Sleigh Ride from Long Island to George Town.

West bound with a rising sun

The 0630 alarm was followed by the 0640 tardy bell on Wednesday. The boys were gone and it was time to turn the boat NW toward home.  I ignited the stove to perk some Joe, checked the weather apps, turned on the instruments and went into the cockpit to check things out. We had a brief shower during the early morning and dark clouds lingered in the direction we were headed. At that moment I had second thoughts about leaving; however, we were low on water and potable water in Long Island was only to be had in expensive one gallon jugs. We waited another 30 minutes before pulling up anchor around 0715. The winds were expected to be 15-17 knots throughout the day from the east and would be on our broadside, at approximately 120° off the bow. We headed west until we cleared Indian Hole Point, from Thompson Bay, then changed our course to WNW, toward George Town. Let the sleigh ride begin. When Blake and Chris flew away yesterday I felt they had received the true cruiser experience.  Now I feel that I cheated them, in that they did not experience this down hill sleigh ride.  Under sail alone we bounced between 5.5 - 6.7 knots most of the day.  This is the sailing we have been waiting for.  The fish wacker zinged twice, then stopped quickly with no results.  I believe Blake and Chris might have removed the hooks from the lures.  The waves started small building to about 5 or 6 feet before reaching Middle Rocks Channel leading us into Elizabeth Harbour.

Winged sails fully deployed.

Once we reached George Town, we dropped the anchor at about 1300 in Kidds Cove on the town side.  We needed water and made 3 wet dinghy rides to the dock to secure approximately 75 gallons, in our 5 gallon jerry cans.  This was quite a workout as they weigh about 40 lbs. each.  On the third trip we made one last stop at Sonia's Conch Shack and the Exuma Market gathering minimal supplies.  After returning to the boat the winds had increased to about 20 knots as expected, so we pulled up anchor and headed north towards Stocking Island.  We dropped anchor at 1800 near our usual anchoring spot off Monument Beach.

It seems the Corona Virus concerns have finally reached the Bahamas.  Though Sonia stated that "God's will shall be," the government is starting to step in and close establishments where people gather, such as restaurants.  The Exuma Market is still open but to be safe we've stocked up pretty well for the upcoming weeks and travel.  I might have to get serious with the fish wackers and pole spear.

Southbound sailboat

Our current plans are to head north (toward home) probably Sunday.  Of course we have several weeks of travel in front of us.  The winds are predicted to blow steadily near 20 knots for the next couple days.  Though it is blowing in a favorable direction, east, we'll have to enter the Great Exuma Bank from the Exuma Sound through a small cut, probably Galliot, which can be quite dicey.  With an outgoing tide opposing an easterly wind, the cuts into the Bank can become quite dangerous; thus, we'll take no chances and wait for lesser winds and an incoming tide.  For now we wait.

Overtaken by a fueling ship.

Sonia's became a favorite stop

Blake and Chris' Cruising Experience

Chris having fun at the music festival

Reminder: Click on Pic's to enlarge.

Blake and Chris arrived in George Town on Thursday with their usual flair.  Their buddy, Mr. Taxi Driver, delivered them to Island Boy Bar and Grill where we met them and enjoyed refreshments on the deck.  After a short stay we walked a few blocks to the 2020 Bahamian Music Festival.  I don’t remember much after that, I believe the boys over-served me. During the evening we decided we would shuck the George Town experience and set off for Long Island, approximately 40 NM southeast, the following morning. 

The cruising experience was about to begin!  Ruth would  not allow us to up anchor until a breakfast was served to the crew.We pulled the Mantus out of the sand at approximately 0900 and set our course to the SE.  After exiting Elizabeth Harbour, we adjusted our course toward Thompson Bay at Long Island.  As usual, our heading was directly into the wind, the true cruising experience.  It was a little uncomfortable but mostly aggravating because we were slowed by the wind and waves.  Once we left the boundary of the Moriah Harbour National Park we deployed two fish whackers.  Shortly, the port side reel with a green skirted lure started singing and we captured and released the first of two barracudas for the day.  We dropped anchor in Thompson Bay at approximately 1500.  Several friends, including Darrell and Ann of Alibi, Brett, Kim and Mike of Kitty Hawk greeted us and invited us to Sou’ Side Bar and Grill for the evening.  The boys fit in well and realized just how close the cruising family is.

