Fun In The Abacos

It’s not always fun and games here in the Bahamas. There are always opportunities to involve ourselves in a variety of community projects, and most of us take advantage and lend a hand when needed.

Every Child Counts (ECC) has been a popular project for members of the Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club. The school operates solely on donations and serves the children from several surrounding cays that require a special education approach. The students present a variety of learning opportunities and the limited staff seeks assistance from trained volunteers to deliver a quality educational experience.

During the holiday break, members of our yacht club jumped in to create a sorely needed classroom. The request came at a time when we still had some knowledgeable and skilled workers lounging about during the holidays.

A request was broadcast over the RMHYC net one morning, and by noon fifteen volunteers showed up at the school to lend a hand. Many of them, including yours truly, were inexperienced, but with the help of a few carpentry specialists, the group charged on. By four PM, there were four walls, a ceiling complete with power outlets and lighting. The following day, the sheetrock received another coat of mud, and after drying, the walls were ready for painting.

The project involved a team of lawyers, insurance agents, doctors and a variety of business owners with a myriad of backgrounds. Our foreman has built cabinets and was known for building staircases in the homes of the rich and famous, including Steven Spielberg. Despite a lack of experience, the project was finished on time, and in an acceptable fashion.

That is what it is like down here. We enjoy the sun, the water and the beach, but give us a project where we can lend a hand, and we will be there.

Back To The Abacos

November was a travel month, traveling from our home port in Brunswick, GA to enjoy our eighth year in the Bahamas. This year we averaged approximately fifty miles a day and enjoyed our favorite stops along the way. Particularly enjoyable, Romer and Sue Schwenk, of Vancouver Island, BC, stopped to visit us in Vero Beach. Former cruisers themselves, they recently purchased a fifth-wheel RV and were enjoying a land-based trip across Canada and the US. And, Dixie and John Reese, friends formerly from Atlanta, visited aboard Sea Island Girl, for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Early December, following a brief stay at Old Port Cove Marina in North Palm Beach, we departed early, across the Gulfstream, for West End Settlement on Grand Bahama Island. Our friend, Don Smith, whom we have over the years enjoyed so many fun times on the water, had driven from Atlanta and joined us for the trip to the Abacos. Having Don aboard was a breath of fresh. We alternated time at the helm, and the crew would arrive at our destination each day well rested.

Coming down from the north, as we approached the Sea of Abaco, the forecast had called for a shift in the weather. Had we not pushed forward, we would have been “trapped” for several days. With Don’s help, we opted to continue our passage well beyond sundown and after a ninety-five mile day, entered the channel at Green Turtle Cay by spotlight.

The following morning, conditions along The Whale Passage, which can be most treacherous, were favorable to continue around the three mile stretch of desolate cays. We allowed Don to “command the ship” so that he could add The Whale to his cruising accomplishments. He did fine, and the Commodore went below to take a shower and change into clothing, more appropriate for our arrival at Boat Harbour.

Twenty or so of our yacht club friends greeted us as we arrived in splendid fashion and another season has begun for us in Abaco. It’s like home for us here and we hope to share many of the highlights as our travels continue.