February 24, 2015 - Weather is beautiful

Wouldn't you just know it?! The minute our friends left, the temperature warmed significantly, the wind died down and we once again have the Bahama weather we expected. We think the cold weather may have stowed away in their suitcases for the time they were here, and thankfully stowed in their suitcases for the return trip.

We have had some memorable, fun times these past few days, and the blue skies and calm water have helped contribute to that. Our friends Larry & Deb from Bear's Nest came to Marsh Harbor so we connected with them and some of their fellow Canadian friends a few times over the past few days.

Yesterday, because the weather had made a huge turnaround for the better, we left Marsh Harbor for a short trip to Great Guana, where we had visited by ferry with our Michigan friends just a few days earlier. We anchored in Settlement Bay and reconnected with our friends Bill & Lori from California & Charlevoix, who are also on The Loop. We had a great evening with them, and then enjoyed a restful sleep on Patriot with calm and peaceful water.

While enjoying our morning coffee we saw a very large ray swim past us. The water is SO clear and beautiful, we can see fish, starfish, rays, etc. as they swim around us. It is really thrilling! After breakfast we went for a dinghy ride around the point to Fisher's Bay and met up with Larry & Deb from Canada (Bear's Nest) at Grabber's. Larry & I are both celebrating birthdays today, so we toasted to a long and happy life with a morning bloody mary.

Late in the morning we pulled anchor and left for Man-o-War Cay where we were pleasantly surprised. This island is very much a "small town", like a step back in time. I very much enjoy the quaintness of the island, which is not at all a tourist town. It's very laid back and family-oriented. Very unique and charming! We were joined in the anchorage by Bill & Lori (Perfect Day) and had the best dinner of our entire Bahama time at Dock and Dine this evening - Conch in da bag - indescribably delicious, and so much food that Jim and I both brought at least half or more home as leftovers. For birthday dessert we shared a coconut cheesecake. Oooooh...delicious!!

Conch are plentiful down here, so we have been enjoying conch fritters, conch chowder, and conch salad, but none of those dishes could compare to what we had tonight. We have also enjoyed the lobster we have purchased at the docks, but we are anxious to enjoy the lobster that Jim is hoping to capture very soon. He bought bait today, so plans to try to catch some fish over the next few days. Lobster hunting will happen soon also.

Tomorrow we will head back to Marsh Harbor, as the wind is supposed to escalate and we want to be safely back into our slip before the high winds move into the area.

We are hoping to have better access to internet when we return so will hopefully be able to post more pictures.