Gotta Smile!

Gotta Smile!

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Easy Living In Emerald Bay

December 12 - 16,  2013
A late lunch at the Grand Isle Resort

We have had a relaxing week at the marina.  My principle task has been creating meals that will use up the last of the perishables that are on board.  I'm amazed that I planned as well as I did, when we were provisioning at Costco.  The refrigerator was maxed out with barely enough room for air to circulate.    By tomorrow we will have finished off everything with an expiration date that puts it in jeopardy.  The main grocery in George Town has a good variety of food, but the prices are at least double their U.S. equivalents.  The frozen items that we have purchased have been a big disappointment.  I think they defrosted some where in route to the store.  And, the meat……..let's just say I'm glad that we brought as much as we did!  Produce is readily available from the grocery store and the Reverend's produce truck.  We also found the guy, that sits in front of the hair braiding salon, makes excellent whole wheat bread.  There is a Costco in Puerto Rico that is calling my name!!!  



For exercise we continue to trek the two and a half mile route across Sandals Beach and back.  Our fear is that after Christmas we won't have it to ourselves.  Dairy, a sweet woman with a shack at the far end of the beach, sells conch shells and shell jewelry.  When she sees us coming she yells, "hello Brian and Jack".  Well, of course, we have to go visit and buy a couple of bracelets for the granddaughters!  


Enjoying lunch and another beautiful beach 
at Big D's.
Earlier this week the dingy motor wasn't putting out cooling water.  Brian took it apart and gave it a good cleaning.  Sunday we dropped the dingy in the water and took a ride to Big D's.  As usual, the water looked very calm until we got out of the marina's protective wall.  The swells were three to four feet.  We just floated over them like a smooth ride at an amusement park….until we got to the reef!  I looked back as we crossed the coral beds and saw we were being pushed by a very large foaming wave.  No problem just a little unnerving to watch.  Big D sat down with us as we finished our lunch and we   talked about places overseas and in the U.S. we had all visited. 


I'm still trying to decide if he's a keeper or should I throw him back!
I just completed a new palm frond fish.  It has been a good conversation starter with almost everyone that walks the dock.  They probably go back to their boat and talk about the crazy woman on the trawler….   
     
Our next dingy…. Opps, one problem, it is almost
as long as our boat!
 Yes, that's four 300 horsepower motors on the transom!

When we take a break from our rigorous schedule, we have been reading.  Brian likes the John Sanford books that take place in and around our former Minnesota home.  I have been going with a more southern location (but just as familiar) -- Randy Wayne White's west coast Florida.  

Gotta smile -- we're lovin the ride!



               

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

George Town And Emerald Bay Marina

 December 5 - 11, 2013

The wind that was predicted and convinced us to return to George Town; came in on schedule Wednesday night.  Soooo, glad that we made the decision to return!  

Off the boat and enjoying my favorite exercise!
Mother nature has kept us captive on the boat for five days.  With the wind blowing, which also means rougher water, we have stayed on board.  Brian is actually relaxing.  He has read two books.  I'm becoming a domestic goddess:  cleaning, laundry, reorganizing cabinets and drawers and even cooking!  On the 10th we did drop the dingy to get some groceries and fresh produce in town.  We decided that this is probably as calm as it is going to be for the next week.  Time to pull the anchor and head to Emerald Bay Marina.  We had four foot swells pushing us most of the way.  Waves on the stern make for a fairly comfortable ride.   It is nice to be in a marina for a change.  The docks are beautiful here, but there are no amenities.  Luckily there are lots of friendly boaters that love to share experiences and compare notes.
The first morning at the marina we crossed the island and walked from one end of this
 beach to the other.  It is off season for another few weeks so we
practically had it to ourselves.
For 21 of the last 23 nights we have anchored out.  When we want to go to town or the beach we launch the dingy.  For you non-boaters, think of it as getting the car out of the garage.  It is great to see how independent we can be on our Krogen:  making our own water and electricity.  When the generator is started to charge the batteries, we turn on the water maker.  Our tanks are both full -- that is 400 gallons.  Marinas down here charge about $.40/gallon for water.         
              

