Too Many to masts to count

March 21st
Whether meeting boaters on your journey north or south there is always one question that presents itself. Where are you headed? Our answer this trip was final destination Georgetown. The responses were slanted much more toward the negative than the positive. The complaints were the same. Too many boats, crowded anchorage, to busy. The repeated negativity was disappointing but we were determined to maintain an open mind rather than be tainted by the negative remarks. The entrance channel was a bit disconcerting and I was pleased we were not leading our trio of boats.. There are two entrance routes, one for shallow draft boats and one for deep draft boats. I am still confused as to which we are at times but when in doubt take the deeper draft route.  The waves broke over rocks on both sides of us as we entered a sure sign of shallow water. Once through the entrance our turn to the port brought us along side a long sand bar whose existence was obvious from the breaking waves.  actually followed along side the very sand bar that framed the entrance. Ahead were so many masts standing tall it could be mistaken for a forest of leafless trees. Following a brief radio conversation the decision was made to anchor at monument beach. Named for the monument that rests at the top of the hill overlooking the anchorage.  The clarity of the water was remarkable making it essential to keep one eye on and trust our depth finder. We learned later that there were more than 275 boats anchored in the harbor down from the nearly 4-600 hundred that are here from December through February.  Now that’s a lot of boats!  Securely anchored and organized we set out with our boat buddies for a dingy ride over to Chat and Chill, otherwise known as volleyball beach.  Chat and Chill is the name of the restaurant and  bar located on volleyball beach. We had heard this was where the boaters hung out and found that to be true. There were picnic tables, sand volleyball courts, and challenge course activities, We decided that with all the activities, beautiful beaches to explore, plus two islands to check out we were going to like it here.                                    


                   

The channel entrance

Waves breaking on the rocks at the entrance

 

The sand bar that ran along side us going to the anchorage