Sorry for the delay in the blog. My computer thought it was time to quit when we reached the states. But thanks to my hero, Larry, it seems to be behaving tonight. I have no great pictures to show you. Symmetry is on the path back to Oriental. Lake Worth (near Palm Beach) was our landing spot in the US. We immediately called the customs number and got an official we couldn't understand (his accent was a problem and when we kept asking him to repeat, he would get angry.) But all our numbers (passport, etc) were deemed appropriate and we proceeded on our way. Then came fifty mile stints with occasional stops at favorite places. In St. Augustine our friends Mike and Sonda greeted us and sent us away with homemade cookies. There is a museum in St. Augustine that is a perfect fit for Larry. It is one man's collection of collections. Naturally we had to visit it. We are now in one of our favorite towns--Charleston. So this means that Oriental and the Pamlico Sound are about a week away. The weather has been great here and the tourist season here seems to be at its height.
Tango has finally decided that he likes being on the outside; so he now spends his days curled up on a cushion in the cockpit or sprawled on the main sheet next to the helm. I guess he was just waiting for the warmer weather.
Symmetry got a much needed bath today. Turns out South Carolina has the same yellow pollen Oriental has. And I thought we were special. Charleston also has no see ums. If you don't know what they are, count yourself lucky.
It does feel good to be back in the US. The Bahamas was a fun adventure and a beautiful country, but my friends weren't there. And although we met wonderful people that we hope to see again, I'll be happy to embrace the guys from home. And--get my hair done!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Bimini--site of new friends and fine food
Conch salad yesterday for lunch and fresh red snapper today. I certainly will miss the fresh fish. But there is no blue crab and no shrimp--the Carolina staples.
The boaters we have met here are an interesting mix. David and Peggy are from Georgetown, Washington DC. She sold real estate and he was a private contractor, but they could easily be mistaken for free spirits from the 60s. Matt is from Chicago, is 22 years old, singlehanding on a barely equipped semi racing boat; John is an ex navy seal who is also singlehanding. The boat next to us has a Dane and his American wife--a second marriage for both. Between them they have 13 children, all were home schooled. This was because the couple were missionaries in Asia. She was a clown and he was a ventriloquist. Don't ask me how that worked. Another couple is from Minnesota lake country and their accent clearly gives them away. Shades of the movie Fargo. All but John are headed for the Exumas. Matt wants to get to the Ragged Islands. It will be interesting to see if he makes it.
There was a boat grounding yesterday. The boat was a 52 foot Jeanneau. The captain got confused on the way in and went right up on a sand bank. Instead of trying to back off, he abandoned ship. Then the boat really got into trouble. It is totalled. He paid $5000 just to have it hauled into the marina. Then I guess someone (insurance?) has to pay for breaking it up and disposing of it. Sad. Cruising is not for novices, I guess. Or people that panic easily. Wait a minute--what am I doing here?
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Roberta's favorite Observations with Larry's retorts (as written by Larry)
1. Why is that guy waving his arms?
/Heave the f___ing spring line now!
2. What a beautiful day!
/Yup
3. I miss Sophie, grandkids, etc.
/Tango loves you.
4. No e-mail today from friends/family.
/Maybe you should read another book.
5. I'm terrified!
/Calm down, trust your captain.
6. I'm terrified
/Who knew the waves would be eight feet?
7. What exactly is the plan?
/No plan is a good plan. Flexibility is a virtue.
8. SV x is going to y Cay today
/They are probably leaving too early (late)
9. Come to Oriental--you can use our slip, eat our food, etc.
/maybe you could help me with my projects
10. What time is the dock party?
/Will the cute girl in the tiny bikini be there?
11. I'm running low on wine.
/try some of my mango rum
12. That boat/ship is going to hit us!
/It is still 200 feet away, relax
13.I think I will dress up for the party
/I'll wear my jeans
14. Did you notice the huge refrig- freezer on that boat?
/Ice is cheap
/Heave the f___ing spring line now!
2. What a beautiful day!
/Yup
3. I miss Sophie, grandkids, etc.
/Tango loves you.
4. No e-mail today from friends/family.
/Maybe you should read another book.
5. I'm terrified!
/Calm down, trust your captain.
6. I'm terrified
/Who knew the waves would be eight feet?
7. What exactly is the plan?
/No plan is a good plan. Flexibility is a virtue.
8. SV x is going to y Cay today
/They are probably leaving too early (late)
9. Come to Oriental--you can use our slip, eat our food, etc.
/maybe you could help me with my projects
10. What time is the dock party?
/Will the cute girl in the tiny bikini be there?
11. I'm running low on wine.
/try some of my mango rum
12. That boat/ship is going to hit us!
/It is still 200 feet away, relax
13.I think I will dress up for the party
/I'll wear my jeans
14. Did you notice the huge refrig- freezer on that boat?
/Ice is cheap
Monday, March 8, 2010
Yipes! Civilization and Spring Break College Students
We are in Nassau and down at the Cruise Boat dock the spring break college students were in full force getting drunk in the morning. Mildly amusing. And there are stores and cars and people! We are having a bit of culture shock. But will leave tomorrow for less traveled waters.