Gotta smile -- we're lovin the ride!

Thursday, December 5, 2013

In Spite Of Us --We're Where We Belong!

December 2, 2013
Our beautiful anchorage!

As with most experiences in our lives -- things always seem to work out for the best…in spite of us!  I was disappointed when we had to return to George Town, but that quickly changed. We love this community  and the longer we are here the more we love about it.  I think it is going to be a perfect spot to entertain the two sets of guests that we have coming after Christmas.  Excellent beaches, restaurants, provisioning, scenery, a protected harbor and some of the most genuinely nice people we have ever met.  
AJ working his magic…..
When we went to Chat and Chill yesterday we met AJ.  He makes fresh conch salad on demand.  Today we went back to sample his work.  It was delicious!  He begins by finely chopping tomatoes, green pepper and onions.  Then he pulls the conch out of the shell, trims  and finely chops it.  Limes and oranges are juiced over the mixture and it is ready to serve.  The trick is to eat it from the bottom of the bowl so none of the juice is lost.

Back on the boat for dinner, Gail and I scored a home run with an improvised concoction that was a cross between fajitas and fish tacos.  Thaw a package of guacamole and cook up some beans and rice…….Yummy!    

December 3, 2013  
A stop at Big D's Conch Spot.  Walking up to
the  restaurant I saw a man making conch
salad.  I asked if he was related to AJ.
 Sure enough -- AJ's cousin.

John rented a car for the day so we could see the island from the other side of the beach.  We checked out Emerald Bay Marina which is north of us.  We will stay there for a month beginning the middle of December.  The marina is the opposite of the Exuma Yacht Club.  It has perfect floating docks and excellent security.  The down side--  it is in the middle of no where.  Like Exuma Yacht the personnel are wonderful.  While we have guests we will explore the neighboring beaches with the dingy for a day or two and then head back here to anchor at the Chat & Chill beach.
We were sitting in the cockpit, when we saw what we thought was a jet's contrail.  The more we watched; we realized it was a rocket launch from Cape Kennedy.  We could see two of the stages drop off.  What a great birthday gift for Brian!  Saved me buying him a gift.   
December 4, 2013
Brian's Birthday

John and Gail left today headed back to some seriously cold weather in Minnesota.  We have spent so much time traveling together over the years; it's like having family on board.  There is no requirement for planned entertainment.  We all work together without a discussion about who should do what.  Easy guests that are always welcome.  

After dropping them at their rental car, Brian and I strolled around town.   First, we're greeted by No No who works at the Yacht Club Bar.  She is the local 'Lucy' of Peanuts fame offering life lessons to all.  Sheldon is at the gas station.  He offered a prayer as we took off in the car yesterday.  Lots of concentration is needed to stay on the left side of the road.  Coming out of the bank, we met Ken, who is related to the families on Little Farmer's Cay (that we met last week) and is a pilot.  Time for a snack at the deli.  In walks Cleavon.  He sits down for a visit while he waits for his carry-out lunch.     Time to continue our walk around Victoria Pond with a stop at Eddies for Brian's birthday lunch.   This is what we love about George Town.  Say 'Hi' and smile at someone and they respond with an equally friendly response.  I know I keep repeating myself, but it is amazing how cheerful and friendly EVERYONE is.  

Gotta smile -- we're loving the ride!

Sunday, December 1, 2013

George Town To Cape Santa Maria And Back Again

George Town to Cape Santa Maria  
November 30 2013  

8 - George Town, 9 - Cape Santa Maria, 10 - George Town
First thing we noticed about Long Island - a little
more elevation and some tall trees.

