Marching to Marsh HarborJan 4, 2007
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Abaco Star Search
Fruits of Labor
Abaco Swimming Pool
| 26 32.8 77 03.5 Marsh Harbor, Abacos, Bahamas Only two weeks ago Marsh Harbor seemed so far away far us as we sat in Jupiter or Lake Worth, Florida. Certainly our anxiety was doubled by the fact that we were expecting to hook up with Margaret and Alison in Marsh Harbor on 12/23. That we were able to finesse changes in tickets and destinations so as to pick them up in West Palm and have them with us the entire trip was an absolute bonus. It has been a fabulous run for all of us as we have explored the Great Abaco Sea and a number of its cruiser friendly and beautiful Cays. We weighed anchor from Green Turtle Cay 48 hours ago after a very exciting New Years day in New Plymouth with the highly energetic Junkanoo. The short trip to Treasure Cay requires a quick exit out of the Abaco Sea through a pair of rocks known as Whale Cay. The prevailing winds and sea set often make this an impassable route that forces boats back to departure anchorage for another day. For us it was a very quiet day as the sea slept and welcomed us to the Marsh Harbour area. After passing south through the Whale we made the short run to Treasure Island. TI is a man-made harbour that offers a couple mooring balls, anchorage and dockage. The real attraction of this area is the absolutely beautiful beach that this marina provides access to. One has to look past the $21 per day charge for 30 Amp electricity that sets a new record for gouging as far as MM is concerned. We enjoyed a great day on the beach doing absolutely nothing. Wednesday had us leaving Treasure Cay around high tide and making an impromptu stop about half way to Marsh Harbor where we practiced anchoring, snorkeled and refined our halyard swinging program. The big girls even got in on the action as they were captured by digital camera swinging around the deck. The snorkeling was not too productive as the kids only found a couple brightly colored star fish for closer inspection. MOONSAIL anchored to our port and watches in wonder as the recreational apparatus is unfurled and the play begins. I have to admit that as Jimmy Buffet floated through the air behind us as we pulled out of this anchorage I had such a huge smile on my face. The opportunity to just stop, snorkel, play and here the raw delight of all of the kids on board brought a very satisfied tear to my eye. Our hour of play was not without cost. While we played the tide marched out of Marsh Harbor Bay. Our plan had been to spend a couple nights at Harbor View Marina but those plans quickly changed as MOONSAIL pushed mud and seemingly was stuck about 20 feet from the fuel dock. MM quickly made the choice to spend the night on the hook. Our earlier anchoring practice paid off in dividends as the CQR set fast and hard. The winds blew 15 knots from SE all night and we sat still with our anchoring sail forcing our nose back to the wind. Yesterday was a high of 78 and low of 75 but the sleeping is very, very comfortable with the breeze blowing into all of our hatches. We are learning that there are a couple must do items to check off the list while in Marsh Harbor. Firstly, we made a walking tour of Marsh Harbor that had us visiting the local True Value, electronics shop and super market with a zeal that suggests we have been out of touch with civilization for at least 6 months. In addition we purchased conch from the local 'boys' who put on quite a show as they whacked and sliced their way through these delicacies. The super market, while appreciably more expensive than Randall's back home, was as well stocked as nay market back in US. What we forgot in Florida we will bring on board here. Just a whole mot more expensive. MOONSAIL has a sailing itinerary that is very dear to my heart. Their ports of call for the next week are so will be driven, not by diving reefs, convenient anchorages or weather, but rather by the restaurant specials featured in certain cays. We are in Marsh Harbor for the Jib Room's Wednesday night rib special that was really delicious. The girls kind of got into the spirit of the night with a taste of the 5-rum Bilge Boiler and the all-tequila very light on the lime juice Margarita. I have to admit that I tasted each one of their margaritas and the feeling of that liquid drug called tequila floated through my entire body as it went down my throat. Old memories and sensations. Welcome to the islands. Our erstwhile boat buddies from Lake Worth, SILENT JOY, tracked us down at the Jib Room and were embarrassingly apologetic for having snuck out of Lake Worth without MM. As it turns out it is their captain's birthday today so all was easily forgiven. Real nice people and we are delighted that they came over to say hello. Not really sure how they knew we were MILANO MYST. Our next leg will be to Great Guana Cay where Nippers features a pig roast on Sundays. From there we will head to Rum Cay where they feature more island delights. Sadly, the twins leave on Friday and we will be most lonely without their presence. While there is an urge to do something exciting everyday there is the equally attractive urge just to do nothing! Today a few chores were completed by Daniel and me as we used our new Dremmel set. I finally finished the HOUSE OF MORGAN and have passed it on to Alison as she pursues an economics and finance degree. I have asked the girls to prepare entries to this log but those could arrive anytime from today until next Christmas. Such is the harried life of a 19-year old. All is great here in Marsh Harbor. MILANO MYST Monitoring 9, 13 and 16. OUT |
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