Attitude Adjustment in Abaco 2001: Part 6

Attitude Adjustment in Abaco 2001: Part 6
Dr.Ralph <rbundy@cfl.rr.com> -- on Wednesday 8/1/01 @ 4:20 p.m. EST

Friday, July 12
Today we are up early; once again it's Moving Day. Our itinerary consists of the 30-nm cruise to Treasure Cay. We had originally planned to run down the Sea of Abaco to Treasure Cay Beach, then around the Whale Cay Passage and into the marina. A check of the weather finds our low-pressure trough intact, and it is projected to pull more moist unstable air from the south. We can expect persistent 20-knot SW winds, with numerous squalls beginning tomorrow. But so far today it's quite sunny, if not windy.

Over breakfast Bunny and I discuss altering our planned course. The SW wind has the Sea of Abaco roiled up; we could run along the shore of Great Abaco and avoid most of the chop. But since we only have 30 nm to make, we decide to cruise along the ocean side of the cays, inside the barrier reef. It's a risky plan in that there are numerous heads and shoals along this route, but if it's sunny and the nearshore water is clear, I should be able to see and avoid the obstructions from the tower.

Lines are off at 10; we run east and come around the NW side of Powell, then throttle back as the ocean calms in the lee of the island. Bunny makes her camp on the bow, and I carry cameras and charts up to the tower. And what a gorgeous trip we are treated to! Talk about eye candy, every tropical color imaginable explodes around us. At 6 knots we slide along the outrageous beach we had found the day before at Powell, passing Soldier and High Cays, then Bonefish Cay and it's outrageous homes. The open water on either side of Ambergris Cay is choppy, but the visibility remains good and I am able to work around the heads.

We pass Lincoln Cove on Manjack, then find the stunning 2-mile beach on its north coast. Bunny points and orders me to stop; we idle to within fifty yards of the beach, I still have five feet under the boat. We drop anchor, the wind holds Attitude off, and we noodle in to explore. This is another perfect beach, a long shimmering crescent that is backed by casuarinas and palmetto thicket. We are alone and completely overwhelmed by the natural beauty. This beach would be sheltered in a south or SE wind, although it would stir up as the wind veered to the east. Visitors from Green Turtle should be able to get here in twenty minutes or so, although I would recommend running up the SW side of Manjack and looping around its NW tip. As we resume our course I must zigzag through the maze of heads, but at sailboat speed and with the tower's perspective I am able to pilot us safely.

Next we pass Green Turtle, its beautiful NE ocean beach, then Long's Bay and Gilliam's Bay. Gilliam's is out of the wind, and there are at least 20 boats anchored around its electric green perimeter. We pass little Pelican Cay; with its coconut palms and shoreline I can't help but imagine that someone sliced off a tip of Bora Bora and brought it to Abaco. Noname comes next, and as we pass along the shoals and rocks to its SE, the ocean roils up and we are in a sloppy 2-3 foot chop. Our sightseeing tour has ended; the days we have spent between the cays and the reef have been a visual cornucopia. We would never have considered this route were it not for the brisk offshore winds. We have cursed the weather and our "bad luck," yet perhaps it's time to remember that while you can't always get what you want, you might just find that you get what you need. At any rate, it's time to run the Whale and on across the Sea of Abaco to Treasure Cay. Bunny and I abandon our cruising perches and secure our gear for the bumpy ride.

In a SW wind the Whale poses little additional danger as long as we navigate accurately. We bounce along until we enter the short-lived lee created by Whale Cay, turn SE toward Baker's Bay, and finally SW for the run into TC. This is a teeth-rattler: I fully extend Attitude's trim tabs and throttle up to 19-20 knots, and we crash along 5 nm of corrugated froth. Conditions improve as I enter the channel leading into Treasure Cay. I call the marina on the radio and receive our slip assignment, the Dockmaster is waiting to assist us.

