Return to the Bahamas

After a years hiatus, we returned to the Abacos early December to share our time with members of the Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club. It was good to reunite with everyone and have time to catch up.

Carolyn was able to spend time with our friends at Royal Potcake Rescue from Atlanta who visited the area. They were able to do some work with local rescue groups and in the end took ten dogs back to Atlanta to place for adoption. At last report, most had been adopted.

Robert continued working on his watercolor painting with the help of several local artists, the most notable being the Minnis family from Nassau. The entire family represents some of the best artwork in the Bahamas, and the time that they afforded to critique and advise was most appreciated.

It has been a sad time as well. In January we lost our 4yr. old Coco to a tragic accident. She fell while climbing off the boat apparently causing internal injuries and succumbed on board during the night. Our appreciation goes out to the staff at Abaco Beach Resort for their care and understanding. Coco was buried on the property in a befitting location overlooking the Sea of Abaco and her favorite running area.

Time goes by so fast, however it has been a wonderful season. The weather has been fantastic and we have seen so many of those we have met over the years during our stay and hopefully things will warm up by the time we get back to Georgia.

An Artsy Time

Following our arrival in Stuart, we have been busy pups. There was the maintenance which needed completing on Sea Island Girl and Carolyn's recovery from her ankle injury,h but once that was all done we settled in for some fun and relaxation.

The Martin County area is an artsy kind of place, with exhibits and art festivals most every weekend. We were already in the mood but used our time here to become immersed in all there was to offer.

Robert continued with his watercolors, and visited with some of the premier watercolorists in the area to get some expert advice. Thanks should be given to Kim Rody, Robin Makowski and a few others we met at the Stuart Art Festival. It is refreshing to have the positive critiques, encouragement and suggestions from the more advanced artists,  rather than everyone being so competitive and hush hush about what they are doing. Everyone seems to be on the road to achieving perfection, and are willing to drag everyone that is interested along with them.

Carolyn completed her first pine-straw basket with the help of our long-time cruising friends, Peggy O'Neil and Judy Law. Those two are experts in a lot of art endeavors, and Carolyn appreciated the encouragement and has already started her second basket.

The cruisers held an art show at Loggerhead Marina where we have been staying, which gave everyone a chance to show off their art. It was a fun afternoon, and the marina staff went overboard presenting wines, cheese and fruit for those attending. What a nice surprise that was!

Coming as a big surprise we have bumped into some of our former Lakeside friends from Lake Lanier who are now living in this area. It was especially nice to see and visit with Jean Bayman, Bill and Ugne Wennerstein, and Lynn and Lois Peck. We share wonderful memories with each of them, and getting back together after so many years seems to make the heart grown fonder.

But all good things must end. We have cleaned up, packed up and will be leaving Stuart Mar. 7th, heading onto other stops along the way. Included in that will be a quick visit to Vero Beach, and  a months stay at Cocoa Village Marina in Cocoa where more good friends await our arrival.

We will update you from there.

Resting Up In Stuart

We knew this would be a different cruising season for us, afterall we have spent winters in the islands the past eleven years.

Things started out well when we visited our friends John and Dixie Reese in Cocoa and they helped us move our car to Stuart. Their daughter Katie was visiting from Los Angeles over the holidays which was an unexpected opportunity for Carolyn to spend time with her. Katie was one of the first students at Dunwoody Prep, over twenty five years ago. Just look at her now.

Carolyn and a mature Katie



She has done very well for herself and is working with ABC coordinating programming between the Network and its affiliate stations. She enjoys being involved with ABC and has met lots of "stars", but has yet to find Mr. Right.

After visiting with the Reese family our time has been spent getting familiar with the Treasure Coast.

We have the two dogs aboard - Coco(4) and Robert (1) which has changed our daily routine. There is a nice dog park in Stuart, and we have visited several times. In fact, one time too many.

Mid-December we took the dogs to the park and shortly after arriving, a pack of large and overly energetic dogs slammed into Carolyn from behind knocking her completely off her feet. We knew immediately that she would need to go to a hospital ER to be examined.

