Our Bahama Farewell

As it the Sea God's were speaking directly to us, Mother Nature gave us a direct message that suggested we should stay in the Bahama's a bit longer as a major Nor'easter pumped major rain and high winds into the area and then stalled. Two fronts converged (like in The Perfect Storm) and we could not depart for the US. This sounds terrible, but Old Bahama Bay is not a bad place to "have to stay."
Since our earlier visit here in December, the staff has done a marvelous job completing major repairs from last years hurricanes. This trip the restaurants were open serving marvelous food, the fuel prices were comparable to the US and the staff welcomed our return with open arms, a free t-shirt and we were also able to take in the infamous Full Moon Party down on the beach!
We met some wonderful folks during our eight days, many of whom we will certainly remain in contact with. We also had an opportunity to email and receive replies from other cruisers from previous visits to the marina....Zippidee Doo, Lazy Bone, Attitude, Lucky Peek and Tidepool. Memories of the times and places are always fun, but when you can continue to share the times with the people it's even better.
Thanks to everyone at Old Bahama Bay for making certain that our 2006 Cruise to the Bahamas was a tremendous success! 

Its Been Grand

From our vantage point on Man O War Cay it is easy to see why we return year after year, yet we return to be with the Bahamian people who welcome us and entertain us. More importantly they remind us of many of the lessons we learned as children but are commonly forgotten by most in our own country.
We will soon embark on our final sailing venture aboard Gypsy Common as we begin another learning experience aboard our new boat in August. We have been given an opportunity to commemorate this rite of passage in the new
Waterway magazine and we encourage all to purchase a copy and share in the excitement.
Our final sail as we depart the Abacos will be to Great Sail Cay and on to Grand Bahama Island and the port of West End where we will visit for a few days at Old Bahama Bay. This is a lovely spot and you will not want to miss our next update regarding the visit. 

Mad Hatters Tea Party

I've never understoody why, except maybe for her creative aptitude and flair for the novelty of it all, but once again Carolyn won First Prize for her chapeau at the concluding get together for the Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club. While the other entries were clever and more traditionally "british" the umbrellas, wine glass and postie notes adorning the Wilson entry took the cake.
Although a picture is not included here, Dick Stover, Carolyn's cousin Joyce's husband, had joined us from Philadelphia. Dick created his own entry on the theme of "Throw It or Stow It?" His bonnet was covered with an assortment of items found lying around for which he added an ecological theme. It looked great Dick, but no cigar!
This was to be our last night in Marsh Harbour. Dick was flying back to Philly and we were setting sail for Green Turtle Cay and points north to stage for our trip back to the US. It didn't turn out that way as we experienced some minor engine problems that delayed us by one day, but more on that to come. Congrats ladies!!!! You look loverly!