Bunny and I are very proud of our ability to back into a slip and successfully tie up. We have practiced this to the point where it is a smooth, relaxed procedure; Attitude's remarkable handling ability also contributes. We idle to a spot opposite our slip, I spin Attitude counter-clockwise until she is lined up, then slowly back until Bunny, standing on the bow with three lines, is opposite the pair of outer piles. She slips the first line over the windward pile as I gently throttle Attitude up against it, then we allow the wind to softly push us against the leeward pile, onto which she loops the second and third lines. The first and second are then loosely tied to the bow cleats, the third comes back to the leeward spring cleat. Bunny stands by as I back to within about five feet of the dock. I throw the two stern lines to the Dockmaster, and while I hold Attitude in position he crosses them and fastens each to a pile on the dock. It's only then, when I am sure of her position and security, that I shut down the engines. We hand the Dockmaster our two power cords and hose, he connects them, flips the breaker, and I verify we have electricity. I shut down the generator, take a deep breath, and thank the gods for another successful passage. It is 4 PM, time to explore the marina.

This is our first visit to Treasure Cay, and we are excited. We had contacted Gary M and Willy on the way in, they are still fishing and will be in shortly. We check in at the marina office, find the showers and restaurant, then take a lap through the gift shop. I escape with a relatively minor $98 tab: Bunny scores a shirt, a butterfly mobile, and some stationary, and I buy a shirt and a new nozzle for our washdown. We build a round of drinks in "to go" cups and settle into the pool. For you TC regulars we are in slip N11, which is perhaps 100 feet from the pool. The bad news: we are exposed to, you guessed it, the SW, and Attitude is rolling and bouncing with the surge. Will this ever end?

Within the hour we are joined by Gary M, wife Jenn, daughter Kristen, AbacoWilly and Mary Anne, daughter Monica and son Daniel. After the exhilaration of our 'hellos,' Gary brings up the subject of dinner: he suggests we eat at A Touch of Class, a local restaurant a short cab ride from the marina. We all agree, and a quick call on the VHF procures a reservation and two minivans. That having been accomplished, we adjourn to rum and merriment in the pool. By the second drink it dawns on someone, I think one of the girls, that having skipped lunch and being hours from dinner, a "light snack" would be to everyone's benefit. From boats and condos come cheeses and crackers and chips and sausage, a wonderful little poolside repast. The time passes quickly, it's suddenly 7 PM and Attitude is still a mess from her trip. Everyone adjourns to their quarters to clean up for dinner.

Attitude's foredeck can be very slippery, and I have a hard and fast rule about wearing shoes when she's wet. But the elation of our party and a little too much rum sadly deter me from my own good sense. I walk about Attitude's deck barefoot, accompanying Jimmy Buffett to "Tampico Trauma" while Bunny cleans up the cockpit. I work aft with the hose, and I get the devilish urge to spray hosewater down the front of her bathing suit. She is startled and hollers at me, and in the chaos I slip on the wet deck and clumsily crash into the water, grabbing the gunnel at the last moment. I am initially embarrassed and disgusted with myself, I have broken my own cardinal rule and no doubt look like a Neanderthal.

Then comes the awareness that things are not quite right: the lower part of my left leg has that numb, shocky sensation of fresh injury, and I look down to see a spreading red stain in the water. I slowly pull myself up and swing onto the dive platform; blood is running down my leg across my foot, a lot of it. Somehow I still have the hose, and I spray the wound. What I can see is extensive but superficial, nothing that will have to be sutured. Slowly I stand up, I can bear weight, I run my hand along my tibia and feel for the hematoma; yes, there it is, it's going to be a dandy, but I don't think I have a fracture, maybe a little periostial tear at the worst. Bunny is speechless; "It's going to be OK," I try to reassure her, "I need a large clean rag and some ice." She has it in a moment, and I sit for 15 minutes holding pressure against the wound.

One of our best friends is Bill Aubin, a consummate fisherman and EMT from Sarasota. We cruised the Berry Islands with Bill and his wife Joan right after taking delivery of Attitude in 1997. Bill brought a very comprehensive first aid kit he had assembled in a small toolbox, and I added suture, local anesthetic, needles and syringes, and a few surgical instruments. Hopefully we are prepared for most of the trouble we could get into, in terms of minor trauma. Bunny retrieves the kit, and thankfully there are four large non-adherent sterile dressings. Once the bleeding stops and the wound is dry, I cut one of these 4x8 pads into two sections, cover them with Neosporin, and tape them over the wound. And yes, my tetanus and hepatitis vaccinations are current, thank you.

