April 1, 2010
Thursday
Hot and Sunny
A lazy morning was followed by lunch at Staniel Cay Yacht Club….Mahi mahi sandwiches all around were very delish! We walked to the Blue and Pink Stores to forage for more produce but nothing that interested us was available. The boat comes in on Friday and the stores will all be restocked by Saturday. We will be gone by then, but can very well survive on our purchases from yesterday. Renee is very amused by the “markets” as they are absolutely nothing like at home. Just small buildings with offerings of whatever the boat left off the week before. They always order plenty of whatever it is they want to provide, but if it is on the boat when it arrives is a totally different story. Some items never make their way onto the mail boat for whatever reason.
You learn to just go with the flow and make due. We took Renee to Pig Beach with the leftovers from lunch in hand. Once again, the pigs were determined to board the boat for what we had…and the take out carton had to be thrown in the water to get them off the boat. Retrieval of the carton and back to the boat for R & R until dinner.
April 2, 2010
Friday
Hot and Sunny…seems to be a pattern here!
Black Point
Engine hours: 1510
We were up and running by 8:30 heading, as is everyone else, to Black Point for the Easter Weekend Festivities. There will be four days of events starting today including basketball, volleyball, billiards, and fishing tournaments, homemade food sold along the main road, and loud music. Locals from other islands come to compete in the competitions and trophies are awarded to the winners…kinda reminds me of my earlier days with the kids! Today the food stand that was to be started by 11:00 actually opened around 1:00, and then of course everything else was backed up. Volleyball that was to begin at 5:00 was overtaken by the continued basketball tournament and by 6:00 we were growing weary of ever seeing that take place. Barry and John spotted a small stand behind the basketball court and ventured to see what was happening there. Fresh conch salad. Yum…have not had that in a while, so at $10 a bowl we indulged…hehehe gotta love the Bahamians as they know how to suck the dollars out of the foreigners. But, on the other hand, Black Point is such a poor, poor community we really do not mind contributing to their economy. Earlier in the day we had gone to see Lorraine at her famous Café and promptly made dinner reservations for tomorrow night. I could not believe she actually remembered us from last year’s visit! With so many cruisers in and out of her establishment that amazed me. She was pregnant last year when we were here and delivered her bouncing baby boy, Joshua, in August. He is now seven months old and totally adorable! Even her husband was home for the Easter weekend. Normally he is not here…working on another island as there is much of nothing to be had in the way of work here. While visiting Lorraine, Roberta and I had laundry going at the wonderful “laundramat” here on the island. 12 washers and 12 dryers…all brandy new with lots of water pressure and hot water! Woo hoo! Clean sheets here we come! Internet was not a happening today as while we were there others using it prior to us trying used up all the band width the island was allowed for a while. Hopefully tomorrow we will have better luck. It is what it is! Dinner on Sea Fox, a bit of TV and bed! Love to all.
April 3, 2010
Saturday
Clouds and Sun
Still hot!
Black Point
Eight in the morning began the fishing tournament. It ends at 1:00 and the biggest fish caught wins the trophy. We will try to be at the government dock for the judging and pictures. Other activities will go on throughout the day and we will be there to catch glimpses of everything going on…and also try the internet again. Can not wait for dinner at Lorraine’s Café and enjoy her Bahamian fare. I also want to be around tomorrow morning just before church begins. It really brings me back to when I was a kid…all dressed up for the holiday. They are avid church goers and dress to the nines with fancy dresses, hats and gloves, and the men, of course… full suit and tie! It is a wonderful sight to see as they all head to church in their mode of transportation… golf carts! Well…Happy Easter to all! Love to all!
April 4, 2010
Easter Sunday
Sunny and Hot
1512 Engine Hours
Little Farmers Cay
We left Black Point this morning heading toward Little Farmers for a change of scenery.
When we arrived we found that Ocean Cabin, our chance for internet, was closed. Not many other boats around and it seems everyone including the marina is closed for the day. By 3:00 we finally got a response from Ocean Cabin and took a cruise to shore. Unfortunately, the internet was not the greatest today and only Roberta was able to get on while connected directly to their wireless system. We ran into Jeffrey who had taken us on our boating excursion last time we were here and set up Monday evening for pasta night. Back at Sea Fox we all enjoyed our Easter dinner…steaks, baked potatoes with caviar and scrumptious salad. Different from what we are used to but it still worked.
April 5, 2010
Monday
Sunny and Hot
Little Farmers Cay
Sea Fox had a wonderful spot on a mooring ball, but Freedom’s position across from us left much to be desired. Rolly, rolly and not much fun for them; and it is too shallow for them to enter where we were. We will depart tomorrow to calmer seas to get them away from where they are. They even moved to a different ball, but their position being open to the cut left much to be desired. We had made plans with Ernestine and Terry of Ocean Cabin to bring everything we needed to create ravioli and meatballs for dinner tomorrow night, but that will have to wait for another time. And, we will be sure to get back to this wonderful little town next week when Karen is here. Still, home made pasta and meatballs were on the agenda for tonight for Jeffrey and a couple of his friends. When they arrived we were sorry to see that Jeffrey was not with them due to a headache…but Tupperware was in hand for some to be brought back to him…he was not missing out evidently. So Stanley, Jeffrey’s brother, and friends Nick and Haley dined with us. It was a very entertaining evening with them filling us in as to how island life really is in this desolate little settlement. Four pounds of pasta, 3 pounds of meatballs, 2 loaves of home made Italian bread and a huge salad later they left us with only memories of the dinner….what they did not consume on the boat (that was quite a bit) was taken away by them instead of having seconds. I suppose they are growing boys! That was a lot of food and it simply disappeared. I am sure they do not get food like that to often and we were glad to oblige.
April 6, 2010
Tuesday
Sunny and Hot…80’s
1513 Engine Hours
Hettie’s Land
Today we moved just off of Great Guana to a cove that was absolutely gorgeous. Blue water and white sand beaches surrounded us. Barry and Renee headed out for some snorkeling and I stayed behind to just relax and read for a while. Freedom joined us not too much later (always waiting for the rising tide to travel) and settled in directly behind us. John and Roberta scooped me up and we all headed to the beach…John sat and read and Roberta and I took a much needed walk to move around a bit. This place is beautiful and if it were not for Karen’s arrival tomorrow we would be going nowhere too soon too fast.
April 7, 2010
Wednesday
Hot and Sunny once again
1515 Engine Hours
Staniel Cay
Another gorgeous day when we awakened at Hettie’s Land, but unfortunately during the night it became very rolly. Didn’t matter as we were heading out back to Staniel to retrieve Karen today. It actually turned out to be a nice ride back; the seas were smooth.
An attempt at getting fuel was futile today. A 100’ boat was docked at the fuel dock and evidently had no intention on leaving anytime too soon. Barry and I headed to Isles General and to the airport. The store had minimal items as the boat is due in tomorrow. But, we still managed to pick up some items and then Karen, who rolled in an hour late. She said they were looking for the pilot and were not able to take off in time…it figures. Island time! Barry and Karen went for an early evening swim as Karen was just itching to get into the water. Yummy burgers and potato salad for dinner…fattening, but oh so good every now and then. I even made a chocolate cake for Renee to sooth her week long craving for sweets.
