Thursday, May 6, 2010
Makai has new owners...
Makai motored into Bock Marine, Beaufort, NC, put on the hard and placed on the market for sale with Beaufort Yacht Sales. Eddie Miller was our agent. Ed and I got a small storage unit close by and started clearing out "stuff" that we accumulated in the 3 years of cruising. The weather was great so we were able to get the bottom painted, the hull washed and waxed and the prop cleaned with a new zinc, when we got a call from Sonny White, another agent with Beaufort Yacht Sales requesting to view Makai as he had potential customers who were
sincerely interested. Sonny came by at 7:00 p.m. on a Tuesday and on Thursday afternoon called us with an offer sight un-seen! She had not been on the market for a week! After a few days of negotiating, we came to an agreement and before we knew it a date was set for a walk through, launch, sea trail and survey with the perspective new owners, Bob and Ann Nussbaum of Fairbury, Illinois. Bob and Ann currently have a Catalina 36 which they use on Lake Michigan. They are owners of Nussbaum Plumbing and Heating and eventually plan to someday retire and cruise the islands, but until then, Makai will be home based in Lake Michigan having her own sort of retirement. Makai will have her mast unstepped and ready to be transported by truck up to Michigan, so for a while, she is getting a reprieve from the ICW and the salt walter. She was a great boat and we thoroughly enjoyed cruising on her the past 3 years. Ed and I both have so many memories! So, if you see a Caliber 40' 2007 model on Lake Michigan, it will be Makai with a possible name change, being that Makai means "toward the sea and we don't think she will see it for a long time! Aloha Makai.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
A new chapter...
After three years of cruising onboard Makai and knowing that the cruising life was not a long term life style, Ed and I have decided to put Makai up for sale, hoping to give another adventurous captain and his crew an opportunity to enjoy her as we have. The past three years have been amazing times for us, meeting new friends, visiting new areas, and testing our limits. But it is time to move on and see what other doors are ready to open. We have traveled up and down the east coast of the U.S. and to the islands in the Bahamas, viewing gorgeous sunrises and sunsets, walking the white sand beaches and swimming in the crystal clear waters. As our chapter of sailing Makai closes, another chapter will soon open...so wishing all fair winds and calm seas until we meet again.
Makai is now offered for sale
2007 Caliber 40 Long Range Cruiser Sailboat
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Great Sale Cay to Vero Beach, Florida
We awoke bright and early Saturday morning and noticed a lot of the boats at anchor had already headed out, so at 0700 hrs. we pulled our anchor and left Great Sale Cay anchorage heading towards the Little Bahama Bank. Very light winds were blowing so we motor-sailed most of the day. We arrived at Little Bahama Bank at 1500, but instead of stopping and resting, we decided to keep on going and get back into Florida as quick as possible as the weather was due to change for the worse on Sunday.
You can tell where the banks meet the Atlantic Ocean as there is a definite color change going from 20 feet of water to the mysterious deeper waters of the open ocean and gulf stream. Eva had to say goodbye to clearly seeing and watching the starfish in the shallows along with the fish swimming along side Makai. As the afternoon quickly turned into evening the winds picked up a little and we put out full sail and looking grand. We still only maintained between 6 and 7 knots as we were "crabbing" in almost two knots of current in order to get the right angle into Fort Pierce, Fl. At 2330 hrs we encountered a Carnival cruise ship who was set on a collision course with Makai. He had no plans of altering his course so as we got within a mile of him and watching their big screen television on deck, Captain Ed decided we needed to turn! An hour later, we were heading
into the Fort Pierce Channel, which is very well marked making a night time entry a piece of cake. As soon as we turned to starboard on the ICW we dropped anchor and headed for some shut eye. It was a long 18 hours, but what we consider a very good crossing. In the morning we headed to Vero Beach, where we are currently on a mooring ball and getting laundry and shopping done. We are seeing so many of our friends we had met in the Bahamas and will be traveling north with many of them. We took a dingy ride to the marina to purchase 5 gallons of gas to keep on board for the dingy. Unaware a manatee was under the surface we started rising in the water being gently nudged up in the air and off his back!