We meet Gary and family in the circle in front of the marina, Willy and his party having left moments earlier. I sit in the front seat with Pops, the cab driver, while everyone else piles in back. My leg is uncomfortable, it wants to be elevated, it doesn't want to bear weight, it's very unhappy with me. Pops inquires; "I got bit by the dumbass bug," I glumly respond. Pops and the others laugh, and then we somehow get into a conversation about what fish are safe and not safe to eat. Dinner at Touch of Class is wonderful, we have grouper and conch and peas 'n rice, I pass on the rum.

On the way out a very large black woman, an Abaconian Pearl Bailey, hands on hips, inquires, "Well, were we playing with a barracuda today, Dahlin?"

Uh-oh, gotta think fast here; "Uh, yeah, barracuda, that's it, had him in the boat, trying to get the hook out."

"Why didn't you just cut him off?" Her voice rose.

"Well, it was an expensive plug, I didn't want to lose it."

"And what's our leg worth, hmmmmmm?" Now she rolls her eyes.

"You're right, I shoulda just cut him off." Hey this could work. The "dumbass wound" has just evolved into a barracuda bite!

An hour later I am in my bunk and nothing is "working." My leg is up on two pillows, throbbing away. Tonight I'll need a little extra help. I always tell patients to save a few pain pills when they are prescribed for surgery or dental work, just for these kinds of situations. I open my little "hard analgesics" bottle and find the last remaining Percacet from my 1998 knee reconstruction (ruptured MCL/ACL, right knee, courtesy of the slopes of Telluride). I really don't like Perkies: they make my skin itch, I get a little nauseated, and I have terrible dreams. But this is an extraordinary situation, so I pop the little round pill and slowly settle into an uneasy sleep.

Pictures:
upper: the beautiful beach on Manjack's north shore
middle: the perfect way to enjoy said beach
lower: Pelican Cay, looking a little Tahitian

Re: Attitude Adjustment in Abaco 2001: Part 6
Bigfoot <rickh@sprintnw.com> -- on Wednesday 8/1/01 @ 5:22 p.m. EST

Doc,

I'd like to bestow upon you the Honorary Hillbilly award for your obviously life-threatening struggle with the killer baracuda.

Bigfoot

I graciously accept!
Dr.Ralph <rbundy@cfl.rr.com> -- on Wednesday 8/1/01 @ 6:52 p.m. EST

Way too late..
abacowilly <abacowilly@aol.com> -- on Wednesday 8/1/01 @ 11:54 p.m. EST

DR Ralph. You are busted! Maybe next time!!

'Gueess I'm gonna haveta post my photo of ya...sometime....

AW

Re: Attitude Adjustment in Abaco 2001: Part 6
Charlotte Couple <sailr@excite.com> -- on Wednesday 8/1/01 @ 5:44 p.m. EST

Great report and photos. I've always liked Pelican Cay. It looks like a little tropical paradise, everything perfectly groomed. Hope your leg is OK.

Re: Attitude Adjustment in Abaco 2001: Part 6
abacowilly <abacowilly@aol.com> -- on Wednesday 8/1/01 @ 5:47 p.m. EST

Those marina strains of baracuda are actually quite viscious - especially in the TC Marina area. It's most unfortunate that you were forced to jump in to save a lost baby dolphin from such a relentless and determined Marinacuda. Thanks Ralph. We know you made up that story about falling so we would not think you were an old softy for saving the small dolphin - what a real hero you are.

AW

Re: Attitude Adjustment in Abaco 2001: Part 6
Abacoparrott <parrochie@webtv.net> -- on Wednesday 8/1/01 @ 6:25 p.m. EST

With a story like that, we now know how you convinced AM to marry you.......the real reason the good Dok-tor got damaged was Willy Landham's practicing his fly-rod casting......or Molines' boat driving......or Charlotte Couples flying boom....or.....ANYTHING but barefeet on a wet deck! Please Dok, say it isn't so......