Barracuda

On Tuesday we rented a car and visited a couple of must-see spots on Long Island.  After a stop or two along the way, we arrived at Dean’s Blue Hole, which drops to 643 feet.  This site is where many freediving records were set.  Fish were bountiful and the geological walls and caves below and above water were spectacular.  It was hard to leave such a phenomenal site.  We then loaded up in the Ford Escape and made our way north about 60 miles to the Christopher Columbus Monument.  It is said that this is the 3^rd Bahamian island Columbus discovered on his trek in 1492.   The monument was nice but the geological landscape was probably the prettiest we have seen in the Bahamas.  The cliffs overlooked the Atlantic Ocean to the Northwest and lagoons and flats of varied blue colors to the east.  In one day we were treated to perhaps the two most beautiful locations of the Bahamas.  We made our way back to Pura Vida, where we were served dinner by Ruth and chatted and laughed late into the night.

Dean's Blue Hole

The following morning (Sunday) we joined Brett and Darrell on a pole spear fishing trip to an old sunken ship a few miles out.  We anchored in about 12 feet of water and made the plunge into the beautiful but somewhat murky water.  It didn’t take long for the boys to adapt to this new way of fishing.  Immediately, we could see a variety of fish.  Most were of a tropical reef variety, not suitable for eating.  The fish were quite elusive, hiding in holes under steal ship metal or just swam away.  There were also a couple reef sharks hanging out but nothing more threatening.  Darrell landed a large Margate quite a distance from his dinghy and had quite a battle returning it.  Blake also landed a Mutton Snapper which was of the petite variety but from a father’s point of view, a bunt base hit is better than a strike out. That evening we turned the dink north and met the cruising community at Tiny’s Bar and Grill. 

Darrell's Margate

There I met a couple of YouTubers (Sailaway) with their young son, Rivers Danger, and dog. I have been following them for a while.  We also met her parents who were cruising on their own boat.  The regular crews were in attendance and our boys fit right in.  Around 2045 the social event ended abruptly as the tide was reaching a shallow level which would have prevented us from leaving the dock.  By this time the boys were buddies with the bartender and other locals who had arrived by land.  When they made it to the dock, where we were waiting in the dinghy, all other dinghies had departed.  We managed to escape the shallows with the motor in shallow-water-drive without a scratch on the prop.   We sang our way back to Pura Vida in the darkness amazed at the beauty of the stars.  The PV party went late into the night but the elder statesman and woman retired to their cabin. 

Blake spear fishing

The following morning we skipped breakfast for an early lunch of Ruth’s boat pizza.  Three pizzas were devoured in a few minutes.  The boys topped off the dinghy tank and with fly rods aboard they took off south for some flats they discovered on Google Earth 12 miles away.  Lucky for them the new super power Yamaha was up for the task.  That evening we went back to Sou’ Side were we met Thomas and Uli, a German couple with Beneteau 44 CC, Oceanis, the bigger sister to Pura Vida.  We were very intrigued with their ventures, crossing the Atlantic, etc., but mostly by their kind demeanors.  We also met Kaden, 12 years old, whose parents owned Sou’ Side.  It seems some of the PV crew slid a few dollars into his pocket. Basically, he tugged at our heartstrings.  We eventually made our way back to the boat but the last night party went into the late night.  I actually had to play daddy to the diaper buddies as they refused to give up their last night in the Bahamas.

Turtle with Remoras

The next morning Chris and I loaded the dinghy with luggage and jerry cans and headed to the dinghy dock. I walked to Seaside and rented a car while Chris watched our stuff.  Then I set off back to PV while Chris loaded the car.  He couldn’t help but take the little right side drive for a spin.  Stay left mon.  When I arrived to the boat we loaded up the remainder of the luggage and set off to the dock.  We made it to the Stella Maris airport around 1045.  Valentino, the pilot, asked the boys to be there by 1115 for the 1130 flight so we made it with time to spare.  The boys boarded the little 6 seater, twin engine aircraft and off they went.  Fifteen minutes later they arrived in George Town.  I couldn’t believe it when they called and said they had arrived.  Ruth and I hadn’t even made it out of the Stella Maris Resort. 