After going to four hospitals and three Urgent Care centers we were able to see a doctor. As it turned out it was a severe sprain - nothing was broken - but on a boat things were more difficult to manage. It has taken a month of therapy for her to get back on her feet and for her it seemed like considerably longer. As you can see, she was a good sport about it.

Now that she has recuperated we hope to get her back to the beach for some serious shelling and relaxation.

Keep in touch and if you are in the area be sure and look us up.

Another Adventure

Well we are back on the water once again, and the weatherman has been good to us thus far. This season will be a little different from previous years as we plan to spend most of our time in Florida.

We managed to get away from Brunswick before the cold weather had settled in, and once again are looking forward to spending the winter in shorts and t-shirts.

Just before leaving we had some exciting news. Our grandson, Patrick, accepted an offer to play football at Navy beginning in the Fall. He is scheduled to graduate from Deerfield-Windsor Academy in Albany, GA, where he currently serves as student body President and maintains a 3.9 academic record. We are extremely proud of him, and are looking forward to many exciting years ahead.

We have kept the veterinarians busy recently. Coco apparently had developed an allergy to a change in her diet, and Robert had a growth (benign) on his leg. Following four or five visits to four vets in three cities, they seem to be doing well.

Stuart, FL will be our winter home for the present. We are staying at the Loggerhead Marina and are making the most of their beautiful facilities, and warm hospitality. Several friends from RMHYC are here as well, which makes it even better. Apparently there is a lot to do in the area and we hope to make the most of our stay here.

Here's wishing everyone a peaceful and restful Christmas season.

A New Crewmember

We could make a lot of excuses, and say that we only wanted to be foster-parents for a day or two, but when we first saw the six month old potcake, we fell in love.

There are quite a few ironic things about the situation. Our friend Janie Thompson, who lives in Abaco, actually found the little fellow and his brother. She couldn't resist and took them in, and soon contacted our friend Judy Marshall, who runs the Royal Potcake Rescue organization here in Atlanta. The ladies have collaborated for several years, and eventually the Bahamian dogs and cats are flown to Atlanta to be put up for adoption.

Carolyn and I walked into the PetSmart to visit with Judy. She had the honey colored pup on a leash and said, "this dog has your name written all over him - come meet Robert!" The shy little pup was fluffy, and his white markings gave him a very distinctive look that could not be ignored.

Judy's sister Nancy had been fostering Robert since his arrival from the Bahamas, along with five others. And that's when everything changed. "We can fostering him for a day or two if you would like."

The rest is history. Robert was enrolled in obedience classes, has visited Canine Ranch in Canton, GA in the company of Victoria Stillwell's personal dog, where he learned to swim. He's done extremely well learning his basic commands and will try most anything for his special treats.

In mid-July we took he and Coco down to the boat for several days. Somewhat unexpectedly, he loved it and the two of them have settled in quite nicely together at home and on the boat.

It's akin to having another baby. The hours are long, the potty breaks are often, but the thrills we are experiencing make it all worth while.

Wonderful Winter, Wonderful Ending

It was a wonderful day in late April when we departed Old Bahama Bay, at Settlement Point, Grand Bahama Island, looking forward to our return to the US after another enjoyable winter in the northern Bahamas. The weather was perfect and our six hour ride over to Palm Beach, FL was smooth.

Old Bahama Bay Resort & Marina

Upon our arrival we unexpectedly met our friends aboard Theodore Two, the tiny tugboat we had encountered six months earlier. They were on their way north to Savannah and further north for the Tall Ship Parade in Norfolk. They gave us a little toot as they passed and we went happily to visit all of our friends whom we met in November at the Old Port Cove Marina in North Palm Beach.

Theodore Two, Halifax, NS

We were able to make a mad dash to the grocery store, which was good as we had been down to a little more than PB&J. What a relief! Ice cream, M&M's and veggies! It was an enjoyable two days. Coco knew where the squirrels would be hanging out and seemed to be back  to her old stomping ground once again.

After another two days in Vero Beach our friend Bucko Reese joined the crew in Cocoa. What a treat that was! Although he has spent some time on the water, this was his first extended trip and he was ready, willing and able to provide all of the assistance we needed. It was as though we were on a private charter, with a Captain to handle the boat.