Our Crossing
We left Green Turtle Cay in the Abacos on Friday (3/19) and headed toward Great Sale Cay where we would spend the evening. We encountered 20 knots of head winds directly and moderate 3-4 foot seas with an exhilarating salt water spray over the bow. Our speed was only 5 knots for the majority of the day, picking up to 6 + knots for the last 2 hours. The 60 mile trip took approximately 10 hours. We enjoyed a quiet, peaceful night before we would be on the move again over the banks and into the gulf stream waters.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Heading home - back to USA
With the weather window looking good for Saturday and Sunday, we will be heading back to the USA and arriving in Florida where we will continue our blog!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Whale Cut/Green Turtle
When thinking about transiting the Whale cut, you always hear a story or two. This season, it seems to be the one about a trawler who transited the “Whale” heading south. Just after they turned to port to head from the ocean and into the cut, a rogue, 10-foot breaking wave lifted the stern of their boat out of the water, they lost rudder control, the boat turned sideways and broached far enough over that water came in through the windows. They struggled to gain control as debris flew throughout the cabin and fortunately the rudder finally grabbed and they slipped through the cut and into the safety of calmer water. Ed and I never underestimate the power of Mother Nature when it comes to boating. Captain Ed always takes the necessary precautions relating to weather and its effect. Just north of Great Guana Cay lies the Whale Cay Channel where boaters need to take extra precautions. Its at the “Whale” where boaters have to leave the relative safety of the Sea of Abacos and head into the ocean if they wish to travel further south in the Abacos. You navigate through a narrow reef out into the shallows of the Atlantic Ocean, making a 90-degree turn and continue three miles to the lee of Green Turtle Cay. As fellow boaters reported, even under the best of circumstances, this passage is notorious for wreaking havoc, even sinking big ships when "rage" conditions (huge, breaking waves) are present. We headed out at 7:30 am from Great Guana Cay. There were no winds, so we couldn't put up a sail but did encounter some rollers of four feet. It was a little rolly, but very passable. We were back into the Sea of Abaco in no time and heading to Green Turtle Cay. Green Turtle has special meaning to us. It was the first settlement that we anchored at on our first trip to the Bahamas three years ago and it was there that we lost our "Max" who passed away only two weeks after arriving in the Bahamas. After entering the channel, we called the two marinas, Green Turtle Club and Bluff House and found Bluff House to have a March Madness special of $1.25 a foot, free water and you can eat and drink in the restaurant using the amount of your dockage fee. What a deal - stay free because we always have to eat! After getting tied up into the slip the first thing we had to do was go and see Max's grave. So Ed myself and Rylee took the short 10 minute walk to the beach where Max is laid to rest. RIP we miss you Max.
We then met up with Pat and Bob from "Maverick" who are also at the marina and made plans for lunch. Seems like alot of boats pulling in today all plan on making a crossing back to the states this weekend. Another boat "Gorma" with Craig and Colleen are next to us and also planning on staging for a crossing. No problem finding a buddy boat to cross with - someone is always going your way!
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Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Great Guana Cay
With the winds down and now out of the north and east, we decided to leave Treasure Cay and head over to Great Guana for our anniversary dinner. Our sail there was leisurely and uneventful. We entered the Fisher Bay anchorage in the late morning and being the only boat there at the time, we had our choice of mooring balls. In making our approach we snagged a long line that was floating just under the surface and it became tangled in the propeller. Captain Ed quickly gave me orders to drop the anchor and we assessed the problem. I suited up in my wetsuit and under the boat I went. I could see lines wrapped around the shaft, so I tried cutting them off but could not manage my task. The mooring ball owner Troy was called from Dive Guana as it was apparent we needed a diver as the Captain cannot leave his boat to go under and look. Any way he said there are sharks in the water. At 1300 hrs, Troy arrived and before you know it he was under the boat and all lines were cut free! It would have taken Ed and I hours. No damage done thank goodness. Great Guana is called the "party island" because of its' famous bars - Grabber's and Nipper's. It is the longest of the Abaco Cays which lies on the east side of the chain and stretches for seven miles. The settlement is one of the smallest but is growing. There are only about 200 residents who call the Cay home. Nipper's Bar and Grill sits perched high atop a forty foot dune overlooking the Great Abaco Barrier Reef. Nipper's is known for it's strong rum drink called the
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"The Nipper" and its famous wild boar pig roast held on Sunday afternoons where people from all the islands come for an afternoon of food, drinks, dancing and fun. They also have a two level swimming pool and provide a telephone where you can call home free!