Columbus Monument

The boys chose to add a flight back to George Town on Tuesday to catch their scheduled afternoon flight to Fort Lauderdale instead of sailing back to George Town on Monday.  Though it would have been a downwind experience it would still have taken about 6 hours.  When they left, Ruth and I missed them immediately, just as we did when Bryce and Veronica left, but all good things must come to an end.  The boys went from princess showers to Joy baths and only stopped up the toilet twice.  Ruth blamed me for not giving proper flushing instructions.  Oh, and there was only one daddy butt chewing.  Joy baths include jumping into the water, getting on the transom deck and soaping up with yellow Joy dishwashing detergent, jumping back into the water to rinse, them back on the transom deck for a fresh water rinse.  This trip brought back fond memories of these diaper buddies spending precious moments together, with Bryce, creating a bond which obviously will last forever. 

Dean's Blue Hole

Blake and Chris' Upcoming Visit

A few years later, still loving cowboy hats

My earliest vision regarding the friendship of Blake and Chris is of them standing on opposing curbs

at our Deer Park homes staring at each other.  Chris lived across the street.  Chris was wearing a cowboy hat and boots…. and diaper.  Blake was wearing a cowboy hat…. and diaper.  So to clear things up this was around 1989-90.  We eventually allowed them to cross the street, with supervision, and they’ve been best friend ever since.  I consider Chris my third son. 

No waders needed this time

So the question I have posed to the diaper buddies is “do you want the cruising experience or do you want the George Town Experience?”  The general answer received has been, “whatever.”  Do you need a change of diaper… “whatever.”  So… really what it comes down to is the weather.  Imagine that.  If the weather allows we will cruise over to Long Island, about 25 NM to the SE.  If not, they’ll get the George Town experience.  Regardless, you best not keep me up past my bed time and you best not take my chair at the dinner table.  Oh, and don’t light any gasoline in the garage to see if it will light…. It will.  Come on guys… 12 is old enough to realize it will and it might even burn the house down.  So a few other things while I’m at it… If you want a hot shower on the boat, remember to fill your solar shower bag, no shoes worn on board, limited supply of water, limited 12 volt electricity, only organic material down the toilet, bring limited luggage and don’t run the dinghy prop aground.  Wow, I feel like I’m going back in time. 

Seriously, we are so looking forward to having those two knuckleheads starting Thursday.  Maybe not as much as Veronica, but still. 

Stay tuned.  Mom and Carol, continue to have your churches pray for us.  Ruth, now you know why the recent mani’s, pedi’s, back rubs and gourmet meals.  Oh, I made up the part about personality.  Jenna and Malori, we’ll try not to send them home before Tuesday and God, bless us all.

Sitting Out a Norther

So what is it like when you are sitting out a northerly blow in a crowded anchorage? The first question is why not move from the crowd?  Well, simply, we are in the most protected anchorage (from northerly winds) in the area, behind Monument Beach.

Bel Motivo

Lemonade

Throughout Friday the wind rotated from SE to SW, blowing very light.  The calm before the storm. When a norther blows in the wind shift is usually clockwise.  The rain arrived near midnight, with a slight wind from the West.  At 0200, Saturday morning, NW winds hit us blowing up to 25 knots (29 mph).  As mentioned in my previous blog (Bryce and Veronica’s Visit), a boat (Bel Motivo) squeezed in 'too close for comfort' Friday afternoon.  The problem was amplified as they had deployed only 75 feet of rode to our 110.  Because we anchored in 15 feet of water and aware of the upcoming weather, we preferred a 7:1 ratio.  Before the shift, Bel Motivo was off our bow approximately 70 feet.  After the shift, they were approximately 25 feet astern.  I radioed them and they let out approximately 15 feet of rode and we pulled in about 10 feet.  It was still not comforting but better.  Throughout Saturday morning and night, with our anchor alarm set and radio on, we heard of boats dragging.  One boat, a 46 foot Hylas, dragged through the harbor with no one aboard.  Several cruisers boarded their dinghies and went to the rescue. 

On Sunday morning I contacted Lemonade, anchored to our west, to discuss the upcoming wind shift from the East.  He informed me he had out 80 feet of rode.  He also informed me that the boat which was NW of us dragged during the night and hit him around 0500.  No serious damage and the offending boat moved away. 

Horn and Q-beam at ready

Most events scheduled for the ongoing regatta are canceled or postponed.  Most boats still have dinghies attached or lifted as boaters choose to stand at guard or would rather not dinghy ashore facing the choppy waters.  Occasionally I see a poor soul bringing his pet to shore for business.  Ruth and I are staying on board, until she can no longer take me, for the reasons indicated above. We keep the VHF on and the anchor alarm set.  Further, we have the signal horn blaster and Q-beam handy.  If someone drags near us or we drag near someone, I want to make sure they are alerted quickly.  I've recently heard VHF conversations in which portals have been broken and hulls punctured by dragging boats.

