The past few days we have had a lot of rain and wind which makes for a different type of day. It was good to be safe and snug at a dock and pass the time reading, napping, chart plotting, watching movies and listening to music. When the sky would clear for awhile, boaters poked out to greet each other and share food. We met Jim and Dudley from “Fanfare’, Mike and Lorraine from “Elizabeth Rose” and Bob and Lorraine from “Scaramouche” for a great potluck lunch. All of them have cruised the Bahamas previously, will continue to cruise here for the next few months and had a lot of tips for us. We are lovin’ the Bahamas and it is absolutely the best part of the trip so far. We’re already thinking how to get back here.
Our enthusiasm was not dampened by more rain and wind. Fellow Looper, Linda on “Freedom’s Turn”, organized a DVD and book exchange and even made cookies to share with us. Have you seen the 1995 movie, “Cut Throat Island” starring Geena Davis as a pirate swashbuckler and Mathew Modine as her crafty side-kick? It was panned by critics but boaters always love it and know all the double-entendre lines.
The Abacos really need the rain and locals are out celebrating and splashing in puddles. By Saturday, I was questioning why I was still inside and not out there exploring in the rain. We needed some supplies so I set off for the LVA grocery store on the beach road. I only got as far as the Sugar Shack before the deluge started but notice the sign that it was closed. I had visions of spending the whole afternoon feasting on sugar treats which was probably the real impetus for the rainy day hike.
After the rain subsided, I continued to LVA and was impressed with the amount of food and produce in this small store. I loaded up but then noticed it was really pouring. Luckily, a fellow shopper, Janet, had a golf cart and offered me a ride back. Her family has had a cottage here since the 80’s and she was a great tour guide. Elbow Cay beaches were renowned in the 60’s and 70’s as great surfing beaches and the island then offered low cost rentals which is a contrast to today’s multi-million dollar homes. The island was hit more directly by Hurricane Floyd in 1999 and houses on the ridge were wiped out with 30 foot seas. The Bahamian government gave some tax incentives and insurance payments kicked in and there has been a building boom on the island the past few years. Janet noted that in comparison with American competition in business, the Bahamians tend to share and take turns, ie. Abaco Inn has Happy Hour on Wed. and Sun. so other bars schedule theirs for other nights. She lives in NYC and comes here not only for the beautiful scenery but the renewal from this more collaborative ethos.
Our enthusiasm was not dampened by more rain and wind. Fellow Looper, Linda on “Freedom’s Turn”, organized a DVD and book exchange and even made cookies to share with us. Have you seen the 1995 movie, “Cut Throat Island” starring Geena Davis as a pirate swashbuckler and Mathew Modine as her crafty side-kick? It was panned by critics but boaters always love it and know all the double-entendre lines.
The Abacos really need the rain and locals are out celebrating and splashing in puddles. By Saturday, I was questioning why I was still inside and not out there exploring in the rain. We needed some supplies so I set off for the LVA grocery store on the beach road. I only got as far as the Sugar Shack before the deluge started but notice the sign that it was closed. I had visions of spending the whole afternoon feasting on sugar treats which was probably the real impetus for the rainy day hike.
After the rain subsided, I continued to LVA and was impressed with the amount of food and produce in this small store. I loaded up but then noticed it was really pouring. Luckily, a fellow shopper, Janet, had a golf cart and offered me a ride back. Her family has had a cottage here since the 80’s and she was a great tour guide. Elbow Cay beaches were renowned in the 60’s and 70’s as great surfing beaches and the island then offered low cost rentals which is a contrast to today’s multi-million dollar homes. The island was hit more directly by Hurricane Floyd in 1999 and houses on the ridge were wiped out with 30 foot seas. The Bahamian government gave some tax incentives and insurance payments kicked in and there has been a building boom on the island the past few years. Janet noted that in comparison with American competition in business, the Bahamians tend to share and take turns, ie. Abaco Inn has Happy Hour on Wed. and Sun. so other bars schedule theirs for other nights. She lives in NYC and comes here not only for the beautiful scenery but the renewal from this more collaborative ethos.