April 8, 2010
Thursday
Hot and Sunny
Mid 80’s
Big Majors
Fuel from Staniel Cay YC
182 gallons; $753.00
The 100 footer finally left this morning and we were able to get much needed fuel even though the cost was painstakingly sinful. After the bloodletting we went back to anchor near the grotto so Karen and Renee could snorkel. The mail boat came in today so I really needed to head over for food before it was all gone. Barry and the girls took off to snorkel and I took off for Isles General. I arrived there at about 11:30 and, of course, the store was already nearly wiped out. Simply amazing! But even with the store being baron I still managed to spend $113. Renee and Karen had a wonderful snorkel with Barry. Renee is actually swimming! Something she always said she could not do! The girls had cake for lunch…OMG! and then we headed over to Big Majors for the evening. Better protection and we hooked up with Freedom once again. We will hang around here until Saturday morning so Renee can catch her plane back to reality and they will head out to new adventures.
April 9, 2010
Friday
Hot and Sunny
Upper 80’s
Bitter Guana
We headed out for another adventure and found a most wonderful spot with iguanas. It was only a day trip, but most wonderful. The landscape was gorgeous. It looked like a sandscape (?) on a wall. Evidently the limestone had eroded and fallen off the side of the hill. The view was amazing and feeding the iguanas was wonderful. The iguanas love being fed, especially right from your hand as a preference of the food being placed on the ground. Gorgeous spot that we will certainly visit again! After a wonderful visit we headed back to Staniel Cay.
April 10, 2010
Saturday
Upper 80’s again
Staniel Cay to Sampson Cay
The heat she is a comin! Very warm as we dinghy to Isles General and head for the airport with Renee. The flight was pretty much on time and Renee headed out after, what we hoped, was a good time for her. Freedom called and hoped we would head to Sampson Cay to meet up with Blue Blaze, Cloud Messenger and soon to arrive, Joyous. We first headed to town to pick up yet more provisions and headed over around 2:00. It was a nice short journey to Sampson. Lots of cleaning after our arrival. It is a good thing. We can once again see out of the eisen glass! It is a good thing…as Martha would say. It was Laura’s birthday today so dinner was at the marina restaurant….yummy and expensive! That is why we choose to dine on the boat~! Still, much fun and a break from cooking and cleaning. A menial dinner for 3 was $130! Ouch!
April 11, 2010
Sunday
Warm and partly sunny
Sampson Cay
One cannot dismiss the fact that this is a beautiful spot. Barry dropped me off at the marina to do laundry…yea!!! I threw in a couple of loads and headed to the marina store where the girls were shopping; I am sure trying to find items that were no so exorbitantly over priced that they could be purchased. $6.75 for a box of Kleenex is a good example of pricing here! $16.50 for a sirloin steak that can be purchased for $4.90 on Staniel Cay. Amazing! While there we met John and Rick (retired OB-GYN’s from WA) offered mahi fillets that they had caught yesterday looking for someone to take some off their hands! What a wonderful thing. Four fillets later and kisses to the gents was the beginning of dinner. Of course, I invited them to join us for our extravaganza! But, in the meantime Karen stood vigil for sharks lurking around the boat. It was quite the feat, but probably 4 hours later she scored and was able to jump in the water…probably her fourth attempt, and got some awesome pictures of a nurse shark that had been swimming around the boat. As usual dinner was a wonderful thing. Mahi and chicken legs from Candace Rose, hog fish and salsa from Joyous, salads and apps from Freedom, Blue Blaze, Cloud Messenger and Sea Fox turned into a royal feast…as usual. Oh my…how we live to eat…it is a wonderful thing. So much fun having 13 people on board and enjoying each other’s company. And, guess what??? Tomorrow is another day!
April 12, 2010
Monday
Warm and partly sunny
Low 80’s
As warm as it is without the sun streaming down on us it feels much cooler. Barry and Karen headed out to snorkel the reefs and I headed to shore with Freedom to hike. They snorkeled for 3 hours and we walked for a couple of hours. Great exercise for everyone. We all once again congregated on Sea Fox for dinner…steaks, twice baked potatoes and salads…very yummy. It was an early but delightful evening!
April 13, 2010
Tuesday
Warm and sunny
80’s
The weather station once again has lost its mind. It will not provide outdoor temps so I have to guesstimate. It is a bit windy today but we all head over to the beach around the corner from us in a cove. It is a beach party today!!! The cove gives us protection from the winds and there is a great gazebo and Adirondack chairs for us to lounge in. Jason set up a volley ball net and the games began. Lots of fun and exercise for all! Even Ali the dog joined us on the beach. Volleyball, snorkeling, and lunch on the beach was a wonderful day! Everyone retreated and remained on their boat for this evening.
April 14, 2010
Wednesday
Windy!
Must be low 80’s
Sampson Cay
We remain at Sampson and will do so until perhaps the beginning of next week. The winds are not conducive to moving anywhere else that would provide the shelter we have here. Barry has decided it will be best for Karen to take the Island Shuttle to Staniel on Friday morning as it will be too wet of a dinghy ride. There are white caps in the harbor…that is how windy it is…averaging 20 kts and gusting to 28 kts. Sea Fox has quite the swing going on. There would be great refuge for us in the cove near the beach where we were yesterday but a catamaran entered there yesterday and does not seem to be moving anywhere too fast today. Drat! Such a wonderful spot for shelter from the wind. Maybe tomorrow.
April 15, 2010
Thursday
Windy still
80’s
Barry and Karen head out to snorkel in spite of the cooler weather (yes…cool when the wind is cranking) and wind. They brought back a wonderful conch shell that a crab is inhabiting. One would think it would give up its home easily but not this guy. Barry finally conceded and sent it back to the ocean. It would not give up its home at all. Dinner was the usual crowd and much fun as usual…the night ended with a couple of games of LRC…you know….the dice game! Much fun! Susie won one round and I the other! Much fun, much fun.
April 16, 2010
Friday
Calm as all get out!
6:30 AM
Gorgeous morning
We were all up so Karen could get pics of the sunrise and she also wanted one last cinnamon toast breakfast…and I gladly obliged! The day was gloomy…I headed for the Laundromat and store for more provisions. Laura clued us in on how to make ricotta…and I am on it! Simple, simple and we can have butternut squash lasagna! The day went by quickly in spite of the fact that we were all slugs for the day….I think we needed some down time. Internet was plentiful…but skype was not as I wished it had been. There will be no internet and cell service for the next few weeks to come…desolate islands are ahead of us…so I sucked up as much time as I could with my kids on face book and Gmail. It was also nice to see some friends on line and had the opportunity to speak with them also….This may be the last blog for a couple of weeks to come. Love to All!!!!
April 17, 2010
Saturday
Sunny and 82*
Cambridge Cay
1521 Engine hours
Blue Blaze and Cloud Messenger headed out yesterday to Little Farmers. Joyous remained behind with us for one more day, but headed out today to join the others in Little Farmers. Freedom and Sea Fox headed north and our 2 hour trip landed us at Cambridge Cay…once again. This is such a gorgeous spot! Nothing here but beauty. Just the beginning of one of many spots we will hit on our way north….just taking our time heading home.
April 18, 2010
Sunday Funday!
