Hi John,

...unfortunately, I never went ashore at Castle Island, the surge was just too wicked that day... a bit of a disappointment, as one of the main reasons I'd gone down there was to climb the lighthouse, such an elevated perspective is so rare in the Bahamas... If I hadn't been alone, I may have chanced it, but leaving the boat unattended in those conditions that day was just too risky, for me...

I did anchor in Datum Bay that night, beautiful spot... then, waited for the tide the following day to sail up to Jamaica Cay... Mile after mile, never more than about 8 inches under my keel, never varying by more than an inch or two, amazing... It was blowing 15-18 the day I took this pic, you'd never know it of course, being so close to the lee of Acklins...

I'm anchored off the Santa Maria Resort tonight, a bit rolly as usual, but still a beautiful spot... Latest thing for the Georgetown crowd appear to be the "flotillas" they're now doing to places like Conception and Salt Pond - over 50 boats in Thompson Bay tonight, sounds like, the herd instinct is still alive and well... (grin)

BTW, I did meet Wendy and Johnny on OSPREY in Samana, they were just leaving the day I arrived... Very nice folks, sounds like they're headed to Luperon now...

best regards,

Jon