The books all warn you, “Don’t cross the mighty Gulf Stream during a Norther.” This is when the wind swings to the north. Now this strong, forbidding wind is bucking the 3 to 4 knot relentless, northerly flow of the Stream. These clashing, opposing forces cause high, steep-sided waves. I call them square waves.
We got very short notice of a charter beginning the next morning in Nassau. A Norther was in full swing. We either had to cancel, postpone, or brave the Stream. Being conscientious, we went.
Anchorite got us through okay, but that was one hell of a hair-raising roller-coaster ride she took us on. We vowed—never again.
Our charter party turned out to be two gentlemen photographers. They each boarded ship with a suitcase for their clothes, and an aluminum case specially designed for camera equipment. They had spent a week photographing Nassau, now they were anxious to “do” the Exumas.
We were normally tipped quite generously. This was no exception. Marie even got a special fifty-dollar tip for the blueberry pancakes she had baked one morning for breakfast.
Now back to crossing the Gulf Stream during a Norther—heed the advice of those who have done it and survived—stay-in-port!
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