What can we say about "shake your booty" contests?
We did like this "safe sex" poster.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Back at a Beautiful Marina
The trek back begins and we are again at Sampson Cay Marina, one of our favorite spots. The wait has again begun for a break in the fronts. Most boats are hunkering down for tonight's blow which might get up to 40 knots. We feel lucky to be tied to a dock. Here are some pics from recent days.
The word was that we had to eat at Lorraine's restaurant in Black Point on Great Guana Cay. So we did. Along with Lorraine came her very assertive granddaughter. By the way, the red snapper was fresh and good and the Kalik beer was cold.
Also at Black Point was a man building a racing boat. It caught our interest and he waved us over for a look. It has a mahogany and fir frame with a pine keel. All will be epoxied and painted. Races at a big sport here and this man had won the last big race with another of his boats. Bahamians are such friendly people. We feel so welcomed here.
Tango has not used his bed in weeks. This day he chose to sleep in my bread basket. He just fits. Other places of interest for him are on top of the dvd player, on top of the computer and in the middle of the nav table. None of these places are to the liking of his owners.
We went to lunch at a place that feeds nurse sharks around their docks. It is quite a sight and one can swim with them. We didn't.
It was nice to be with friends from Oriental for a brief time. Left to right: Mary Ann Parham, Joyce Russell and Tom Russell. We ate lunch together and did a little beach walking. Then Mary Ann went back to Calculation; she was on a mooring near Cambridge Cay and we and the Russells returned to Sampson Cay marina.
Once in a while we look at a picture and think: yes, this is why we came, a white beach, unbelievably blue water, and warm weather. This is worth all the crazy fronts and wild winds. This is the beautiful Bahamas.
The word was that we had to eat at Lorraine's restaurant in Black Point on Great Guana Cay. So we did. Along with Lorraine came her very assertive granddaughter. By the way, the red snapper was fresh and good and the Kalik beer was cold.
Also at Black Point was a man building a racing boat. It caught our interest and he waved us over for a look. It has a mahogany and fir frame with a pine keel. All will be epoxied and painted. Races at a big sport here and this man had won the last big race with another of his boats. Bahamians are such friendly people. We feel so welcomed here.
Tango has not used his bed in weeks. This day he chose to sleep in my bread basket. He just fits. Other places of interest for him are on top of the dvd player, on top of the computer and in the middle of the nav table. None of these places are to the liking of his owners.
Once in a while we look at a picture and think: yes, this is why we came, a white beach, unbelievably blue water, and warm weather. This is worth all the crazy fronts and wild winds. This is the beautiful Bahamas.Tuesday, March 2, 2010
The Top Twenty-one--What Cruisers Like
These are not in any particular order--I don't think.
1. Hot showers
2. News from friends and family
3. Meeting other boaters (at happy hours preferably)
4. Wind from the right direction (but not too much)
5. Calm seas
6. Good weather forecasts that tell you when this will happen.
7. A grocery store near an anchorage or a marina
8. A good internet connection (so one can get news from friends and family) .
9. Cheap or free laundry facilities ( boy does word get around)
10. An anchorage that holds and where one doesn't rock and roll all night.
11. Warm dry weather
12. Nice places to walk or bike on shore. (maybe a few nice shells)
13. Nice places to see under the water
14. Equipment that does what you want it to do and doesn't break down.
15. Someone who can help you when your equipment doesn't do what you want it to do.
16. Good books to read.
17. Ice easily available
18. Places that will accept your trash.
19. Places that have good water.
20. The occasional good restaurant
21. News from friends and family
1. Hot showers
2. News from friends and family
3. Meeting other boaters (at happy hours preferably)
4. Wind from the right direction (but not too much)
5. Calm seas
6. Good weather forecasts that tell you when this will happen.
7. A grocery store near an anchorage or a marina
8. A good internet connection (so one can get news from friends and family) .
9. Cheap or free laundry facilities ( boy does word get around)
10. An anchorage that holds and where one doesn't rock and roll all night.
11. Warm dry weather
12. Nice places to walk or bike on shore. (maybe a few nice shells)
13. Nice places to see under the water
14. Equipment that does what you want it to do and doesn't break down.
15. Someone who can help you when your equipment doesn't do what you want it to do.
16. Good books to read.
17. Ice easily available
18. Places that will accept your trash.
19. Places that have good water.
20. The occasional good restaurant
21. News from friends and family
Sunday, February 21, 2010
A Fancy Marina
Staniel Cay was a nice place with the Thunderball Cave nearby. That is where a James Bond movie was filmed. Larry snorkeled in to see it. He said it was not as big as it seemed in the movie, but was full of fish. I stayed in the dinghy. The water was a bit too cold for me. Staniel had a nice bar and while hanging out there, we met a couple who owned a megayacht. It was called "Man of Steel". Guess he made his money in steel. They were very friendly. Sadly, a big accident occurred that night involving their tender. Six of their crew got drunk and ran into a rocky cay while returning late at night to the boat. The tender was pretty banged up and so were the crew. Drinking and night boat driving do not mix.