It wasn't the bare feet....
PattyB <iampatty@aol.com> -- on Wednesday 8/1/01 @ 6:55 p.m. EST

....it was the dumbass bug. I know that bug. It is notorious for floating around rum concoctions, poised to attack whoever might take a sip!! Darn Bug!

Re: It wasn't the bare feet....
Julie <MStandingrock@aol.com> -- on Wednesday 8/1/01 @ 10:35 p.m. EST

That darn bug grabbed hold of "Chill Pill" too...except it happened on Guana!!!
Is there more than one strain of this bug?

Re: It wasn't the bare feet....
Julie <MStandingrock@aol.com> -- on Wednesday 8/1/01 @ 10:29 p.m. EST

I know that bug!!! It pushed me down some steps a few years back on Elbow Cay & I broke my hand!!!!

Re: Attitude Adjustment in Abaco 2001: Part 6
Pat S. <psmmech@webtv.net> -- on Wednesday 8/1/01 @ 8:36 p.m. EST

Nahhhh!!! It was a Flying Nun trying to make a landing....sorry Doc! Got a little off course!!

Re: Attitude Adjustment in Abaco 2001: Part 6
abacowilly <abacowilly@aol.com> -- on Wednesday 8/1/01 @ 5:47 p.m. EST

Those marina strains of baracuda are actually quite viscious - especially in the TC Marina area. It's most unfortunate that you were forced to jump in to save a lost baby dolphin from such a relentless and determined Marinacuda. Thanks Ralph. We know you made up that story about falling so we would not think you were an old softy for saving the small dolphin - what a real hero you are.

AW

Re: Attitude Adjustment in Abaco 2001: Part 6
Abacoparrott <parrochie@webtv.net> -- on Wednesday 8/1/01 @ 6:25 p.m. EST

With a story like that, we now know how you convinced AM to marry you.......the real reason the good Dok-tor got damaged was Willy Landham's practicing his fly-rod casting......or Molines' boat driving......or Charlotte Couples flying boom....or.....ANYTHING but barefeet on a wet deck! Please Dok, say it isn't so......

It wasn't the bare feet....
PattyB <iampatty@aol.com> -- on Wednesday 8/1/01 @ 6:55 p.m. EST

....it was the dumbass bug. I know that bug. It is notorious for floating around rum concoctions, poised to attack whoever might take a sip!! Darn Bug!

Re: It wasn't the bare feet....
Julie <MStandingrock@aol.com> -- on Wednesday 8/1/01 @ 10:35 p.m. EST

That darn bug grabbed hold of "Chill Pill" too...except it happened on Guana!!!
Is there more than one strain of this bug?

Re: It wasn't the bare feet....
Julie <MStandingrock@aol.com> -- on Wednesday 8/1/01 @ 10:29 p.m. EST

I know that bug!!! It pushed me down some steps a few years back on Elbow Cay & I broke my hand!!!!

Re: Attitude Adjustment in Abaco 2001: Part 6
Pat S. <psmmech@webtv.net> -- on Wednesday 8/1/01 @ 8:36 p.m. EST

Nahhhh!!! It was a Flying Nun trying to make a landing....sorry Doc! Got a little off course!!

Re: Attitude Adjustment in Abaco 2001: Part 6
whatever <blf@oii.net> -- on Wednesday 8/1/01 @ 5:51 p.m. EST

Didn't know you had done the lee shore on the way to T/C. It is beautiful and can be treacherous with the reefs so you did some great navigating. Glad you found Munjack beach. We'll have to show you the troll caves someday.

Next time, I want to hear how Bunny steered the boat into the slip and you did the lines!!

Barbara

Re: Attitude Adjustment in Abaco 2001: Part 6
ncdd <denny-telacom@ioa.com> -- on Thursday 8/2/01 @ 9:49 a.m. EST

Like Mom said "if you don't quit horsing around some one is going to get hurt"! See mom's all ways did now best. Trying to spray water on your wife , shame on you, and your a learned professional!