We had great weather as we made our way north along the ICW. We enjoyed Carolyn's cooking, ate well, witnessed beautiful scenery and only ran aground twice (somewhat embarrasingly so, Bucko was NOT at the helm). With the tides being lower and higher than usual we had decided to anchor at Cumberland Island following an evening at the St. Augustine Municipal Marina. A Shrimp Festival was going on at Fernandina which would have been fun, but they were asking $4.per foot (we've never paid that). However when we anchored at Cumberland it was 3PM, and we decided to press on to our home port of Brunswick.

Our timing was perfect as we approached the Jekyll Island Marina an hour before high tide, making it an easy passage through this very shallow area. And before long we were cruising along St. Simons Sound heading to Brunswick Landing.

Sidney Lanier Bridge, Brunswick, GA

The Sidney Lanier bridge was now before us,  once again. The sun was setting as we approached the East River to slide into our slip and tie up..

It feels good to be back. Now all we have to do is clean up, pack up and make our way back to our home in Atlanta. We hope to see you soon.

The End Is Near

It has been an enjoyable cruising season, but all good things must come to an end. The parties are over, many of our friends have already left, and we have begun our trek north and back to the US.

We stopped over in Green Turtle Cay to visit friends at Leeward YC, and to have some minor work performed on Sea Island Girl at Abaco Yacht Services. With a freshly painted bottom, we expect to gain some speed and it was good to have a chance to check all of the systems while the boat was out of the water. AYS did a marvelous job and had us back in the water on the third day.

It was 7am the day we left Black Sound heading north. We made every effort to maintain 9.5 kts, but the tides caught up to us as we neared Great Sale Cay. In total it was a 93 nm trip, and we arrived at Old Bahama Bay Resort at West End, Grand Bahama Island at high tide and before sunset.

Old Bahama Bay is one of our favortie stop-overs. The facilities are the best, and the food is marvelous. Carolyn enjoys daily walks along the beach and finds it to be a treasure trove of sea glass, sea beans and remnants from the old Jack Tar resort that was once a thriving get away.

While she was on the beach I rode down to Freeport to complete my updates for the Bahamas edition of the Waterway Guide. The bus ride was rather predictable- long, hot, and slow - but at least it was cheap. Each evening when I returned to the resort, I emersed myself in water colors, and am particularly pleased with the fifth rendition of Coco, our 3yr. old Border Collie/Chow mix.

The winds have been extremely high, and the seas equally as foreboding this week. Expect it will be a few days before we are able to make the crossing back to the US, but the sun is shining, we have a beautiful beach and lots of company.

We trust you have enjoyed our updates this season, and look forward to hearing from you once we are back home safe and sound.

Until then,

Winters Almost Gone

Derby Girl

The winter cruising season is quickly coming to an end, and what a time it has been. After arriving a month later than scheduled, we have certainly made up for the lost time. There has been an over abundance of things to do and at times, scheduling has been difficult.

Cruisers tend to create reasons to gather for fun and frolic, and our friends at the Royal Marsh Harbour YC are no different. In early March there was an impromptu Kentucky Derby Party. The ladies created fanciful hats, and then paraded around the grounds for everyone to see. Judging was tough, but in the end the winner walked away with a bottle of Nassau Royale rum, making all the time and effort worth while. While Carolyn's did not win, she did get favorable reviews for her creativity.

On Your Mark

And if that wasn't enough, there was a Veggie Car Derby. Each each entry was created using a variety of fruits and vegetables, many of which are not common varieties. Again, a lot of fun. There were about thirty entries altogether - and the bell peppers, carrots and yucca plants were introduced to the crowd as Speedy Dick, Toy Box or Big John. Being somewhat of a nautical surrounding, a bell pepper entry sported a lettuce leaf sail, another proudly displayed the Canadian flag - not that any of these proved to significantly increase their speed.