A bit cloudy and low 80’s
Cambridge Cay
So we remain in Cambridge with thoughts of riding out yet another front coming through. So far so good. Not much wind and another gorgeous day. Big day today. We did move to mooring balls with the anticipation of 30 kts winds that are predicted for this evening. We spent the morning snorkeling a few of the reefs right in the immediate area…not as spectacular as the sea aquarium but still very nice. Three rays were spotted lying on the bottom covered with sand which is how they supposedly feed. Very cool with just their eyes and barbs showing. John and Roberta spotted a huge lobster and we all saw many angel fish and groupers…with the groupers looking good enough to eat! So huge! After a quick lunch we headed to one of the beaches nearby, beached the dinghies and hiked the hills of the island. Simply amazing views from the top of the hill of the ocean on one side and greenery on the other side. We also came upon a hole in one of the limestone rocks that gave off a whooshing sound and spouted a huge gush of air as the waves rolled in. It was really something. After a long day we treated ourselves to meatloaf and mashed potatoes…with corn and a salad of course! Oh my…have not had that in so long and it was really, really tasty! The guys watched a movie while Roberta and I slept! Hey it was a very busy day and we were tired!!!
April 19, 2010
Monday
Sunny and clear skies
80’s
Cambridge Cay
Well, it is another beautiful day…so much for the front that is supposed to be coming through…so far so sign of it. Barry worked on the dinghy engine for a good part of the morning…cannot get the boat up on plane for anything! His thoughts are a problem with the carburetor. While Barry was tinkering, Chris (Park Warden) from headquarters cruised by collecting mooring fees..what a cutie he is with personality plus! We paid for two nights with the hopes of leaving and moving on to another new adventure. After a morning of toiling with the engine we finally headed over to the sea aquarium. The dinghy barely cooperated getting on plane…Barry is frustrated and still thinking of other causes and remedies. The aquarium was just as gorgeous as last time, but the current being so very strong did not allow us access to all areas we were able to explore as we would have been sucked away to sea! Afterwards we cruised over to Johnny Depp’s island and snooped around. Cameras and signs lining the perimeter warning it is a private island were very evident. I wanted to go around to the other side to be nosey and see the house, but again the current prevented us from doing so. They guys treated us to making a wonderful scallops over Chinese noodles with a salad! Delish and the girls did not even have to do the dishes…Love to all!
April 20, 2010
Tuesday
Sunny, Sunny, 80’s
At dinner last night we all decided we would spend yet another day at Cambridge. There really is no hurry to move on and we will savor this lovely spot for one more day. And so began the trek to the other side of the island to complete what we could not on Sunday….just getting to the other side. We had packed lunches so we found a shady spot to leave everything prior to our hike. It was a long, very physical walk to the other side…over hill, over dale we hit the dusty trail! Being on the very top and looking around was magnificent. Getting down to the other side along the beach was quite the feat, but well worth what lie on the other side. At low tide the beach is a treasure trove of goodies the tide leaves behind. Perfect specimens of brain coral and other species line the pink sand beach. They have all now turned to rock and many embedded in the limestone as fossils. I could spend hours there just looking and looking. Meanwhile, John and Barry continue their quest for clean and pick up debris all along the way to be added to a pile of garbage at the trail’s end collected by everyone who visits this island. It is a very large pile that we can only assume will get burned at some point by park officials. Lunch at a little spot that has been created, probably by cruisers, was our day’s reward…food on the beach is the best. It is a small area with a hammock, rope swing, tire swing and a small table made from a board. There are creations made from the sea’s offerings hanging from the trees such as fan garland. A very unique and fun spot to hang for a bit. It cooled off considerably as a dark cloud was heading our way…certain to bring rain. Sure enough, by the time we got back to our boats the much needed shower began. Respective boats for the evening…comfy and cozy with the rain coming down!
April 21, 2010
Wednesday
Warm and sunny
1524 Engine hours
Hawksbill Cay
We left Cambridge Cay and headed north to Hawksbill. The ride was great, but by the time we arrived the wind had shifted to the west and it was very rolly. Augh! Not what we were looking for. By the time Freedom arrived about an hour and half later it was now late afternoon and we decided to just relax and chill the rest of the day away. We did get together for dinner, but it was early to bed tonight.
April 22, 2010
Thursday
Hot and sunny, 80’s
Sleeping sucked last night. With the wind out of the west we rocked all night. It was so bad two plants, parsley and chives, fell over creating a wonderful mess to behold and clean when I awoke. The mess, however, gave me an excuse to drag out the vacuum and really give the carpeting a good, needed cleaning. We are screwed no matter where we head north as there is no where along the way that offers good protection from west weather other than Highbourne Cay Marina. At $4 plus a foot for dockage that will not be a happening. Tomorrow we will listen to the weather once again and decide if it will be prudent to go back south a bit and hang at Warderick Wells for a day or two..that is how annoying the rocking is By 5 pm the rocking had diminished and I no longer felt like vomiting…what an awful feeling!
April 23, 2010
Friday
Calm, warm and sunny, 80’s
Water temp 79.4*
1525 Engine hours
Shroud Cay
It took no time to head a bit north to Shroud. The water is calm and the wind light. I really did not want to back track to WarderickWells so we are continuing north. Shroud has many delightful amenities including the mangroves, snorkeling and gorgeous beaches. Today we took the dinghies a couple miles north and cruised through the mangroves. It was like cruising on a small river lined by trees. The water was crystal clear and even where spots were about 10 feet deep or more we could see straight to the bottom and the white sand. We once again explored the fresh water well and walked along some of the most gorgeous beaches. After dinner we were treated to the most spectacular sun set with many shades of pink peaking through the clouds. It was simply amazing and not one that we see very often at all. Early evening with thoughts of snorkeling tomorrow before we continue north…love to all!
April 24, 2010
Saturday
Cloudy and warm
The seas are once again getting rocky…all good things evidently must come to an end. Today we will try snorkeling…maybe not me, but the others will venture off the dinghies. It is breezy and cloudy so I am not inclined to indulge in getting wet and then being cold…such a pussy! It has been a while since we have had contact with home…not something I love at all so I used Roberta’s SSB radio and the internet that way to send a greeting and hopefully will get a response tomorrow when she does her morning check.
Delightful dinner of pork loin and broccoli and cauliflower with a salad…we always make a good dinner!
April 25, 2010
Sunday
1533 Engine hours
Royal Island Harbour
80*
Water temp…80*
We were up and gone by 8:00 am! The rocking prevented yet another good night’s sleep and we were done here! Barry…not so happy about leaving Exuma…Me…excited! I need land…I need the internet…I need stores for food…I need to talk to home!!!!! It was a long day, but in the long run we were happy we made our 8 hour cruise. Our attempt at getting into Spanish Wells and grabbing a mooring ball was squashed after our journey. Everyone is seeking shelter from the next blow, and hoping probably to be near land, food, restaurants and such. All the balls were occupied and there is a waiting list of 8 or so boats; so getting a ball is not looking so good. We will brainstorm tomorrow and come up with other options…including a slip for an evening or a water taxi. Royal Island is pretty but it is very desolate…I need land! Food! Streets!
April 26, 2010
Monday
Raining cats ‘n’ dogs!
Early to bed last night…and early to rise this morning awaking to rain….nasty, nasty rain, thunder and lightening. Day 2 on the boat all day is not a good thing. Neither Freedom or Sea Fox took down dinghies and remained at our respective boats all day…climbing the walls. Just so much reading, card playing, etc. that can be done without boredom setting in. Barry did call Directv and we do now once again have local (Miami) stations once again. A good thing! Two and ½ Men tonight and American Idol tomorrow night!
