Saturday - March 31

 Golly....last day of March and this one is definitely "going out like a lamb"!    Really warm today, but good breeze.   Had an easy-going morning and then at 12:30, got in our dinghies and went to the "candy-cane lighthouse".    It is 101 steps to the top with magnificent views.   Built in 1864, it was rebuilt in 1934 and has visibility of 17 miles.  The Elbow Reef Lighthouse is 120' above sea level and 89' above ground.  Mark, Roger and I climbed to the top, but Mark would not come out of the little window and walk around the ledge   Heights are not his thing and Barb wanted no part of climbing.

    

View from the top with boats moored in the harbor

View of some of the homes

We took a nice dinghy ride up two forks in the harbor - very relaxing. 

Barb and Roger in their dinghy

Stopped at Harbor's Edge for drinks and then walked.....and walked....and walked, but found out our destination, (the Abaco Inn or Sea Spray Bar and Grill) were still 3 miles away!    So, back to the boats for some R and R,  cool down and shower.

Catrina and Barbara Lynn moored out from Harbor's Edge

Mark walking down the street past one of the candy cane light posts.   Retaped his toes together, so he's off and running (well, not quite, but doing good)!   May be just a badly bruised big toe, but sure colorful!

At noon and 6 PM, the bells start tolling - not sure from where, but very pretty music.   We had the Abaco Inn shuttle pick us up and away we went on a 5+ mile jaunt to this very pretty inn overlooking the Atlantic. Our dinners were wonderful.   Here's photo of Mark's (I had coconut grouper).

Coconut Lobster

At the Abaco Inn overlooking the Atlantic Ocean

Barb and I browsed the gift shop after dinner - their logo on beach towels, clothing, etc., is

 "Tan your toes in the Abacos"!     Cute!

Friday - March 30

CHARMING.....that's the best word to describe where we are today here in Hopetown on Elbow Cay.   Mark and our 3 boys were here in 2003 (chartered a sail catamaran and cruised the Abacos for one week).    This had been one of his favorite little spots and I can sure see why.

We started the day in Treasure Cay with warm sunshine.   Both of us exercised off the back of Catrina, had breakfast, and Barb and I walked to the gift shop.    Left around 9:30 for the 20-mile trip to Hopetown.    The water was so perfectly clear and could see the bottom all the way.   Just incredible...

We are at a mooring in the heart of Hopetown surrounded by colorful cottages, villas, shops, restaurants, etc.    We each got our dinghy out and cruised around and ended up tying to the dinghy dock.   Walked around a bit and had lunch at "Cap'n Jack's"...

The girls enjoying "Hit the Road, Jack" drinks

Pretty view of the Elbow Reef Lighthouse (the most recognizable landmark in Abaco) 

One of the many neat alleys with sweet little cottages, pretty flowers and white picket fences

Pretty pink cottage to rent

This cemetery is where 100 residents were buried in the 1850's after a cholera epidemic

Charming scene of 2 Adirondack chairs at end of street overlooking the Sea of Abaco

We took the dinghy to the Barbara Lynn for dinner.    Barb fixed delicious spaghetti and I brought the salad and bread and wine!   This is something we've been "talking" about  (eating on our boats), but so many choices for eating out.   We sat on back of boat reminiscing about all our fun boating stories over the years as the stars came out, the lighthouse beacon came on, and listened to the entertainment from the restaurants across the harbor.

Thursday - March 29

Beautiful leisurely morning....had breakfast and got things ready to leave at 11:00 for Treasure Cay.    Just a quick jaunt (10 miles), but had to pass thru a very shallow area.  Saw this big stingray as we were leaving Green Turtle Cay.

Stingray in pristine waters

  This is a beautiful place and where Michael, Brooke and boys, Brooke's parents, Bob and Judy, and Philip and Annette will join us next Friday for a week in paradise!!!!    We're here just one night and then movin' on.

Had lunch at Coco Beach overlooking the most crystal clear turquoise water on the Sea of Abaco.  Can't quite capture with the camera - just had to pinch myself that we were in all this beauty.

Treasure Cay - rated as one of the 10 loveliest beaches in the world

After lunch, Mark and I rode bikes and Barb and Roger went to the pool.    We then enjoyed pizza (Thursday night special at The Tipsy Seagull) and "Tony Tony" singing oldies.

Fun evening around the pool with good pizza and entertainment

Back to Catrina for 2 rounds of dominoes with Mark and I the winners.

Mark may have broken his big toe today?   It's really colorful and hurts like the dickens!    So, we taped it to next toe and kept ice on it!!!