The Aftermath

There are a few in the group that faced other challenges. Those are the ones who are convinced that they will never grow old and attempt the more youthful activities. Pickle Ball was the bone crusher that claimed two shoulder injuries, an Achilles tendon and a host of bruises, scrapes and wrist injuries. Those attending Yoga Class over stretched many a muscle, and our newest dock neighbor (shown in the wheelchair) was hit by a car as he slipped off a sidewalk during his morning walk. A series of falls, stumbles and missteps had several others on crutches or in slings.

As for us, we have thus far come away unscathed opting to stay away from the more physical activities by attending several musical concerts supporting Every Child Counts, the school where Carolyn volunteers. We are enjoying our individual art projects while relaxing on the boat, far removed from harms way.

Music Doing Good, a talented musical group from Houston, TX performed with the students from ECC in late February. It was a heartwarming experience to see the excitement generated following a week long workshop at the school.It was remarkable to watch and listen to the song and dance numbers they had put together in such a short time. The Houston ensemble travels to perform exclusively with programs for students having special needs.

So there you have it. The weathers been great, there are no broken bones, although Coco did fall overboard one evening when she misjudged the distance from the boat to the dock. We have enjoyed being with our many friends in the Bahamas, and continue to count our blessings that enable us to enjoy such a wonderful lifestyle.

Hope Town, Abaco

What a wonderful visit we had in Hope Town. It's picturesque, quaint and perfect for a vacation getaway, even the sign "Slow Down, You're Entering Hope Town" let's you know you are in for a treat.

We were welcomed by friends who are moored there for the winter cruising season almost immediately, and invited to participate in a Full Moon Dinghy RaftUp where you tie up to the other dinghies just before sundown with drinks and appetizers - just to drift around the harbor as the tide was changing.  What fun that was.

Looming over the harbor is the candy-striped Elbow Cay Lighthouse. It is one of the last kerosene lighthouses in existence, and thanks to Jeffrey, the tender, we were given an exclusive visit to witness first hand, the lighting of the lamp.

Before the sun had gone down we walked out onto the gangway surrounding the lighthouse and were given an exciting view of Hope Town Harbor, with the Atlantic Ocean in the background. The climb had been a challenge, but the view was well worth the effort.

It was impressive to learn more about the history of the lightshouse. Even more impressive was to hear that Jeffrey, or his cousin, climb the hundred or more steps to the top, every two hours during the evening to crank the gears to keep the light turning.

If you are ever in the area, you will certainly want to visit Hope Town. And while you are there you will want to take advantage of the spectacular scenery that can be observed from atop the Elbow Cay Lighthouse.

The weather has been splendid thus far this season, and we continue to enjoy being with our friends from the Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club – catching up, daily activities and occasional outings. There are so many things to become involved that we seem to fill up our daily schedule, much like being back home at work.

There have been some highlights. Carolyn continues her work at Every Child Counts, with nineteen students this year. She has noticed that many of them are taller than she is-  a sign that they are getting older but they continue to enjoy her classes each week. Overall, the number of students has continued to grow each year and it is encouraging to see the progress each student is making, making the effort worth the time and effort she puts in each week. She dide turn 70 this year, but keep it a secret.

I have jumped into water color. Never in my imagination would this have been something I would have considered in the past, but a very talented yacht club member recruited nineteen “student” and you would have never imagined the results. There were no amateurish paintings, thanks to the instructor’s assistance, and when the two-week series of classes ended, the pictures were terrific.

The editing for this year’s Waterway Guide has been completed, and I find myself rising early each morning to plan sales calls for advertising, using the internet to reach out to those accounts in the more distant areas. Chris Higgs, Harbour Master here at Boat Harbour, is gracious enough to allow me to use his van to visit local advertisers in exchange for the “soccer mom” duties I provide in exchange.

We are so happy to be back in the Abacos. It’s so nice to be on the receiving end of the “Welcome Backs” or “need a lift” as we walk into town. The area continues to be our home away from home but we always look forward to receiving emails from everyone back home which help to keep us focused.