April 27, 2010
Tuesday
Sunshine galore
80’s
Woo hoo! Sunshine is back and we are loving it! Right after breakfast we brought down the dinghy, scooped up Roberta and headed for land. A nice long walk hit the spot and the island is loaded with butterflies! John remained behind “to do stuff.” We explored ruins of a house from, I would say, centuries ago. In its day it must have been one spectacular place. All stone construction with each room totally separate from the others…very weird…not even hallways, but yet a walk way down the center, that was not covered, leading to each room. Ceramic tile floors remain and remnents of what was a toilet and sink in the bathroom. It must have been one beautiful home sitting way up on a hill with 5 tiers of stone walls leading down to the harbor. After our walk Barry and I took a long dinghy ride on the outside of the island west to where the beginnings of development of this island is taking place. There seems to be a club house or restaurant of some kind along with 4 small cabana-type structures perhaps to house potential buyers of parcels for sale on the island…or maybe even a small resort. There is a nice beach in front of the buildings along with tiki huts and lounge chairs. Whatever it is…we were not welcome there. We were allowed to walk the other side of the island closer to a site where, some day years from now, there will be a marina constructed. Royal Island is privately owned and we had to seek permission to even take a walk….and that is when we were instructed as to where that would be allowed. The entire island is surveyed and there are sites marked as to what parcels are available for sale. Quite the place, but it has a long, long way to go before it becomes someplace popular enough for people to want to buy here. Tomorrow we head to Spanish Wells Yacht Haven marina. Cannot wait! The cupboards are bare!
April 28, 2010
Wednesday
Hot and sunny
Spanish Wells, Eleuthra
Yacht Haven Marina
(Slip fees $1.50/ft)
We were up early to start our short, 6 mile trip over to SW and the marina. The dinghy failed again…AUGH! Barry was never able to purchase the solenoids that are needed to make a proper repair. Guess that will have to wait until we are back in the states. A nice jury rig of the electrical system and we were back in business. We were finally settled in at the marina by 10:00. Food Fair was only open until 12:00 today so we grabbed a golf cart and the 4 of us were on our way. Food Fair is the only market in Eleuthra that pretty much resembles a market at home. It is quite large and has just about anything one could want and at somewhat reasonable prices. With that said…our grand totals were just a bit above $300 per couple and that food will probably last us a couple of weeks at best. Still…bargain shopping! Our ride back to the marina was surely a scene out of the Beverly Hillbillies. Just picture 4 of us and 2 shopping carts full of food on one golf cart…and of course no one brought a camera. After we put away all of our provisions we took a walk to Generation Gap which is a local restaurant, highly recommended. My roast beef sandwich (pot roast) was so freaking good. We took a walk to the other end of the island to see what Ronald’s Seafood had to offer today…nothing to our liking so we moved on. Laundry was done…what a pain in the ass. One washer and one dryer for the entire marina. Get in line! I was finally complete by 6:00. Last night the satellite dish failed…so no American Idol. But, during the day Barry replaced the fuse and it was working again tonight. The weather station has also lost its mind again…oh my…issues, issues! Barry and Roberta caught up with Ole Pot who is a guide for the Devil’s Backbone and made arrangements with him to get us through the coral heads tomorrow morning at $75 a pop for each boat. Then we will be off to Harbour Island. A very good day in the neighborhood with much accomplished in so little time!
April 29, 2010
Thursday
Warm and sunny
Harbour Island, Eleuthera
1535 Engine hours
Ole Pot (Vivien Pinder) showed up at 8:15 just as we were heading over to SW Marine and Hardware for fuel ($4.15 per/gal) but it was busy with another boat getting fuel. We hovered around for a bit and decided to forego the fuel. Not extremely necessary right now. It was a pretty uneventful ride over with Ole Pot driving Freedom and Sea Fox close behind. He brought us right into the harbor where we could anchor, handed over his signature Johnny Cakes thank you and departed. Freedom headed to Romora Bay Marina with the hopes of talking the dock master into a cheap slip rate due to the fact that Cloud Messenger had stayed there for free about 6 weeks ago due to the sparseness of boats vying for slips. The marina is still pretty empty but it was a no go…the going rate at $1/per foot it could have been a deal but not for us. We are a 5 minute dinghy ride away and the harbor is beautiful and calm. Barry and I headed out to explore the treasures of the island…and by treasures I mean food and the liquor store. Oh my, we have died and gone to heaven. Bob’s Seafood had anything one could possibly want in the way of fish and meat, The Dunmore Deli had cheese and meats that we had almost forgotten existed! Pigly Wigly was another island wonder with well stocked shelves…luscious strawberries, asparagus, melons, etc. Roberta bought a rack of lamb (oh, I am salivating) and we bought salmon pate and goat brie along with those big fat yummy strawberries for apps. I cannot wait to dig in. But, tonight there is a happy hour at the marina with live music that we will venture over to enjoy between 6 and 8. We can worry about dinner after that…and chicken was on the menu for tonight anyway. The lamb was a surprise-find. We need a golf cart so we can go shopping and perhaps become the Beverly Hillbillies once again. The liquor store, too, was great! The prices were actually acceptable! Will wonders never cease? The marina is at least a mile walk from the stores so we need to have a plan for purchases. We do know that all of these places deliver so that is a thought…deliver to the marina and we can just dinghy all of our delectables to our boats. Needy tummies have minds that work in strange ways. Hehehehe!
April 30, 2010
Friday
Hot and sunny…gotta be mid 80’s
Early afternoon lead us to cruise the island once again. There are so many places to explore…one more beautiful and wonderful than the next. There were fishermen at the cleaning station of Valentines Marina cleaning huge…I mean huge fish. One Mahi weighed in at 70 lbs. Along with the Mahi was snapper and grouper. We asked to buy some, but they would not sell it to us…rather he offered about 3 lbs. of Mahi for the taking! We jumped at that offer and John and Barry ran it back to the boat. Lunch at Dunmore Deli was magnificent! Pastrami! I had forgotten pastrami existed! After stuffing ourselves with these giant sandwiches we headed over to Pink Sands Resort (OMG..rooms start at $600/per night) and nosed around there for a bit. We walked thru the property and down to the beach…the pink sand beach. What a gorgeous resort. Inside the resort we felt like we were in a tropical forest with so many huge and different varieties of plants all around. Even 2 koi ponds surrounded by gorgeous plantings. The beach was splendid and we even caught a glimpse of the horses that can be hired for a trot along the beach. There is also a huge reef off the beach that deserves a look-see, but it is quite a swim off the beach and not so sure I would venture. There are many little shops here and there along all the streets…some silly expensive and others quite doable.
We very lazily spent the late afternoon relaxing on our boats. Little Woody (another pilot from Spanish Wells) was cruising the harbor offering fresh caught tuna. We both bought about 2 ½ lbs. for $20…a very good deal. We had the Mahi and an arugula salad for dinner. We found arugula at the Deli that is grown here in the Bahamas. The Mahi was melt in your mouth delicious…and the arugula was some of the best we have ever had. That along with the chicken liver pate Roberta and I made our dinner was better than eating out. What a wonderful day!