Wednesday - March 28

Mark, Barb, Roger and I are definitely in "Island Mode".....enjoyed a very relaxed day.    Mark and I exercised, had breakfast and he had a few boat jobs to finish up.    We read and did computer stuff.    Met Barb and Roger for lunch at Green Turtle (another winner) and then we all wanted a nap and just hang out till 4.   Had planned to take the dinghies out for a little jaunt on the water; however, 4:00 came, and we decided "nah....not today, just gonna chill some more - we're all into good books, and so what the heck....there's always tomorrow!

We have so enjoyed our time here on Green Turtle and the Bahamians are so very friendly and everything, so clean!   We heard about all the destruction that Irene wrecked on the Bahamas.       And then she hit the Carolinas and continued on up the east coast where we were last August and had to evacuate to PA.     This area has been hit hard in recent years by various hurricanes.

The flowers are so pretty....lots of hibiscus and bougainvillea

Beautiful blossoms

Enjoying some awesome drinks, too...."Spanish Fly",  "Goombay Smash", 

 "Tipsy Turtle Rum Punch". 

Something we found interesting was the seaweed that washes onto the beach is raked and used for mulch around their landscaping.   It is dark brown with tiny orange seeds and is very crunchy to walk on!

Lots of boats from all over are around us - Massachusetts, Virgina, New York, Louisiana, Delaware.   When boaters cross the Atlantic and cruise in the Bahamas, they usually have a boating buddy to travel with - for safety and companionship.   We could not have better buddies than Barb and Roger.   We are all thoroughly enjoying our time together and this spectacular environment!

Dinner at Green Turtle and then enjoyed the music of "The Gully Roosters" who have been playing Bahamian music together for 34 years.     We danced under the stars with the tiny white lights

on the trees......aaahhhh

  "Just another day in Paradise"...

Tuesday - March 27

Another pretty day in paradise.....Mark was up early to work on boat projects and had breakfast at Green Turtle.    Roger, Barb and I ate later (enjoying our meals on the screened-in porch).     The marina offers a special deal where you get credit for all food and drinks per day to go against your slip fee.   So, we can enjoy great meals/drinks and you end up with a "free" slip - what a deal!!!

We rented a golf cart (most popular way to see the island) and the 4 of us took off - what fun with Mark driving and back to New Plymouth (think I said it was "old" Plymouth yesterday).    Drove all around and along with the colorful homes, many of which are abandoned and boarded up, there were always those roosters crowing.

An abandoned home

One of the very few pretty "new" homes

Mark, Barb and Roger outside a "take away" restaurant (the Bahamian wording for carry-out)

Beach scene....a collection of gas grills and makeshift bar-b-que pit amongst the trees and sand

Us at the beach on the Atlantic

Interesting palm trees leaning over at their roots?

Golf cart fun for all...

We had dinner here at the marina and very good again (Snapper Bahamian).   We are getting well acquainted with the waitresses who know the Barbara Lynn and Catrina crews.    Back to Catrina to play Sequence with the gals winning 3 of 4 games.    FUN day on Green Turtle Cay

Monday - March 26

Beautiful sunny, fresh morning after a whopper of a storm during the night - actually started with rain about 5 minutes after we returned to the boats from dinner.    Very heavy rain and strong winds.    Catrina and Barbara Lynn were rockin' and rollin' all night long.    We had lots of thunder and lightning, too, and heard that a squall had gone thru - some areas reported anywhere from 40-60 mph winds!

After exercising and breakfast, we left with Barbara Lynn in the lead for Green Turtle Cay (14 miles).    This third day of travel was so pleasant - calm winds and gentle seas.    Sat at the upper station and enjoyed the ride.     Green Turtle Cay is very pretty with nice marina, resort, cottages, pool, and restaurant.    We had yummy lunch and then relaxed with our books and nap time!    Off on our bikes to explore this place and after seeing the beach/ocean, we then rode to Old Plymouth Settlement - very neat, quaint and colorful!   Total mileage on our bikes - 8.8 miles (ice cream stop, too)

Roger and Barb on the beach

Old Plymouth Settlement

Narrow alley which cars, trucks, golf carts, bikers and walkers use.   Golf carts are most popular

 mode of transportation

    After the bike ride, we took showers, rested and then back to restaurant for drinks/appetizers and dominoes.    Beautiful evening with a ton'o stars and so calm (what a difference a night makes).    I was the domino queen!

Sunday - March 25

Didn't know if I could do the blog tonight - no internet at the boat.    but tah dah....here at the restaurant/bar, we are connected!   

