Jan. 19-28

Jan. 19-21

Monday, January 19 was Laurie's big day with birthday celebrations on board Glory Days.  There were 14 of us in the cockpit enjoying wonderful food and good times.  I have to get Frances' recipe for Rum Cake...OMG it was so good!
Tuesday was a sailing day to Calabash Bay, on the northern end of Long Island.  We could not have asked for a nicer day.  No motoring from the time the anchor was up and stowed until it was dropped again.  The bay is beautiful with the Cape Santa Maria resort in the Center.  We went to lunch with Mark and Kay at the resort and the food was fabulous and the atmosphere so relaxing.  This is what going to the Bahamas is all about.  Later we took the dinghies and tried to follow the river to Joe's Harbour, but with the low tide, we couldn't make it around, but it was a great way to spend a lazy afternoon.

Through the night the bay got a little rolly, so we, along with CKll decided to go south to the next bay where Glory Days were staying.  They were the only boat there, so the six of us had a beautiful beach all to ourselves.  Mark had made conch fritters so we had a great noon treat before heading back to the beach to wallow in the water.

I do believe these past couple of days have been our best days in the Bahamas so far.  Good weather, good sailing, good food, and best of all, good friends.  Love it!


Jan. 22-27

So....starting to lose track of time... Can't remember which day we did what...just having a great time.
 We left Long Island with Glory Days and CKll, heading back to George Town.  We all had lines out to see if we could catch anything.  Glory Days and us both got bites at the same time.  Glory Days lost their sinker and hook, but we managed to bring in a small tuna (guessing 10-15 lbs).  Greg tried to fillet it on our very rocky boat and pretty much got blood everywhere in the cockpit.  Should have waited to hit land.  Also found out you should let tuna bleed for about 10 minutes which we didn't do, so meat looks like liver.  Don't think we're going to eat it :(
Anchored just off George Town to re- supply the boat.  Next day we all went to lunch at the Peace and Plenty and had a very nice day.  That night there was an outdoor country music concert on the point featuring the 2014 country music award winner from Canada and some big name from the US plus local bands.  We didn't go in figuring we would hear it from our boat...which we did...very loudly...until after 1:00am.   They were planning a repeat concert the following night so CKll and we decided to move down to a small bay at Crab Cay.  It's a beautiful little bay with good westerly protection and best of all, we are the only two boats here.  We've done some swimming at the beach and walking around the island, but my swimming around the boat has come to an end.  We have had a large barracuda swimming around our boat for the past two days.  Interesting to watch, and Greg went in the water to have a better look, but I think I'll just keep my feet on the deck!

Glory Days arrived today for the night.  They will be heading back to Long Island and so we are all having Sundowners on CKll tonight.  They will probably not get to see Mark and Kay (CKll) again this season as we are all heading towards Eluthera from here.


Jan. 28

Had another nice walk on Crab Cay, Mark and Greg did a quick snorkel on the reef and then we were off for George Town.  Sorry to leave Crab Cay.  It was wonderfully quiet and private.
We will fill up our water, get some cash out of the bank ( no banks from here to Eluthra) pick up some essentials at the grocery store, and then motor the mile across Elizabeth Harbour to Hamburg Beach.  This will put us in place  for a quick departure out the cut when the winds decide to cooperate.

The plus side of coming into George Town...I get to eat out at the Peace and Plenty Restaurant.   :)

Pictures -Jan. 28

Lunch at the Peace and Plenty

8' of water and we can see our anchor

Greg has a new buddy.  This is Stoner

Peace and Quiet at Crab cay

Jan. 22 Pictures

Beach at Hog Cay - so beautiful

At the Cape Santa Maria Resort.  Peace and Quiet is the Center boat

Can you believe this water??

Heading back to George Town and Greg snags his first tuna!

Not bad....but now what do we do?

Long Island Pictures

Standing in front of Deans Blue Hole.   One foot behind me is a 600' drop.

Mark and Kay at Columbus Monument

Greg and me at Columbus Monument, Long Island

Over 500 year old church window.

East side of Long Island...like all the east side of the Bahamas Islands a massive garbage dump.

CaraMae, Cleopatra, Marie 

Warning:  snake picture ahead......

