Sorry to rub it in for those of you stuck in the cold, but the weather has been absolutely fantastic down here since our Michigan friends took the cold weather home with them. We are settled in here in Marsh Harbor, have met a lot of nice people from all over...some very interesting stories to share when we return home. :)
Today we went with a sailboat neighbor/friend (Al & Collette on to Little Harbor, which is just a short ride from Marsh Harbor. We're came here via car to Pete's Pub with Kevin & Michele, Al & Gayle after we picked them up at the airport. Coming by water is a TOTALLY different experience, and doesn't even look like the same place we came by car. While it was a relatively short ride by boat today, part of the journey was very rough. In the area of the small barrier islands adjacent to Great Abaco Island there are areas called "cuts", which are openings through which the rough (today) waters of the Atlantic Ocean crashed through to the inner passage of the Sea of Abaco, and provided rough seas through that area. Thankfully, it was only about ten minutes of very rough seas, where I stayed in the salon and guarded the cupboards and other things that hadn't been secured. We made it through the rough seas to the protected cove called Little Harbor, where we plan to spend a couple of days.
There are several boats anchored and moored here, and Monday night is a weekly "beach party", sponsored by one of the winter residents here (summer residents of Manistique, Michigan). Everyone in the harbor and on the island is invited to bring their own beverages and a dish to pass and have a "meet and greet" gathering. It was great fun, we met many wonderful people and got some great suggestions for places we might be able to keep Patriot if we decide to leave her in Florida and go back to Michigan for the summer. As of late, our love of the Bahamas has prompted us to reconsider finishing the loop this year. We are now very seriously contemplating leaving the boat somewhere in Florida, going home for the summer and coming back here for the winter. Decisions, decisions...tough life, we have!
It's just so much fun to be able to pick up and leave for another spot, as there is SOOO much to see in the Bahamas. While many cruisers prefer the Exhumas, we are in love with the Abacos. There's plenty of civilization here and it's about as "modern" as it gets in this part of the world. Our internet connection is spotty, so probably the most challenging of things for those of us who rely on technology. Because it's spotty, it's also very weak so makes it very difficult to post pictures.
There is a very large grocery store in Marsh Harbor, a marina store, hardware stores, etc. The Marsh Harbor Marina, where we are, is located on the opposite side of the bay from "downtown" Marsh Harbor, so while it is a little more secluded, it is a short bike ride or dinghy ride to town. There is a night watchman that oversees the marina at night, so there is little danger of theft or questionable intruders. We feel very safe there, and have great neighbors that look out for one another.
Our time in the Bahamas is winding down. We will take a few more side trips, then end our visit here with a concert in Great Guana by The Barefoot Man (the Bahamas' own Jimmy Buffet). As soon as weather allows, we will move along and make the crossing to West Palm Beach and bid farewell to the Bahamas for this season.
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