Little Farmer Cay is where we met our newest friends. They are from the Solomons, Maryland. Their names are Bill and Jean. Their boat is named Chapter III. Hopefully, we will make it to the Solomons one of these years on the boat and be able to visit them there. Little Farmers Cay is an island with a population of 56 people. I had one of my embarrassing moments there. We were trying to find the right mooring balls and I was talking to the owner of the moorings on the VHF. Little did I know some friends were standing next to him listening as I got totally confused trying to direct Larry to the right spot. The man kept trying to get us to head to a beach. That was fine, but there were about 5 beaches. Finally, I said to the guy, "Do you mean the little beach by the channel" and he replied, "duh". I thought, oh dear, I must really sound like a dunce. But we finally got it sorted out. I chalked it up to cultural differences. Anyway our friends had a good laugh.
We are now at the Emerald Bay Marina (marinaatemeraldbay.com). It is quite a fancy place. But at the present time, it is quite cheap since they are trying to build up business. The word (cheap) quickly spread around the cruisers, so there are quite a few here. Yesterday, we got off the boat, rented a car, and drove to the big boater destination, Georgetown. The main reason for Georgetown's popularity is the ability to provision, meet lots of boaters (there are about 250 boats there presently) and relax and have a good time. So we bought beer, rum, and had a nice lunch. A big regatta is due to begin next week, but we will forgo that opportunity since time is getting short and we need to begin heading north.
Here in the marina there are some huge catamarans. They make ours look pretty small. Most are live aboards. One cat named "Don't Look Back" turned out to be good friends with the Lius, an Oriental couple who cruise the Bahamas every year. Another small world experience.
Today we drove to the northern part of the island and stopped at a restaurant. It was questionable whether or not it was open. But the owners also live there. So we asked if they had the makings of breakfast; they did. Maxwell house instant coffee, scrambled eggs, and bahamian bread made into toast with a smidge of butter on it. The eggs were deelish.
Another big blow is arriving on Tuesday. Sigh. Guess we'll have to stay in this beautiful place for a few more days. Anyway, hope the weather is getting better in places in the states.
Overall, all is well with us. Occasionally, I have a meltdown and wonder what we are doing here. But overall, it has been quite an adventure. We have met great boaters and some charming Bahamians. And today is a beautiful day.
Also, heard good news from home. Our neighbor's son, Jeremiah, is back from Iraq! Yea!
Our restaurant owner and breakfast chef with Larry and Bill
Larry headed for thunderball cave.
Little Farmer Cay is where we met our newest friends. They are from the Solomons, Maryland. Their names are Bill and Jean. Their boat is named Chapter III. Hopefully, we will make it to the Solomons one of these years on the boat and be able to visit them there. Little Farmers Cay is an island with a population of 56 people. I had one of my embarrassing moments there. We were trying to find the right mooring balls and I was talking to the owner of the moorings on the VHF. Little did I know some friends were standing next to him listening as I got totally confused trying to direct Larry to the right spot. The man kept trying to get us to head to a beach. That was fine, but there were about 5 beaches. Finally, I said to the guy, "Do you mean the little beach by the channel" and he replied, "duh". I thought, oh dear, I must really sound like a dunce. But we finally got it sorted out. I chalked it up to cultural differences. Anyway our friends had a good laugh.
We are now at the Emerald Bay Marina (marinaatemeraldbay.com). It is quite a fancy place. But at the present time, it is quite cheap since they are trying to build up business. The word (cheap) quickly spread around the cruisers, so there are quite a few here. Yesterday, we got off the boat, rented a car, and drove to the big boater destination, Georgetown. The main reason for Georgetown's popularity is the ability to provision, meet lots of boaters (there are about 250 boats there presently) and relax and have a good time. So we bought beer, rum, and had a nice lunch. A big regatta is due to begin next week, but we will forgo that opportunity since time is getting short and we need to begin heading north.
Here in the marina there are some huge catamarans. They make ours look pretty small. Most are live aboards. One cat named "Don't Look Back" turned out to be good friends with the Lius, an Oriental couple who cruise the Bahamas every year. Another small world experience.
Today we drove to the northern part of the island and stopped at a restaurant. It was questionable whether or not it was open. But the owners also live there. So we asked if they had the makings of breakfast; they did. Maxwell house instant coffee, scrambled eggs, and bahamian bread made into toast with a smidge of butter on it. The eggs were deelish.
Another big blow is arriving on Tuesday. Sigh. Guess we'll have to stay in this beautiful place for a few more days. Anyway, hope the weather is getting better in places in the states.
Overall, all is well with us. Occasionally, I have a meltdown and wonder what we are doing here. But overall, it has been quite an adventure. We have met great boaters and some charming Bahamians. And today is a beautiful day.
Also, heard good news from home. Our neighbor's son, Jeremiah, is back from Iraq! Yea!
Our restaurant owner and breakfast chef with Larry and Bill Terry Bain (Little Farmers Cay) with us. We had a good political and environmental discussion with Terry and he made us sing the Little Farmers Cay anthem.
Larry headed for thunderball cave.
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