This wind is not expected to start diminishing to less than 20 knots until Wednesday morning,.  Many sailors seem to start getting stir crazy during these long blows.  One challenged other boaters in the 'George Town Exuma Sailors and Cruisers' Facebook page to a game of ‘mine's bigger than yours,’ referring to wind gusts.  So far, 44 knots is leading.  Anchor discussion evolved from the Net on Saturday morning as someone accused the old generation anchors, such as CQR, Claw, Delta plow styles, etc., inadequate to the new generation anchors, including Mantus, Rocna, Manson Supreme, etc.  This can be a touchy subject, as some people are faithful to their brand.  I got out the popcorn for this but the results were without drama.  

Enough already

The wind shifted slightly, Sunday night, blowing steadily from the E at 28 knots.  Hopefully, this is the crest.  During the night I listened attentively to two boats discussing a dragging situation they were currently dealing with.  The dragging boat collided with the rear boat leaving a scratch on the side and the anchors had become entwined. The rear boater managed to pull the dragging boat's anchor off his rode then deployed it to his starboard side where it set.  The boat that dragged let out more chain and decided to ride out the night as is.  They agreed to assess the damage during the morning.  Monday is the third day of 'confinement to the boat' and the mental state of the crew of Pura Vida remains.... ok.  Of course when the captain pampers the crew with gourmet meals, mani's and pedi's, back rubs and personality who wouldn't be ok?  We have shifted slightly away from Bel Motivo and are currently aligned forward and between her and Lemonade.  We watched the crew of Lemonade replace their starboard snubber line as it had chafed badly.  We often consider pulling anchor and moving forward 100 feet but with a good set and the danger of being overtaken by the wind, we stay put.  Before turning in for the night we listened to the Alt Net, which is a satirical, entertaining broadcast imitating the morning cruiser net.

We stood ready Monday night expecting the usual dragging conversations on the radio.  None were heard.  Perhaps after 4 days of winds pounding us from 25 - 35 knots, anchors are well dug in.  We've been informed the amount of strong winds we've experienced is very abnormal for this time of year.  I've learned to estimate the wind speed by the sound of the wind passing through the rigging.  At 35 knots (40 mph) it sounds like a flute.  Yes lame, but the imagination runs wild after being confined so long.  I believe the crew of PV is starting to get restless as a comment was made about lowering the dink and heading for shore.  Currently the wind is down to the lower 20's.  

This Tuesday afternoon, we've made the decision that the blow will be over tomorrow, regardless.  Tomorrow we will put the dink in the water and go somewhere, regardless.  It is still blowing near 20 knots, but is predicted to start diminishing overnight.  By Thursday morning we will move PV to Kidd's Cove, near Lake Victoria (where the dinghy dock is located) to await the arrival of Blake and Chris.  More about that.... next time.  

Sample of the wind screaming through the anchorage, below...

Bryce and Veronica's Visit

Date:  March 7, 2020                      

Location:  Stocking Island, Monument Beach

Weather:  Winds near 30 Knots

Total Engine Hours:  1521                                                             

Crew:  Bryce, Veronica, Ruth, Greg          

Bryce and Veronica

A dear friend texted me last Sunday reminding me how blessed I am to have our children visit us on this adventure.  Bryce and Veronica are leaving this morning and it was truly a blessing to have them.  They spent only two nights of their vacation aboard the boat but we spent everyday together. On day three they moved to  the Regatta Point Hotel, which is a beautiful, classic, 4 room hotel built in the mid 1960’s by a man and his wife from San Francisco.  We anchored Pura Vida near  Regatta Point during their stay.  Nancy, who still owns the hotel is a wonderful, sweet lady.  We enjoyed our visits with her.  Ruth and I also spent time on the hotel grounds, which is a peninsula or point extending into the harbor.  Bryce and Veronica caught and released several small fish including grouper and squirrel fish from the rock edges of the grounds.  We spent time with them on Stocking Island and George Town visiting many of the sights and restaurants.  One day Bryce rented a jeep that we drove the entire length of Great Exuma.  Stay Left Mon!  Between us we took many pictures, so I’ll let them tell the story.  Bryce and Veronica, thank you for coming.  We’ll truly miss you!