Grabbers Bar and Restaurant is on the other side of the island, also with a swimming pool and their famous "Guana Grabber" drink with just a word of caution - more than two Guana Grabbers and you never know what you
will grab next! On Wednesday evenings they sponsor a pot luck dinner where cruisers and locals come together for some great food, drinks and fun.
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will grab next! On Wednesday evenings they sponsor a pot luck dinner where cruisers and locals come together for some great food, drinks and fun.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Treasure Cay
After 14 days in Marsh Harbour, the winds have clocked around and it's time for Makai to head to another island to enjoy. But before leaving, Eva had a list of things that need done, so we were both up early and she washed the boat while Ed filled the water tanks and we got fuel ($4.27 gal. diesel). Then we headed to the grocery store for a few last minute things and while in town decided to have breakfast. Upon returning to the marina, we prepared Makai for departure and left the marina at noon, at mid tide with plenty of water. We need to be in Treasure Cay channel at high tide or we would be bumping the bottom. Treasure Cay is listed in National Geographic as "One of the 10 best beaches in the world".
We anchored in a harbor (spelled harbour here as it is a British parliamentary democracy) with full protection from the winds. Because the anchorage is actually in a private resort community there is a minimal charge to anchor in the dredged harbour. This allows you to be considered guests of the marina with full use of all facilities and a great value. Many boaters in the anchorage opt to skip out on paying the marina which is a shame. In the marina complex there is a pool, bar, restaurant, dive shop and jewelry store. Nearby is a grocery store with fresh produce at reasonable prices (for the Bahamas), a post office, community church, liquor store and a laundry where you leave your washing with an elderly lady and pick it up all washed, dried and folded. As we sat and enjoyed some quiet time, Ed and I both noticed several turtles around the boat...they come up for a few seconds and then back down, but have been around the boat for several hours.
Off to the beach - what an incredible welcome sight. Three and a half miles of powdery coral sand in a crescent moon enclosing water colored with all the various shades of blue and turquoise stretching as far as the eye could see. The Cay itself is home to about 2,000 with about 1,000 private homes with full and part time residents made up of Bahamians, Americans, Europeans and Canadians.
There are several restaurants/bars just steps away...Spinnaker Lounge and Restaurant, Coco Beach Bar and the Tipsy Seagull Bar which is right at the swimming pool and noted for their live entertainment. On Tuesday nights, they have a barbecue on the beach complete with a bonfire, Wednesday nights are "drive in movie" night where you take your lawn chairs or golf carts to the parking lot and watch an outside move and on Thursday nights, its pizza night.
We anchored in a harbor (spelled harbour here as it is a British parliamentary democracy) with full protection from the winds. Because the anchorage is actually in a private resort community there is a minimal charge to anchor in the dredged harbour. This allows you to be considered guests of the marina with full use of all facilities and a great value. Many boaters in the anchorage opt to skip out on paying the marina which is a shame. In the marina complex there is a pool, bar, restaurant, dive shop and jewelry store. Nearby is a grocery store with fresh produce at reasonable prices (for the Bahamas), a post office, community church, liquor store and a laundry where you leave your washing with an elderly lady and pick it up all washed, dried and folded. As we sat and enjoyed some quiet time, Ed and I both noticed several turtles around the boat...they come up for a few seconds and then back down, but have been around the boat for several hours.
There are several restaurants/bars just steps away...Spinnaker Lounge and Restaurant, Coco Beach Bar and the Tipsy Seagull Bar which is right at the swimming pool and noted for their live entertainment. On Tuesday nights, they have a barbecue on the beach complete with a bonfire, Wednesday nights are "drive in movie" night where you take your lawn chairs or golf carts to the parking lot and watch an outside move and on Thursday nights, its pizza night.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Marsh Harbor Week 2
We are enjoying ourselves at the marina here with daily excursions walking from place to place or taking the marina courtesy bikes. This morning we were walking to Skaggs supermarket when we were asked if we needed a ride. We accepted the lift from a very friendly woman and even though the ride was short it was pleasant. Skaggs is known for it's seafood (frozen) with lobster in abundance for sure. We decided on frozen shrimp for dinner tomorrow.
