Makani Update

November 26, 2015; Thanksgiving

During this past week we have experienced one of the longest stretches of windy weather that we have ever seen in the Bahamas.  The winds have been blowing 20-30 knots constantly and with frequent gusts in the mid to upper 30s.  The forecast is for this weather to continue until Sunday before moderating.  We are not complaining though; seeing the snow and ice storms that is occurring across the States. Also, we had looked at long term weather predictions and pretty much knew what was in store for us. The good news is it has rained some every afternoon so we are able to keep our water supply topped off and take hot showers.

The weather has reduced, but not stopped, our snorkeling excursions.  For a few days in this past week however we have been to tired to do much of anything.  Kathi has been struggling with some type of cold or flu or infection since early November. We even considered staying in the U.S. until she felt better, but the stubborn nurse wanted to be in the Bahamas for her birthday. After we used our entire supply of Nyqil, Alka Seltzer Plus, Loratadine and 10 days on Augmentin and Erythromycin eye ointment, she started to feel a bit better so she decided to clean the bottom of the boat. She worked for two hours the first day AND then cleaned and polished the stainless.  I was so happy she was feeling better and her energy had returned. After we went hunting the next day, she worked for another two hours cleaning the bottom. This is not an easy task. It requires a lot of diving and breath holding and elbow grease. That night Kathi started feeling punk again. Over the next few days the virus or bacteria returned with a vengeance. She woke up with sore throat, matted eyes, ear aches, and a persistent cough. She dug through our first aid kit and found a few more packages of things that would control the symptoms, but finally relented and allowed me to take her into the clinic at Green Turtle Cay. She had been sick for 23 days and was worn out. Unfortunately, the Doctor would not prescribe any more antibiotics because it was “too soon” since the last dose. He did give her more medications that somewhat control the symptoms. She has read 12 books and has watched most of seasons I,II, and III of Downton Abby.  Normally she would be going stir crazy, but she doesn’t even have the energy to complain. I’ve managed to fight it off until two days ago. I don’t have all the symptoms that Kathi has (knock on wood), but it sure does zap your energy. 

 It hasn’t all been snot and cooties. Yesterday was Kathi’s birthday.  We celebrated with steak and fresh-caught lobster. Today we are anchored at Manjack Cay in the northern Abacos.  People who have one of the houses ashore, and also have a cruising sailboat invited everyone in the anchorage to their cottage for a Thanksgiving potluck.  Unfortunately we had to decline because of our illnesses and not wanting to risk spreading the cold or whatever it is among others.  We are cooking a traditional meal aboard, turkey, potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, etc so we will not go hungry!

Kiwi is doing a bit of her own adjusting. Between to fowl weather and sick owners, she has not been able to get into any sort of sleep, eat, and be merry pattern. She does not like the noises caused by excessive winds and rain and she can’t seem to dig herself into a hiding place that suits her. She is very vocal when she is not happy and unfortunately she is most unhappy around 4am. Right now we have to excuse her as our own sleep patterns and routines are discombobulated to say the least.

We are thankful to be back in the Bahamas doing those things that we love most. We hope that next week we will have beautiful weather and we can move about and explore some of our favorite islands in the northern Abacos. Sorry no pictures with this post, but we promise lots of pictures next post