April 1, 2010
Thursday
Hot and Sunny
A lazy morning was followed by lunch at Staniel Cay Yacht Club….Mahi mahi sandwiches all around were very delish! We walked to the Blue and Pink Stores to forage for more produce but nothing that interested us was available. The boat comes in on Friday and the stores will all be restocked by Saturday. We will be gone by then, but can very well survive on our purchases from yesterday. Renee is very amused by the “markets” as they are absolutely nothing like at home. Just small buildings with offerings of whatever the boat left off the week before. They always order plenty of whatever it is they want to provide, but if it is on the boat when it arrives is a totally different story. Some items never make their way onto the mail boat for whatever reason.
You learn to just go with the flow and make due. We took Renee to Pig Beach with the leftovers from lunch in hand. Once again, the pigs were determined to board the boat for what we had…and the take out carton had to be thrown in the water to get them off the boat. Retrieval of the carton and back to the boat for R & R until dinner.
April 2, 2010
Friday
Hot and Sunny…seems to be a pattern here!
Black Point
Engine hours: 1510
We were up and running by 8:30 heading, as is everyone else, to Black Point for the Easter Weekend Festivities. There will be four days of events starting today including basketball, volleyball, billiards, and fishing tournaments, homemade food sold along the main road, and loud music. Locals from other islands come to compete in the competitions and trophies are awarded to the winners…kinda reminds me of my earlier days with the kids! Today the food stand that was to be started by 11:00 actually opened around 1:00, and then of course everything else was backed up. Volleyball that was to begin at 5:00 was overtaken by the continued basketball tournament and by 6:00 we were growing weary of ever seeing that take place. Barry and John spotted a small stand behind the basketball court and ventured to see what was happening there. Fresh conch salad. Yum…have not had that in a while, so at $10 a bowl we indulged…hehehe gotta love the Bahamians as they know how to suck the dollars out of the foreigners. But, on the other hand, Black Point is such a poor, poor community we really do not mind contributing to their economy. Earlier in the day we had gone to see Lorraine at her famous Café and promptly made dinner reservations for tomorrow night. I could not believe she actually remembered us from last year’s visit! With so many cruisers in and out of her establishment that amazed me. She was pregnant last year when we were here and delivered her bouncing baby boy, Joshua, in August. He is now seven months old and totally adorable! Even her husband was home for the Easter weekend. Normally he is not here…working on another island as there is much of nothing to be had in the way of work here. While visiting Lorraine, Roberta and I had laundry going at the wonderful “laundramat” here on the island. 12 washers and 12 dryers…all brandy new with lots of water pressure and hot water! Woo hoo! Clean sheets here we come! Internet was not a happening today as while we were there others using it prior to us trying used up all the band width the island was allowed for a while. Hopefully tomorrow we will have better luck. It is what it is! Dinner on Sea Fox, a bit of TV and bed! Love to all.
April 3, 2010
Saturday
Clouds and Sun
Still hot!
Black Point
Eight in the morning began the fishing tournament. It ends at 1:00 and the biggest fish caught wins the trophy. We will try to be at the government dock for the judging and pictures. Other activities will go on throughout the day and we will be there to catch glimpses of everything going on…and also try the internet again. Can not wait for dinner at Lorraine’s Café and enjoy her Bahamian fare. I also want to be around tomorrow morning just before church begins. It really brings me back to when I was a kid…all dressed up for the holiday. They are avid church goers and dress to the nines with fancy dresses, hats and gloves, and the men, of course… full suit and tie! It is a wonderful sight to see as they all head to church in their mode of transportation… golf carts! Well…Happy Easter to all! Love to all!
April 4, 2010
Easter Sunday
Sunny and Hot
1512 Engine Hours
Little Farmers Cay
We left Black Point this morning heading toward Little Farmers for a change of scenery.
When we arrived we found that Ocean Cabin, our chance for internet, was closed. Not many other boats around and it seems everyone including the marina is closed for the day. By 3:00 we finally got a response from Ocean Cabin and took a cruise to shore. Unfortunately, the internet was not the greatest today and only Roberta was able to get on while connected directly to their wireless system. We ran into Jeffrey who had taken us on our boating excursion last time we were here and set up Monday evening for pasta night. Back at Sea Fox we all enjoyed our Easter dinner…steaks, baked potatoes with caviar and scrumptious salad. Different from what we are used to but it still worked.
April 5, 2010
Monday
Sunny and Hot
Little Farmers Cay
Sea Fox had a wonderful spot on a mooring ball, but Freedom’s position across from us left much to be desired. Rolly, rolly and not much fun for them; and it is too shallow for them to enter where we were. We will depart tomorrow to calmer seas to get them away from where they are. They even moved to a different ball, but their position being open to the cut left much to be desired. We had made plans with Ernestine and Terry of Ocean Cabin to bring everything we needed to create ravioli and meatballs for dinner tomorrow night, but that will have to wait for another time. And, we will be sure to get back to this wonderful little town next week when Karen is here. Still, home made pasta and meatballs were on the agenda for tonight for Jeffrey and a couple of his friends. When they arrived we were sorry to see that Jeffrey was not with them due to a headache…but Tupperware was in hand for some to be brought back to him…he was not missing out evidently. So Stanley, Jeffrey’s brother, and friends Nick and Haley dined with us. It was a very entertaining evening with them filling us in as to how island life really is in this desolate little settlement. Four pounds of pasta, 3 pounds of meatballs, 2 loaves of home made Italian bread and a huge salad later they left us with only memories of the dinner….what they did not consume on the boat (that was quite a bit) was taken away by them instead of having seconds. I suppose they are growing boys! That was a lot of food and it simply disappeared. I am sure they do not get food like that to often and we were glad to oblige.
April 6, 2010
Tuesday
Sunny and Hot…80’s
1513 Engine Hours
Hettie’s Land
Today we moved just off of Great Guana to a cove that was absolutely gorgeous. Blue water and white sand beaches surrounded us. Barry and Renee headed out for some snorkeling and I stayed behind to just relax and read for a while. Freedom joined us not too much later (always waiting for the rising tide to travel) and settled in directly behind us. John and Roberta scooped me up and we all headed to the beach…John sat and read and Roberta and I took a much needed walk to move around a bit. This place is beautiful and if it were not for Karen’s arrival tomorrow we would be going nowhere too soon too fast.
April 7, 2010
Wednesday
Hot and Sunny once again
1515 Engine Hours
Staniel Cay
Another gorgeous day when we awakened at Hettie’s Land, but unfortunately during the night it became very rolly. Didn’t matter as we were heading out back to Staniel to retrieve Karen today. It actually turned out to be a nice ride back; the seas were smooth.
An attempt at getting fuel was futile today. A 100’ boat was docked at the fuel dock and evidently had no intention on leaving anytime too soon. Barry and I headed to Isles General and to the airport. The store had minimal items as the boat is due in tomorrow. But, we still managed to pick up some items and then Karen, who rolled in an hour late. She said they were looking for the pilot and were not able to take off in time…it figures. Island time! Barry and Karen went for an early evening swim as Karen was just itching to get into the water. Yummy burgers and potato salad for dinner…fattening, but oh so good every now and then. I even made a chocolate cake for Renee to sooth her week long craving for sweets.