The weather outlook is not that good and we should be here for another week. At present it is blowing around 32 knots with a windy forecast for the remainder of the week. We are getting the boat nice and clean with the fresh water washes every couple of days. We also have cable TV with the Winter Olympics toping the list of watched shows and World News a daily event. We have weather channels for Miami, New Jersey, Los Angeles, etc., so we know how bad this winter has taken its toll on those areas.
The marina where we currently are has a Happy Hour Social on Thursday evenings with drinks being 2 for 1 and everyone making their best appetizer.
When we take our dingy into town a Bahamian rushes over to help us tie up and he is also waiting for us when we return. He remembers us from last year when we gave him a bottle of rum in the morning for all his help. That evening when we returned to the dock we found him laying on the cement ramp with 3/4 of the bottle gone. Ed walked over to him to see if he was alive. It took some doing but he managed to awaken him for a few seconds before he passed out again after his jacket was placed under his head acting as a pillow. This year I think we will give him just a couple of Budweisers.
Our plans do call for leaving in a few days heading to Treasure Cay or Guana. Wherever we go it will be nice. Treasure Cay has a beautiful beach (one of the nicest in the world) and Guana is the party cay with Nippers and Grabbers toping the list as a great night out with the cruising as well as the land based tourist community. The Barefoot Man will make his yearly appearance at Nippers this coming weekend with several concerts. That place will be rocking to say the least. They have a pool right next to the bar and at times the party turns into a naked free for all at the pool with cocktails in hand and the music on level 10!
All in a night out at Nippers. Grabbers is another place that is somewhat keyed down but their food is the best. Our favorite is Italian night.
Nippers pool area
The weather outlook is not that good and we should be here for another week. At present it is blowing around 32 knots with a windy forecast for the remainder of the week. We are getting the boat nice and clean with the fresh water washes every couple of days. We also have cable TV with the Winter Olympics toping the list of watched shows and World News a daily event. We have weather channels for Miami, New Jersey, Los Angeles, etc., so we know how bad this winter has taken its toll on those areas.
When we take our dingy into town a Bahamian rushes over to help us tie up and he is also waiting for us when we return. He remembers us from last year when we gave him a bottle of rum in the morning for all his help. That evening when we returned to the dock we found him laying on the cement ramp with 3/4 of the bottle gone. Ed walked over to him to see if he was alive. It took some doing but he managed to awaken him for a few seconds before he passed out again after his jacket was placed under his head acting as a pillow. This year I think we will give him just a couple of Budweisers.
Our plans do call for leaving in a few days heading to Treasure Cay or Guana. Wherever we go it will be nice. Treasure Cay has a beautiful beach (one of the nicest in the world) and Guana is the party cay with Nippers and Grabbers toping the list as a great night out with the cruising as well as the land based tourist community. The Barefoot Man will make his yearly appearance at Nippers this coming weekend with several concerts. That place will be rocking to say the least. They have a pool right next to the bar and at times the party turns into a naked free for all at the pool with cocktails in hand and the music on level 10!
All in a night out at Nippers. Grabbers is another place that is somewhat keyed down but their food is the best. Our favorite is Italian night.
Nippers pool areaSaturday, February 27, 2010
Marsh Harbor
On Wednesday nights, the marina restaurant (Jib Room) has their famous rib night. Dinner included bbq ribs, potato salad, cole slaw, baked beans and a dinner roll. Our dinner was great with ribs that were tender and great tasting. The entertainment was a rake and scrape band and a limbo dancer. What fun we had under the stars even if it was a bit chilly!
On Saturday night we may try the steak dinner with a one pound steak. That night a front has brought thunderstorms and winds gusting up to 40 knots. We did have a night of rocking and rolling as the waves came in. Captain Ed was out in the rain at 3 am adjusting the lines as the tide was exceptionally high.