We got a break!  Instead of another day in George Town, we were able to do a short passage to Cape Santa Maria on the northern end of Long Island.  The overcast day with intermittent downpours made it good for travel.  
The pot of gold at the end of this rainbow was free
WiFi for us and a strong signal!
While Gail and I fixed dinner, Brian poured over the weather and wave information that he retrieved thanks to the WiFi signal at an island resort.  
During dinner we discussed our options for the remainder of the pre-Christmas trip.  It looks like we have four days of good travel weather followed by sixteen days of winds in the 28 mph range.  His reports only went out that far.  Who knows how long those winds will stay around?  We could make it to Turks and Caicos, but then we'd be stuck in an area surrounded by open water.  The other option is to turn around and head back to George Town.  We have two groups of guests scheduled to arrive between December 27th and January 8th.  George Town seems to be the safer and more predictable option. So, as sad as it is -- tomorrow morning we turn around and retrace our route.  

Brian's improvised flopper stoppers
Just one more example of how unpredictable life is on the water.  We make plans and try to come up with reasonable options, but Mother Nature holds the trump cards and we have vowed that we won't try to bluff her with decisions that aren't safe.  So, what looked like a lucky break this morning turned out to be a 60 mile round trip back to where we started!  

It does feel good to have a plan that should be more reliable.  Now we know we can get home for Christmas and we can keep the doctor's appointments that were scheduled months ago.  We are a little disappointed………  Hey, I doubt that too many people are feeling sorry for us as we change our plans from one place in paradise to another.  The weather and water are still beautiful and we have lots to explore while we are in George Town.  Puerto Rico and the Virgins are still on the itinerary.  "I'm so happy -- Some buddy slap me!," from a favorite country western song.                   

Cape Santa Maria Back to George Town
December 1, 2013
Could you ask for a more beautiful beach?

By 11:30 we were back in George Town, ready to hit the beach and sample lunch at Chat and Chill.  It was one of my favorite days.  Plenty of time to walk the beach, wade in the water and explore in the dingy.  

Welcome to Chat and Chill




This ray waits for handouts and lets children pet him.














We have WiFi again so John and Gail made their flight reservations to return to Minnesota.  They will fly out on Wednesday.  We have a lot of restaurants to eat in and places to visit before they go.
   
Gotta smile -- we're loving the ride! 


Saturday, November 30, 2013

George Town


George Town
November 28, 2013 -- Thanksgiving

We watched this crab climb out of the water, up the
 post  and walk along the dock.  Who says we
don't live an exciting life?

The Exuma Yacht Club is not the prettiest marina that we have stayed in.  In fact, it has some of the worst docks we have seen.  They were sturdy, but a mess.  Clevon, the dock master, was a gem. He had lots of good recommendations and a darling three year old daughter.


John and Gail came out of the liquor store empty
handed.  When they returned later, they got a
quantity discount!  


The location, however, could not be beat.  It was right in the middle of town near everything that we needed: grocery, bank, produce stand, liquor store, good restaurant and even a cute shop.  The only thing that we had hoped to find and didn't was a bakery.  Actually, we did find a bakery, but they didn't         have anything for sale until Saturday.    

Today is Thanksgiving back home.  Even though they don't celebrate Thanksgiving as a holiday here; they do make their version of a Thanksgiving dinner.  We were surprised to see  so many turkeys leaving the grocery.  I didn't get a chance to ask what accompanied the big bird.  I'm guessing it is quite different.       

We all admired these stacked stone walls with
evenly spaced conch shells.
George Town is the cruising mecca of the Bahamas. It was established in 1792.  Known as the turnaround point for most, a stopover for some and the winter refuge for many.  During the season it often hosts 400 plus boats in its huge harbor.   

At 12:30 we left the marina to check the seas.  It is about five miles from the marina to open water.  Things didn't seem too bad in the channel, but holy moly when we got in the unprotected area we saw some big rollers (again)!  We were in seven to nine foot waves that were coming straight at our bow.  It was like being on a roller coaster.  Before we knew it Gotta Smile made a tight 'U' turn and we were headed back to the calm channel.  I have blind faith in the boat and Brian's ability.  So far, I haven't been frightened by the water we have encountered -- just a little green at time
Gotta Smile anchored next to Blue Compass. 