April 8, 2010
Thursday
Hot and Sunny
Mid 80’s
Big Majors
Fuel from Staniel Cay YC
182 gallons; $753.00
The 100 footer finally left this morning and we were able to get much needed fuel even though the cost was painstakingly sinful. After the bloodletting we went back to anchor near the grotto so Karen and Renee could snorkel. The mail boat came in today so I really needed to head over for food before it was all gone. Barry and the girls took off to snorkel and I took off for Isles General. I arrived there at about 11:30 and, of course, the store was already nearly wiped out. Simply amazing! But even with the store being baron I still managed to spend $113. Renee and Karen had a wonderful snorkel with Barry. Renee is actually swimming! Something she always said she could not do! The girls had cake for lunch…OMG! and then we headed over to Big Majors for the evening. Better protection and we hooked up with Freedom once again. We will hang around here until Saturday morning so Renee can catch her plane back to reality and they will head out to new adventures.
April 9, 2010
Friday
Hot and Sunny
Upper 80’s
Bitter Guana
We headed out for another adventure and found a most wonderful spot with iguanas. It was only a day trip, but most wonderful. The landscape was gorgeous. It looked like a sandscape (?) on a wall. Evidently the limestone had eroded and fallen off the side of the hill. The view was amazing and feeding the iguanas was wonderful. The iguanas love being fed, especially right from your hand as a preference of the food being placed on the ground. Gorgeous spot that we will certainly visit again! After a wonderful visit we headed back to Staniel Cay.
April 10, 2010
Saturday
Upper 80’s again
Staniel Cay to Sampson Cay
The heat she is a comin! Very warm as we dinghy to Isles General and head for the airport with Renee. The flight was pretty much on time and Renee headed out after, what we hoped, was a good time for her. Freedom called and hoped we would head to Sampson Cay to meet up with Blue Blaze, Cloud Messenger and soon to arrive, Joyous. We first headed to town to pick up yet more provisions and headed over around 2:00. It was a nice short journey to Sampson. Lots of cleaning after our arrival. It is a good thing. We can once again see out of the eisen glass! It is a good thing…as Martha would say. It was Laura’s birthday today so dinner was at the marina restaurant….yummy and expensive! That is why we choose to dine on the boat~! Still, much fun and a break from cooking and cleaning. A menial dinner for 3 was $130! Ouch!
April 11, 2010
Sunday
Warm and partly sunny
Sampson Cay
One cannot dismiss the fact that this is a beautiful spot. Barry dropped me off at the marina to do laundry…yea!!! I threw in a couple of loads and headed to the marina store where the girls were shopping; I am sure trying to find items that were no so exorbitantly over priced that they could be purchased. $6.75 for a box of Kleenex is a good example of pricing here! $16.50 for a sirloin steak that can be purchased for $4.90 on Staniel Cay. Amazing! While there we met John and Rick (retired OB-GYN’s from WA) offered mahi fillets that they had caught yesterday looking for someone to take some off their hands! What a wonderful thing. Four fillets later and kisses to the gents was the beginning of dinner. Of course, I invited them to join us for our extravaganza! But, in the meantime Karen stood vigil for sharks lurking around the boat. It was quite the feat, but probably 4 hours later she scored and was able to jump in the water…probably her fourth attempt, and got some awesome pictures of a nurse shark that had been swimming around the boat. As usual dinner was a wonderful thing. Mahi and chicken legs from Candace Rose, hog fish and salsa from Joyous, salads and apps from Freedom, Blue Blaze, Cloud Messenger and Sea Fox turned into a royal feast…as usual. Oh my…how we live to eat…it is a wonderful thing. So much fun having 13 people on board and enjoying each other’s company. And, guess what??? Tomorrow is another day!
April 12, 2010
Monday
Warm and partly sunny
Low 80’s
As warm as it is without the sun streaming down on us it feels much cooler. Barry and Karen headed out to snorkel the reefs and I headed to shore with Freedom to hike. They snorkeled for 3 hours and we walked for a couple of hours. Great exercise for everyone. We all once again congregated on Sea Fox for dinner…steaks, twice baked potatoes and salads…very yummy. It was an early but delightful evening!
April 13, 2010
Tuesday
Warm and sunny
80’s
The weather station once again has lost its mind. It will not provide outdoor temps so I have to guesstimate. It is a bit windy today but we all head over to the beach around the corner from us in a cove. It is a beach party today!!! The cove gives us protection from the winds and there is a great gazebo and Adirondack chairs for us to lounge in. Jason set up a volley ball net and the games began. Lots of fun and exercise for all! Even Ali the dog joined us on the beach. Volleyball, snorkeling, and lunch on the beach was a wonderful day! Everyone retreated and remained on their boat for this evening.
April 14, 2010
Wednesday
Windy!
Must be low 80’s
Sampson Cay
We remain at Sampson and will do so until perhaps the beginning of next week. The winds are not conducive to moving anywhere else that would provide the shelter we have here. Barry has decided it will be best for Karen to take the Island Shuttle to Staniel on Friday morning as it will be too wet of a dinghy ride. There are white caps in the harbor…that is how windy it is…averaging 20 kts and gusting to 28 kts. Sea Fox has quite the swing going on. There would be great refuge for us in the cove near the beach where we were yesterday but a catamaran entered there yesterday and does not seem to be moving anywhere too fast today. Drat! Such a wonderful spot for shelter from the wind. Maybe tomorrow.
April 15, 2010
Thursday
Windy still
80’s
Barry and Karen head out to snorkel in spite of the cooler weather (yes…cool when the wind is cranking) and wind. They brought back a wonderful conch shell that a crab is inhabiting. One would think it would give up its home easily but not this guy. Barry finally conceded and sent it back to the ocean. It would not give up its home at all. Dinner was the usual crowd and much fun as usual…the night ended with a couple of games of LRC…you know….the dice game! Much fun! Susie won one round and I the other! Much fun, much fun.
April 16, 2010
Friday
Calm as all get out!
6:30 AM
Gorgeous morning
We were all up so Karen could get pics of the sunrise and she also wanted one last cinnamon toast breakfast…and I gladly obliged! The day was gloomy…I headed for the Laundromat and store for more provisions. Laura clued us in on how to make ricotta…and I am on it! Simple, simple and we can have butternut squash lasagna! The day went by quickly in spite of the fact that we were all slugs for the day….I think we needed some down time. Internet was plentiful…but skype was not as I wished it had been. There will be no internet and cell service for the next few weeks to come…desolate islands are ahead of us…so I sucked up as much time as I could with my kids on face book and Gmail. It was also nice to see some friends on line and had the opportunity to speak with them also….This may be the last blog for a couple of weeks to come. Love to All!!!!
April 17, 2010
Saturday
Sunny and 82*
Cambridge Cay
1521 Engine hours
Blue Blaze and Cloud Messenger headed out yesterday to Little Farmers. Joyous remained behind with us for one more day, but headed out today to join the others in Little Farmers. Freedom and Sea Fox headed north and our 2 hour trip landed us at Cambridge Cay…once again. This is such a gorgeous spot! Nothing here but beauty. Just the beginning of one of many spots we will hit on our way north….just taking our time heading home.
April 18, 2010
Sunday Funday!