Jan 16-18. Long Island

 Jan. 16

Sailed to Long Island this morning with CKll.  Winds were slow at first but then built to where we were able to sail for about 2 1/2 hrs and then motor sailed for the last three.  Took us almost 7 hrs to go 35 miles.  The first news we were hit with upon our arrival was that the Sea Breeze resort had closed it's doors that morning. Meaning.....no laundry, no wifi, no restaurant, no pool, and no bar.  What a great disappointment.   :(

Jan. 17

Another great day!  CKll, Glory Days, Margarita, and Peace and Quiet walked up to the Farmer's Market this morning.  Lots of nice thing, but we only walked away with a large papaya for $1.25.
Next was a stop at the marine store.  Very nice with everything you could want...although he didn't have any eggs.
On to the grocery store.  This could give Superstore a run for its money in about a twentieth of the size.  It had everything!   Now you have to understand how amazing this all is when you realize that there is "nothing" here in the way of businesses.  Guess that partially explains the closing of the resort.
On our way back to the dinghies, we stopped in to reserve a rental car with CKll.   It was nerve racking as one of the guard dogs jumped at stoner who was in Marks arms.  Mark managed a very nice elbow to the dog, knocking out the dogs wind, but came away with a hole in the sleeve of his new T-shirt.  This could have gone so many ways of wrong. What if the dog had reached Stoner...or what if Kay had been holding Stoner.  Oh My!

At noon we went back for the car and started driving south. We had two amazing highlights on this day trip.  The first was our stop for lunch at Forest Restaurant #2.  We had a hamburger and fries for $6.00 and the guys had the Forest burger and a conch burger for just a little more.  Everything was made fresh and it was so so good. There's nothing at home that can compare to these burgers.  None of us had supper that night.
The next stop was the world famous Deans Blue Hole.  This is the world's deepest salt water blue hole (at 600+ feet) and the 2nd deepest blue hole of all fresh and salt water holes.  International competitions are held here twice a year for free diving.  This is an extreme sport were divers free dive (that is without use of any breathing apparatus) also called One Breath, in three categories - without fins, with fins, and with the aid of the line.  Watch a Utube Video. These guys are nuts.  The record, without fins is 101 meters.
We spent some time shelling and found several sea beans and two hamburger nuts.
Then it was on to Clarence Town to look up Daphne and Cleopatra.  Mark and Kay met them 2 years ago while here and wanted to try and find them again.  What a surprise when they asked someone and she kindly led us to Cleopatra's house.  We met Cleopatra, 21, her mother Marie, and her aunt CaraMae. We were saddened to hear that her sister Daphne had passed away.  As in two years ago, we took their picture and promised to send it to them.
Last stop of the day was at a run down church built in the 1500's.  I think I got some nice pictures.


Jan. 18

Today was an early start at 7:30 as the car had to be back by noon.  This time we headed north, arriving at Cape Santa Maria Resort for coffee and light breakfast.  The place is beautiful and we're looking forward to bring our boats here to Calabash Bay to relax on the beach and enjoy the resort.  Onward to the Columbus Monument which is a drive through the middle of nowhere, but wonderful views when we got there.  Of course it is claimed that Christopher Columbus discovered Long Island, although there are others that say he just ran into it. Now off to Stella Maris Resort on the Atlantic side of the island.  This place is out of this world.  We walked around one of the cottages to find a pool with all kinds of outdoor living space overlooking the ocean.  A path led down to another salt water pool built out of the coral. Unbelievable.  We decided four couples could share the cost of renting the place as there were 4 large bedrooms, large living room and bar area plus dining room. No sweat.  Only about $5,000/week, plus $12.00/night/person  for housekeeping and electrical, plus $70/day/person for two meals plan plus 7.5% VAT plus 15% gratuity.  Gosh...where do we sign up?  Of course all good things must come to an end.  Walking along the path in front of the main office, with me in the lead of course, I see the tail end of a snake just leaving the path.  Of course, not believing what I see, I continue to look at the snake to finally realize that the body keeps going, and going.  Turns out to be a boa constrictor, about 6' long.  Apparently these are an endangered species on the island.  How is it, that me...having the worst kind of fear of snakes....am able to cross paths with an endangered species...probably something most of the locals haven't seen!!!  Okay...so cancel my reservation at the Stella Maris!
Luckily, this was our last stop before returning the car, because at this point I have broken out into a sweat and my stomach wants to leave my body.  I can't believe I remained cool enough to take pictures of the snake.  Got back to the boat and have been lying low trying to settle my stomach...with visions of snakes dancing through my head.