About a mile into the channel we anchored next to a 39 Krogen, Blue Compass.  We knew the owners Dov and Rebecca from the Krogen breakfasts in Stuart.  They called on the radio and came over for a quick visit.  
Poinciana Tree -- glossy fern like leaves and large
orange flowers…..beautiful!


Lawn mowing service and fresh meat all in one
package.  Sheep and goats in someone's front yard.



No Turkey dinner with all of the fixin's this year.  Beans and weenies with a tossed salad will be a Thanksgiving remembered by all four of us.  Since Brian and I had been up until 2 AM using the WiFi last night, we were exhausted.  A couple of quick games of Farkel (I won both) and we tottered off to bed.         











George Town - Again
November 29, 2013
After taking the dingy across the bay, we go under
this bridge to get to the dingy dock at the grocery.



Looks like we are here for a couple of days -- hopefully not more.  We had included ten weather days in our schedule to get us to Puerto Rico by December 15th.  Counting two here we have used six.  We are beginning to get nervous about making it home for Christmas.  

  I asked to take a picture of the Reverend and the police
woman.  The policeman came running from
across the street yelling, "take my picture too"! 





The produce truck comes to downtown George Town on Friday morning.  A retired minister parks his pick-up truck on the main street and sells fruit from his garden.  What a sweet man!  Onions, bananas, a papaya and lots of God bless yous from him.




Brian is in the dingy going back for the bimini,
while the three of us eat lunch at the yacht club. 

The wind has been so strong down here that our bimini (that was already in need of repair) ripped along the zipper.  After asking around town, we found Gesner Desvallond.  Another wonderful person that could resew all of the seams for $35 and have it ready in an hour!  Wow, could it get any better!  Brian and I dropped the bimini off at his shop and went back to Eddies for fried conch and plantains while we waited.  Just as good as we remembered from
This is Gesner.  He had to run into his shop, put on
a proper shirt and hang his tape measure around
his neck before I could take his picture.
yesterday.  At least our brains can still remember restaurants from one day to the next!  




Leaving George Town -- We Hope!
November 30, 2013           

We thought we would be here for another day, but the wave report this morning sounds promising.  As Captain Ron of the movie Captain Ron says "if it's going to happen; it's going to happen out there". So out there we go again.  We'll stick our toes in the open water and see how we get slapped around today.  Our destination is the northern end of Long Island where there is a good anchorage. 

Gotta smile -- we're lovin the ride!   

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Miami To George Town

1 - Stuart, 2 - Miami, 3 - Cat Cay, 4 - Chub Cay, 5 - Nassau, 6 - Warderick Wells Cay,
7 - Little Farmer's Cay, 8 - George Town

Miami to Cat Cay
November 18, 2013

A beautiful full moon shines down on us before
we leave Florida.














Jon gets stopped by the police in downtown Miami.
What a beautiful day for crossing!  Our anchors were up at 7 AM.  The sun was shining as we made our way past downtown Miami and under the last few bridges.  We're headed for open water!  The first few hours, two foot waves slapped us around.  Gotta Smile felt right at home, but I headed for the bow bench seat and took a nap in the sun.  When I awoke, I was feeling great.  I think this was my first open water experience without a bucket in my lap!  About half way across the Gulf Stream, the water flattened.  I knew we were going the right direction when the water was finally blue -- a rich deep sapphire blue.  I have missed that color in our travels along the U.S. coasts.  Those beautiful blue waters are a primary reason for returning to this part of the world.

Cat Cay Yacht Club
We arrived at the Cat Cay Yacht Club around 4 -- just in time to clear Bahama Customs.  Only the captain of the boat is allowed to get off until we are OK'ed by the custom's agent.  When Brian and Jon were done, we all scrambled onto the dock and did the happy dance.  
The quarantine flag is up while we wait to
clear customs.