A bit cloudy and low 80’s
Cambridge Cay
So we remain in Cambridge with thoughts of riding out yet another front coming through. So far so good. Not much wind and another gorgeous day. Big day today. We did move to mooring balls with the anticipation of 30 kts winds that are predicted for this evening. We spent the morning snorkeling a few of the reefs right in the immediate area…not as spectacular as the sea aquarium but still very nice. Three rays were spotted lying on the bottom covered with sand which is how they supposedly feed. Very cool with just their eyes and barbs showing. John and Roberta spotted a huge lobster and we all saw many angel fish and groupers…with the groupers looking good enough to eat! So huge! After a quick lunch we headed to one of the beaches nearby, beached the dinghies and hiked the hills of the island. Simply amazing views from the top of the hill of the ocean on one side and greenery on the other side. We also came upon a hole in one of the limestone rocks that gave off a whooshing sound and spouted a huge gush of air as the waves rolled in. It was really something. After a long day we treated ourselves to meatloaf and mashed potatoes…with corn and a salad of course! Oh my…have not had that in so long and it was really, really tasty! The guys watched a movie while Roberta and I slept! Hey it was a very busy day and we were tired!!!
April 19, 2010
Monday
Sunny and clear skies
80’s
Cambridge Cay
Well, it is another beautiful day…so much for the front that is supposed to be coming through…so far so sign of it. Barry worked on the dinghy engine for a good part of the morning…cannot get the boat up on plane for anything! His thoughts are a problem with the carburetor. While Barry was tinkering, Chris (Park Warden) from headquarters cruised by collecting mooring fees..what a cutie he is with personality plus! We paid for two nights with the hopes of leaving and moving on to another new adventure. After a morning of toiling with the engine we finally headed over to the sea aquarium. The dinghy barely cooperated getting on plane…Barry is frustrated and still thinking of other causes and remedies. The aquarium was just as gorgeous as last time, but the current being so very strong did not allow us access to all areas we were able to explore as we would have been sucked away to sea! Afterwards we cruised over to Johnny Depp’s island and snooped around. Cameras and signs lining the perimeter warning it is a private island were very evident. I wanted to go around to the other side to be nosey and see the house, but again the current prevented us from doing so. They guys treated us to making a wonderful scallops over Chinese noodles with a salad! Delish and the girls did not even have to do the dishes…Love to all!
April 20, 2010
Tuesday
Sunny, Sunny, 80’s
At dinner last night we all decided we would spend yet another day at Cambridge. There really is no hurry to move on and we will savor this lovely spot for one more day. And so began the trek to the other side of the island to complete what we could not on Sunday….just getting to the other side. We had packed lunches so we found a shady spot to leave everything prior to our hike. It was a long, very physical walk to the other side…over hill, over dale we hit the dusty trail! Being on the very top and looking around was magnificent. Getting down to the other side along the beach was quite the feat, but well worth what lie on the other side. At low tide the beach is a treasure trove of goodies the tide leaves behind. Perfect specimens of brain coral and other species line the pink sand beach. They have all now turned to rock and many embedded in the limestone as fossils. I could spend hours there just looking and looking. Meanwhile, John and Barry continue their quest for clean and pick up debris all along the way to be added to a pile of garbage at the trail’s end collected by everyone who visits this island. It is a very large pile that we can only assume will get burned at some point by park officials. Lunch at a little spot that has been created, probably by cruisers, was our day’s reward…food on the beach is the best. It is a small area with a hammock, rope swing, tire swing and a small table made from a board. There are creations made from the sea’s offerings hanging from the trees such as fan garland. A very unique and fun spot to hang for a bit. It cooled off considerably as a dark cloud was heading our way…certain to bring rain. Sure enough, by the time we got back to our boats the much needed shower began. Respective boats for the evening…comfy and cozy with the rain coming down!
April 21, 2010
Wednesday
Warm and sunny
1524 Engine hours
Hawksbill Cay
We left Cambridge Cay and headed north to Hawksbill. The ride was great, but by the time we arrived the wind had shifted to the west and it was very rolly. Augh! Not what we were looking for. By the time Freedom arrived about an hour and half later it was now late afternoon and we decided to just relax and chill the rest of the day away. We did get together for dinner, but it was early to bed tonight.
April 22, 2010
Thursday
Hot and sunny, 80’s
Sleeping sucked last night. With the wind out of the west we rocked all night. It was so bad two plants, parsley and chives, fell over creating a wonderful mess to behold and clean when I awoke. The mess, however, gave me an excuse to drag out the vacuum and really give the carpeting a good, needed cleaning. We are screwed no matter where we head north as there is no where along the way that offers good protection from west weather other than Highbourne Cay Marina. At $4 plus a foot for dockage that will not be a happening. Tomorrow we will listen to the weather once again and decide if it will be prudent to go back south a bit and hang at Warderick Wells for a day or two..that is how annoying the rocking is By 5 pm the rocking had diminished and I no longer felt like vomiting…what an awful feeling!
April 23, 2010
Friday
Calm, warm and sunny, 80’s
Water temp 79.4*
1525 Engine hours
Shroud Cay
It took no time to head a bit north to Shroud. The water is calm and the wind light. I really did not want to back track to WarderickWells so we are continuing north. Shroud has many delightful amenities including the mangroves, snorkeling and gorgeous beaches. Today we took the dinghies a couple miles north and cruised through the mangroves. It was like cruising on a small river lined by trees. The water was crystal clear and even where spots were about 10 feet deep or more we could see straight to the bottom and the white sand. We once again explored the fresh water well and walked along some of the most gorgeous beaches. After dinner we were treated to the most spectacular sun set with many shades of pink peaking through the clouds. It was simply amazing and not one that we see very often at all. Early evening with thoughts of snorkeling tomorrow before we continue north…love to all!
April 24, 2010
Saturday
Cloudy and warm
The seas are once again getting rocky…all good things evidently must come to an end. Today we will try snorkeling…maybe not me, but the others will venture off the dinghies. It is breezy and cloudy so I am not inclined to indulge in getting wet and then being cold…such a pussy! It has been a while since we have had contact with home…not something I love at all so I used Roberta’s SSB radio and the internet that way to send a greeting and hopefully will get a response tomorrow when she does her morning check.
Delightful dinner of pork loin and broccoli and cauliflower with a salad…we always make a good dinner!
April 25, 2010
Sunday
1533 Engine hours
Royal Island Harbour
80*
Water temp…80*
We were up and gone by 8:00 am! The rocking prevented yet another good night’s sleep and we were done here! Barry…not so happy about leaving Exuma…Me…excited! I need land…I need the internet…I need stores for food…I need to talk to home!!!!! It was a long day, but in the long run we were happy we made our 8 hour cruise. Our attempt at getting into Spanish Wells and grabbing a mooring ball was squashed after our journey. Everyone is seeking shelter from the next blow, and hoping probably to be near land, food, restaurants and such. All the balls were occupied and there is a waiting list of 8 or so boats; so getting a ball is not looking so good. We will brainstorm tomorrow and come up with other options…including a slip for an evening or a water taxi. Royal Island is pretty but it is very desolate…I need land! Food! Streets!
April 26, 2010
Monday
Raining cats ‘n’ dogs!
Early to bed last night…and early to rise this morning awaking to rain….nasty, nasty rain, thunder and lightening. Day 2 on the boat all day is not a good thing. Neither Freedom or Sea Fox took down dinghies and remained at our respective boats all day…climbing the walls. Just so much reading, card playing, etc. that can be done without boredom setting in. Barry did call Directv and we do now once again have local (Miami) stations once again. A good thing! Two and ½ Men tonight and American Idol tomorrow night!