A Change in Scenery

It was December 22nd when the weather cleared and we were able to strike the lines at Old Port Cove in Palm Beach. As has been typical, the first hour was challenging, but soon we entered the Gulf Stream and the seas calmed making it an enjoyable crossing to the Bahamas. We traveled about twelve hours and anchored at Great Sale Cay where we discovered total blackness. Only the chartplotter and radar were useful to guide us in.
The following morning we departed early, and with smooth seas we managed to make Green Turtle Cay and around The Whale Cay passage at 1:30pm and then on to Boat Harbour Marina on the southern end of Great Abaco.

Our daughter Jessica, arrived in Marsh Harbour at 1:30, and calmly changed into her swinsuit, enjoyed her afternoon and was on hand to accept our lines when we arrived around 4:30.
The weather could not have been better, and Jessica seemed to enjoy relaxing on the beach, reading and enjoying some of the local cuisine over the Christmas holiday. It was a wonderful time together.
Since then, the weather had continued to be the best we have seen in years, and now that we have settled in, the fun with our friends has just begun.

Year End Change of Plans

As it often occurs, the best made plans need to be adjusted, especially when you are cruising.

Our November 1 departure from Brunswick was delayed by a week when a series of north easterly storms pummeled the east coast making it impractical to begin our journey south. A few days didn’t make a huge difference however we were excited about spending another Thanksgiving with our friends in Green Turtle Cay, Abaco. Carolyn had planned to work with our friends from the Royal Potcake Rescue and another spay and neuter clinic while I intended to have Sea Island Girl pulled from the water to have her bottom painted.

The southerly trip along the Intracoastal went well. The weather was nice and it gave us plenty of time to work with Coco and to help get her adjusted to boat life. Right away she found her a safety zone in the guest cabin and would pop her head out occasionally pop to insure that we were still in control of the boat. Already we can sense that she will become an old sea dog and loving traveling companion.

After a few stops along the way we arrived in Palm Beach November 16 and were greeted by our long-time cruising partners – Terry and Peggy aboard More Attitude. The plan was to head out the next morning however a series of circumstances arose and we decided it was best to reschedule and take the next weather window. Several boats left on the 17^th, only to discover that the conditions were not the best and knowing that, we were pleased with our decision to hold back.

Christmas is now two weeks away and the weather has been awful. The winds remain uncharacteristically high and from the wrong direction, which creates heightened seas and what would be an unbearable ride across the Gulfstream. So here we sit, in hopes that we will reach the Abacos for the holidays. Carolyn has read most of the books we have aboard and restocked the lauder a number of times. We have had numerous maintenance projects completed since we have been here and have even cleaned and polished the fenders and power cord.

A group of RMHYC friends pulled in recently hoping to make the crossing. One or two stuck their noses out the following day, but turned around after a mile or two; and it looks like it will be at least another week before conditions improve. We had a dock party one night and have planned a pizza party for later this week, so if you are in the area, stop by, who knows, we may still be here.

Shedding the Lines Again

We always know when it’s time to pack up our things, close up the house and head down to the boat. The trees are shedding a bountiful color of leaves, and the morning chill has us pulling out a sweatshirt or jacket to take Coco out for her morning walk.

Land-lubbers seldom appreciate all the work that goes into preparing an extended cruise. Most assume we merely top off the fuel, turn the key and set sail. Trust us when we say there is nothing farther from the truth! By the time we leave home, months have been spent planning, completing our ToDo lists and shopping for our staples which are so terribly expensive to buy in the islands. We have veterinarian permits and meds for the dog, cruising permits to get in and out of the country and a boat insurance policy which tells us when and where we can go, and the proverbial health and dental checkups to be addressed before we leave.

Over the years each of us has developed a checklist. We know what our individual responsibilities are, and we somehow seem to make it a painless transition from being at home to being on Sea Island Girl.  This year the process was particularly smooth. No feathers were ruffled and we got away on time.

It usually takes us a week to get settled once we move aboard. Stowing our food and belongings can be a tedious process. Cleaning the boat and putting things in order takes a lot of time. More importantly, each and every system on the boat needs to be checked and serviced before we leave, and that can be time consuming as well.  

The ghosts and goblins come out tonight and once again it appears that we have managed to get things sorted out in time. Now all we need is a good forecast.