We're legal!

The yellow quarantine flag was taken down and the Bahama flag was raised.  


When a boat enters another country's water and hasn't checked in with the customs agent a yellow flag is flown.  After checking in, the flag of the country must be prominently displayed.  Time to celebrate with dinner at the club's restaurant.  All of the people we met were charming and friendly.  We did see first hand what the guide books had warned us about.  Eating in restaurants down here is




expensive.  An occasional splurge will be fun.  Our plan is to anchor out and eat most of our meals on board.  


























Cat Cay to Chub Cay
November 19, 2013

Gail & John on the upper deck as we travel south.
We are now in that beautiful light blue water that is so clear we can see the bottom most of the time.  Coral, sea grass, sand and starfish are easily seen.  It is hard to decide which is a prettier shade of blue:  the sky or the water.  We have been blessed with a day of flat water -- not even a ripple.  How can we be in water this flat with no land in sight?  We keep reminding ourselves, not every day will be as beautiful as these two.

The first of four barracudas….
The guys decided that the fishing lines would get wet today.  They both snagged barracudas.  Two got away and two were released.  It was exciting just to hear the lines clicking their warning that something had gone for the bait.

Gail and I tried a new recipe for Mexican chicken soup.  It smelled delicious as it simmered all afternoon.  We ate by the light of a full moon in the cockpit with a beautiful breeze.  It was so perfect! 
Ready for dinner in the cockpit.
No land in sight.  No sounds other than our voices.  And, no bugs!  Wow, this is what we were hoping to find……









Sun setting -- 
Dinner is served!












Chub Cay to Nassau
November 20, 2013

Bonnie and Jon rafted on us last night.  It was fun to wake up this morning and have them snugged against our hull.  Once again the water is flat, the sky is blue and there is very little wind.  How lucky can we be?  And, how long will our luck hold out?  

Our path today took us through several deep water channels on our way to Nassau.  For a short time, we saw a depth of 10,025 feet.  

Cruise ship alley
To get a closer view of the cruise ships, big boats and life on land we took the inner channel around Nassau.  Of course, Nassau is noted for it's high energy, big city atmosphere.  It has been that way since the 17th century, when pirates came here for women and wine.  In the 1940's the disgraced Duke and Duchess of Windsor escaped from Britain for this 
Where the rich and famous play, Atlantis.
retreat.  The six of us prefer to boogie through here and visit some of the smaller towns we come across later in the trip.
  
I guess I should have explained our agenda before this.  We are traveling as fast as we can to Puerto  Rico.  Friends advised us to speed through the Caribbean before the Trade Winds start blowing.  We'll spend the winter in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.  A leisurely trip north will begin the
And the big yachts that bring them to town. 
middle of March taking time to explore the Caribbean islands in depth. 

Anchored tonight beside Athol Island.  Don't say that too fast….. you might be embarrassed.  







Pulling into the Exuma Cays Park
Nassau to Warderick Wells Cay (Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park)  
November 21, 2013

The sky is still blue, the wind is minimal, but we have a little chop on the water.  Still thankful.  We have been so spoiled with the unbelievable water of the past couple days.  We passed lots of small islands and saw more pleasure craft -- mostly really big yachts.  Civilization must be close.
We have already traveled 279 miles in our first four days.  
How many shades of blue can you count?  Oh, it looks a little green in the photo. Still, a pretty spot.
Tonight we are on a mooring ball in the Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park which is part of Warderick Wells Cay.  It is one of 25 National Parks that are protected by the Bahamas Trust.  The guide books rank this area as one of the most pristine and beautiful in the Exumas.  It is sheltered on three sides with great views everywhere we look.  As the mooring ball was being connected two manta rays swam past the side of the boat.  The dingy was dropped in and we did a quick tour of the bay before the sun dropped behind the islands.  
Chumming the water with lettuce.  Who would
think it would be such a hit?

