2-25-17  The Whale Pass or Don’t Rock

In order to go from North Abaco to south Abaco you must either go through “The Whale” or “Don’t Rock” due to the Sea of Abaco getting very shallow.  “The Whale” is a pass that takes you between two Cays out onto the Atlantic Ocean.  As with most passes, the water surges and can be treacherous or just fine. You just have to watch the weather, listen to the radio and be prepared to abort trip if it gets too rough.  Don’t Rock passage, is shallow!and if there is too big of waves coming in from the ocean the surge sucks the water out of “Don’t Rock Pass” and can cause you to bottom out. You must go at high tide and should have a fairly shallow draft.  No sailboats with a keel will go  through here.  We had been watching the winds and thought we could make a go at the Whale.  We also met a couple on “Water Music” who were going to make a go of it also.  They started to loop 2 years ago and never left the Bahamas.  We can almost understand.

Trawler Life and Last Call had our engines fired up and ready to take on “The Whale”.  We were in the process of throwing off our lines when we received a radio call from Water Music that they are aborting their pass through The Whale due to 6 foot waves.  We aborted our trip also.

After discussions, we decided to leave the Marina and go anchor at Treasure Cay Airport anchorage. Marinas get expensive, and we always find the best stuff at anchorage. We were not disappointed. There was a rocky area and an inlet to explore. I decided I need more experience driving the dinghy. We got to a rocky area where Scott decided to to snorkel.  He found lots beautiful fish and his first Baracuta encounter.  He said it just sat there and stared with all the teeth showing. No matter where he went it felt like it was still staring at him.  I stayed in the dinghy and followed  him as he snorkeled.  I didn’t even run him over. 😉

The next morning we took it easy. When we turned on our radio we heard from Trawler Life that they made it through “Don’t Rock” with 3 feet under keel.  We had originally planned “The Whale” but we quickly pulled up anchor and headed for “Don’t Rock” The  tide was just at high and starting down.  So we had to giddy up. We  had a few pucker moments with only 2 feet under our keel but we made it and avoided going out into the Atlantic.

We just wanted to share some of the things cruisers deal with.  It is much like our Michigan Family trying to decided to drive when there is a snow storm. However, there is usually more decisions on which beach,snorkel spot or rum drink to experience than  which passage to take.

Thanks for reading,

Karen and Scott

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