We hope to update our blog in a timely fashion this winter and trust that you will visit on a regular basis to learn what all the commotion is about.

Hot News From Atlanta

The summer has been a hot one, especially in our hometown of Atlanta and in Brunswick, where we have Sea Island Girl safely docked for the hurricane season. It has been a busy time. Carolyn continues teaching the preschoolers at Dunwoody Prep, while I have been passing the time away completing a couple of boat projects and training Coco, the newest member of our family.

It didn’t take long before we realized how attached we had become to having a dog. Maggie had been with us for 18 years, and with her passing in June, we wanted to fill the void.

Adopting a rescued animal was the only choice for us. We didn’t want a puppy, and as it usually turns out with rescued animals, a mixed breed would be just fine. Petfinder.com was a big help. We could search by breed and size, read some very sad stories regarding the dog’s circumstances, and find the contact information for the respective shelter or rescue organization. Sadly there are tens of thousands of pets in need of adoption.

It was not until we had spent hours searching the internet and days visiting the local shelters that the picture of Coco popped up on the screen, and she was (as we southerners say), “the spittin’ image” of Maggie.

She was a three year old Border Collie-mix in good health. Montrose Animal Hospital in nearby Marietta had been caring for her since she was a pup and when circumstances changed for the owner, they were helping to find her a new home.

Since then it has been an exciting time for us. Coco is very smart, playful and she loves to be around children and has made a lot of four-legged friends at the Dunwoody Dog Park. She has a voracious appetite and with a little help from her Bil-Jack liver treats has learned to recognize her name, come, sit, and lay down. Currently we are working on her stay and fetch commands.

It came as no surprise that she was lacking nautical skills, which obviously was important for her cruising parents. Coco appeared overly enthusiastic upon arriving at the marina for the first time, but when it came time to walk down the dock toward the boat, she stubbornly dug in her heels, as if to say “no you don’t!”

Much like an Elizabethan queen, Coco was carried down the dock and placed on board to begin a new chapter in her life, one that is often reserved for cats or Great Danes. Since that first visit she has adjusted very nicely, and when we say “want to go to the boat Coco?” her eyes light up like Christmas trees.

We slip up every now and then and call her Maggie, but in time that will change. Maggie gained her sea legs at an early age, and we expect the Coco will adjust and enjoy our crazy six months on, six months off cruising lifestyle equally as well. Stay tuned.

In Memory of Maggie

It was a sad day for us, when Maggie, our beloved Border Collie quitely passed away on June 10th. She had been our faithful companion since 1993. She would have been 18 years old in September. Although Maggie was rescued from the streets of downtown Atlanta, she certainly had an exciting and full life. She even had a book written about her Life On the Sea detailing her travels with us aboard S/V Gypsy Common and M/V Sea Island Girl. She loved the boat and became an accomplished sea dog during our travels to the Florida and the Bahamas.

We are thankful for the time we were able to share together. Though absent from this earth, the memory of Maggie will forever remain in our hearts.

It's About That Time Again

 It has been a most enjoyable winter in the Bahamas. While those back home had  the trials and tribulations of being stateside, we were fortunate enough to island hop with our only issue being  - do we eat the fish we caught, or visit our favorite watering hole and discuss it over a Goombay Smash or frozen Nipper or two.

Our friends at Boat Harbour Marina were especially pleased to see us again this year, and we met several new couples who were visiting for the first time. It seemed as this was the year for planned activities with Yoga, Bocce Ball, Pickle Ball, Water Aerobics, Bridge and Art taking the favorites of many. As is customary, many of the members of the Royal Marsh Harbour YC , were engaged in an assortment of volunteer programs with Every Child Counts, Cancer Society, Potcake Rescue and the libarary.

We enjoyed Trivia Night with several of our long-time cruising friends on Tuesday nights at Harbour View Marina in Marsh Harbour. The questions became increasingly difficult toward the end of the season, but it was lots of fun, and everyone walked away with a prize at the end of the evening.