We moved the boat from Kidd Cove off Regatta Point yesterday, knowing a strong norther would be blowing in Saturday morning.  After spending the day with Bryce and Veronica, we dinghied back to the boat last night to await the blow.  I noticed a boat had anchored too close for comfort just south of us.  I contacted them and being French Canadians, they spoke only broken English.  After several  misinterpretations, they finally agreed to lengthen their rode and we shortened ours; thus, creating more space between our boats. The rain arrived with a slight wind around midnight followed by strong winds around 2 am.  We are expecting strong winds up to 35 knots for the next four days, so we’ll spend most of it on the boat. 

Blake and Chris are to arrive next Thursday.  We look forward to their visit.  

Owner of Regatta Point, Nancy.

Regatta Point Entrance

How far to Houston?

Ruth finds all of the starfish.

Baby grouper caught and released by Bryce

Bryce atop the monument

Stay Left Mon!

A beautiful beach, a beautiful family

A southern Great Exuma Island beach

Salt Marker to guide ships to the Salt Ponds

Bryce chowing down on lobster

Ruth teasing a shark

The Tropic of Cancer at Williams Town

Crab Cay Ruins

A proud dad with his son

The Hideaways

A beautiful sunset from Regatta Point

Crab Cay Ruins

Fair winds Alibi

Friday morning began with sounds of s/v Alibi's anchor rode clanking as the chain squeezed through the windlass. She honored us with a drive-by and greetings were exchanged as she sailed away. They headed south through Elizabeth Harbour eventually turning east toward Long Island. Darrell and Ann have been good friends since we met them almost 3 weeks ago. We wish them well and hope to see them again soon.  

Walker ruins

We dropped the dink and met Don and Carol, s/v Isle of Grace, at 1000. They are anchored off Crab Cay, nearly 2.5 miles to our south. We planned on a little exercise by walking the ruins of Crab Cay and also seeing the abandoned, unfinished Crab Cay Resort.

I was surprised to see that the Walker ruins

200 yr. Old spires

are still very much intact. Sir William Walker was a loyalist who built the stone house and botanical garden atop Crab Cay in the late 1700s.

Equally astonishing on the island is the remains of a recent 800 million dollar development which came to a halt during the financial crash of 2008. A group of developers started what was to be a mega yacht marina for 300 boats, several residential lots with beautiful views of Elizabeth Harbour, walking paths throughout the island, pristine beaches, an exquisite party plaza, all accessed by the most beautiful bridge I've ever seen. The harbor was dug for the marina as well as many waterways. The bridge and party plaza were also completed and there are many more signs of started but unfinished developments. So many broken dreams in the Bahamas. This place will put a smile and a spell on you.

I am happy to report that the solar panels have charged the batteries to 100% as of 1300 on Saturday. Also, the new laptop will arrive tomorrow and most awesome is that Bryce and Veronica will be our delivery service. Sorry Doe Boi. PS: It was good to hear from life-long friend Commodore Paul Vera this morning.

Bridge to nowhere

Unfinished business

Future dream

Lesson Learned

I left Port Arthur on November 29th with

The new solar panel

every imaginable spare part, including an alternator, starter, all engine parts and even a spare transmission, and 300 watts of solar power. I seriously considered adding a fourth panel but didn't because the three 100 watt panels powered the 12 volt needs of Pura Vida for the last couple of years never utilizing shore power to charge the batteries. Over that time span the 12 volt refrigerator ran continuously as well as the utilization of other 12 volt equipment and  items such as lights, fans, phones, instruments and tablets. Therefore, I assumed 300 watts of 12 volt electricity was plenty. When we left we added a 12 volt Engle portable refrigerator to the mix, which draws only 2.3 amps which I estimated runs for only about 10 hours per day. My calculations were only slightly off but with shortened winter days and a lesser sun angle the power needs were lacking. So, on February 9, one day after arriving in George Town, I made arrangements through the local courier Doe Boi and ordered another 100 watt solar panel. I expected to wait as long as one week to receive the new panel. Well after a one-day delay from Amazon which caused a one-week delay of delivery from Florida to George Town which turned into two weeks because the small transport plane used by Reggie Express was having engine problems, and a few malfunctions by Doe Boi's courier services I finally received the panels. So my 1 day Amazon free delivery turned into 16 days.  Oh, and the $178 solar panel cost me an extra $125 due to Bahamian duties and transport fees. So, lesson learned, if you think you might need it, bring it with you.