What a day......we left the West End at 8:00 this morning with strong winds, but if we had waited, they were going to increase as the days went on and it would be Thursday till calmer conditions, so....this place is nice, but 4 days??? We were ready to move on, so.....with 20 mph winds, we left and had 110 miles to the Abacos, our destination (Green Turtle Cay). First half was easy with following seas, but then beam seas (hitting us from the side) – not my thing. The first mate was able to read (good book “Moloka'i”) and take a few cat naps, but part of the time....rough going (certainly been in worse.) The skies looked really threatening for awhile, but just a quick shower...

The Barbara Lynn needed fuel, so we all stopped at Spanish Cay and called it a day around 3:00. We are rockin' and rollin' here in our slips, but winds are supposed to die down overnight and we have 14 miles to the Abacos (our ULTIMATE DESTINATION)!!! Green Turtle Cay......here we come!!!

We had a great dinner here at Spanish Cay......we are talking SMALL and QUAINT and good visiting with the locals.     The grouper was exceptional and then topped off with warm bread pudding with rum sauce....deeelish!    Roger bought a loaf of Bahamian bread which he shared with us, so....some yummy toast coming tomorrow!   Nite nite!   We'll be heading back to Catrina soon and

 rock 'n roll some more

Saturday - March 24

We have arrived safe and sound at West End on Grand Bahama.    Good crossing - little bumpy with 2 footers, but overall, not bad!    Our depth meter registered 2,486' and then it stopped (this was totally new territory for that instrument - ha)!   

Barbara Lynn cruising on the Atlantic Ocean in royal blue water

 One and 1/2 miles out from West End, we were still at 300'.    But upon approaching the marina....oh my, the colors of the water changed dramatically with royal blue and then turquoise and aqua - oh....magnificent.    After settling into our slips and filling out custom forms, we walked to immigration/custom office and checked in.    We had been flying the yellow flag upon entering the Bahamas (quarantine flag or Q flag - till we are cleared).    Then out comes the Bahamian flag which will we will fly during our stay.

Old Bahama Bay Marina was a busy place as this was the first good window day for crossing in several days (as we well know); so many boats left to cross back to FL or came across from FL.    Met a couple from Geneva, IL who were doing the Loop this summer a few weeks behind us and were caught in the Erie Canal when Irene came roaring thru and had to be lifted out.    My oh my......

Anyway, it is beautiful here and after lunch, we hosed down Catrina (sooo much crusty salt - plenty here for our margaritas - ha)!    Then, the 4 of us went to the pool.   Beach, condos in all the pastel colors, landscaping, marina, etc. are very nice and the locals are very friendly and helpful.

The guys just "chillin"

And the gals doing the same...

So in just a matter of a few weeks, we have been on the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and the

 Gulf of Mexico!!!

Had dinner at Teasers on the Beach with wonderful 'concky' conch fritters, fresh island fish, conch salad, etc.......yum, yum, yum.....more good eating coming up here and we are officially on

"ISLAND TIME"

Last but not least....here's our little Brady....Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday, dear Brady, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to YOU!!!

Brady is SIX today!!!

Friday - March 23

It's Friday and a beautiful CALM morning.....we exercised and Mark and Roger left for Philip's (with a few stops along the way) to drop off our car and then bring back more stuff for Catrina to take east....Philip brought the guys back to boat (Toad will stay at their house while we're gone).

We left after lunch and got Catrina and the Barbara Lynn fuel and pump outs; then to Peanut Island (12 miles away) and are anchored out for the night. This is near West Palm Beach and a straight shot out to the Atlantic which we are planning for tomorrow morning at first light (7:15ish)   We have 63 miles to cross to West End where we will clear customs and probably spend Saturday night.

Leaving our Loggerhead Marina in Lantana around noon

We will use Mark's cell phone, but @ $2.30 per minute, will use sparingly.   I will have mine turned off.   Internet should be available at the marinas, but we've heard it's slow and sporadic.   So....will update blog as often as I can, but probably not every day as we will be anchoring out occasionally and air cards are VERY expensive.

Was sad to hear this week that Tilly from my hometown of Sublette passed away at 105. She's been living at the same nursing home as Dad (Mendota Lutheran Home) for several years. Lots of memories of Tilly as she was the Avon lady who would drive out to the country where Mom and I would sit around the kitchen table with her and check out the products, look over the catalogs and catch up on the latest news! And about a week or so later, she would be back to deliver our goodies. Now that was customer service!!!