Jan. 10-15. George Town

Jan. 11-13

Spent the last couple of days sitting on the boat.  We've been getting quite a few showers and very high winds (33kts two nights ago).  That, along with me still not feeling 100% has given me no desire to go ashore.  We met some really nice people on Star Shot, the boat beside us.  They have been sailing for a few years and are headed to the Turks and Caicos tomorrow.

We went into town today, but the grocery store shelves were bare of bread, milk and produce...all the things we were looking for.  They thought the supply truck would come later today, but we didn't want to hang around and wait.  We did manage to do our laundry, and top up the water and fuel.   I would love to get a picture of the little bridge we have to dinghy under to get to the dinghy dock, but we get so wet going through, I don't want to take my ipad.  It can be a pretty fun ride if the tides and winds are right!  We have yet to get back to our boat without getting drenched.

I made some white bread today, and it's the best I've made yet.  I even got creative and made a couple of braided loafs with cinnamon and pecans....soooo good!


Jan. 14

Thunder and lightning and lots and lots of rain last night.  Did not get a lot of sleep....again!  We were going to go snorkelling but the sky is very black.  Looks like today will be good for changing the oil....yeah! :(

Yup, we got the oil changed, and then we sat on the boat waiting for the pump-out boat to come pick it up.  He shows up at 4:30!  Glad we didn't have any big plans.


Jan. 15

What a great day!  We met CKll at 9am and went to the end of Stocking Island to go snorkelling.  I'm not a big fan of snorkelling and for the first while I was sticking to the white  sandy areas.  Then Mark comes up with a bunch of shells and a beautiful conch.  He said all the good stuff was in the grass.  So I bite the bullet and head off the the dark patches.  Still not much, a great sea biscuit that I left because I thought it was still alive, but learn later it wasn't,  and a large conch that I left because I thought it was dead, but wasn't.  
At the same time I notice that I have a friend watching me.  Turns out I was being followed by a barracuda.  I was  not impressed, but he kept his distance to about 8' from me.
When I told everyone about the large conch, we all decided to go try and find it again.  Never thought we would, but oleEagle Eye Mark spotted it.  Such a sweetheart, he left it for me to retrieve.  Not as big as I thought, and not the great colours of others, but it's mine!  It is currently in the freezer to get the meat out, and we are looking forward to conch fritters tomorrow in Long Island.

We ran into Heather and Richard at the Chat and Chill today.  They arrived at Vollyball Beach yesterday.  

On Monument Hill

Greg and I on Monument Hill overlooking Elizabeth Harbour, George Town

Climbing up Monument Hill.  Stoner is making sure Greg doesn't fall behind.

Oh My....what a view!
Looking north over Stocking Island

Dec. 31-Jan.10

Dec. 31 - Jan. 10

Wow,  can't believe it's been almost two weeks since I've written on my blog.  I did warn you though that once we hit the Bahamas, the writing would slow down.
Dec. 31 was amazing.  Tida Wave and Lady Murial are two national champion A-class Bahamian racing boats that are raced each year on Dec. 31  giving tourists chance to race on them.  You sign up in advance and then names are drawn to decide which boat you will race on.  There are 10 crew to a boat ( not including the regulars) and we are basically ballast and rail meat.  This year 70 people signed up so 60 names were drawn to make up 3 races.  I was drawn for the 2nd race on Lady Muriel.  Greg's name was not drawn, but Francis, being the sweetheart that she is, gave here spot for the second race on Tida Wave to Greg.  She had done the race before and wanted Greg to have the experience of racing.  Luckily, Francis got a spot in the third race when someone backed out on Lady M.
So, first race, Lady M wins in a very close heat.  2nd race, with me on Lady M and Greg on Tida Wave starts off very close, but we gradually take a whopping lead.  Then the wind dies off to nothing.  Both boats are barely moving.  The only way we can tell for sure that we are going forward is to watch the rocks and shells go slowly by under our boat.  Almost three hours later ( in a race that should be about an hour) Tida Wave drops their sail and admits defeat.  We continue on to cross the finish line, but it was painful.  The third race was called due to lack of wind.  The good news....because Lady M won two races,  all the crew received very nice jackets, including Francis, who had given up her spot to Greg (on the losing boat) and never raced in the third race.  Just proves that all good deeds are rewarded!

New Years Day was the much anticipated Regatta. Unfortunately Ken and Merydie were not able to crew on Glory Days which opened up a space for Greg and me.  We had a great time, and even with a not so great start, we were able to come back for a 2nd place finish.  It was a lot of fun and a huge thank you to Laurie and Francis for allowing us to join them.  That evening was the banquet and awards, and even with the deluge of rain, it was a good time.  Ask Francis to show you the donkey dance!

