Friday, November 26, 2010

Getting Away For The Holidays

We managed to get away for awhile to see some new sights, visit with some old friends and enjoy some time on the water for a change. The timing was perfect and the weather has been superb.

We thoroughly enjoy embibing on the "riches from the sea." And while our favorite has always been the freshly fried conch, cole slaw and fries served with a really cold Kalik beer at Old Bahama Bay Resort on Grand Bahama Island, we have found some new placces that would fall on a "not to be missed" list.
In the LuCaya Marketplace we started the day with Coconut French Toast served by an always friendly staff at the After Deck. The real butter and imported maple syrup added a nice touch. It is always fun to stop here early in the morning and watch all the shop keepers getting ready for the days influx of cruise ship patrons.
And as you can see here, we managed to get some fresh conch and lobster from a local fisherman who was still dripping wet from his diving expedition out on the Little Bahama Bank.
Moving south into the Sea of Abaco we stopped over for several nights at Green Turtle Cay which is the beginning of the Central Abaco region of the Bahamas. The area is quaint, the people are most helpful and hospitable, and as with other islands and cays, it has a character all its own.
There are two Sounds in Green Turtle Cay - White Sound to the north, Black Sound to the south. While we enjoy both, for this visit we chose to stop at the Leeward Yacht Club in Black Sound due to its' proximity to the Settlement of New Plymouth. Lots of activities are planned for the holiday season, and the convenience factor helped make the decision.

Black Sound, Green Turtle Cay
 One can almost feel the calm here. Only the occasional Bolo Ferry, shuttling guests back and forth from the airport, stirs the waters. The sunsets are spectacular and the white sandy beaches across the way make an ihe deal setting to cool down from the 80 degree temps and to enjoy the moon glistening over the ocean.

A new find "restaurant" opened during our absence. Two Shorty's, over on Back Street in the Settlement, serves take-out meals that are delicious and surprisingly inexpensive. Denise and her sister Kola served up our favorite fried conch and fries - and it is certainly ties the record for the best we have ever had. There is a pic-nic table under a tent if you wish to dine in. The locals find their chicken wings and fries for five dollars their traditional favorite, but according to the sisters, visitors usually get the fish.

As we were both busy working this summer we have found it refreshing to relax now that we are back on the water. There is a lot to see and do on all the islands but we have especially enjoyed our visit to the northern Bahamas. We have been blessed with beautiful weather and have enjoyed reuniting with many of our friends from years gone by - in a way, it's like coming home after being away so long.

And for those that have written inquiring about Maggie, she has been a real trooper. She turned 17 this year so for her birthday we bought her a little red wagon to help her get back and forth. She loves the feeling of nobility when she's around the other dogs.

Carolyn wanted to add a few words to this Post but unfortunately she is tied up at the minute, so wanting to get this posted before the holidays end, we will need to her from her next time.

It is fun being out here, but keep those emails coming so we will know what you are up to.

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