Tilly was also the news correspondent from Sublette for the Mendota Reporter, so she reported on all the comings and goings of our little community. Tilly never married and would've been 106 on July 4^th. God bless her...

Tomorrow...Saturday, the 24th is Brady's 6th birthday.    Not sure what the conditions will be, so wanted to share a picture of  our little sweetie and wish him a very happy, fun birthday!   Got to do face time on the I-phone tonight with Brady and his Daddy (little bit of Davis, too)!

Brady

Two weeks from tonight we'll be together in the Abacos!!!

Thursday - March 22

Rainy start to the day, but then warm, sunny and breezy!     Barb and I did laundry and then absolutely last final trip to Publix for some perishables.    Catrina's fridge, cupboards, underneath floorboards, etc., etc., are groaning and bursting...

After we got the clean clothes put away and the groceries stowed, we all went to John G's for lunch.   Another long line for this place, but well worth the wait.   Just like the excellent breakfast we had Sunday, so was today's lunch!   Thanks again, Susie for telling us about this great place!   Spent the afternoon at the pool relaxing, chatting and reading our books.     Mark and Roger are navigating and plotting our trip, along with close tabs on the weather!

Roger and Barb enjoying pool time!

Barb and pretty blossoms at the pool

Three good games of dominoes (well some...not so good), but lots of fun with Mark, Barb (2x), the big winners!

Wednesday - March 21

Back on Catrina at 10:00 PM after a fun day!    Mark and I exercised - very windy out and boat was really rockin' around here in our slip.     Left with Barb and Roger around noon for 5 Guys to eat yummy hamburgers (a heart attack waiting to happen)!    This is Roger's favorite place and of course, rest of us loved every bite, too.

Scarfin' down those burgers and fries

Then we were off to Target for more stuff - "when is this going to end"???    Catrina is slowly sinking....nah...not really (still plenty of room for whatever)!    We went to Philip and Annette's and hung out - enjoyed bean bag toss....

Roger winding up for a good throw...  the guys beat the girls 2 games out of 2.    ARRGHHH!

Then inside to cool off and play dominoes.    Barb won first game and Annette came home, made some yummy espresso martinis and snack and joined us for another game with Barb the winner again!

Philip is in Miami tonight working.....missed him!    Rest of us went to Macaroni Grill for delicious dinner - it was a fun day/evening with sweet Annette and good friends!

Mark, Pat, Annette, Barb and Roger

Tuesday - March 20

Started this day off on a mission to get a haircut.    Had a heck of a time finding a spot, although hair salons and nail places seem to be everywhere.    But when you're looking for one???    So....got a new "short" do and good to go!   

After lunch, Barb and I went to Target.....both came out with over-filled shopping carts.   Keep stocking up for our big trip which now looks like Saturday???

Mark installed high-water bilge alarms and spent the afternoon working on charts/navigation in the Bahamas AND, he and Roger helped unload all our Target purchases.

Went to Park Avenue BBQ Grille for delicious ribs, shrimp and pork....back to Catrina for 2 games of dominoes with Roger and I, the winners.

Monday - March 19

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAVIS

Today our grandson, Davis is 10 years old!    Wow...where do the years go?    Sometimes I call  him Mavis...he's such a sweet, funny, little red-head and soon we'll be together in the Bahamas and really celebrate!!!

Mark ran some errands this morning while I got a manicure/pedicure.   He's been working on various boat jobs in preparation for our trip; however, tomorrow's "planned" leave day is not going to happen as winds are still strong, so....keeping tabs on the weather and looks like it will be several days till we're good to go.   

Our friends,Barb and Roger arrived this afternoon on the Barbara Lynn....sooo good to see them and they will be crossing to the Bahamas with us.   We will have fun together as we "wait this out" till it's safe and comfortable to cross.   And Lantana is not a bad place to sit tight!

Welcome Roger and Barb on the "Barbara Lynn"

Had a good visit catching up this afternoon and then went to the Old Key Lime House

 for delicious dinner....

Roger's new haircut

Sunday - March 18

Beautiful Sunday.....we went to "John G's" for breakfast - what an experience.   Our friend, Susie told us about this place which was on the beach for many years and moved last September, but the crowd certainly went with them.    We got there about 9:30 and long lines coming out the door - it's like this every day of the week.   Just open for breakfast/lunch, but sooo very good!    Definitely a return spot!

Part of the crowd at John G's

After breakfast, we drove to Lake Worth and Philip and Annette's house.   Mark took off in Philip's truck for Fort Lauderdale....he shopped at West Marine and then he and MANY others walked the grounds of the Dania Beach Marine Flea Market.   This 4-day event is held once a year and has everything imaginable for the boater!    Big crowds and Mark found some good buys.   