Re: Attitude Adjustment in Abaco 2001: Part 6
John C <johncapp@mindspring.com> -- on Thursday 8/2/01 @ 10:26 a.m. EST

Appreciate the great stories. I'd like to note for the board members that don't have the training and stomach to suture themselves, I have had excellent care from the clinics. On one trip south of Bimini, a boarding ladder caught a crew member across his forehead. After taking almost 2 hours on the sailboat to make it to Alicetown and a cab ride, he had 20 stitches in his forehead by a Bahamian nurse. She asked me for $20 after the procedure! (we paid her $50) The condition of the clinic was less than sanitary. However, when the needles and tools emerged from the rusty file cabinets, I felt much better. The supplies had been stored in a liquid and appeared clean. After healing, the scarring was minimal and on par with anything offered in Florida! Keep those stories coming Dr Ralph. I would like more details on your boat as I too run a powerboat over from Florida quite often....Type, Power, fuel capacity, water capacity ect....I looked back for the post covered this info but it must have been archived....Thanks again.

If you search the Archives for...
AbacoPeach <AbacoPeach@aol.com> -- on Thursday 8/2/01 @ 10:32 a.m. EST

Attitude Adjustment in Abaco 2001: Part 1. I believe that will answer all your questions. Dr. Ralph talks about their boat in great detail.

Figured it out. Thanks!
John C <johncapp@mindspring.com> -- on Thursday 8/2/01 @ 10:58 a.m. EST

Medical care in TC
George -- on Thursday 8/2/01 @ 12:34 p.m. EST

It should be noted that there is an excellent modern clinic on TC run by Dr. Ron Wilson (also an avid fisherman)--- so don't worry about self help suturing!

As an MD, you should know about mixing...
JimG <jimgonsalves@hotmail.com> -- on Thursday 8/2/01 @ 11:18 a.m. EST

alchohol and testosterone together...it's a dangerous combination ...someone's gonna get hurt.

Sorry to read about the accident, but I sure like your style...keep them coming!!!

As an MD, you should know about mixing...
JimG <jimgonsalves@hotmail.com> -- on Thursday 8/2/01 @ 11:18 a.m. EST

alchohol and testosterone together...it's a dangerous combination ...someone's gonna get hurt.

Sorry to read about the accident, but I sure like your style...keep them coming!!!

Re: Attitude Adjustment in Abaco 2001: Part 6
Casey Jones <caseyjones@charter.net> -- on Thursday 8/2/01 @ 12:49 p.m. EST

"I walk about Attitude's deck barefoot, accompanying Jimmy Buffett to "Tampico Trauma"...
Were you "drinking double and causing lots of trouble"??

Re: Attitude Adjustment in Abaco 2001: Part 6
Dr.Ralph <rbundy@cfl.rr.com> -- on Thursday 8/2/01 @ 3:30 p.m. EST

Casey has hit the nail on the head. The message here is that boats aren't like your house, you can't take anything for granted, even walking 20 feet on a wet deck. Hate to have to relearn that lesson the hard way, but sometimes it happens. Also, three cheers for all Bahamian health care providers, they do a great job with minimal resources!

I'm getting lots of questions about the boat; there is an extensive description of Attitude in Part One, which I think I posted on Monday the 23rd. Thanks to everyone for your interest and encouragement; there's lots more to come, including two nasty storms!

Let's clear the air here!!
Gary M <Uboats737@aol.com> -- on Thursday 8/2/01 @ 5:32 p.m. EST

As an eyewitness to all BUT the actual accident, I can attest to Dr Ralph's excellent condition just prior to the alleged incident! Also, the man-eating cleat in question is mounted in a near vertical "attitude"....just tailor made for scraping anyone's leg/shin! The weather was slightly rainy so the dock/deck area was wet......perfect for slipping if one were to try any shenanigans with his first mate!!

What Dr Ralph forgot to mention was the blood/skid mark that was still evident on the hullside the next morning!!

OUCHH!!

GM