Marsh Harbor is the largest town in the Abacos, having over 5000 residents, one of the largest grocery stores in the islands complete with fresh meats and a small deli department. There are several marinas, a hardware store, several restaurants, marine store, laundromat, churches and an airport. The anchorage in the harbor is large, well protected and good holding in mostly 6 to 8 feet of water. Alot of cruisers make this their home for 3-4 months as everything you need is right here!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Passage to the Abacos
After we bid our farewells to Leroy, Ole' Pot and the gang at the Spanish Wells marina, Makai was free from her slip and heading to Royal Island for an overnight stay in anticipation of the crossing to the Abacos. Despite the rumors of major construction of condos, Jack Nicholas golf course, marina and hotel on Royal Island, we felt the need to check it out and look over the anchorage. As we pulled into the anchorage area we saw 3 other sailboats were already at anchor and then we noticed all the heavy equipment, construction trailers and vehicles running around. We wanted a nice quiet evening and this was not going to the place for that, so onward we went. Egg Island is only a short distance so we decided that would be our destination. We dropped anchor close to shore with nothing around but the deep blue sea and beautiful blue sky. After a nice quiet relaxing night we awoke to Chris Parker with the weather at 6:30 am. Forecast was for very light north winds and little chop on the waters. The anchor was up at 6:45 am and we were on our way to the Abacos. Little Egg Island cut was no problem other than watching out for coral heads. With light winds of about 10 knots coming directly at us and gentle swells of six feet or so, we had to motor the 50 plus mile trip maintaining of speed of 6 1/2 knots making the trip in 8 hours. Surprisingly as we traveled through the Northeast Providence Channel and Atlantic Ocean we only encountered 4 freighters and 3 other sailboats passing us by heading the other direction. At 2:30 p.m. Eva yelled "Land Ho" as the island came into view. Within an hour or so, we were approaching the Little Harbor Channel/Cut and Lynard Cay. This area can get really rough under some weather conditions but today was great. We picked our spot and anchored for the evening with 12 other boats in the vicinity. We will stay in the Abaco Island chain (northern Bahamas) for the remainder of our voyage, before heading to the states. The Abaco Islands is a beautiful destination for cruisers. It is situated in the northern region of Bahamas and consist the big islands of Little Abaco and Great Abaco. Among Abacos' smaller but popular cruiser havens include Great Guana Cay, Treasure Cay, Sandy Point, Moore's Island, Green Turtle Cay, Hopetown and Man-o'-War Cay.
Not far from the eastern coast of Florida, these beautiful islands are easy to reach as a final destination with mostly protected waters. These islands are also considered to be one of the best places for inexperienced or first time cruisers. They are both close to the U.S. mainland, and full of plenty of ports and easy-to-find sites. And, of course, the ocean in this part of the Caribbean is usually always sunny and warm, however this year the weather has been somewhat different as in the U.S.. Cold fronts have been marching in one after the other causing cooler then normal temperatures and much higher winds of 30-40 + knots with squalls blowing to 70 knots as reported in some areas. A good anchor and chain setup is required. There are also many marinas to tie up in a blow and some mooring balls in various locations. Our main anchor is a Mason Supreme with 220 feet of 5/16 chain and an additional 180 feet of 5/8 line. We have found this anchor for our needs to be highly effective in the Bahamas and way better then a Delta, or Bruce as we used before. We do carry a Bruce side by side to the Manson Supreme http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVoYc0dL124 and a Fortress as an emergency 3rd anchor if needed.
Not far from the eastern coast of Florida, these beautiful islands are easy to reach as a final destination with mostly protected waters. These islands are also considered to be one of the best places for inexperienced or first time cruisers. They are both close to the U.S. mainland, and full of plenty of ports and easy-to-find sites. And, of course, the ocean in this part of the Caribbean is usually always sunny and warm, however this year the weather has been somewhat different as in the U.S.. Cold fronts have been marching in one after the other causing cooler then normal temperatures and much higher winds of 30-40 + knots with squalls blowing to 70 knots as reported in some areas. A good anchor and chain setup is required. There are also many marinas to tie up in a blow and some mooring balls in various locations. Our main anchor is a Mason Supreme with 220 feet of 5/16 chain and an additional 180 feet of 5/8 line. We have found this anchor for our needs to be highly effective in the Bahamas and way better then a Delta, or Bruce as we used before. We do carry a Bruce side by side to the Manson Supreme http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVoYc0dL124 and a Fortress as an emergency 3rd anchor if needed.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Spanish Wells
Makai left the mooring ball at Hatchet Bay and had an enjoyable motoring trip to Spanish Wells via Current Cut between Eleuthera Island and Current Island. Current cut can have some strong currents at maximum flood or ebb so checking the tide tables is a help. The cut is wide and very deep making the passage easy and safe. The winds for the entire day were very light and the water was almost flat. We are staying at Spanish Wells Yacht Haven Marina ($1.50 foot, $5 day elect., 15 cents gal. water, $5 internet) for a few days while we enjoy this island as we did last year.