The shoppers

and some of the stuff at the flea market

 

 He took the truck to the tri-rail station near the airport and then boarded the train to Lake Worth.   I picked him up and back to the boat.     While I was at the kids' house, I took care of Carlos and Julio and had a good chat with Jeff, pilot friend of Philip's and his little girl, Maeve.   They were delivering a refrigerator for P and A's garage!

Walked to get some ice cream....such a nice day, but amazing that back home, it's warmer than here and has been for a few days this past week!

Fishing buddies, Connor and Liam on 3/18/12   Unreal!!!

Saturday - March 17

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Beautiful day and spent the morning clearing out spare bedroom to get more stuff off the boat.    Mark continues to work on his job list and is making progress.    We walked to the Old Key Lime House (Florida's oldest waterfront restaurant going back to 1889).   It is quaint (lots of lime green) and fun and food is always good.   We met my cousin, Karen and friend, Marvin who live about an hour south of here.   Great catching up with them in the warm sunshine - enjoyed some St. Patty's Day specials (corned beef Reuben, corned beef and cabbage, etc.)

Fun lunch on the water with Karen and Marvin

Karen and Marvin getting in the spirit of the day wearing their green flip flops (Karen) and very colorful tennies (Marvin)

Spent the rest of the afternoon scrubbing Catrina and then went to 4:00 Mass at Holy Spirit.    Went to Wal-Mart for a few piddlies and now in for the night with laptops and good books.

Friday - March 16

After all the rain yesterday....today was just superb and some guy here at the marina told Mark a "dry" front had come thru pushing away all the moist, humid air and we're to have 2 days of this good stuff!!

We exercised (I'm going at a slower pace these days as my right knee is hurting - not sure what that's all about, but off and on for 2 weeks, so.....).   I googled "arthritis in the knee",  "bursitis in the knee", etc.....there is no swelling or "warm to the touch", so will just baby it for awhile. 

 We drove to Stuart and picked up the car which I drove to Philip and Annette's - took care of kitty business and Mark picked up a delicious tuna bagel sandwich at Strathmore Bagel and Deli which we shared for lunch.    Awesome place!    Then back to Lantana and a Publix run and getting things organized on Catrina, plus taking off a bunch of stuff to put in car that we won't need in the Bahamas.

Philip, Annette, Ryan and friends are out in CA this weekend - wine country!!!

Enjoy your St. Patty's Day tomorrow and don't forget to wear GREEN!!!!

Carlos

Thursday - March 15

We left Philip and Annette's home around 8:15 and drove to Stuart to get Catrina.     It was a 6-hour trip (55 miles) to Lantana and arrived here at 5:00.     Along with several bridges (some of which had to be opened for us), there are many speed reduced areas and it was a rainy day.    Since we arrived on the east coast, we've had rain showers daily and then the sun comes out; today, however, was just a rainy ole day.

We walked to a favorite restaurant - Station House where the food and service are top-notch.    Another winner tonight (always serve warm, crusty rolls with homemade bruschetta that is wonderful AND a salad with their special raspberry peppercorn ranch dressing  - soooo good as were Mark's ribs and my shrimp primavera).   

Got all the stuff unloaded from car to Catrina, but nothing put away, so......tomorrow, we'll get our act together, plus pick up car in Stuart, check on Julio and Carlos, etc.   Nite nite!

Wednesday - March 14

We had a delicious breakfast at Strathmore Bagels and Deli (a Philip recommendation) and then ran a bunch of errands.    Mark brought me back to the house and he left in Philip's truck for Lantana to check on where we'll keep Catrina before we leave for the Bahamas (and after we return).   He also wanted to get a haircut.    I took Toad to pick up my friend Susie and we drove to Lantana and met Mark at the marina with his new haircut.    We left the truck there (tomorrow we'll be bringing Catrina to Lantana but will need the truck to drive back to Stuart to get our car......still following???)     Crazy logistics we have with boats, cars, trucks, planes, etc.....!   We went to "Benny's on the Beach" for an EX...CELLENT lunch outside on a pretty sunny day after a brief rain shower.   Susie and I had lobster rolls - oh my....

Great catching up with our dear friend who was a neighbor back home.     Took Susie home and we sat around the pool and read and then enjoyed the hot tub.

Susie, Pat and Mark

Outside Susie's front doors - all decked out for St. Patty's Day

Julio