While we prepared dinner, Gail threw some lettuce leaves into the water which caused a feeding frenzy by greater amber jacks (probably eight two foot fish).  After dinner, Brian and John were preparing to lift the dingy.  A seven foot shark started circling the dingy with Brian still in it.  He was extremely cautious as he stepped  to the boat.  
Every night we eat dinner in the cockpit enjoying the tropical breezes and the quiet of the area.  The moon is just beyond full.  It still throws enough light to eat by.  And, you can imagine how bright the stars are with no lights for a hundred miles or more.   

Warderick Wells Cay to Little Farmer's Cay 
November 22, 2013

This looks like a fashion citation.
Still beautiful weather today, but oh, what happened to our water.  Five foot swells and two to three foot chop greeted us as we left our protected bay.  It was enough to make all of us wear our man overboard wrist devices and for me to take two naps on the bow settee.  The good news is -- we had a short day that brought us to another beautiful anchorage around 3:00.  This visit doesn't allow time to visit Little Farmer's Cay, but we will return.  It is supposed to be the perfect Bahamian village.  Bon Voyage is once again rafted to us for the night and Bonnie is making dinner.  We'll eat in our cockpit and toast another successful day of travel.    
Jon manning the grill and enjoying some liquid refreshment.

Our water maker has been working like a charm.  It made enough for me to do two loads of laundry yesterday and for us to give Bonnie and Jon 100 gallons tonight, although the last 20 accidentally went back into the ocean.




Little Farmer's Cay to Little Farmer's Cay 
November 23, 2013 

What appears to be a volcano exploding, is
something I prefer to sleep through -- sunrise!

Everyone was up at 6:00 this morning so we could get an early start.  After two hours of discussion about weather and wave height among the captains, we pulled the anchor and took off.  







The treacherous inlet.
To get out of this peaceful bay we have to go through a narrow inlet that is bubbling like a boiling pot of water.  The currents, tidal movement, wind, surf and narrow space to maneuver all combine to make it a nail biter.  That turned out to be a piece of cake, compared to what was waiting outside!  Seven to nine foot seas greeted us as they broke over our bow pulpit.  I hadn't secured everything as well as I should have, so there was a
The sea that was waiting for us
constant clanking as dishes and food shifted in the cupboards.  Nothing broke, except a small ramekin that I dropped as I tried to pad the cupboards with pillows.  The route was tested for about two miles, when those in charge, voted to turn around and go back to the anchorage.  No arguments here.  Of course, that meant going through the inlet again.  Once we were safely anchored, we looked out at the sea.  It looked almost calm.  Perspective is everything.  Seeing how well the boat  takes the waves was reassuring.  I'm handling the waves better, too, thanks to a new potion.  Motion eaze is an oil that is applied behind the ears.  So far, no face in the bucket time.

Bob and Linda on Veda L (a 48' Krogen that was docked next to us at the Bayport Marina, MN for many years) heard us call on the radio.  They are at Compass Cay.  We passed that location about 30 miles back.  They invited us to spend time with them as we wait for calm seas.  It would be fun to see them, but 60 miles round trip is about a day's travel. Think we'll have to meet up somewhere down the path.

JR carving an owl out of wild tamarind wood.
Yesterday I commented that we would come back to see the town on Little Farmer's Cay.  I sure didn't think that it would be this soon.  It is a very tidy village with friendly people.  JR met us as we walked the hilly streets looking for a grocery store.  JR was a great find, the groceries weren't.  Once again we have learned what the guide books mean when they say supplies are limited in the stores. 
It is hard to believe that anything would grow in
this rocky soil.  JR hand plants and waters his
crops.  It was pretty amazing.
No refrigeration, small stacks of canned goods, no fresh produce.  JR is the government representative for the community, unofficial mayor, wood carver and very nice man.  He gave us a short tour of the town, his wood carving studio, garden and  answered all of our questions as we walked.          