Spanish Wells is noted for fishing and produces 72% of the nations annual production of spiny lobster that is exported worldwide. The settlement also has the most well-built, well-cared for, brightly colored homes with real grass, flower beds of english roses and fruit trees all meticulously cared for by the owners who are mainly English and American. There are very few Bahamians who actually live on the island.
With a population of 1,500, they have 3 churches, a medical clinic, an all age school, a government building with post office and customs, 3 grocery stores, 8 restaurants and few gas stations. An assortment of variety stores are trying to make a go of it. There is only 1 marina and 8 mooring balls in the harbor. You may choose to anchor outside the harbor, but the holding is only fair and you are not protected from the winds in all directions. The island is "dry," so don't expect a beer or glass of wine with your dinner unless you purchase it on one of the other islands.
From noon to 1:30pm all the businesses close down for lunch. They also are closed for half a day on Wednesdays and all day on Sundays so you better plan you're shopping! There are few cars - most people get around with their golf carts.
Being an island of fresh fish, we decided on fresh lobster tails for dinner. Ed made the most delicious seductive dinner imaginable. Lobster Tail Thermidor with fresh broccoli and sliced lemon for a hint of citrus. The wine of choice was a bottle of Black Tower Riesling 2007.
There happens to be a Florida Manatee who lost his way in the harbor with residents feeding them all kinds of food from lettuce to peanuts right next to a fuel dock. The food was floating on the water with some fuel that spilled with the manatee eating. This is not a normal place for them to be and not the diet they are used to. If this animal does not leave the area he most probably will not live a long life from eating handouts from the residents.
And who ever thought you would see ring neck pheasants in the Bahamas???
They are well cared for but they clip the wings so they can't fly off!
Spanish Wells is noted for fishing and produces 72% of the nations annual production of spiny lobster that is exported worldwide. The settlement also has the most well-built, well-cared for, brightly colored homes with real grass, flower beds of english roses and fruit trees all meticulously cared for by the owners who are mainly English and American. There are very few Bahamians who actually live on the island.
With a population of 1,500, they have 3 churches, a medical clinic, an all age school, a government building with post office and customs, 3 grocery stores, 8 restaurants and few gas stations. An assortment of variety stores are trying to make a go of it. There is only 1 marina and 8 mooring balls in the harbor. You may choose to anchor outside the harbor, but the holding is only fair and you are not protected from the winds in all directions. The island is "dry," so don't expect a beer or glass of wine with your dinner unless you purchase it on one of the other islands.
From noon to 1:30pm all the businesses close down for lunch. They also are closed for half a day on Wednesdays and all day on Sundays so you better plan you're shopping! There are few cars - most people get around with their golf carts.
And who ever thought you would see ring neck pheasants in the Bahamas???
Monday, February 15, 2010
Governor's Habor
Makai didn't have the opportunity to anchor in Governor's Harbor due to the weather, but while at Hatchet Bay, we decided to go and visit while we were still so close. One mode of transportation in the islands is hitchhiking since there is no public transportation...so, Ed put out his thumb and before you know it, we had a ride with a nice young girl who was on her way to work in Governor's Harbor which is about 25 miles south of our location. She talked about living and working on the island and her plans to one day visit the states. We arrived at our "drop off point" and she suggested several great places for lunch. Governor's Harbor is one of the largest settlements in Eleuthera and has some of the highest hills!
We started by first looking over the anchorage area but not a boat in sight due to the weather and direction of the winds. Then we walked through the settlement cemetery which dated back to the early 1800s and the church beside it. The Government building as in other settlements, houses the customs, post office, magistrate, and several other agencies with the police station and fire station next door. There are several small clothing stores where you can purchase souvenir tee shirts but not much more. For lunch we chose a deli that our "driver" recommended.