Carolyn particularly enjoyed assisting our Atlanta-based Potcake Rescue friends. On our way south In November there was a round-up and free spay/neuter clinic held in Green Turtle Cay. Several dogs were rescued and flown back to Atlanta for adoption, and in March, a second clinic was held. Eighteen cats were spayed or neutered and seven more dogs were flown back to the US.

Our cruising buddies, Peggy O’Neill and Terry Zieglar, were with us again this season. They have traveled with us each year, and as always, we are pretty much an inseparable lot. Peggy and  Carolyn enjoy shelling and arts/crafts, while Terry and I somehow manage to keep our boats well maintained and doing our part to keep Mount Gay and Meyers distillery’s in the black.

We are beginning to make our way back home, and wonder at times where the time went, but there are a lot of things to do and we will enjoy spending time once again with our land-based friends and family.

Until next time,

Back In The Groove

What a different year it has been! With the exception of a few days, the weather has been considerably warmer than last , giving us more time to get out and about. We have had time to visit a number of our favorite spots, and have been able to re-connect with our many friends to get involved once again.

Fox Town, on the northern end of Great Abaco, was delightful. The local residents seemed to come out in force to meet and greet us when we arrived, and the fresh seafood at Da Valley Restaurant was to die for.

The children shown here were waiting for their dad to finish cleaning his fish and conch, and though it was a little disconcerting for us to see them scurrying around the dock, the father said "de be alright, de be all right." Shortly afterwards, one of the boys fell into the water and had to be rescued.

As for getting involved - the Rotary Club of Abaco held a Children's Sidewalk Chalk Festival and I was asked to take a few pictures, and Carolyn served as a Judge . It was a beautiful day, and all of the young artists were quite serious about their entries. Although this artist failed to capture a prize, she certainly captured our hearts for the enthusiasm she showed.


The Chalk Festival was a fundraiser for the club to help defray the costs of an upcoming InterAct Conference in which over 200 Bahamian high school students will be participating in a week-end of team building, and work projects in Abaco.
The local Rotary Club is very active in the community, and we have enjoyed an inspiring time of work, fun and fellowship for the past several years.

Every Child Counts, a private school for youngsters with learning challenges, continues to be a favorite project with Carolyn.
  She is shown here is Carolyn and fellow teachers, with her class following an art project, using bean pods and a little creativity. The pods are decorated with paint and are often used as "shakers" during the Junkanoo parades. Carolyn's class in Atlanta completed the same project during the summer, and the ECC class provided this photo-op in a gesture of international exchange.

And while it may seem a little unusual for us to be working while on vacation, it is a great way to get out to greet, meet and learn from our Bahamian friends.

Our friend Vickie Lathom teaches graduate school writing at the Univ. or Maryland, and as she reviews the text, I am gathering information for my next issue of the Waterway Guide from one of the local fisherman. Despite the volumes of information that have been written about the Bahamas, there is so much left to write. And we are pleased to have the opportunity.

Chillin in da Bahamas

Don’t let ‘em fool ya when they say “its betta in da Bahamas.” With all the pictures of the white sand beaches and palm trees swaying in the breeze you could easily be convinced that it is going to be that way twelve months a year. Well believe me, “it ain’t necessarily so.”

Now there are many days like that, and the sun does shine most of the time, but Bahamians take their licks like everyone back home, and I’m not talking about hurricanes – just your day in day out temperature swings.

I guess when your body adjusts to certain temperatures, you become accustomed to it. Here the temperatures can vary from the nineties during the summer months to the upper seventies during the winter, but Mother Nature seems to get a kick out of throwing an occasional curve ball, just to keep everyone honest.

We arrived mid-November and were beginning to get a little cocky when the temps were in the eighties and the skies were clear. The water was in the mid-seventies and life was good. But as the Farmer’s Almanac had predicted, things began to change early December and when the first cold front blanketed the northeast with snow, the winds blew all that cold weather into the southern parts of Florida and into the Bahamas. It dipped into the high fifties for a couple of nights and Bahamians were chilled to the bone.

A few years ago, we experienced similar conditions. The workers at a nearby construction site were dressed in what could only be described as snow suits – ski hats, down jackets and gloves, and it was around sixty-five. The sight of them hovering around a fire pit was quiet humorous, but for them it was the only way to get their body temperatures back to something a bit more tolerable.

