We have had great fun in West End of Grand Bahamas! It is absolutely gorgeous here, even though the wind has been blowing like crazy. It finally calmed down this afternoon and tonight, and we are planning to join a large group of other boats to travel to Great Sale tomorrow, then on to Green Turtle Cay in the Abacos the following day. Thankfully, the weather has calmed down and it appears that the next few days will provide calmer seas and pleasant travels.
Yesterday we rented a car with Lori & Bill (Perfect Day) and went to Freeport to tour the area. We had a great time and saw a lot of the area on the island. LOTS of laughs and a wonderful, fun adventure.
There has been a lot of excitement around here, as a sailboat crossing from Florida to West End the same night we arrived crashed into the break wall of the harbor here and the boat was lost. The couple survived and is staying at the resort here at Old Bahama Bay and they have garnered a lot of attention throughout the Bahamas and around the world. The boating community here has rallied around them and they are now doing very well. They were planning to sail to the Virgin Islands to get married, but their crash aborted their plans. They are now planning to get married on the tip of the harbor on Friday. Interesting story...up for much discussion.
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| The harbor of West End, Grand Bahama |
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| Very rough seas on Tuesday, the day after our arrival |
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| The boat that crashed on the sea wall, attempting to enter the channel in high winds, rain and darkness |
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| After one night in the crashing waves, all that's left of the boat |
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| Very rough waves for two days! So glad to be safely tucked into our slip |
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| Rough seas, blue skies, high wind, sunken boat |
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| Bill & Lisa, our companions on the tour of Freeport...at the local art fair |
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| Much of the same in all the booths...reminiscent of Mexico |
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| One of our favorite parts of the day...visiting the Lucayan National Park |
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| One of the largest collections of underwater caves in the world |
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| Two trails lead us through the park, one to the underwater caves... |
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| ...and another through this mangrove swamp area... |
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| Beautiful walk through this area...to.... |
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| This beautiful beach area, declared "the beautifulest beach in the Bahamas" by the park ranger |
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| Friends Bill & Lisa, adventurers and kindred spirits |
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| Felt great to take off our shoes and wade in the water |
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| Large "tree collections" washed up along the shore |
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| Natural works of art |
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| Unassuming little restaurant on the beach... |
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| Beautiful seashore |
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| Good times and great food! Best conch fritters we have ever had! Featured in Endless Vacation magazine as the best, and we concur! |
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| Sunset off the deck of the restaurant |
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| Portugese Man of War swimming near our boat today. Stay out of the water, as this boy is dangerous!! |
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| Mostly sailboats here. We are one of the few motor vessels in the marina. |
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| Also a resort, this is one of the several buildings lined along the beach. |
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| Our shower and bathroom facility |
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| Nice area on the beach to relax in the hammocks and enjoy the beautiful view |
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| This is truly paradise |
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| This bike is parked along the beach by one of the fishermen who comb the shore for mussels, lobster and conch. Nightly, several of the locals come along the dock selling lobster, conch, conch salad, and freshly baked bread. Delicious! |
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| The water is truly beautiful! |
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| The boat today, continuing to shed its parts. Many items have now been salvaged off the boat as they wash ashore. |
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| This guy, enjoying the beach, along with us |
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| My afternoon resting place to catch a few zzz's and a great book |
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| The pool area at the resort/marina |
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| What more could a vacationer want?! |
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