We awoke this morning to sounds

Three years ago

of the pitter patter of rain on deck. This is the first time it has rained where the wind was not also blowing to extreme. I considered deploying my homemade rain catching device; however, it is not fully complete, it is 0611 and a bit of laziness has overtaken me this morning. 

Ruth was up soon after as I had to crank the engine due to low voltage. Solar panels don't seem to work when it is raining. Ruth heard that the mail boat had arrived with fresh vegetables so we dinked into town to secure vegetables and other edibles. Ruth took our cash and entered into the Exuma Market leaving me to fill the jerry cans with water. 

Later we met Don and Carol at Fish Fry, at 1300. I assumed Fish Fry would have fried fish however I was wrong or at least I never found any. Fish Fry is actually an area with several small huts which serves a variety of food types. I had barbecued ribs and Ruth had curry chicken. Each came with three sides and was very good.  Later we went to the Chat 'n Chill and met with several Texans

Bryce's signature

including Darrell and Ann. They are shoving off in the morning for Long Island then destinations south. We also took a picture of a shirt that Bryce signed at Chat 'n Chill three years ago on his honeymoon. We are looking forward to their visit in a few days.

To my one faithful blog follower. Mom, I know my picture taking has become lame. I'll try to do better.

The George Town Cruiser's Culture

Awaiting the big blow

As we wait out another northerly blow, it gives me the opportunity to reflect on the George Town cruisers culture. I call it a northerly blow, as opposed to a cold front, because the temperature drops only to the lower 70s, though it is the remains of a cold front from the north.

So this culture of cruisers is made up of over 300 boats who have invaded the Great Exuma Island, made up of a few settlements with George Town being the largest. The cruising boats anchor mostly between the George Town settlement and Stocking Island. Most of the cruiser's events occur on Stocking Island, many near the Chat 'n Chill hamburger bar. Every day starts with the cruisers net broadcast on VHF channel 72 at 0800, from Charisma, another cruising boat. The net is a well-structured broadcast welcoming new arrivals, wishing departing cruisers well, explaining the upcoming events, asking for boaters in need, giving opportunity for trade, allowing local businesses an opportunity to be publicized, and much more.  So after listening to the net we generally jump in the dinghy and head to town or to events happening on Stocking Island.

Some of the events that we have participated in include seminars for cleaning/overhauling outboard carburetors, conch horn building, proper anchoring techniques and cruisers heading south. Other recent events that we have attended or are aware of include water aerobics, yoga, ultimate trivia, Texas Hold'em, volleyball, beach church and talent shows.

The mighty mite

After debating for almost two weeks, we finally purchased a new Yamaha 15 hp, 2 stroke outboard which weighs 5 pounds less. The 8 hp ran perfectly but we felt we were in need of more power. The 1 1/2 mile crossing of Elizabeth Harbour to George Town helped make up our minds. Though the dinghy would get on plane and move pretty well with just the two of us aboard, it was a different story when returning with 20 gallons of water from the Exuma Market dock. After a few days with the new motor we feel we made a great decision. We quickly and easily sold the Tohatsu to 4 nurses aboard Belafante.

Recently we have ventured south, with our new high-flying dinghy motor, looking for snorkeling, conch hunting and lobster-snagging locations. However after journeying for nearly five miles we learned we were within the Moriah Harbour National boundary, which is a no-take zone. Next time we'll venture north. 

Don and Carol with Ruth

We have also reciprocated to friends by hosting a sundowner event onboard Pura Vida. Included were Don and Carol from Isle of Grace and Darrell and Ann from Alibi. We also enjoyed Chat 'n Chill hamburgers for the first time and were surprised at the reasonable cost. During that lunch, at the bar, we visited with a gentleman wearing a uniform top which resembled the Maytag Man. It turns out he is with the Bahamian Defense Force. Not a bad job, just patrolling around in a power boat.  I was most intrigued at his meal selection which included a frozen pina colada. Life is chill in the Bahamas.

Anchored next to Alibi

The solar panel, ordered 3 weeks ago from Amazon, is still in Florida, awaiting possible arrival next week.  My laptop is officially toast but Bryce will be arriving with a new one on March 1. Bryce and Veronica have become our mules since their visit precedes Blake and Chris'.

We are looking forward to the George Town Cruising regatta which will take place February 26 - March 11.  More about that next time. Hopefully today the wind will allow us to deploy the newly turbo powered dink to attend the weekly pig roast at Chat 'n Chill.