This December was no different. That first Artic blast changed things for a lot of people. The locals were pulling out their winter clothes and the boaters, having recently arrived from south Florida, began trading in their t-shirts and shorts for jeans and fleece pullovers. Those with heaters aboard used them day and night whenever the temps dropped below sixty, and there was no sympathy from friends and family back home. If you recall the previous year, it was uncharacteristically cold as well.

Much like last year we find ourselves sitting on the boat enjoying an adult beverage or two, awaiting the passage of yet another cold front. The thermostats set on seventy two and it is a little disheartening to think we have come all this way just to watch the wind whipping amid the palm trees and the waves breaking along such a beautiful white sand beach.

This is not necessarily the high season for tourism in the Bahamas, but the cruise ships continue to bring in hundreds of thousands of paradise seeking tourists hoping to make their escape from the wintry weather back home. We see them stepping off the shuttle buses making their way toward the straw markets and bars dressed as though they were in Oahu mid-July. And even the most kind hearted amongst us has to laugh, as we watch them running from shop to shop, trying to escape the frigid temperatures with a flamboyant taxi driver yelling, “it alright mon, you in da Bahamas now and ever-ting gonna be alright.”

Well anyway, it’s great to be back in the islands among the people we have come to love. They do make us laugh at times, but we share in their sad times as well. Tourism in the Bahamas has definitely been affected by the downturn in the US economy, yet most everyone has a smile on their face and a kind word to say.

So if the weather is beginning to get you down where you are, pack your swim suit, grab your snorkel and sunglasses and make your way to the Bahamas. You may want to consider bringing along a pair of your favorite jeans and a sweater or two, but as you do, always keep in mind that tried and true expression, “hey mon, it always betta in da Bahamas!”

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.

And Fun Was Had By All

Summers in Atlanta have a lot to offer, and the Sandy Springs Concert Series was no exception. We gathered our folding chairs and packed away some delightful food in the cooler to sit under the stars and enjoy a free Tams concert. The energetic group had everyone dancing on the lawn while they remembered a few of the songs from "way back when."

Albany, GA was on our list this summer. We visited with oldest daughter Allison and the four grandchildren during Grand Parents Day at Deerfield-Windsor. It was good to see the progress that everyone is making in school, and with a 6-0 record we thorouly enjoyed seeing Patrick as an Offensive Tackle and listening to Bryan, a percussionist in the band. I must say we were most impressed with the accomplishments of all four of them.

Allison has done a wonderful job balancing her busy schedule and raising four active children. Brittany, the oldest, will be graduating from Univ. of Georgia and Tommy is busy working while attending classes at Darden College in Albany.

Speaking of college, I managed to visit upstate New York during the summer on behalf of the Waterway Guide. First time to spend that much time there, and I put about 1700 miles on the rental car before flying home.

I was glad that I had the opportunity to keep my promise to Carolyn about visiting the Tri-Delt house at Syracuse University. She was a member and stayed in the house during her tenure. The sorority members rolled out the red carpet upon my arrival and I was able to take a few memorable photos to share with Carolyn when I returned.

As always I remain active with the Rotary Club of Sandy Springs. It's a great club, and a very active one. In the Fall I served as Chair for the club's participation in the Sandy Springs Festival when we worked with our local InterAct and Rotaract students to promote the world-wide distribution of Shelter Boxes and disaster relief.

Another Rotary project that Carolyn and I enjoy involves serving dinners at the local firehouse. Over the years we have become friendly with many of them, and that's not a bad thing if your house catches on fire or you need an ambulance in a hurry. They are a great group of dedicated men and women!

And finally, no summer would be complete without Carolyn's substitute teaching at Dunwoody Prep. There is a story that can be told about every day, and after 20+ years we could probably write a book.

The teachers appreciate how Carolyn can pull a creative art project out of the air. The children enjoy the artwork, but best of all they love the story telling and puppet shows. As you can see  it's always a fun day when "Miss Carolyn" comes to Dunwoody Prep!

Until next time,