Our order was a genoa salami sub that came with french fries. You rarely see luncheon meats on the island so this was a true find! We then proceed up what they call Balteco hill to get a view of the sound and the Atlantic. Breathtaking!!! And it seems to be the prime location for the larger more expensive homes. There is an old vacant Club Med, but the walk to it was a little further than what we were game for that particular day. We had a great time sightseeing, but as the day wore on, we decided that we needed to find a way back to our boat or we would be walking until dark. We walked for a few minutes to get to the edge of the settlement and then decided it was time for Ed to do his magic again with his thumb and as soon as it was out, a small pickup truck stopped. We both looked at each other and said - let's go for it and we climbed into the bed of the truck! We laughed so hard as the wind blew in our faces and we watched the clouds go by!
Everyday is an adventure never knowing who you will meet or where you will end up! The islanders here are as on other Bahamian Islands very hospitable. It is always a "good morning" and "are you enjoying our Island"? People here are always willing to help and as on some other islands, have never seen a small dog like our RyLee. We are asked by many... is that a dog? We feel that any small dog like RyLee running loose here might end up on the grill for dinner. Governor's Harbour is a place not to be missed by any cruising boat.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Alice Town/Hatchet Bay
Weather is so unpredictable! One day you have squalls and wind of 40 knots and the next day, when you want the wind to fill your sails --- you have none! After 3 days of high winds and storms we were able to leave Rock Sound and head to Governor's Harbor, but en-route decided to go to Alicetown/Hatchet Bay for the next front that is to arrive. Hatchet Bay is considered one of the safest harbors in the islands.
The entrance into a land locked lake was man made by cutting into the limestone cliffs. There are 12 government installed mooring balls, 2 of which were empty so we grabbed the line of one and tied Makai onto it, dropped the dingy from the davits into the water and took Rylee for his much needed walk. Onshore we met Kathy and Bill from "Hale Kai" who informed us as to the location of the grocery store, laundry, bread making house, and internet cafe. They have been here on a mooring ball for 2 months so know the area very well. We also met up with Sue and Earl from "My Bonnie" who were with us on a mooring ball back in November in Vero Beach, FL. They had left before us and were hoping to be in Puerto Rico by now, but have had numerous engine problems which have kept them in the area.
The following day, after we did 3 loads of laundry and followed up with a great lunch at the Water's Edge, we took our evening walk. As we walked down one street we noticed a large group of people standing around. When we got closer there was a black hearse and many plastic flowers for a funeral at the house (fresh flowers are unavailable). Here on the smaller islands, there are no funeral homes so you have the choice of being laid out in your home or your church. Families usually don't use fancy expensive caskets, but plain Bahamian made wooden boxes. Retail caskets have to be shipped in from Nassau. The families of the deceased hold a wake the evening before the funeral and another get together after the graveside burial. Mourners commemorate the deceased by celebrating.
The island of Eleuthera is very green and lush and at one time was home to chicken farms and cows grazing in the pastures. Now, there are only remnants of what once was. The same fate applied to the cotton fields - gone with only wanderers left. We during a walk had an encounter with a few white cows walking the side of the road. They stopped as we approached and we noticed their horns (looked almost like a Bull), so we just let them be and we retreated to safer pastures.
The school children attend an all age school with outside doors to each small classroom. There are no large budgets for schools on the islands and it shows in the building construction. The students are so very polite and must wear uniforms to classes.
The following day, after we did 3 loads of laundry and followed up with a great lunch at the Water's Edge, we took our evening walk. As we walked down one street we noticed a large group of people standing around. When we got closer there was a black hearse and many plastic flowers for a funeral at the house (fresh flowers are unavailable). Here on the smaller islands, there are no funeral homes so you have the choice of being laid out in your home or your church. Families usually don't use fancy expensive caskets, but plain Bahamian made wooden boxes. Retail caskets have to be shipped in from Nassau. The families of the deceased hold a wake the evening before the funeral and another get together after the graveside burial. Mourners commemorate the deceased by celebrating.
The island of Eleuthera is very green and lush and at one time was home to chicken farms and cows grazing in the pastures. Now, there are only remnants of what once was. The same fate applied to the cotton fields - gone with only wanderers left. We during a walk had an encounter with a few white cows walking the side of the road. They stopped as we approached and we noticed their horns (looked almost like a Bull), so we just let them be and we retreated to safer pastures.
The school children attend an all age school with outside doors to each small classroom. There are no large budgets for schools on the islands and it shows in the building construction. The students are so very polite and must wear uniforms to classes.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
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