Allens to Normans Cay

Good evening from Normans Cay.

After a night with not much sleep, we decided to head for Normans Cay. This is the nearest Island with good protection from the North and, according to the weather report, we will need that as a cold front is going to come through Tuesday night.  Noah did most of his school work before we left and finished up underway.  I worked on the autopilot and found and fixed a connection that hadn't been crimped properly.

We were underway by 1100 for the short trip down to Normans. In the company of Ministry and Contented Turtle, there were lots of good photo opportunities. By 1315 we had the anchor down and were ready for a swim. Normans Cay is infamous a a former spot used by a drug cartel. We look out at a twin engine plane that landed in the water during a drug drop gone bad. Those days are gone, and the plane is now home to some coral and quite a few fish. The three of us snorkled around the whole wreck. Noah always wanted to find a ship wreck, now he has seen a plane wreck. He did great and didn't get nervous, even when we saw a barracuda under the nose of the plane. We broke out the new wet suits and it really made being in the water more pleasant. Even at 79, we were a little chilled after being in the water for an hour yesterday. Back by the boat, I dove on the anchor and set it a little better for when the wind picks up tomorrow night. It was really weird to be able to scope out the area around the boat for obstacles. I dove under the boat and checked to see the clearance -- not something one would want to do in the Neuse River at home!

After dinner Noah's friend David came over for a while and played darts while we visited with Captain Jesse.  We are ready for a good night's sleep and wish y'all the best. Expect that we will be here for at least two more days.