we are in a bit of a bind, as we have used the last of our gasoline to fill the dinghy tank, and it was already mixed with oil. We now have only 4 hours of fuel for the generator, which is our primary source for battery charging. Our batteries are used for everything: pumps, lights and water-making. We have been running it for about 2 hours a day.
Luckily we have full water tanks and a decent supply of diesel fuel, so we could run the engine to charge the batteries, but it is loud and not our preferred method of charging. There are not a lot of places to get fuel, and we need to be careful with our diesel, as that is what fuels the boat engine. What now?

Fast forward 24 hours...
We are now sitting at anchor at Big Majors, waiting out this frontal passage. This morning we decided to get some more diesel, since it may well be our only fuel source until we get to George Town. Greg headed over to the dock with a jerry can, and while there was pleasantly surprised to find out that the fuel boat was on its way!
"Should be here around 1:30, we'll be ready to start pumping by 2."
"Great, see you then."
Sure enough, shortly before 2 a big red tanker boat appeared through the ocean cut. We watched him dock: "That might be the prettiest boat I've seen in a long time." says the captain.
Just after 2 Jessica and Greg go over with our old gas can, the new one, and our diesel can (just in case!), get them all filled up, and returned happily about an hour later. Luckily, they were first in line. The thirsty boats were lined up behind them!

Once again, we are thankful that the gods of weather and wind (and gasoline) are smiling on us.

A couple of days here until the wind settles down, then we are southbound once again!