April 27, 2010
Tuesday
Sunshine galore
80’s
Woo hoo! Sunshine is back and we are loving it! Right after breakfast we brought down the dinghy, scooped up Roberta and headed for land. A nice long walk hit the spot and the island is loaded with butterflies! John remained behind “to do stuff.” We explored ruins of a house from, I would say, centuries ago. In its day it must have been one spectacular place. All stone construction with each room totally separate from the others…very weird…not even hallways, but yet a walk way down the center, that was not covered, leading to each room. Ceramic tile floors remain and remnents of what was a toilet and sink in the bathroom. It must have been one beautiful home sitting way up on a hill with 5 tiers of stone walls leading down to the harbor. After our walk Barry and I took a long dinghy ride on the outside of the island west to where the beginnings of development of this island is taking place. There seems to be a club house or restaurant of some kind along with 4 small cabana-type structures perhaps to house potential buyers of parcels for sale on the island…or maybe even a small resort. There is a nice beach in front of the buildings along with tiki huts and lounge chairs. Whatever it is…we were not welcome there. We were allowed to walk the other side of the island closer to a site where, some day years from now, there will be a marina constructed. Royal Island is privately owned and we had to seek permission to even take a walk….and that is when we were instructed as to where that would be allowed. The entire island is surveyed and there are sites marked as to what parcels are available for sale. Quite the place, but it has a long, long way to go before it becomes someplace popular enough for people to want to buy here. Tomorrow we head to Spanish Wells Yacht Haven marina. Cannot wait! The cupboards are bare!
April 28, 2010
Wednesday
Hot and sunny
Spanish Wells, Eleuthra
Yacht Haven Marina
(Slip fees $1.50/ft)
We were up early to start our short, 6 mile trip over to SW and the marina. The dinghy failed again…AUGH! Barry was never able to purchase the solenoids that are needed to make a proper repair. Guess that will have to wait until we are back in the states. A nice jury rig of the electrical system and we were back in business. We were finally settled in at the marina by 10:00. Food Fair was only open until 12:00 today so we grabbed a golf cart and the 4 of us were on our way. Food Fair is the only market in Eleuthra that pretty much resembles a market at home. It is quite large and has just about anything one could want and at somewhat reasonable prices. With that said…our grand totals were just a bit above $300 per couple and that food will probably last us a couple of weeks at best. Still…bargain shopping! Our ride back to the marina was surely a scene out of the Beverly Hillbillies. Just picture 4 of us and 2 shopping carts full of food on one golf cart…and of course no one brought a camera. After we put away all of our provisions we took a walk to Generation Gap which is a local restaurant, highly recommended. My roast beef sandwich (pot roast) was so freaking good. We took a walk to the other end of the island to see what Ronald’s Seafood had to offer today…nothing to our liking so we moved on. Laundry was done…what a pain in the ass. One washer and one dryer for the entire marina. Get in line! I was finally complete by 6:00. Last night the satellite dish failed…so no American Idol. But, during the day Barry replaced the fuse and it was working again tonight. The weather station has also lost its mind again…oh my…issues, issues! Barry and Roberta caught up with Ole Pot who is a guide for the Devil’s Backbone and made arrangements with him to get us through the coral heads tomorrow morning at $75 a pop for each boat. Then we will be off to Harbour Island. A very good day in the neighborhood with much accomplished in so little time!
April 29, 2010
Thursday
Warm and sunny
Harbour Island, Eleuthera
1535 Engine hours
Ole Pot (Vivien Pinder) showed up at 8:15 just as we were heading over to SW Marine and Hardware for fuel ($4.15 per/gal) but it was busy with another boat getting fuel. We hovered around for a bit and decided to forego the fuel. Not extremely necessary right now. It was a pretty uneventful ride over with Ole Pot driving Freedom and Sea Fox close behind. He brought us right into the harbor where we could anchor, handed over his signature Johnny Cakes thank you and departed. Freedom headed to Romora Bay Marina with the hopes of talking the dock master into a cheap slip rate due to the fact that Cloud Messenger had stayed there for free about 6 weeks ago due to the sparseness of boats vying for slips. The marina is still pretty empty but it was a no go…the going rate at $1/per foot it could have been a deal but not for us. We are a 5 minute dinghy ride away and the harbor is beautiful and calm. Barry and I headed out to explore the treasures of the island…and by treasures I mean food and the liquor store. Oh my, we have died and gone to heaven. Bob’s Seafood had anything one could possibly want in the way of fish and meat, The Dunmore Deli had cheese and meats that we had almost forgotten existed! Pigly Wigly was another island wonder with well stocked shelves…luscious strawberries, asparagus, melons, etc. Roberta bought a rack of lamb (oh, I am salivating) and we bought salmon pate and goat brie along with those big fat yummy strawberries for apps. I cannot wait to dig in. But, tonight there is a happy hour at the marina with live music that we will venture over to enjoy between 6 and 8. We can worry about dinner after that…and chicken was on the menu for tonight anyway. The lamb was a surprise-find. We need a golf cart so we can go shopping and perhaps become the Beverly Hillbillies once again. The liquor store, too, was great! The prices were actually acceptable! Will wonders never cease? The marina is at least a mile walk from the stores so we need to have a plan for purchases. We do know that all of these places deliver so that is a thought…deliver to the marina and we can just dinghy all of our delectables to our boats. Needy tummies have minds that work in strange ways. Hehehehe!
April 30, 2010
Friday
Hot and sunny…gotta be mid 80’s
Early afternoon lead us to cruise the island once again. There are so many places to explore…one more beautiful and wonderful than the next. There were fishermen at the cleaning station of Valentines Marina cleaning huge…I mean huge fish. One Mahi weighed in at 70 lbs. Along with the Mahi was snapper and grouper. We asked to buy some, but they would not sell it to us…rather he offered about 3 lbs. of Mahi for the taking! We jumped at that offer and John and Barry ran it back to the boat. Lunch at Dunmore Deli was magnificent! Pastrami! I had forgotten pastrami existed! After stuffing ourselves with these giant sandwiches we headed over to Pink Sands Resort (OMG..rooms start at $600/per night) and nosed around there for a bit. We walked thru the property and down to the beach…the pink sand beach. What a gorgeous resort. Inside the resort we felt like we were in a tropical forest with so many huge and different varieties of plants all around. Even 2 koi ponds surrounded by gorgeous plantings. The beach was splendid and we even caught a glimpse of the horses that can be hired for a trot along the beach. There is also a huge reef off the beach that deserves a look-see, but it is quite a swim off the beach and not so sure I would venture. There are many little shops here and there along all the streets…some silly expensive and others quite doable.
We very lazily spent the late afternoon relaxing on our boats. Little Woody (another pilot from Spanish Wells) was cruising the harbor offering fresh caught tuna. We both bought about 2 ½ lbs. for $20…a very good deal. We had the Mahi and an arugula salad for dinner. We found arugula at the Deli that is grown here in the Bahamas. The Mahi was melt in your mouth delicious…and the arugula was some of the best we have ever had. That along with the chicken liver pate Roberta and I made our dinner was better than eating out. What a wonderful day!
We very lazily spent the late afternoon relaxing on our boats. Little Woody (another pilot from Spanish Wells) was cruising the harbor offering fresh caught tuna. We both bought about 2 ½ lbs. for $20…a very good deal. We had the Mahi and an arugula salad for dinner. We found arugula at the Deli that is grown here in the Bahamas. The Mahi was melt in your mouth delicious…and the arugula was some of the best we have ever had. That along with the chicken liver pate Roberta and I made our dinner was better than eating out. What a wonderful day!