Now it was off to Black Point, about a two hour sail from Staniel Cay.   This is a beautiful little spot with great walking and gorgeous beaches.  We collected beans for making jewellery and 8 of us spent one day on a beach with not another person or boat in sight.  It was heaven!

After a pleasant stay at Black Point, it's on to Cave Cay for a night, where we anchored off a small beach with just two other boats.  This is where my stomach finally did me in and I was pretty much down and out for the next 4 days.  Being sick does not mean we don't take advantage of the weather windows. So the next morning saw us up bright and early and motor sailing 38 nm to Stocking Island, across from George Town.  I made the trip into town with Greg for much needed produce and cash and promptly back to the boat and to bed.  We anchored at Sand Dollar Beach, which is just past Monument Beach and Volleyball Beach.  There are approximately 200 boats anchored at the three beaches.  The first night the winds were fairly strong and we watched one boat drag it's anchor and hit another boat.  All the boats swung to the east so we ended up only about a boat length away from the boat behind us.  Too close for comfort so we moved early the next morning.
The next day was a quick trip to George Town for water and then back to bed for me.  When we saw Mark and Kay of CKII the following day, they gave me a beautiful sea biscuit they found when snorkelling the day before.  It's so fragile, I have no idea how I will get it home without breaking it.  Now I definitely want to go snorkelling

Today we joined Mark and Kay for a hike to Monument hill.  What a view!  It was worth all the mosquito bites.

A-Class Bahamas Regatta

Tida Wave

A-Class Race on board "Tida Wave"

After the shower

After the morning shower in Black Point

Staniel Cay

New Years Day Regatta on Glory Days - 2nd Place!!
Laurie, Greg, Francis, Barry, Kaye, Susan, Mark
Wish you could've been here Ken and Meridee

Mark, Warren, Laurie, Barry, Susan, Kaye, Francis, Diane, Greg in back

Warren and Diane took us out to watch the first race of the A-class Regatta

Christmas Morning

Enjoying bacon, pancakes with real syrup, and coffee Christmas morning

Black Point

Low tide at Black Point

Looking for beans  (make into jewellery)

Looking for beans to make jewellery

Looking at the Dormus (?)Cut

Dec. 19-28 Staniel Cay

Day 126-135. Dec. 19-28

We've been in Staniel Cay for just over a week now.  This is a great spot to drop anchor and chill.  There is a great restaurant at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club and there are three small grocery stores, the Blue Store, the Pink Pearl, and Isles General Store. Propane is available at Isles General and all stores are easy walking distance.  But then, everything is within easy walking.  The island isn't that big.  We've been lucky that a new laundromat has just opened up, so we didn't have to make a trip to Black Point ( a two hour sail) to wash clothes.  On Dec. 31, tourists can sign up to race on the two A-Class boats here, so I think Greg and I might do that.  The Cruisers Regatta is Jan. 1 but I don't think we'll take part. This is the race that damaged Glory Days two years ago. I'm afraid it might be too many boats running around with too many people not knowing what they're doing, and us being one of them!

Christmas was very quiet.  No tree or decorations to speak of.  I did bake some cookies and an apple pie and Glory Days invited us and Night Hawk for Christmas dinner which was very nice.  Other then that Christmas kind'a past us by.  Definitely my last time away from home for Christmas!

Today, Dec. 28th has been our "Day from Hell" and I can't wait for it to be over.  I woke up this morning not feeling well so had to bow out of our picnic to the beach with Glory Days and Night Hawk.  Then the head got plugged up to the point where we were taking off hoses to try and find the plug, only to finally determine that it is probably the electric pump on the toilet. Remember 2-3 months ago we debated whether to buy a pump...just in case, and decided not to.  We tried to find a ph. Number for West Marine or Defender to order a new pump, but the internet kept timing out so I couldn't get through.  Then we realized we probably didn't have enough time left on a phone to call anyway, so I started the process of trying to set up an account to add $$$  so I could top up the phone.  Got kicked out of that as well.
After 6 hours of messing with the head, Greg put it back together and low and behold, it's working again.  We aren't deluding ourselves that the problem is fixed.  We just hope now that it will work long enough so we can order a new one and get it shipped to us.  In the middle of all of this, I had started to make bread, using Laurie's bread recipe.  It turned out awful and not fit to eat.  The fishies will have full bellies tonight!