Bonnie and Jon are dealing with a major problem.  Their refrigerator is not holding it's temperature.  I would be frantic, but Bonnie seems to be handling it pretty well.  She made a great chicken dish with brandied apples in the sauce and brought it over for a potluck tonight.  We're making ice to help with the cooling and have offered freezer space.  This is not what we anticipated.  

Still In Farmer's Cay
November 24, 2013

Stuck in paradise!  We are here for at least a couple more days.  A weather front is coming through with nine foot waves expected.  After our experience in seven foot waves, we aren't even discussing the option of leaving until it calms down.  No one is too disappointed -- it is beautiful and today we found WiFi. 
Drinks, snacks and WiFI at Ty's!

When we landed at the dingy dock we met some of the locals.  They told us to walk to the airport and we would find a nice restaurant/bar.  Sitting down with a drink and snack sounded like a good idea.  So, off we went.  Then the manager told me they had free WiFi.  I grabbed him and gave him a full body hug.  I did apologize saying I should have asked first.  All of the people we have met have been very friendly and this group was no exception.  Only 60 people live on the island.  We figure we are on a first name basis with at least seven.  By the end of our visit we may know a good percentage.
Walking back to the dingy.

Little Farmer's Cay was settled by a freed slave named Christina.  She moved here with her two sons and daughter.  Most of the current residents are direct descendants.  The island is only 3/4 of a mile long.  It does have a 2500 foot airstrip.   
Bonnie and Jon continue to have trouble with their refrigerator.  A discussion of options is ongoing between them:  to continue and get a repair in Georgetown (only 40 miles from here) or to turn around and head north.  We will be so sad if they decide to go back.  No matter what -- we are committed to continue.  

For the third night, Bonnie made the main course and brought it to the dining deck.  (She's trying to empty some of the more perishable items from the refrigerator.)  Gail and I are busy coming up with side dishes.  Good times and good food with good friends! 

It's been another two days in Farmer's Cay.  The bay is too rough and the wind too strong to put the dingy in the water.  The real bummer is that we can't connect to the WiFi at Ty's restaurant.  We were so hopeful that we would be able to connect to it from the boat.  Books, sudoku games and assorted tasks have kept us from going stir crazy.  Brian continues to work on projects.  I think he has almost exhausted his list.  Bonnie and Jon have decided to go back to the Abacos.  The trip certainly won't be the same without our boat buddies.

Little Farmer's Cay to George Town
November 27,2013 
Bonnie and Jon head north while we go south.
The weather and wave reports sounded iffy for today, but when we got up we could see that the water had calmed down considerably.  The boat had been prepared for departure the night before -- just in case:  pillows stuffed in the cabinets, cabinet doors locked, fragile items put where they won't fall.  We were ready for semi-rough water.  Brian and I were up at 6.  In checking the engine room he discovered a leak in one of the water lines.  45 minutes later, it was repaired and after a brief farewell to Bonnie and Jon we were off.  Four - five foot swells tapered off to one foot by the end of the day.  I learned another valuable lesson -- no reading in rough water…….  I thought I was doing so well that I could finish my book.  No, no, no!  Once that feeling of seasickness begins, it is here to stay.  

We arrived in George Town at 3:00.  Plenty of time to check out the facilities.  A real grocery store was across the street with fresh produce and almost everything we needed.  The refrigerator is full again.  Tomorrow morning we are off to find a produce stand and bakery.  No doubt in my mind that Brian will sniff out the bakery!    
The ambiance was lacking (folding chairs and table),
but the food was exceptional.

Big treat tonight, dinner in town.  Eddie's Edgewater restaurant was recommended.  As we walked up the front steps we were skeptical, but we went in and ordered grouper dinners.  It was delicious!  And, what nice people in this town.  Everywhere we go, the people are so friendly and polite.

Tonight we have real WiFi!  I can finally post this blog.                       
           
Gotta smile -- we're loving the ride!