Pictures or stories?

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, which is my explanation for all the photos lately. It hasn’t been that I have been too busy to write. In fact I have had enough time to pluck each and every leg hair out with tweezers. (Yes, I am living proof it can be done and I got the idea from another boating friend who did the same…lol). Now if that’s not having time on your hands I don’t know what is. Quite simply, I’ve just been too lazy to write.

We arrived in Georgetown a week ago after a phenomenal 30-mile sail from Cave Cay. There was an offshore breeze 18-20 knots and we sailed 45 degrees to the wind. Blue Blazes loves these conditions and she flew like a bird. It was amazing.

Georgetown, like I have mentioned before, is an extremely popular place. At last count there were 185 boats anchored here. That may sound like a lot but the anchorages are huge and there is plenty of room for everyone. We have moved around a few times since arriving but, until today, we have been anchoring in the less popular spots. We just couldn’t see ourselves getting involved in all the organized activities. That is until Harley signed us up for the Georgetown to Long Island Regatta, which starts this Monday. Tonight is the kick off party so we moved in close to the action so we don’t have a long dinghy ride back to the boat after.

I wasn’t too excited at first about going in the regatta because, it’s no secret, I hate racing but this 4-day event sounds like it could be a lot of fun. Harley tells me he has no interest in the racing aspect and that he only signed up for the social part. Anyone who knows Harley knows he is just feeding me a line but I have to admit it sounds enjoyable.

To my surprise the town of Georgetown is quite small. I was expecting something similar to (but not as big as) Nassau. Instead we found a laid back town with one main street and lots of character. The size shouldn’t fool anyone however, as this town has everything anybody would need and it is a great place to re-provision before carrying on to more remote places.

Anyway, it is time to move on, and we plan to after the regatta, but where? We don’t know yet. We’ll just have to see where the wind blows us.

Pictured above:

The Internet Cafe

Georgetown

The anchorage here in Georgetown is quite a happening place but, as far as I can see, it’s not much more than summer camp for seniors…..not really what we are into but that’s o.k. We had to come and see what all the fuss was about.

Cave Cay (con't)

If you care to read more about Cave Cay see my comment on the posting.

Janice

Slide show - Bahamas Vol 1

Cave Cay - A Short Story

Journal Entry
January 21, 2010

……We wanted a nice protected spot to weather out these high winds.

Cave Cay was the perfect spot with protection from all directions but as soon as we dropped the hook a voice came on the VHF in a very southern U.S. accent, “Vessel just entering Cave Cay Cove…this is Cave Cove Marina……What are your intentions?”

Harley was still up at the bow attending to the anchor so I come back, “This is Blue Blazes, We were planning on staying the night to get out of the weather….we will be leaving in the morning.” I replied.

“Anchoring is not allowed in the harbour…You are welcome to stay at our marina” came back the voice on the other end…….CRAP!

I called Harley back to the cockpit and after a short discussion we decided (what the heck) let’s take a slip for the night. After all, we haven’t tied to a dock since St. Augustine.

“Our batteries could use a charge.” Harley says, “I bet they have water to wash the deck.” he continued,

“I bet they have internet,” I added.

We radioed back to the voice, asked the price, and then said, “What is our slip assignment.”

Two very friendly faces greeted us at the dock to take our lines. In fact, they were overly friendly, which believe it or not freaked me out. I felt like the unsuspecting tourist character from a horror novel falling victim to some horrible plot.

Besides a boat that had as much growth on it as the dock, we were the only boat there.

At first glance this place appeared modern and well kept. The buildings were outstanding and the floating cement docks were built of the highest standards, but we soon found it was only a façade. The structure that looked to be the marina office was beautiful but it was locked up tight. When we peered into the windows we discovered it was totally empty.

I left Harley at the boat and walked up to the laundry, washrooms, and shower facilities. Call it a sixth sense, but I could swear something was watching me. Sure enough I was being carefully watched by four menacing looking German Sheppards. The facilities looked like they haven’t been used in several months with dust, twigs, and leaves that must have blown in over time covering the floors.

While walking back to the dock where Blue Blazes was securely tied, I could feel the burning stares of those intimidating dogs but not only that I could hear a conversation on a VHF radio coming from somewhere up the hill.

“I recognize those voices” I thought and then quickly realized it was Harley and Marg discussing where Lion’s Paw is anchored and what their plans were. Whoever was listening to that radio, was listening in on our working channel!

When I got back to the boat I tried to brush it off. “This is ridiculous.” I thought. “Don’t let your imagination run away with you.” I told myself.

I was creeped out for the rest of the day checking over my shoulder constantly. Even while on the internet I couldn’t help but think I was being watched.

The next day as we were leaving the owner of the place gave us his bill along with an 8 x 10 photo of our boat tied to their dock. (Probably taken by their surveillance camera) He said we could have it as a souvenir and asked us to come back anytime.

“Not in this lifetime!” I thought.


P.S. We had a phenomenal sail yesterday from Cave Cay to Georgetown.

Gin-clear Water

"On a clear day you can see forever..." both looking up and looking down.

Beautiful People

The Bahamian people, from what we have experienced anyway, are a rare breed. We could all take lessons from these beautiful people.

Yesterday, for example, we went to a restaurant that runs on an honour system. Lorraine the owner says, “Take what you want, write it on a piece of paper, and pay me later”. It doesn’t even have to be today!

And today, at the laundry mat the proprietor (Ida) takes orders for conch fritters (six for a dollar!), cooks them up right there, and serves them to you while you finish folding your laundry.

In every little village we have stopped at the local people have been incredibly friendly and seem genuinely happy to have us there. Almost without exception, they won’t pass us on the street without giving us a friendly hello…..even the children say hi.

They live simply, have little money, but they are millionaires in quality of life. I am so envious of their laid-back lifestyle. Harley and I joke about it and say, “even the criminals lack motivation!”

Having said that, we never leave the boat unlocked and always put the dinghy up at night. Old habits die hard.